Deceptive Love: A Dark Mafia Duet (Mackenzie & Volkolv Book 1)

by Elizabeth Knox

  Sofia clears her throat and glances down at the floor before she meets her eyes with mine. “H-he’s done this before?” Oh, how this woman is so naïve.

  “Why do you think his first wife betrayed him, Sofia? She feared for her life every day. It’s the only reason she went to the authorities and tried to take down the Bratva. Valentin was . . . becoming unpredictable and she just had his child.”

  “Wait. I don’t understand. Why are you telling me these things? Why are you . . . aren’t you supposed to be his friend?”

  “Friend is a relative term, love. We have lots of friends in this industry, which essentially means we just won’t kill the other. Luckily for you Valentin and his father have many enemies, which is how you ended up here with us.”

  “Lucky for me,” She seethes, drawing her brows together as she takes a step closer to me. I’m starting to see the Latina fire I’ve always been told exists in these women. “How am I lucky in any way? I’m not. I was handed off by my father to a man who knowingly gave the order that killed his last wife. If anything, that proves my father doesn’t give two fucks about me. I went with a man who dined and charmed me into believing he was something else. I don’t know what, but something. Then he shows me his true colors and almost beats me within two inches of my fucking life! So, I follow his orders and get on a plane with his deceased wife's child, and his child and show up here . . . and for what exactly? For safe haven? You know what I’m starting to see, Desmond? The only person that will look out for me is myself.”

  Sofia Ramirez surely has a spine on her and I like it. “You’re right. We’re the only people we can depend on . . . which leads me to what I’m about to propose. A way to keep you safe and away from Valentin forever.”

  “What on earth are you talking about?”

  “It’s rather simple, love. You jump out of the bed of the devil you’ve been promised to, and hop in mine. I’ll be honest, my father told me to woo you and secure an alliance with Mexico because it’s the best thing to do for our family. I’m sure he didn’t plan on me showing you our cards, but I’m not a man who’s fond of deception. At least, not when it’s unnecessary. I don’t think you’re a dumb woman, Sofia, which is why I believe you’ll make the right choice here. If one thing is for certain you know where you’ll end up if you end up going back to Valentin whenever the hell it is that he comes for you. The same place his first wife ended up— in the ground.”

  Her chest rises and falls continuously until she has the courage to speak. “How am I to know this all isn’t an elaborate trick?”

  “You don’t, other than accepting my word, but my word doesn’t go a long way with you, does it?”

  “No.”

  I chuckle, “Smart woman. Remember the way you’re feeling right now. The anger of everything you’ve discovered, the way your heart is undoubtedly beating in your chest while you figure out what it is you’re going to do. But be sure to let this settle into that mind of yours. Out of every man you’ve come across in the last couple months I’m the only one who’s been honest with you. Your father lied. Valentin lied. The two men who are supposed to have your best interests in mind only care about one thing— themselves.”

  “I don’t know whether or not to take you seriously right now. This all feels like one fucked up joke.”

  “I can assure you it’s nothing of the sort. I’m simply giving you a get out of jail free card, Sofia. It’s on you to accept or deny. Although, I will admit . . . you are a ravishing gem and I’m known not to let my jewels be tampered with. The last man who did, died in an insufferable way, over the course of weeks.”

  Sofia’s eyes search my own and I realize she doesn’t know about my deceased wife. “You’ve lost someone.”

  “Sadly, yes. I lost my first love, the woman who gave me the most precious gift I could’ve ever received. My wife, Saoirse. She and I went to Paris for a weekend after our son was born. We wanted a break from all the changes that had taken over our lives. I . . . mixed business with pleasure and took a meeting. When I came back to the hotel she wasn’t there. We searched for days and it was as though she vanished into thin air. Her body was found in a ravine ten kilometers away three weeks later. She was branded with a symbol of a commonly known French gang and I killed the leader.”

  “I didn’t know you had a son,” Sofia confesses.

  “Yes, his name is Liam. He’s the same age as Aleksandr actually.”

