Consumed by Deception (Deception Trilogy, #3)

by Rina Kent

“Stay there, Papa.” “I will.” “You don’t have to come inside. I’m a grown-up.” “You are, Malysh.” My son grins as his feet dangle from the toilet. I’m in his direct view while remaining outside the stall as he instructed. “I don’t call Mommy anymore,” he says. “I can do it on my own.” “That’s a good boy.” “That’s right. I am. I’m gonna be big as you and protect Mommy when I grow up.” “And what am I going to do then?” “It’s okay. You can protect her too.” Too. As in he’s being benevolent by allowing me into her life. The little rascal is taking after Yan, I swear.

“Remember when you asked me if I ever loved you?” I nod, fresh tears surging to my eyes. “I didn’t understand my emotions at the time, but I do now. I do love you, Lia. I always have. But my form of love isn’t sweetness or softness. It’s nothing noble or delicate. My love is selfish and villainous. My love is the type where I will kill people to protect you and erase others to avenge you. My love is possessive, obsessive, and knows no boundaries, not when I first met you and certainly not now.”