Sloane was bitching about leaving some of her stuff at the small house we were renting, but Leti assured her one of the men would go back for it. This is the first time Sloane and I have been in a situation where we’ve had to run with only the clothes on our back. Leti can’t say the same. I’m not sure what our uncle does up in Canada, but it can’t be anything legal. Not with the way she had a safe room added into our condo.
“When are we stopping?” I question the man driving the SUV, but he doesn’t respond. He simply looks up in the rearview mirror and then focuses his eyes back on the road before him. “Well, what pleasant minions you have.” I grumble over to my cousin.
“Jorge, tell her you’re not an ass.” Leti says to the man driving.
“Whoa. You know this guy’s name?” Sloane interrupts us.
“Yeah. Did you think I didn’t have a say in who was going to be tailing my ass all the time?” Leti laughs out her response.
Sloane shrugs her shoulders, “I figured you didn’t want to know anything about them.”
“Quite the opposite. If I didn’t have a say I would’ve been stuck with a team who would report everything I do back to my papa.”
“That would be such a tragedy,” I murmur, trying to pull out some of my humor. If you ask me, we all need it right now.
Sloane and Leti both snicker.
“Jorge, where are we heading?” Leti asks the driver sweetly.
He looks back in the rearview mirror, “Sacramento, Miss Ramirez. Your father will be there waiting for us.”
Geeze. This is worse than I thought. I haven’t seen my uncle Alejandro in a few months, but he only makes immediate flights when something is going horribly wrong. Something must be wrong.
“I figured as much. When will we be arriving?”
“Within the hour.” He replies quickly, looking back onto the road. There is a man in the passenger seat beside him and three men are behind us in the last row, jammed together like too many sardines in a can.
Sucking in a deep breath, I look out through my window and try my best not to close my eyes. I can’t bear seeing them like that . . . bloodied and bruised. I want to remember them laughing, playing Uno with Sloane and I when we were growing up, and fighting over who got the last piece of cake. But somehow, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get that gruesome scene out of my head.
“Mija, my god. Are you alright?” My uncle bursts through the door of our hotel room, rushing right up to Leti. He puts his hands on her shoulder and the side of her face, seriously concerned about her wellbeing. He’s clad in his usual business attire, a suit with a white dress shirt underneath. A gold watch on his wrist and a chain to match hangs around his neck. While his hair looks effortlessly swept back.
“Si, Papa. Si. I’m fine. It’s not me who you should be worried about.” Leti tries to lower her voice as she says the last bit, but I heard her loud and clear.
Sloane has been passed out for the last thirty minutes, while Leti’s been fighting sleep since we got here. I was wrong in assuming we’d be here around the same time as our uncle Alejandro, but it doesn’t really matter, I guess. I won’t be getting any sleep tonight anyway. I can’t stomach the idea of resting while the person responsible for this is out there, living their fucking life.
My uncle Alejandro releases Leti and comes over to me, glancing at Sloane who’s passed out on the couch. “Mija,” He looks at me with his deep almond eyes and one glance from him breaks everything I’ve been trying so hard to keep together tonight.
“Tío,” I murmur, doing my best to fight the lump forming in my throat.
He closes the distance between us and wraps his arms around me. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I’m so very sorry. Sean and Esma were good people.” That they were. They taught Sloane and I so much. Not just statistics and history, but how to be a decent human in this fucked up world.
“I’m . . . having a hard time wrapping my head around all this. Why would . . . why would this happen?” I stare into his eyes searching for some sort of answer. Yet I already have it.
I’m not some typical, ordinary girl from Idaho with normal parents.
I’m Greer Mackenzie and my mother was the princess of the Mexican Cartel, while my father is the head honcho in charge of the Irish mob. My godparents were targeted and there aren’t any doubts about it.
With the way he sucks in a deep breath, I can tell he’s trying to find some sort of answer for me. He probably wants to make sure he doesn’t hurt me any further, but at this point the only thing I’m going to feel is more pain. There’s no way to avoid it.
“Do me a favor and don’t treat me like a child. I’m not a little girl anymore, tío.” I say, pulling away from his grip.
He wipes his hand over his mouth and nods, “No, you’re right. You’re not a little girl I need to protect any longer. You are a woman now, and it’s time you understand this life. The cruelty of it. The pain that will always linger. I tried my best to keep it from you for as long as I could.” He closes his eyes for a few moments and stands in silence in front of me. “Who am I kidding? I could never shield you or your sister from it. It was only a matter of time before you experienced a pain like no other.”
“Do you know who would do something like this?” I ask, wanting to get straight to the point. There’s no reason to be beating around the bush.
“I have suspicions, but nothing I could say for certain.”
“Why? Why would someone do something like this?” Their bodies flash across my mind and tears pool behind my eyes. I can’t imagine what their last moments were like, and god, I don’t want to.
“People are cruel, Greer.”
“Tío, I’m going to Ireland. I wasn’t sure about it for a while, but I have to go. I need to finally meet my father. I need to know what it’s like to be a real Mackenzie, not one hidden away in America, using her birth name as her modeling name. You can understand that, can’t you?”