  “Aleks is here, Papa?” Speak of the devil and he shall appear it seems. I glance up to the stairwell and see my red-headed little man running down, holding onto the railings as best he can with his small height. I’m sure over the next few years he’ll begin to grow like a weed, however he’ll be a bit smaller than the rest of his class for a while, I think.

  I nod, “Yes, he and Aleksei are here. But they’re upstairs sleeping so we must be quiet, alright?”

  Liam jumps up and down, “Yay! Can I play with them later?”

  “You sure can. Liam, come here.” Liam flies down the remaining steps and comes to my side, looking up at Sofia.

  “Wow, you’re a real looker.” Liam’s comment causes him to get a good laugh out of her.

  “Thank you, sweetheart.” Her accent is still very thick and I’m certain it will be for a time, but my son must be so infatuated with her at this moment.

  “This is my friend, Sofia. She’s come to stay with us for a while.” I tell my boy.

  “For how long?” Liam asks, just as I knew he would. He’s the most curious creature in all of Ireland. I shift my eyes back to Sofia and give her a smile.

  “Hopefully, for a very long time. Now, come along, you can help me feed the horses. Sofia needs to think about a few things, so it’s best we go tend to the animals,” I look down to my son who nods eagerly, “Go put your boots on. Little boys don’t run out to the barn in their bare feet.”

  “Yes, Papa. I’ll be right back.” Liam runs down the hallway to the mudroom where we keep all of our boots. It typically rains here more than anything else, so we’re always prepared.

  “I hope you will think about what I’ve offered you.” I tell Sofia.

  She nods slowly, “Yes, I will. Although, I will need some time.”

  “Take as much time as you need. I know what I’ve said can’t be easy, but I will be blunt with you. If you choose to accept, we should get a move on as quickly as possible. We’ll be defying not only your father, but making an enemy of the Russian Bratva.”

  “We will be defying him, but my father will always aid his family in whatever way possible.”

  I can’t help but laugh at her, “You say this and yet he’d put you in harm's way with the Volkolvs?”

  “It’s complicated, but yes.” Sofia turns and starts to head back upstairs, but I can’t let her go up by herself. It’s obvious with her movements how much pain she’s still in, and since she won’t take painkillers I’ll have to accept her stubborn nature.

  If anything, she reminds me of Saoirse. These two would’ve probably been great friends.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Your worst battle is between what you know and what you feel

  ~ Unknown

  Sofia

  Desmond helped me to the top of the stairs this morning and I went back into my bedroom and laid back down. While it didn’t feel pleasant in the slightest I knew I needed to be alone and think about everything that was just said to me.

  Throughout my life I’ve let men make decisions for me. Even when my madre was around my Papa was the one constantly calling the shots. I remember when she left I asked to go with her, but how she told me I couldn’t. You see, even she knew what I was to him. How I was a pawn to bring some sort of political alliance his way. She wasn’t wrong, and here I am. Discarded like an unwanted puppy to the highest bidder.

  My thoughts weighed even heavier on my mind than I thought they would, so I ended up falling asleep. By the time I woke back up it was almost four in the afternoon. I rushed down the sta
irs the quickest I could and went straight into the living area where I saw Aleksei, Aleks and Liam playing in the middle of the floor. Raindrops harshly hit the windows and I pull my cardigan closer against my body.

  “Momma, look what we’ve made!” Aleks shouts, running up to me. I glance past him and see some sort of racetrack type of thing. Aleksei and Liam have cars at both ends and at the same time they tap a button and the cars shoot side by side next to one another until they reach the finish line.

  “Oh, how fun.” I say to him. He smiles fondly and goes back over to his brother and friend.

  “In a bit we should go upstairs and play video games!” Liam suggests, getting two smiles from his friends.

  “You boys best remember dinner will be served in about two hours. Best come down with clean hands, right on time. You hear?” Maeve states firmly from an armchair in the corner of the room. I didn’t even notice she was there.

  Liam nods his head numerous times, “Yes, ma’am. C’mon, let’s go!” With that the three boys are running up the stairwell giggling amongst themselves.

