Page 16 of Desperate Crimes

Finally.

Chapter Three-Leanna

Present—At Lucy and Balor’s Party

“I don’t know what you mean, Mom,” I say, careful to keep my tone light as I sip my drink.

Sweet. Fizzy. Not strong enough.

I’m twenty-four, but she still treats me like her baby. But I know she loves me, so I let her.

Across the patio, string lights glow warm and golden, casting a soft, dreamy haze over the whole affair.

Laughter bubbles from the corner where Lucy’s cousins are gathered near the fire pit, and Balor and his new acquisition, a reggaeton star named El Tigre, huddle near the bar, all broad shoulders and expensive watches.

Beside them are their wives. My cousin Lucy looks at her husband like he hangs the moon, and I’m happy for her, I am. But I can’t help but envy her a little bit.

She’s always been blessed, though with looks, brains, and charm. Not that it’s always been easy for her. I know that.

But now? She has it all.

The house. The husband. The dream. This party.

It’s beautiful. Loud. Perfect.

Maybe a little too perfect.

My mother studies me over the rim of her wineglass, eyes sharp behind her lashes.

She means well. I know she does. But sometimes I wonder if she really sees me.

If she knows how much I’m like my father.

Not the polished, press-friendly version of Adrik Volkov the world’s so in love with. I’m talking about his alter ego.

The Dark Wolf.

The ruthless tech billionaire.

The man, the myth, the legend.

My father is perhaps the most dangerous man I have ever met.

He’s the one who’s quiet in a room full of power because he doesn’t need to speak to be heard.

The one who controls more than anyone realizes and feels everything beneath a mask of nothing.

That’s the part I got from him.

And my sister Michaela? Michaela got the rest.

The shine. The brilliance.

The ambition that makes people want to follow her.

She’s the golden child. Always was. Always will be.

And I say that with love.