Sin and Deception (Sin and Lies #2)

Chapter 15

Fifteen

N ERINE

The steady hum of the plane engines resonated in my ears, a familiar sound that typically calmed me. But today was anything but ordinary. My body was tense, my mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The usual anxiety and worry were present, but now excitement and uncertainty were intertwined. After so long, seeing my boys again filled me with both joy and apprehension for what lay ahead.

At least I no longer had to conceal the truth about Charis and Hayes. Though it was revealed unexpectedly, Theo and Xander were now aware of them. Their eyes still reflected anger and pain, and I couldn't blame them. I had taken something from them that I could never give back: memories, milestones, and experiences.

We could attempt to move on, but it felt like an unforgivable betrayal.

I sighed, gazing out the window at the passing landscape. Something captured my attention, a sense that something was off. Suddenly, it struck me.

"The plane is heading the wrong way," I blurted, feeling confused. "This isn't the route to Phoenix. What's going on?"

Both Theo and Xander turned to me in surprise. Theo raised an impressed eyebrow before questioning me.

"How do you know we're off course just by looking at clouds and mountains, Angel?"

"I picked up some new skills during my absence," I replied cryptically.

"Is that so?" Xander chimed in with a mischievous grin on his face. "Tell us more."

I narrowed my eyes at his teasing tone, resisting the urge to make a snarky comeback. Something in his dark gaze stirred a familiar tingle inside me. His playful demeanor evoked memories of the seductive enforcer who could ignite every part of me with just a look or a touch.

"Do you have an explanation for us, Angel?" Theo's voice carried a hint of authority, sending a shiver down my spine.

No matter how angry I might be with them, they always knew how to disarm me with just a few words. It was both infuriating and irresistible.

"I had a lot of time to myself," I began, trying to maintain my composure. "And as you both know, I get bored easily. "

Xander chuckled. "You don't say. I remember that about you."

Ignoring his comment, I continued. "I had a clear view of the airport from my apartment. I spent hours watching the flight patterns and memorizing the direction each plane took off and at what time. We're definitely not on the right path to Arizona."

"You never fail to amaze me, Nerine," Theo said admiringly. "I'm truly impressed."

"You'll wish you hadn't said that," Xander chimed in.

"Most likely," Theo replied with a smirk. "But we'll find a way to make her pay for it."

My breath caught in my throat as the tension between us shifted from playful banter to something more serious. These men were dangerous in every sense of the word.

How could they expect me to have a normal conversation with them when they kept swinging between teasing and threatening?

"Where... Where are we going?"

Theo's eyes met mine with a calm intensity as he sat beside me. "We're headed to Los Angeles first, Angel," he explained. "Then, we'll switch jets and fly to Arizona. Just to be safe."

While their presence comforted me, it also unsettled me. They exuded power and control, making it difficult for me to think clearly.

"I suppose that's why you're the security expert," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "You think of everything." I gazed out the window as I attempted to rapidly process everything that had happened over the last twenty-four hours. I never expected Theo and Xander to find me. I didn’t think I could hold my boys so soon or introduce them to their fathers.

"Thank you," I finally managed to say, breaking the tense silence. Yet my words felt weak and inadequate against the overwhelming emotions swirling inside me.

"Our job is to protect you, Angel," Xander said from across the aisle. His deep voice sent shivers down my spine.

I knew they would do whatever it took to keep me safe and out of harm's way.

"Thank you," I said softly, taking a deep breath to calm my racing heart and clear my mind.

As much as I wanted to escape their intense presence and think clearly, there was no avoiding them on this private jet. Their auras suffocated me, making it impossible to focus on anything else.

"I'm going to lie down," I declared, rising from my seat. "Is there a cabin or somewhere quiet where I can rest?"

But before I could take another step, Theo barked at me, startling me into freezing in place.

"Sit back down!" he commanded firmly.

"But I'm exhausted," I protested weakly.

"You slept like a baby earlier," Xander reminded me with a smirk.

I felt myself blush even harder at the memory of just how well I had slept, thanks to them practically fucking me unconscious. The memory of their hands gliding over every inch of my body, their mouths eagerly exploring mine, their hard cocks thrusting inside me. It all flooded my mind, sending shivers down my spine and making my heart race.

Xander's gaze locked onto mine, and I knew he remembered it. His eyes deepened with desire, and his breathing grew more ragged as he absorbed the sight of my hardened nipples straining against the fabric of my sweatshirt.

With a heavy sigh, I sat down, aware they wouldn't let me leave until I provided more information.

"Fine," I conceded reluctantly, crossing my arms defensively over my chest.

"Now, tell us everything you left out of your 'little confession' earlier, Angel," Theo demanded sternly. "And while you're at it, explain why you thought it was a good idea to stay away from home for so long without even a single phone call."

Xander crossed his arms over his broad chest, nodding firmly. "Yeah, I want to know that too."

"And how could you possibly think it was wise to give birth without us?" Theo continued. "What if something had gone wrong?"

