Sin and Deception (Sin and Lies #2)

Chapter 20

Twenty

N ERINE

I was seriously demented.

Those are the only words to describe my mental state at this moment. Instead of feeling anxiety or fear, like any normal person would, all I wanted to do was jump on Xander and lick him all over.

Watching him handle Agents Davenport and Deluca was a masterclass in being an asshole.

Why I found it so damn sexy, I wasn’t sure.

Perhaps it was because I seldom saw him in action. Whatever the reason, the wave of desire flowing through me felt inappropriate, given our circumstances .

Focus Nerine.

I tried to suppress my lust and remind myself that we were in a perilous situation, surrounded by enemies who could strike when we least expected it.

Usually, handling this type of thing landed on Theo with his unique calm and diplomacy skill set. However, we decided that Xander’s bulldozer-enforcer demeanor was exactly what we needed to make our exit from this safe house. Theo’s role in this production was more about pushing the agenda of leaving, while my large, unyielding man let his mean side out.

Once given the green light, all I had to do was stand back and watch Xander in action. In a split second, he shifted into his enforcer role, stalked into the kitchen where everyone was snacking, and informed Davenport that someone had compromised our location.

I couldn't deny observing the contrasting aspects of Theo and Xander’s personalities in play was hot as hell. While Theo remained calm and collected in his public role, Xander was a force to be reckoned with, an asshole who didn't hesitate to get in the face of anyone who dared stand in his way.

It was funny how they were complete opposites when it came to me.

Deep down, a small part of me worried and hoped this confrontation wouldn't end in violence.

"What do you mean compromised?" Davenport asked in disbelief,

"What do you not understand?" Xander's voice dripped with anger and frustration as he explained, "You have a traitor, and they leaked the location of this safe house. "

"That's impossible," Davenport said, waving her hand dismissively. "I know my people. They are loyal. Who told you this?"

"My sources," Xander replied through gritted teeth. "Just like you have yours, mine keep me informed of any threats to my business or my family's safety."

"I can assure you—" Deluca started.

But Xander interrupted him, his anger boiling over. "Say whatever the hell you want. But it doesn't change the fact that this place isn't safe anymore."

"Sir, this is the safest place for your family," Deluca insisted.

"Unfortunately, I disagree," Xander said. "We followed your rules, and now my family is in danger. It's time to follow mine."

"I'm not sure what you mean," Davenport said cautiously.

“We appreciate your help. However, it’s time for us to go," Theo stepped toward them, taking on his role as peacemaker. "We've arranged for our own safe house."

"I see." Davenport nodded. "That's understandable. My men can arrange transportation for you if you give me a moment to gather them."

"No." Xander shook his head firmly. "We prefer to keep our location confidential. As Theo stated, we already have transportation on the way."

"With all due respect, sir, we have been assigned to protect you and your family." Deluca stepped forward, a determined look on his face .

Xander wasn't backing down, either. He closed the distance between them, getting right in Deluca's face.

"With all due respect, Deluca, we don't need your protection," Xander growled. He then turned his attention to Davenport and added, "Back down and let me protect my family."

Well fuck, this was getting out of hand and going to a level that wasn’t necessary.

Tension hung thick in the air as Xander and the agent confronted each other.

I glanced at Theo. This was an ideal moment for him to step in or provide support.

Sensing my thoughts, he raised his gaze and shook his head.

I clenched my jaw. When did pushing Solon to the brink of explosion become part of the plan? We were dealing with a rogue assassin group with flexible morals. Had they forgotten this?

These men were going to push me to my breaking point. Now, all my warm and fuzzy feelings were gone completely.

I tried to calm my breath and prayed we made it out alive.

After a few tense seconds, Theo finally spoke up again. "We meant no disrespect, Agent Davenport. The news we received was unexpected and left us feeling vulnerable and uneasy. We believe that leaving is the best course of action to ensure our safety."

"We appreciate all of your efforts and support," I added, wanting to diffuse the tension. "Your team's protection was invaluable, and we are grateful for everything you have done for us. However, we will manage our own protection from this point forward."

“Very well. We will accept your decision despite our concerns.” Davenport gave a curt nod, her eyes flickering between Xander and Deluca as if she anticipated a confrontation. "Let’s clear our equipment and take our leave."

Deluca stepped back, his gaze still locked on Xander, who returned the intense stare.

"Thank you for your assistance," I said, trying to calm any remaining tension.

