Consumed by Deception: Epilogue 1

It’s crazy how life can change in the span of such a short time.

How much…happier it can become.

It’s been almost seven years since I first met Adrian. We started with blood and death, but something much more beautiful blossomed from the darkness.

It’d be a lie to say we live a fairytale. If there’s anything that won’t change about Adrian, it’s the fact that he’s a villain.

The type who still works in the background to have everyone under his thumb, regardless of whether they’re his foe or his ally.

Everyone except me.

He kept his word when he said he’d try harder. He gave me more freedom and supported me when I decided to take a permanent administrative position in the shelter. One where I have to be present every day.

I thought his loathsome controlling side would come out and he’d refuse, but he only insisted on security. Winter now helps me while she rebuilds her life from scratch. It’s harder for her, but I’m holding her hand every step of the way, trying to help her find the will to rise above what she thinks is her fate.

There’s no such thing as too late or the end.

When I heard the pop that finished my career, I thought my existence wasn’t needed anymore. That the only reason I was on this earth was for ballet and when that reason vanished, I had no purpose in staying.

Adrian proved me wrong, even if his method wasn’t the best. Then Jeremy came along, and while that wasn’t the magical solution, it played a part of it.

It’s how we got this far.

Now, we go out as a family and spend more time together, because no matter how busy we get, we realize our number one priority.

Family.

Not only the three of us, but also Yan, Kolya, Boris, Winter, and even Ogla. I made it a rule that all of us eat together at least once a week and then play Scrabble. Something that Adrian grumbles about, but he still helps me cheat.

My husband and I didn’t come from conventional families and I guess that’s why we pay more attention to that part of our lives.

Though I do have an extended family now.

Papa hasn’t left me alone since he found out about me. He even threw a massive party in my honor to introduce me to the world as his daughter.

At first, I didn’t really like the attention, but I’m enjoying getting to know him and his side of the family more than I thought I would.

Adrian says it’s because he’s spoiling me, but Adrian is just jealous because someone else is doting on me.

He wraps an arm around my waist as he leads me into one of the brotherhood’s gatherings. He looks so dashing in his tuxedo that I wish I could have him all to myself.

It doesn’t help things when he stares down at me, offering me one of his rare smiles. “Ready, wife?”

“Of course I am.” I grin, then lower my head.

“What?”

I smooth an invisible wrinkle on his jacket. “I just…love being on your arm.”

“So do I.”

“Says the man who always gave me the cold shoulder in front of the others.”

“A mistake that will never happen again.”

“Not that I’ll let it. I’m not scared of you anymore, you know.”

“Is that so?” He raises an amused brow. “I have my monster reputation to maintain.”

I bite my lower lip. “Does that mean you’ll punish me?”

A deep grunt leaves his lips. “Don’t tempt me or I’ll do it now.”

“Do it then,” I whisper provocatively.

“Lia…” he groans in a husky tone.

I grab his hand and pull him to the patio, away from watchful eyes.

Adrian pushes me against the wall and kisses me, his lips brushing against my trembling ones before his tongue finds mine. A whimper escapes my throat like every time he has me in his embrace. It feels like a first, like we’re rediscovering each other with every touch.

I pull away, panting, before he deepens it even more and I lose track of my surroundings.

“Adrian…I have something to tell you.”

“Later.” His lips search for mine again, but I tilt my head and he nibbles on the sensitive skin of my throat.

“Oh…God…”

“Hmm. I love your voice, Lenochka.”

“You do?”

“Why is that even a question?”

“Adrian…”

He kisses his way down my neck. “What?”

“I’m pregnant.”

He pauses with his lips on my throat before he slowly pulls back, his gray eyes shining in the darkness. “What did you just say?”

I take his hand and place it on my flat stomach. “I took a few tests and they were positive. We have to go to the doctor, but I’m almost sure we’re expecting.”

We agreed to have a second child not too long ago and Adrian has had a blast trying to impregnate me. He fucks me any chance he gets and whenever I become a brat and whine about it, he says it’s to give Jeremy a sibling and that we should both sacrifice for the greater good.

His large hand strokes my stomach. “Our baby is here?”

“Yes. Our baby.”

Jeremy might have brought us together, but it was a forced start. This one will be different, this one will be our permanent step into happiness.

Adrian hugs me, then sighs in the crook of my neck before he pulls back to stare at me. “And here I was enjoying the process of impregnating you. But oh well, all good things come to an end.”

“Why do they have to end?”

“My, Mrs. Volkov. Are you implying that I should continue?”

“I mean, you have to. If my pregnancy with Jeremy was any indication, you know how responsive I get.”

He smiles, eyes shining. “Oh, I remember.”

I grab him by the jacket. “Should we start now?”

“Again, why is that a question, wife?”

Then his lips are on mine again.