"You're not doctors. What could you have done?" I snapped defensively.

"Careful, Angel," Theo warned in a low voice, brimming with anger.

My gaze flickered between them, searching their eyes for any trace of the love we once shared. Tears filled my eyes as I struggled to find it, spilling down my cheeks.

"You said you still loved me. Was I mistaken?" I asked through sobs .

They exchanged a look before turning back to me with sorrowful eyes.

"You betrayed us, Angel," Theo's voice was heavy with hurt.

"I accept it. I'm the villain. I understand," I said bitterly, feeling the familiar ache of longing for what we once had returned with full force. "I can't blame you."

"You need to tell us everything, Nerine," Xander said, his tone serious and commanding. Ignoring my tears and evident pain, they demanded answers. Steeling myself, I took a deep breath and wiped away the tears from my cheeks before speaking again.

"I thought I was protecting you," I said, desperately wanting them to grasp this one fact above all else. If they could see things from my perspective, maybe they would find it in their hearts to forgive me. Without that, I feared for what our future might hold.

"From what?" Theo asked, his voice softening slightly. Xander remained silent at his side, still brooding and angry but listening intently.

"The Aetos family debt," I replied with a heavy sigh. "It wouldn't exist if it weren't for your father, Theo."

The burden of this secret had been crushing me for so long, and finally, sharing it with them felt like a slight relief.

Theo’s father, Mik Nephus, was one of Papa’s top enforcers. The Angelos and Aetos families were in territory battles when we were younger. Thinking to negotiate a truce, Papa had given direct orders to all enforcers and soldiers not to retaliate .

But Theios Mik, wanting to induct his older sons into our way of life, decided to attack Castro Aetos’s private car with a bomb. Except, it wasn’t the Godfather who died, but an innocent little boy on his way to school in his daddy’s car.

Theo peered at me, his eyes narrowing and waiting for me to continue.

“When Theios Mik mistakenly killed Castro Aetos’s youngest son, he created a life debt for the youngest Nephus, Onassis, and Angelos families. Any deaths beyond those were unacceptable. He wanted the youngest child for his lost youngest child.”

I shook my head, my mind replaying every detail I had learned since leaving.

“Gusto, Aetos’s oldest son, has now taken over as the new head of the family, as you both know.”

“He’s a total prick,” Xander growled, his disdain for Gusto evident.

“I agree. Unfortunately, he’s also incredibly stubborn. He refuses to let this go and is on an unrelenting mission to avenge his brother's death.”

I watched Theo closely, searching for any signs of how he was processing my words. But he remained stoic and unmoving.

“Even after the tragic loss of your mother, Theo, Gusto continues to act. He doesn’t count Theia Viola’s death as payment. The Nephus debt is still open.”

“Like I said, he’s a total prick,” Xander chimed in again.

“It will remain that way as long as you’re alive, Theo,” I added gravely .

"Damn," he muttered under his breath, his anger becoming more visible with each passing moment. His stormy gaze met mine intensely, and my heart ached at the pain and torment I saw within them. “We’re all in danger because of me. Is that what you’re saying? Just because my heart keeps beating in my chest?”

“No, I —”

“This never-ending feud has gone on for far too long!” he roared, his frustration and anguish reverberating through the cabin. “And now I can't even have my sons in my life because of this bullshit?”

His words echoed off the walls, filling the room with a sense of despair and hopelessness. It tore me apart to see him blame himself for everything.

“It’s not your fault,” I insisted, my voice full of conviction. “You were born into this mess, just like the rest of us! We had no control over our bloodline, Theo.”

Even though I felt pain and anguish, hearing him claim both boys as his own gave me a sense of warmth and comfort. To me, they were all part of one family now. I wasn't sure how much convincing it would take for them to see it that way, but I hoped they were already beginning to understand.

“It is ridiculous; I know,” I continued. “But it's not your fault. None of us asked for this, yet we are facing it together.”

“She’s right, Theo,” Xander added, surprising me with his rare display of affection.

He reached out and took Theo’s hand, gently squeezing it before letting go. I couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Maybe Xander had softened in my absence. It warmed my heart to think that perhaps they had found solace and comfort in each other's embrace while I was away.

“No, we didn’t ask for any of this,” Theo said, his head shaking in frustration.

A lock of dark hair fell over his eye, and I had to resist the urge to brush it away. However, he was clearly upset and on the brink of a complete breakdown. Just one touch could set him off.

“But neither did our sons, did they? We can’t let this go on any longer. We can't let this feud taint their lives.”

My heart skipped a beat at his words. I had always known that if they could accept the boys as their own, they would do anything to protect them, just as I had. Perhaps this fierce protectiveness toward the boys would help them understand why I made my choices.

“There’s more,” I said, gazing at Xander. “Unfortunately, you're also a target in this vendetta.”

I hated having to continue, knowing that each word felt like a knife to their hearts. But they needed to understand the full extent of what we were facing. And if we stood together as a united front, perhaps we could finally break free from the endless cycle of violence and revenge.

