Now, Liam told me she’s alive and in a facility so I’m not harnessing any anger. Or at least I don’t think I am. Honestly, the worst part about this is trying to wrap my head around why Liam would knowingly have Aleksandr watching over Sloane and I.
I mean, he has to know who his father is, right?
Who in their right mind would task the son of a killer to guard us?
It makes no sense. I’ve tried to wrap my head around this for what feels like eons, and still, I can’t figure it out.
It’s now a bit past one in the morning and I’m tired of staring at the rose colored wallpaper across from my bed. It’s all I do, sit and stare, think about why this shit happened, or how, and then eventually I start to count the specs on the ceiling to pass the time. But fuck this. I’m not going to keep sitting here in silence. I need to talk to Sloane and I’m tired of waiting around.
I slide off my bed and walk over to the doorway, carefully pulling the door open so it doesn’t make a sound. Aleksandr has spent the past couple nights asleep on the floor outside of my door. I’m not sure if he wants to apologize, explain, or whatever . . . but I can’t fathom hearing whatever he has to say.
His father is the man responsible for almost killing my mother. He could’ve killed Sloane and I. I know he didn’t . . . but that doesn’t make this any better. Jesus, the mere thought of what his father has done to my family makes me want to throttle him. If it wasn’t for Valentin Volkolv, my life could’ve been normal. Or as normal as it gets being the daughter of mafia royalty, but I’ll never have the pleasure of understanding what that could’ve ever felt like because of him, because of Aleksandr’s father.
Pulling myself away from my thoughts, I glance down on the floor and see Aleksandr is on a pile of blankets.
God.
I shut my eyes for a moment and breathe in and out.
Why does this perfect fucking man have to be a Volkolv? Why does he have to be Valentin’s son? I could cry from pure anger at the way life is so fucked up. He’s been amazing to me since I’ve known him, so amazing that I’ve started to really have feelings for him. God dammit. Who am I kidding? I’ve fallen head over heels for him.
Opening my eyes, I make my way down the hall by tiptoeing on the hardwood floors and head straight over to Sloane’s room. I don’t bother knocking, even though the last time I barged in didn’t go too well. Sloane is on her bed with her nose stuffed in a book. The second her eyes land on me, she’s obviously not pleased.
“What the hell are you doing?”
“Before you get pissed, can I please talk to you? I’m so tired of us being on the outs. So much has happened over the last few days and I need to talk to my sister. Please don’t push me out of here, Sloane. I need you.” Tears are already starting to pour out and I can’t do anything to control them. God, I didn’t want to be this emotional. I knew I was going to be a little bit insane given everything that’s uncertain, but this is horrid.
Sloane’s stern expression drops the second she realizes I’m crying. “What’s going on?”
“I . . . I,” Jesus, this is so hard to say. I never thought I’d be in a position like this in my entire life. The last few days since everything went down I’ve been staying in my room, changing my schedule and all, but I was able to have some video conferences with Mauricio and Katarina to go over the vision I have for the next line, as well as some designs I drew. I totally forgot Aleksei securing the VPN meant I could really do whatever I want in regards to work. It’s as safe as it can get. So it’s been helping me pass some time.
“Spit it out, Greer.” Sloane grumbles, rolling her eyes as she closes her book and puts it on the bedside table. She throws her legs over the side of the bed while I’m wiping the tears away.
“I’m late,”
Sloane blinks a few times as what I’m saying processes in her mind. “You mean late, late?”
I nod.
This is probably why I’m so fucking emotional. Not only is my boyfriend the son of the man who tried to kill my mother, but crazy hormones on top of it all, and a possible pregnancy might be a bit too much for me to handle right now.
“Don’t you like him?”
“Sloane, I need to tell you something.”
“What?” She grumbles, already not liking the tone I’m taking with her. I get she’s upset, she’s irritated, how she’s feeling a plethora of emotions. She might not think I understand it, but I at least understand a decent bit of what she’s feeling.