He nods and we walk over to the small desk by the window. He leans against the top of it while I take a seat in the chair. “You speak like you’ve thought about this for a long while.”
“I have, and I’m firm in my decision.” No matter what he’s about to say, he won’t change my mind.
“I wasn’t going to try and change your mind, Greer. You have the bullheadedness of your father with the spirit of your mother. No one will ever stand in your way, sweetheart. Not even me. And if they try. Well, they’re nothing more than a fool.”
“I don’t know anything about him, tío. Is there anything you can tell me? Where to find him?”
He darts his eyes back and forth over me for a moment, “Greer, you won’t have to go on a manhunt for him. I’m sure your brother will give you all the information you want.”
I narrow my eyes in on him. “Liam? How would Liam give me information?”
“Because your father is sending him here. I called him as soon as Jorge finished telling me what happened last night.”
Holy fuck.
I stand up from my chair and breathe in and out slowly. My heart beats crazy fast inside my chest and breathing becomes a bit more difficult.
For the first time in my whole life I’m going to meet my brother.
Fuck.
Jesus.
I collapse on my knees to the floor with my hand on my chest, breathing while tears come pouring out of me. My tío hits the ground too, “Mija, do not be worried. It is time you know who your family is, and I’m afraid it’s become obvious we can’t protect you both by keeping you hidden in the shadows.”
“I know, I know. I swear I’m not afraid, I’m just . . . so overwhelmed. I’m so overwhelmed.” I murmur as he wipes away my tears.
Chapter Eleven
Men plan.
Fate laughs.
~ Jim Butcher
Aleksandr
February 3rd
Aleksei and I managed to get an apartment in the same complex where the Mackenzie twins live with their cousin,
Leticia Ramirez. We were stumped on why we couldn’t find any lease, documentation or anything else under Greer and Sloane’s names. When I was able to get a copy of the lease agreement it became much clearer. Leticia co-leases the apartment with Sadie and Greta Marshall. From that point I looked up their driver’s licenses and found information on their parents, or ‘parents’. Sean and Esma Mathers were Irish immigrants, who came to America around the same time the girls went into hiding. Three days after their birth.
Now I sit in a boardroom while pungent scents of stale perfume floats through the air. The walls are plain, boring things without even a speck of color. I’m never the type to complain about things such as this but growing up in Russia has made me well aware of our unique art and style. Here, in America, things just aren’t the same.
I’m downtown, sitting at the head of this table while Aleksei stands guard a few feet behind me. The morning after the twins’ ‘parents’ were killed I was made aware Liam Mackenzie was flying into Los Angeles. Coincidence? I think not. So, I arranged a meeting with him. I said it would take me a day or two to get wherever he was going, acting like I didn’t know a thing, but in all actuality, I’ve been hiding in plain sight.
“He wanted to meet you here?” Aleksei questions, turning his lighter off and on like an aggravated child.
I nod, loosening up my suit jacket. “He did.”
“Any idea what this place is?” He asks, motioning around the room with his hand.
All I know is that this is a skyscraper filled with offices. Each floor belongs to a different company. The black plaque on the wall referred to this office space as Illusive, LLC. He gave us the code to get inside and even gave our names to security downstairs. Though, there aren’t any employees here as of yet. I haven’t heard of the name of this new company, but it won’t shock me in the least bit if this is a company Liam is opening to get more legitimate cashflow in. That or he’ll be using it to launder money for the mob.
Footsteps coming closer proves to Aleksei and I that we’re no longer alone. I place my hand on the nine millimeter attached to my hip and Aleksei does the same. Even though this was intended to be a friendly meeting, it doesn’t mean things can’t go sideways. It happens all the time in our line of work.
The frosted glass doors are pushed open and I see Liam Mackenzie in the flesh. Surprisingly there are no men along with him for this visit.
“Well, well. A man who comes without a member of his security team. I smell deception in the air.” I chuckle as Liam smirks, walking over toward me he takes a seat in the chair beside me and extends a hand. We both shake, greeting one another after not seeing one another for quite a while.
Liam and I have been friends for quite some time. I lived in his home, as did Aleksei for a little over two years. Therefore, we developed a friendship from a young age. A friendship my father tried so desperately to tear apart, yet couldn’t. He doesn’t know that though. My father believes Liam and I can’t stand one another, but alas, what he doesn’t know won’t kill him.
It’s my goal to undermine my father and create alliances with everyone he vowed not to, which obviously includes the Irish.
“The way you worded your message made it seem like we’d be meeting alone. But I see you’ve brought ‘Leksei.”
‘Leksei. I shake my head and chuckle. “He only lets you call him that.”
“Lets? He will only keep doing it. Doesn’t matter what I say.” My brother huffs from behind us, getting a good laugh from Liam.
“Finally, you get it.” Liam says to Aleksei, then looks to me. “What did you want to discuss today? We haven’t met in person for a while, so it must be important.”
“It is. It’s crucial I get your help in this, because I’ll be honest, I’m going to need it. I don’t know if I can do this without either of you.” I look to both Aleksei and Liam, needing them to understand the seriousness of this.
