Page 66 of Forbidden Deception

And my heart fucking soars through the sky.

“You should let her decide,” I say, but Eiran waves a dismissive hand.

“Venezia is a nice woman. She’s sweet and would always be welcome in our home.” Mikko shrugs.

“See how reluctant he is? Weird idiot. I must say, you are my favourite though,” Eiran smirks making her laugh.

“I hope so, how many did you invite to your homes?” She crosses her arms and looks at them both.

“Well…” Eiran scratches the back of his head making Venezia narrow her eyes.

“I think…” Mikko makes a show of counting on his fingers.

“Oh God, I am not special. Fine, fire me. That’s it, I am quitting,” she sighs and a small smile pulls at my lips.

“They are being dramatic, you are the first they wanted to invite,” I chime in, walking towards her.

Mikko walks to her and sits beside her on the second chair in my office.

Venezia’s heart is on her sleeve as she is charmed by my brothers. She doesn’t realise just how far these men will go for those they value, for people they deem worthy of their devotion.

Venezia may have left her home to work here in Edinburgh. She may have a small apartment, but she is now surrounded by one of the strongest, most influential families in Britain. The Gustav name might be known for being harsh, but Venezia Campbell has turned us all into mush with her charm.

Life plays wicked games indeed.

And I am losing mine.

27

Age sixteen

Everyone craves love. We all want to be seen and loved.

I’ve come to accept that maternal love maybe isn’t in the books for me. I call my mother by her name. Dakota. Dakota Gustav. My father’s second wife.

A mother is someone who helps you up when you fall, treats your wounds, and heals you with her heart. A mother is someone who teaches you love, compassion, someone who pushes you beyond your limits but stands right behind you in case you fall.

A mother is your companion in figuring out life.

And yet, watching Dakota dote on Eiran and Khyros makes me want to try once more.

Just once more, despite the many failed attempts.

She’s giving them the presents she has brought from her trip to the Philippines. Boxes upon boxes of gifts.

Mikko and I stand by the kitchen island watching her fuss over her two biological kids.

Knowing my mother died in childbirth was bad enough, but then the second woman Dad married literally forgot the reason he married her. To be a mother figure for me and Mikko too.I guess Steve Gustav didn’t make that good of a decision when looking for a wife.

A hurried decision is usually not a good one.

The woman from across me is a great example of a bad, hastily made decision. Though her hair is neatly styled and she wears stacked bracelets worth over ten grand on her wrists, the money and luxuries her actual reason to marrying dad, the bitter smile on her face is one I have seen far too often. She seems to be enjoying this little roleplay they have going on.

“Did you know Mum used to paint?” Mikko says quietly, stealing my attention.

I turn to find him tending to the sunflowers he picked from our garden earlier. We have so many planted that it covers a good portion of our extensive garden. It requires two gardeners alone to maintain the field of sunflowers that has been here since I was born.

Dad goes to visit it at least twice a day.

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