“Aleksandr’s father is Valentin Volkolv.”
Her eyes immediately widen as she rises from the bed. “Liam sent him here to watch over us, didn’t he? That’s what you said.”
“He did,” I confirm.
“This doesn’t add up. Why would our brother send a Volkolv to watch over us?” Sloane mutters, pacing across the bedroom floor. She comes to a complete stop. “Is Aleksei a Volkolv too?”
I shake my head, “No, Aleksei and Aleksandr only share a mother.”
Sloane releases a sigh of relief, “Good. I don’t want to kick him out of my bed when I need to itch my scratch. He’s a good lay, even though his personality is absolutely aggravating. I could rip his tongue out if it wasn’t for the magical ways he moves it, ya know, down there.” Sloane jokes, motioning to her lower region. For the first time in weeks, a rush of relief floods through me. She’s joking, which means she can’t be too mad at me anymore.
“Liam said Aleksandr was his friend. That’s what he said to me.” I state, remembering the way there wasn’t a spec of worry on Liam’s face when I saw him.
Sloane plops down on the corner of her bed, “So, he knows something we don’t. Right?”
“Maybe. It’s the only comfort I can find in all this.” I murmur.
“He can’t be that bad of a guy if Liam’s friends with him. Given everything we know about the Volkolv family . . . there’s no way Liam would put us in any danger. Not when the reason everything went down the way it did is because he wanted to keep us safe. You know?”
A few seconds pass by before I speak, “So, does this mean you’re not upset anymore?” I question.
She scoffs, “At you? No. At the situation? Yes. And don’t even ask me about my daddy issues, because they’re still there and I’m sure they will be until the day I die.”
I nod, not saying a damn thing. She has a right to feel the way she does.
“What are you going to do, if you’re pregnant? Do you want to keep it or . . .” Sloane asks lowly.
I take a seat on the periwinkle colored armchair in her room and lean my head back. What a fucking question. “I have no idea.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
I wasn’t ready for half the shit I went through, but obviously I was built for it
~ Woman Blazing Trails
Greer
March 17th
“She’s coming down the stairs,” Aleksei mutters to me at the exact same second my phone begins to ring. I want to ignore it so badly, but I can’t. Not when Liam’s name is flashing across it. Knowing better, it’s probably something important so I pick it up and bring it to my ear.
“Liam, I wasn’t expecting a call.” I speak into the phone, looking right at Greer when I talk. Her eyes lock onto mine from the hallway and she approaches slowly until she’s stopped, standing in the doorway to the kitchen.
Liam chuckles on the other end, “Expect the unexpected my friend. It looks like things are a go. The plane will bring you to Ireland later tonight. Be at the airport around ten. I figured a night flight would be easier for the girls.”
I nod in agreement even though he can’t see me. “Yes. It’s a smart move, they can sleep for most of it.”
“That’s what I was thinking. Anyway, how’re they holding up?”
Shit. How do I answer this question? Should I tell him Sloane and Greer haven’t been able to look at each other since we arrived here, or the plethora of other things I could say. Taking in a deep breath I know it’s not a g
ood idea. It’ll only make things worse. But there is one thing I have to tell Liam.
“They’re doing okay. But Greer found out my last name a few days ago. She hasn’t been keen on communicating with me since then.”
“Ah,” Liam’s tone drops and a few moments of silence pass us by. “Is she around? I might be able to talk to her and change her mind, tell her you aren’t the big bad wolf and whatnot.”
As much as I want to say no, I’ll take all the help I can get. Over the last few days, I’ve felt horrible, like one of my organs was ripped from my body and I’ll never be repaired in the same way again. This started out as a plan and a well thought out one at that, but somehow Greer Mackenzie weaseled her way into my heart.
I didn’t expect it in the least bit, but as Liam just said, expect the unexpected. I’m sure I should’ve been following this practice for years now, but late is better than never, right?