Davenport and her team began packing their equipment, and the sounds of zippers and Velcro filled the room.

Theo, Xander, and I made our way to our part of the house. Once we entered the living room of our suite and closed the door securely, I sighed, letting my body relax for the first time in hours.

"Great job," I said, shooting a sharp glance at Xander. "But you, hothead, could definitely improve your delivery."

He scoffed, "Whatever. That was part of the plan. Besides, you were eager for it, which got the job done."

I pursed my lips, recalling how his aggression had dulled my senses during the questioning. "Yes, until you crossed the line. Then all the tingles vanished because I thought you and Deluca were about to throw punches."

"I don't like it when anyone questions me," he muttered, running a hand through his messy hair and offering me an apologetic grin.

"Understandable." Theo chuckled. "But there's this thing called diplomacy. Maybe you've heard of it? "

Xander rolled his eyes and walked over to grab some bags. "I never claimed to be smooth."

"No, you did not." I laughed. "Okay, let's focus on getting out of here now that we've dealt with that obstacle."

"The car and driver are ready," Theo reported. "The decoys will join us as planned. Great idea, Angel."

"I've learned a few things from being around these agents," I replied before heading into the next bedroom, where Mama was waiting with the boys. "It's time to go."

She lifted Hayes into her arms, and I took Charis in mine. After getting into the car and speeding down the highway, I pulled out my phone and texted Devani to update her on our progress.

It was a long journey, with over three hours of driving and two vehicle changes, before we finally boarded a private plane bound for Boston. This time, I made sure to double-check that the pilot had filed a false manifest to throw off any unwanted attention.

The boys slept soundly throughout the flight, their calm demeanor offering a brief distraction from the flood of worst-case scenarios that filled my mind. Even as we descended into Boston and passed through the gates of the Angelos estate, my nerves still felt uneasy.

But as soon as the doors of our armored SUV swung open at the front entryway of the house and I stepped out, a wave of emotion washed over me.

My eyes took in the grandeur and beauty of the home I had left behind against my will two years ago. It held both some of my best and worst memories .

"Are you ready to go in?" Xander's voice broke through my thoughts as he and Theo stood on either side of me, each carrying one of our sleeping boys in their arms.

I intertwined my fingers with theirs. "I'm ready."

As we approached the front door, the Angelos soldiers paused their duties to acknowledge us. As they saluted and said, "Angelos," I couldn't help but think of my father, Papa, who was always larger-than-life and known as the Angelos.

A chill ran down my spine. "I am the Angelos."

"Yes," Theo and Xander replied in unison.

As I stepped through the threshold of the house, I took a deep breath, savoring all the familiar scents of my childhood home. It instantly stirred a wave of nostalgia. My eyes settled on a wall adorned with pictures of our family at various stages of life.

Glancing at my boys on either side, I couldn't help but worry that anyone who saw them would know about the three of us.

"They already knew about us," Xander lifted my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles softly.

Theo squeezed my fingers in reassurance. "Devani kidnapped you from a bed we all shared. It's pretty clear."

I chuckled softly, momentarily forgetting about the past. "I almost forgot about that."

"Did someone say my name?" A sultry voice called from the open doors of the library ahead of us.

Of course, she found a way past our state-of-the-art security and into the house .

"Did you know she was here?" I asked Xander, who was in charge of security measures.

"I suspected. It's nearly impossible to keep her away from you, even if we tried," he replied in a deadpan tone. “She’s like you and does what she wants.”

I couldn't help but smile up at him, grateful for their protectiveness and understanding.

“Go talk to your kidnapper, and we’ll help their Yai Yai put them to bed.” Theo patted Charis’s back.

“I’d rather join this conversation,” Xander countered, his voice thick with determination. “Whenever those two get together, trouble always follows, and it only brings problems for the rest of us.”

“You aren’t invited,” Devani said matter-of-factly.

Xander scowled and considered pushing the issue but ultimately decided it was pointless. He shrugged and followed Theo and Mama up the grand staircase toward the bedrooms.

After a minute, Devani and I retreated to the sanctuary and comfort of the library I loved and missed so much.

"You look radiant, Nerine," she stated with a warm smile toward me. "Motherhood certainly suits you."

"Thank you," I replied gratefully. "I am overjoyed to have my babies back in my life, even if it wasn't under ideal circumstances."

"I can only imagine. And I'm sure you're thrilled to be reunited with Theo and Xander." She winked mischievously.