Aleksei’s eyes go wide and I know he’s starting to figure out where I’m going with this. He’s probably thinking right now how this is an awful idea, how it could backfire so badly. What he doesn’t know is that I’ve thought about all this too, and still, I realize asking Liam is the right thing to do.
“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Aleksei tells me in Russian.
“What isn’t a good idea?” Liam turns and questions Aleksei who has seemingly forgotten our friend here is fluent in Russian as well.
“Know I’m only telling you all of this because I trust you,” I start to say, getting a nod in confirmation from Liam. “My father has told me I need to earn the right to lead the Bratva.”
“How typical of him,” Liam scoffs.
“You can say that again,” Aleksei grunts.
“He’s tasked me with killing Greer, but of course, it’s after I fall in love with her. It’s a way to punish me for asking to stay with Sofia when he came to get us. You know I won’t hurt a hair on her head because our friendship and the future business relationship we’ll curate is important to me. I’m very aware the blame on the Irish and Russians not working together is because of my father.”
“Killing my stepmother and causing my father to ship my sisters off into hiding might have a tad bit to do with it,” Liam snidely remarks.
“I don’t blame Desmond for his choices, given what transpired.” I clear my throat before I continue, “He wants me to stay with your sister for two years before I kill her. Obviously, I have no intentions of killing her. If I did, it would further ruin the relationship you and I are trying to create once our fathers are out of their leadership roles.”
“That’s an interesting way of saying it,” Liam laughs, but quickly composes himself. “Alright, so what is it you need from me?”
“Your support when I openly pursue your sister. Your father will have an issue with it I’m sure, considering I’m a Volkolv and all. But, I’m certain over two years he’ll be able to see my intentions are good.”
Liam draws his brows together, “Wait. So, you seriously plan on leading Greer on for two years? Two fucking years, and then what exactly?”
I remain quiet.
“Fuck. Are you for real right now?!” Aleksei grunts, his eyes so wide they might just pop out of his head.
I look to Aleksei and then back to Liam. “I don’t intend on leading your sister on whatsoever. I will make this clear now. I have every intention of marrying your sister to further solidify the future alliance we’re going to have. However, I will make it appear like I’m doing my father’s bidding, but I won’t be.”
“What happens when we reach the end of this two-year time period? You know, when you’re supposed to kill my sister?”
I suck in a sharp breath and relax in my chair, “Simple. I’ll be putting the one ordering the hit down.”
“Jesus Christ,” Liam mutters, shaking his head.
“You knew blood would be spilled. It’s inevitable. At least now it means your sister will be safe.”
Liam runs his hand through his hair. “I never thought you’d be the one to kill your father.”
I shrug, “I should’ve done it sooner, but we need to wait. If I don’t, the generals under him will never accept me. Do I have your support in this?”
Liam nods, “Yes. I’m supposed to meet my sister later for drinks.”
“Sister, or sisters?” I question.
“Only Greer. Apparently, Sloane wants nothing to do with us.” Liam mutters.
“Smart woman if you ask me. The mafia only brings trouble.” Aleksei comments.
“Aleks, how do you plan on introducing yourself to Greer? Once she finds out your identity, I’m sure she’ll think there is something else going on.” Liam tells me, thinking of something else I already figured would happen.
“Yeah, I was hoping you’d introduce me. Obviously, we need to be extremely careful in doing this. If the three of us are seen together, it could create a problem with my father.”
“Mmm, I see.” Liam murmurs while his expres
sion grows blank. “I have an idea. I’ll send you a text, but make sure you’re there when I tell you to be.”
I don’t know why, but the idea of causing a little bit of mischief is nice. Fingers crossed whatever Liam is planning goes according to plan.
Chapter Twelve
Great things never come from comfort zones
~ Cosmic Extension
Greer
February 3rd
“I could kill you right now,” Sloane seethes from across the concrete table. I was told by my uncle that Liam would meet us here tonight, in a private room at one of Los Angeles’ newest restaurants. I’ve tried to get a reservation for Sloane, Leti, and myself and they told me it would be six months before they could get us anything. Ironic how either my uncle or brother managed to slide us right in, and not just a normal table either, a fucking private room.
“I know, okay? I know.” I tell her, raising my hands in the air to show her how I understand she’s upset. Sloane wants no part of our family, not when she believes we were cast out. But I don’t believe for one second it was ever like that. If anyone were to ever ask me, I’d tell them straight up how I view it like princesses being hidden away in a foreign village. That’s what happened. We weren’t thrown out like unwanted dogs. We were kept safe.
“No. You don’t know! God, Greer. What the hell were you thinking? Huh? Like damn, did you really think you could drag me out here with you and expect me to believe you just happened to get us in?” Okay, so maybe I didn’t tell my sister any part of this. Of who we were meeting. Why? ‘Cause she wouldn’t come with me at all and I want her to see firsthand this isn’t as awful as she thinks. I want her to believe they aren’t monsters. If they were, our uncle Alejandro would’ve never told us such great things about them when we were growing up. Come to think of it, maybe his stories of our parents hurt us more than helped.
Corrupted Love: A Dark Mafia Romance (Mackenzies Book 2) Page 6