“Yeah, let me get her.” I tell him, rising from where I’m sitting at the eat in table beside Aleksei. I walk over to Greer and cover my hand over the microphone. “Your brother would like to have a chat.”
“Oh,” Greer mutters, taking the phone from my hand. She seems off today, like a scared cat you’ve just brought home from the shelter. Finicky, paranoid, cautious and most of all, distrusting.
“Liam?” Greer says her brother’s name and I walk back into the kitchen, giving her some space while she chats with him. I hear a few words every now and again, but I’m really not paying much attention. I’m more focused on making a fresh pot of coffee so I can stay up until we’re well on the plane. Lately I’ve been falling asleep quite early and I don’t want that to happen tonight.
After I’m finished pouring water into the tank and put new coffee grounds in the front part, I press the button and take a seat beside my brother while the new coffee brews. Greer comes over to me and hands me the phone, “When you’re done talking to Liam, can we have a chat?”
I almost don’t know what to say. She hasn’t wanted to speak to me in days and the first opportunity has been after Liam talked to her? Hell yes, I’ll chat with her.
“Yeah, just give me a few minutes.” I say, pulling the phone up to my ear. “Liam, are you still there?”
“Yeah, I’m here. Greer going to talk to you?”
“Yes. Is that something you requested?” I ask, hoping I sound like I’m not talking about her.
“No, it isn’t. Although, I do think it’s a good idea, given what she said.” No doubt. Things have been tense for a bit and it’s time we fix that.
“Yeah, I agree. Is there anything else you wanted to tell me?”
“No, I don’t think so. However, I do have a question. What’s the status on your father? Do you know his whereabouts?”
“No, I don’t. I haven’t been asking him where he is, but I have been eluding to the fact I’m doing his bidding here, making it seem like he’s controlling me.”
“Good, I’m sure it only helps. I have something that needs my attention here, but with any luck I’ll be seeing you all tomorrow.” Liam comments.
“Yep, we’ll be seeing you tomorrow.”
“God, this has been a long time in the making. Thank you so much for watching over them, and for taking such good care of them.”
“It’s been a pleasure. I’m going to get going too since Greer’s waiting for me.” I tell him.
“Okay, good luck.” Liam says before he abruptly ends the call.
I look over to Aleksei, “I’m going to chat with Greer, but make sure Sloane gets her stuff ready and you’re both ready to meet at the airport tonight.”
“No problem.” Aleksei replies.
I head over to the doorway where Greer’s standing and she moves from there to the foyer of the house. “Are you okay?” I ask, not knowing what else to fucking say. There’s not exactly a manual for this shit.
She nods, “Yeah, I think so. Um, I’d really like to talk with you, privately, if that’s okay?”
“Sure. Did Liam tell you we’re going to Ireland tonight?”
Her eyes sparkle with life in them. “No, he left that part out.” She laughs.
“Well, I think since we’re leaving tonight, we should go back to that café in town you liked. What do you say?”
A small smile pulls at Greer’s lips. “I’d really like that.”
“Perfect. Go upstairs and get your clothes ready, then we’ll put them in the back of the car. This way we can spend some time out in town before the flight.”
“Okay,” Greer walks up the stairwell and I turn back and go to the doorway to the kitchen.
“Change of plans. You bring Sloane and meet us at the airstrip.”
Aleksei cocks a brow, “Oh?”
“Just do it, okay? I’m trying to smooth the waters between us.”
“Fine. Whatever. Have fun.” Aleksei waves his hand, shooing me away. So, I head back over to the foyer of the house and wait for Greer. With any luck, we’ll be able to sort this out.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Deep vengeance is the daughter of deep silence.
~ Vittorio Alfieri
Aleksandr
March 17th
Vermont is quaint and adorable, especially the area Greer’s father has their safehouse in. No one really cares who you are or what you do because they’re all driving BMWs, Bentleys or Audis. I’ve seen an occasional Range or Land Rover, but to sum it up—everyone here has cash and they don’t give a shit if you’re an outsider.