She wore a stunning emerald green velvet bodysuit paired with a sleek black choker embellished with real black diamonds. "Is this your usual attire, or just for our meeting? Wearing millions of dollars in jewels for a visit to my house seems excessive, even for the socialite known as the Queen of Diamonds."

“I left a mind-numbing event for you. Plus,” Devani hummed, running her fingers along the necklace. "I believe these jewels are the perfect accessory to welcome back the Godmother of the Night for the Angelos Family. I have a beautiful dagger that matches the necklace. Would you like to see it?"

"You are seriously disturbed."

"I never claimed otherwise." She settled gracefully onto a couch across from me, exuding an air of feline grace. "Now, let's get down to business. You have some decisions to make, Godmother."

"Yes, like how to finally destroy my enemies once and for all."

Her laughter rang out like a bell, filling the room. "It warms my heart to see you haven't lost your spark."

"My time of hiding and running is over,” I said as a vow. “First, we find Fiona, and then we will end it with everyone else.”

“Determination looks good on you.”

“Thank you.” I held her dark gaze. “What information do you have on Fiona?"

"I can say one thing about your baby sister: she is brilliant," Devani smirked, a playful grin tugging at the corners of her lips. "And resourceful. "

"You know where she is. I fucking knew it. Tell me right now, or I will kill you," I warned through gritted teeth.

Devani raised an eyebrow in a challenge. "I'd like to see you try.”

I wouldn’t last more than two seconds in a fight with her. Devani was five foot two on a good day, but the assassin knew every trick in the book and could toss her six foot four, one hundred eighty-pound husband on his ass.

My chances of survival were slim to none.

“Fine, I concede. Only in my imagination could I take you in a fight. Happy? Now tell me where my sister is.”

A smirk tipped the corner of her lips. “Fiona is safe and sound, tucked away in one of my properties."

"She's what?" I jumped up from my seat. "Start from the beginning."

"There was no abduction. When Aetos's men came for her, she had the foresight to hide in the panic room in her closet. At least one Angelos knows how to follow instructions."

"If only she had been smart enough not to write that damn tell-all romance novel," I grumbled, folding my arms across my body. "Go on."

"She called me as soon as she found a safe location. She told me that she had just returned from a run when the security system notified her of a break-in at the back door of her townhouse. Without hesitation, she quickly retreated to the closet and hid."

I could only imagine the fear and panic that coursed through her when she saw Aetos's men. They were notorious for their lack of civility and their imposing size.

"While in the safe room, she listened through the speaker system and overheard them discussing using her as leverage. Then they received a call mentioning something about your boys and that Fiona was no longer important. Their new objective was to take Charis and Hayes."

A shiver slid down my spine. "Oh, dear God!"

"She knew she had to get a warning to you, but they stayed in the townhouse for hours searching the place. Once they finally left and she felt safe, she grabbed whatever cash she had and snuck out through a bedroom window. Since she was too scared to use a credit card, she paid for a hotel room for a few days with the cash before contacting me."

"Why didn't she contact me?"

"She was worried they had tapped your phone and were watching you. That’s the same reason she didn't reach out to your mother. The next day, when she sneaked into your mother's house, she found it ransacked and searched, which only increased her fears. She didn't know if anything had happened to you or the boys or if you were hiding together. She finally bought a burner phone."

My heart raced, and my hands shook at the thought of what could have happened.

"I can't believe this!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling with pent-up emotion. "Thank God she's alive. These fuckers will stop at nothing for revenge."

I couldn't shake the image of Xander's face when I revealed the truth about how Zoe had died. The pain and anguish etched into every line of his features haunted me, even now. And now they were targeting my sons; it was almost unbearable.

But in this life, there was no space for weakness or mercy. I understood the cruelty of my enemies all too well. They had taken my father and younger brother.

They showed no regard for targeting innocent children. To them, Zoe and Linus were not enough. The coldness and brutality of their actions no longer shocked me.

It left me feeling disgusted.

Still, it wasn’t about my feelings or how much I hated the way things had to unfold. The only way to defeat them was to play by all of their dirty and despicable rules. Anything less would mean certain death in this game.

My heart skipped a beat as I thought about Fiona's safety. Was she really being guarded well enough? The idea of any harm coming to her because of this book made me want to scream.

"Are you sure she's safe?" I asked Devani, my stomach twisting in knots.

"She's fine, Nerine. You don't need to worry," Devani assured me, running a hand through her wild curls.