  “They’re precious boys, even Aleks.”

  I don’t know why but Maeve’s remark causes me to get a little bit defensive. “And what do you mean by that?”

  “That he isn’t like his father, and that’s a good thing. With any luck he’ll grow up to be the exact opposite.” Even though I’ve only been here a few days I’m starting to realize that while the Mackenzies are crass, there isn’t anything wrong with that.

  I’d rather be with people who are blunt and honest versus those who lie to me every day, straight to my fucking face. I turn my neck to the right and stare out the windows, looking onto the Mackenzie grounds. Even in the rain while the sky is a muted gray, darkening the landscape, the grass is the most beautiful shade. With one glance you can see how lively the soil is here. “You seem to have a bit on your mind,” Maeve states out of nowhere. At this point I’m confused about whether I should call her Maeve or Clodagh. Maeve is the new identity she’s been taking.

  “Yes, there is.” I respond, shifting my gaze to the older woman.

  “Would you prefer to keep your thoughts trapped in your mind or have a go with me and spit them out?”

  I chuckle lowly for a moment, “I appreciate the offer, although I think this is something I need to figure out on my own.” I don’t think it’s such a great idea for me to tell her how her own son went against his father’s wishes, told me what their plan was and gave me a proposal that . . . well, seems too good to be true.

  I’ve learned so much about Valentin as of very recently and what I’ve discovered isn’t anything I’m fond of. In a mere twenty-four hours I’ve gotten more honesty from the Mackenzie family than I think I ever will with the Volkolvs. It makes Desmond’s offer appeal to me, but is it smart to risk everything, to potentially start another war and place a massive target on my back? If anything, I know the Volkolvs aren’t the type who forgive and forget. They hold grudges and ensure the people who cross them end up paying for it dearly.

  Yet I ask myself if it’s worth the risk? I will more than likely die after I’m married to Valentin, just as Aleks’ and Aleksei’s mother did. But I have the potential to survive here.

  Damn it. Desmond must know how this is making me go mad.

  “Fair enough, I’ll leave you to it. The boys can entertain themselves for a bit while I head in the kitchen and help the staff prepare things for dinner.” Maeve leaves the room and my reality sinks in.

  I don’t have another choice. I either accept Desmond’s offer or go back to the devil I know in Moscow. Thinking that my father would help me right now is adorable, because he won’t. What he’ll do is cart me straight back to Valentin.

  Footsteps appear from behind me and I don’t bother turning around. Instead I continue to watch the rain hit the windows, sliding down the panes until it fades out of view. “Are you going to stand there and stare at the rain all day?” Desmond’s voice comes out rough and rugged, giving me a sure signal something is on his mind too.

  “I might. It’s peaceful, and appealing if I’m honest.”

  He snickers lowly as his footsteps grow closer. “I can see how it would be,” He stops directly beside me and I feel his gaze scanning over my body, but I keep my eyes focused forward. “Have you given more thought to my proposal?”

  “Yes, I have. But I think you already know that, don’t you?” I turn my head to look at him now, wanting to watch his expression when he realizes I know he backed me into a corner on purpose. He wanted me to believe this was my decision, that I had a say in this, but I don’t. Desmond Mackenzie simply backed me into a corner with only one viable solution— the one that would ensure I stay alive.

  “Whatever do you mean, Miss Ramirez?” Desmond chuckles, with a devilish glint in his eyes. It’s confirmation he knows exactly what he’s done.

  “I think we should discuss things after dinner, like how we’re both going to pull this off without getting either of us killed.” I state, the thought of it all causes my stomach to turn in knots.

  “Relax, love. I’ve got everything sorted. You don’t need to worry a bit.”

  While his words should offer me some sort of solace, in reality they only infuriate me. I grab ahold of his forearm and squeeze, needing to show him I mean business. “No, I’m going to worry because I’m not going to allow men to continue to dictate my life. If I do this it’ll be because we’re partners, not because I’m your property that you can mandate whenever you so choose. That’s the deal, Desmond. I do this and we are equals. None of that misogynistic shit.”