I drove us right into town a few minutes ago, but instead of going straight into the café Greer wanted to walk around for a bit. Given we’re going to be on a plane the entire night I don’t blame her for wanting to stretch her legs in civilization. Plus, she hasn’t had much time to be out in the public eye.
“It might sound stupid, but having the sun hit my face feels so nice. Hearing people walking by, kids playing in the park. It’s . . . nice.”
“It’s normal,” I tell her, getting a small smirk in response.
She nods, “Yeah, and I missed it. I’m sure it sounds stupid, but I like the normalcy of being able to walk into town to get my morning coffee or grabbing takeout from my favorite Vietnamese joint. Being locked away isn’t something I’m a fan of.”
“I don’t blame you. Even I like to get out every now and again, with an occasional weekend of being stuck inside, forced to watch endless movies and eat the crappiest food.”
Greer giggles lightly, “We all need a weekend of binging. It’s only natural.”
“Yeah? I don’t think we ever had this discussion before. If we were stuck inside, what’s something you’d make us watch?”
“Make us? There are so many choices. I like a wide variety of everything, from serial killer documentaries, fantasy shows, or witches. That’s not to say I don’t like a good drama or action film.”
“Good to know,” I say as we walk down the sidewalk, approaching the general vicinity of the café. “Want to eat yet? Or do you just want to stroll around for a bit?”
“The park looks nice, so let’s walk around there.”
“Yeah, it does look nice.” I say while my eyes are fixated on the large water fountain next to the playground. Greer and I head down the sidewalk and walk at a decent pace in the park. She stops abruptly and stares at a kid who’s continuously going down the slide. After he jumps off the bottom, he runs around the playground to the steps that lead up to the top and does the same thing again.
“Man, I’d kill to enjoy life as much as he does right now.” I mutter, not really realizing what I’ve said. Kids have a sense of innocence about them. They don’t know anything about the real world or the hell that comes along with it. Kids need to stay kids forever. So many of them try to grow up, wanting to be older so they have the freedom to do stuff, but the real freedom is being a child. No responsibilities whatsoever, just enjoying life.
“He is adorable,” Greer laughs before she walks in front of me and stares into my eyes. “I
need to tell you something, Aleksandr.” The way she’s staring at me makes me feel like she’s got cancer or something. It’s one of those serious expressions, the kinds that give most people anxiety.
“Alright,” I comment, waiting for her to tell me whatever’s on her mind.
“I’m terrified to tell you this. I’m more scared than I’ve been in a long time and I need you to know that this doesn’t change things between us. It doesn’t instantly make things okay, or right. But it’s real and depending on your reaction we’re going to either put the work in or go our separate ways. And if we do go our separate ways, I don’t expect anything from you.”
I don’t say a thing, instead I let her continue, pausing or taking time whenever she needs to.
“I think I’m pregnant, Aleksandr. I missed my period and I’m feeling so weird. I’m tired, nauseous, my freaking boobs are killing me and I’m getting the worst headaches. I . . . I’m pretty sure I am, but I don’t know. It’s not like we have a test I can take at the house.”
“Greer,” I say her name as calmly as I can and look into those fucking eyes of hers. They look like two oceans that meet together between their vibrancy and beauty. “I don’t know if you’ve realized this yet, but I’m going to marry you one day. These last . . . fuck. Since that night my life has felt wrecked. It’s felt off cycle. I don’t know how to explain it, but I do know one thing—I don’t want to feel like this ever again. I get that being a Volkolv freaked you out, but your brother wouldn’t have ever put you in my care if he didn’t trust me. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with you, but here I am telling you how I feel like one of those hopeless romantics from the movies.”
Greer runs a hand through her hair and brushes it back out of her face. I can’t read her for shit right now. I don’t know if she’s happy, scared, shocked, or terrified.
“Aleksandr, I don’t know if I’m pregnant, so you don’t have to give me this big speech on how you care.”
Corrupted Love: A Dark Mafia Romance (Mackenzies Book 2) Page 12