"All of this over a book," I muttered with a sigh and then shook my head in disbelief.

"But it was a damn good book." Devani laughed, winking at me playfully. "You have to admit that."

I couldn't bring myself to agree. "No, not at all," I argued.

"Come on, Nerine! That double penetration scene? It was delicious!" she teased, her eyes sparkling mischievously .

I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Devani, please ... never mention those words again," I pleaded.

"What about that one scene where the heroine was tied up and pleasured by her two lovers at once? Oh my god, it was pure fire!" Devani continued, ignoring my discomfort.

"Stop!" I cried, covering my ears with my hands. "Please, no more!"

"How can you be such a prude when you are living the experiences in that book?" She laughed.

“I am not a prude,” I retorted defensively. “I simply prefer to keep my personal life private. And I have no idea where Fiona got these ideas from. I certainly don’t discuss my sex life with my little sister.”

“Well, it’s not hard to imagine why Fiona wrote those scenes. Just look at the way Theo and Xander stare at you every time you enter the room,” Devani pointed out. “I know they’ve fucked you senseless plenty since they found you in Vegas. I’m surprised you can walk straight.”

“It’s not like—” But I stopped myself, knowing there was no point in arguing. “I’m not discussing this anymore.”

“I rest my case. Prude.”

I glared at her and stood up, making my way to the bar cart in the corner of the room. Pouring generous amounts of whiskey into snifters for both of us, I returned and handed one to Devani before sitting down next to her.

After taking a hefty swallow and allowing the alcohol to settle my nerves, I said, “I’m considering a drastic move, Devani. I need your guidance. It’s a dangerous risk.”

“In this lifestyle, any decision you make has risks. You are the head of your organization. Your choices have consequences for everyone you lead.”

“Exactly. That's what worries me.”

“What are you afraid of, specifically?”

“Failure? Bringing more pain to my family? I'm trying to end these rivalries, but will they ever stop? Is that even possible? Or am I doomed to a life filled with fear? I have my sons now, Devani. Everything has changed. The game has shifted. It's not just my life and the lives of my sisters and mother that are at risk here.”

“That's true,” she said slowly, nodding as she took in my words. “But please, Nerine, allow me to remind you of a few things you seem to forget.”

“Please do. I welcome your insight,” I replied, leaning back and sipping my whiskey.

Knowing Fiona was safe, the chaos of everything else I tried to manage churned and bubbled, building like a caldera ready to explode.

The weight of my responsibilities felt burdensome, pressing down on me and reminding me that my actions had consequences.

“What is your name?” Devani asked, peering at me as if she could see deep into my soul.

She was breathtakingly beautiful with her dark golden skin and striking onyx eyes. She had the power to topple dynasties with her skill. She was formidable, unyielding, and cunning. I was grateful she was on my side, as the thought of having her as an enemy sent shivers down my spine.

“Seriously?” I scoffed. “I know who I am, Devani. ”

“Do you?” she asked. “Say it out loud.”

I frowned. “I'm Nerine Angelos.”

“No. Who are you?”

I sighed. What over-dramatic game was she playing now?

Fine. I’d humor her.

“I am Nerine, the Godmother of the Night, Queen of the Angelos Syndicate. The soldiers call me the Angelos Angel.”

“Stand up,” she instructed, reaching for my hand and pulling me to my feet.

I let out an exasperated sigh and stood up, letting her lead me to a large mirror on the wall opposite the towering bookcases. It was a priceless antique, intricately gilded in gold and ornately carved in the eighteenth century by a renowned artist whose name I had long forgotten. I vividly recall walking in on my father one day and catching him admiring his reflection in it.

It had been one of the last days of his life, and that image had lingered with me for years afterward. I hadn't thought about it in a while, but the memory surfaced as I stood there. I studied myself closely, noticing subtle changes I hadn't noticed before.

My eyes felt different. Perhaps it was simply the effects of childbirth, but they appeared older now—more solemn and reflective. I couldn't quite pinpoint it until Devani spoke again.

“Repeat your name,” she instructed, soft and gentle yet commanding.

I took a deep breath before speaking, attempting to steady the nerves fluttering in my stomach. “Nerine, Godmother of the Night, Queen of the Angelos Syndicate.”

“That’s right,” she said, her gaze flickering over me with pride and surprise. “You aren’t the same woman who left this place two years ago, Nerine.”