  For the first time during my stay Desmond smiles widely, showing teeth and nods. “As you wish, dear.”

  Chapter Twenty

  It all begins and ends with your mind. What you give power to, has power over you, if you allow it

  ~ Unknown

  Sofia

  The scents of rosemary and thyme float in the air as Maeve tells the house dinner is ready. I haven’t eaten much since being here and I’ll attribute that to nerves and my overall anxiety. Tonight is the first formal meal I’ve had here with the boys and they come rushing down the stairwell together with their friend Liam.

  When I walk into the dining room I take notice of the beautiful detail cascading through every part. From the curtains, down to the cloth upholstery covering the chairs. The table sits eighteen people comfortably, with a gray carpet floor and rogue red chairs, the chairs have a beautiful gold paisley design covering them and the same gold is on the massive fireplace on the back wall.

  The Mackenzie estate is as regal as any mafia family’s home, however, their house seems to have a bigger sense of family. In my personal experience I can attest to being used as a pawn by my father, as a trading chip of sorts. Here, I don’t feel they view things the same way. They may be blunt, but there’s this element of kindness I’ve seen in Maeve and Desmond. It doesn’t quite make sense, although I’m sure it will.

  Paintings that must be hundreds of years old hang from the walls. I can tell one is a family portrait of the Mackenzies, the boy obviously being Desmond since the woman in the photo looks like a younger version of Maeve, but there’s another girl in the painting and an older man. I wonder who the girl is, but I’ve always heard rumors about Desmond having a sister.

  Aleksei takes his seat on my right and Aleks takes a seat beside him. What I’ve noticed is how Aleksei will chop up his little brother's food and help him eat at any meal whenever it’s needed. It shows me how giving he is, even at eight years old. He loves his little brother so much and I have no doubt he’s always going to protect him.

  Desmond comes in through the archway of the room and takes a seat on my left, while Maeve sits across from him. Liam takes a seat next to her and the rest of the table is empty beside the head of the table. I look there for a moment, wondering when I’ll formally meet the infamous Fionn Mackenzie.

  The heavy creaking of the study door causes me to shift my
gaze to the right and keep my eyes pinned on the entryway. Within a few seconds an older man comes into view. He’s dressed from head to toe in the most luxurious suit, much like his son wears and his dark eyes stay pinned on me. Even though the Irish are known for being the most compassionate out of all the families, there is a saying. You know when to show your heart, and you know when to strike. My Papa has said it numerous times when he’s spoken of them. Although, my Papa doesn’t believe in showing your heart. He doesn’t believe in mercy, only using people as an example. Which is probably the reason he chose to pair me with Valentin Volkolv. When I was a teenager I had a nasty tendency of being rebellious. I can’t help but wonder if the choice he made for me was actually a punishment. It would be idiotic of me to believe he had my best interests in mind.

  “Sofia Ramirez, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” He states, walking towards me. Fionn Mackenzie extends his hand once he gets to my chair and I give him mine, shaking it. “Although, I must confess it’s awful to be meeting under these circumstances.”

  “It’s an honor to meet you Mr. Mackenzie,” I state, offering a soft smile.

  “Enough with the introductions, let’s eat! I’m sure these boys are starving.” Maeve states, looking to the children who nod eagerly.

  A woman comes out with a series of bowls setting down some sort of stew type of dish in front of us. There’s beef, potatoes, carrots, onions and celery from what I can see. It smells delicious, and I’m not one who’s fond of other types of food. Growing up in Mexico meant that my food was always pretty spicy. Although, moving to Russia meant everything changed. They barely spice anything and the same goes here it seems. It’s more important to make the meals heavy and hearty.

  Over the course of twenty or so minutes the group of us eat while chatting with one another. Everything goes great for a while and the boys excuse themselves to go play more. The servants come back in, clearing their dishes and Desmond looks to his father. “Sofia and I will be discussing a potential union this evening after dinner. Instead of taking your seduction approach I decided to be honest and allow her to make an educated decision for herself.”