Xander's brows lifted as he asked, "Me?"

I couldn't avoid the truth any longer. With a soft smile, I replied, "I'm afraid so. Your father tried to clean up Theios Mik's mess. Theios Alex shouldn’t have ever gotten involved."

"What are you talking about?" Xander's voice was thick with worry .

Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for what I had to say next. "I'm talking about Zoe's death."

Silence hung in the air as Xander absorbed my words. Finally, he leaned forward on his knees and asked, "What does my little sister have to do with this?"

"We were all told she died from a head injury when she fell off her bike, right?" I said gently.

"Yes, that's true," Xander confirmed.

"I'm so sorry, Xander. It's not true. Gusto ordered Zoe's death as a hit to hurt your family."

His eyes widened in shock and confusion as he looked at me carefully. "Nerine, are you trying to tell me that they ... they killed a six-year-old girl? In cold blood?"

I nodded sadly. "Yes, Xan. I am so sorry." Tears stung my eyes as I watched him struggle with that revelation. I could only imagine how difficult it was for him to make sense of such an unimaginable act.

Turning to Theo, he searched for answers in his expression before returning to me.

"But why?" he demanded. "I'm the oldest son. Why not come for me? Why Zoe? None of this makes sense."

"Well…" I hesitated before dropping another bombshell. "That's another interesting fact that I've discovered. And trust me, it's shocking."

"Stop beating around the bush!" Xander barked, his frustration evident.

"It turns out you aren't the oldest child in your family, Xander," I said carefully, watching his reaction closely .

Theo gasped and reached for Xander's hand, but he pulled away and shook his head. "Explain."

"Your parents had another baby as teenagers … a little girl. They gave her up for adoption."

"Why the fuck would they do that?" Xander's anger was palpable.

"I suppose to avoid scandal," I shrugged. "It was a different time back then. Having a baby out of wedlock meant a life of shame, even if the mother eventually married the father of her child."

Xander paused again, processing this information. I yearned to comfort and show him that he wasn't alone, but I knew he wouldn't want me close while he was distancing himself from Theo's touch.

Lost in thought, Xander stared out the window before speaking again in a soft, distant voice. "I remember Mama mentioning 'her girl' when I was young. It never made sense to me at the time. One day, I walked in on her and my father arguing in the kitchen. They didn't notice me standing in the doorway, and Mama was crying. She told him she missed her girl and regretted everything."

He stopped again, transported back to that moment in the kitchen.

"She asked Pops if she could visit her, but my father refused. This made her cry even harder, and he pulled her into his arms. That's when they noticed me. As a kid, I thought she referred to an old friend when she mentioned 'her girl.' It was the only thing that made sense to me at that time. I never really thought about it again until now. "

His head shook slowly, lost in the depths of his memories. "A few years later, I walked into her bedroom and found her sitting by the window with the lights off, clutching a photograph tightly in her hand. She pulled me onto her lap and held me close as if afraid to let go. She tried to hide her tears, but her swollen, red eyes gave her away. She placed the photo carefully on the table next to us, and I remember sneaking back later to try and find it, but it had vanished without a trace."

My heart ached for him.

"I'm so sorry, Xander," I whispered, my voice trembling.

He let out a deep sigh, shaking his head once more. "So you're telling me that I'm not the oldest?" His tone held a hint of surprise.

"You were the youngest when everything happened," I confirmed.

As the pieces started coming together for him, he nodded slowly. "And that's why Zoe's death couldn't settle my father's debt. Her birth occurred years after that mess." The realization struck him hard.

"Yes," I replied softly, trying to offer some comfort with my words, if not with a touch. "Xander, I know this is a lot to process. But please believe me when I say that your parents weren't intentionally trying to hurt you by keeping this truth from you. They were likely trying to protect you in their own way."

"I'm not so sure about that," he retorted bitterly. "If that was their intention, they did a shitty job. "

"Maybe they weren't successful, but it could have been their motivation," Theo interjected.

Xander sighed again, running his hand through his hair before facing me. His next question hung heavy in the air.

"I hate to ask, but is there more?"

With reluctance, I nodded. "A little."

"Then spill it," he demanded.

"Gusto knew about the three of us the whole time," I revealed. "He assisted Andraius with the coup at the Angelos compound and informed him that the money was under my name. He convinced him that marrying me was the best way to access it."

"That's un-fucking-believable," Theo exclaimed. "So now we finally know. All these years of scheming, death, and violence were just revenge for the mess my father made and the actions Theios Peter directed Theios Alex to take to fix it. Did I get that right?"

"Yes," I admitted sadly, knowing this was the truth behind everything that had happened.

We sat silently for a few moments as the weight of this revelation settled upon us. I desperately hoped they could see now that I had no choice but to do what I did. I prayed that they understood why I couldn't stay with them.

"I know I don't deserve it," I finally whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. "But do the two of you think there will ever come a time when you can forgive me?" My heart clenched as I waited for their response.