She pointed at my eyes, her finger tracing a line along the dark circles created from years of sleepless nights and stress.

Devani nodded approvingly. “That's right. You have grown and changed since you left this place two years ago, my dear. You are undeniably more mature and graceful now—physically, emotionally, and mentally. You have become wiser and stronger from all that you’ve experienced.” She pointed to my eyes. “Your gaze holds a newfound confidence and determination. You have shed the selfishness of youth, the rebellious spirit of your past, and the uncertainty of your leadership.”

I couldn't ignore Devani's words. I had tried my best to maintain a brave front as I stepped into Papa’s role as head of the family, but doubts and fears continuously crept in. Even when I killed Andraius, it had been with a trembling hand and a fearful heart.

“You slayed that weak version of yourself while you were away, Nerine,” she stated.

She was right once more. Pregnancy, giving birth, and the miracle of holding my cherished sons in my arms have transformed me profoundly and irrevocably. Moreover, leaving them with my mother and going into hiding has changed me as well .

It had given me an unbreakable strength I didn’t even know I possessed.

“Fate placed you in this body, right?” Devani continued, her eyes searching mine. “Look at you. Your flesh, bones, and blood carry the genes of those who came before you. When I look at you, I see your father. I see your mother. And your grandparents too. They’re all a part of you. That reality is something you will never change. Like those who came before, you couldn’t choose to be anyone else.”

She paused, taking a sip from her glass and letting me absorb her words.

“Tell me, Nerine,” she said, leaning slightly forward. “Did your father tremble in fear? Your grandfather? Of course, they did. And did they waver? Did they doubt themselves? Sure, maybe. But did they hesitate to strike when it came to defending themselves, their loved ones, or even the family business and fortune? No, they did not. They stepped up, claimed their rightful place in a long line of Angeloses, and took charge when it was their moment. Did they make mistakes?”

I scoffed and shook my head. “Plenty.”

“Exactly,” Devani confirmed. “And now you have to clean up those mistakes and carry on the legacy. But that is your responsibility as an Angelos.”

I gazed into the mirror, locking eyes with my reflection. The resemblance to my paternal grandfather was uncanny at that moment, and I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine. I shared so many of his features—those same ones passed down to Papa .

“Duty,” I repeated Devani’s words with a bitter laugh.

“Nerine, what name will you give your sons? Will they take the Angelos name?”

The conversation on the plane with Theo and Xander came to mind. Xander and Theo intended to take my last name, suggesting they believed the boys would do the same. That was convenient, given that their birth certificates already listed them as Angeloses.

“Yes,” I replied with a sense of pride and determination. “They already have it.”

Devani turned away from her reflection in the mirror and poured herself another glass of whiskey. I sat beside her on the couch, feeling thankful for her company.

She took a healthy sip of her drink and said, “And before we know it, those precious babies will grow into men, trying to make sense of their heritage and place in this chaotic world as descendants of the Angelos name. The choices you make now will shape their future.”

Her words struck me deeply. While I understood my actions would affect my children's lives, I hadn't fully comprehended their weight until now. My head swirled with thoughts and concerns.

“I don't know who to trust besides Theo, Xander, and my mother,” I sighed. “And you, of course,” I added with a smirk.

Devani was more than just a friend; she was a mentor and a confidante in a way I never realized I needed. Women like her are rare. She was a decade older than me, possessing the knowledge and experience to tell me when I messed up and to help me without expecting anything in return.

“And therein lies the problem,” she said wearily. “I'm facing similar issues with the Solon agents. But technically, I’m not supposed to involve myself in these matters. It annoys the current director.”

“What about your husband? Won’t he object?”

“He can object, but I do what I want.” She pursed her lips. “He knows who he married. Besides, if I let him help me occasionally, he isn’t so grouchy about it.”

I wasn’t going to touch that with a ten-foot pole. The thought of anyone ‘letting’ her husband, who was a ruthless underworld boss, do anything was something I couldn’t imagine. Still, it made sense that two psychos fell in love.

Instead of holding onto that train of thought, I informed her, “I'm considering something so drastic it will drown out any traitors on my side.”

Curiosity sparked in Devani's eyes. “I can't wait to hear about it.”

“It's merciless,” I warned her, then I smirked. “You may think less of me after hearing it.”

She shook her head. “You are the Angelos godmother, my dear. I have nothing but respect for you. Also, I’ve got a few years under my belt with the merciless thing.”

“I bet.”

“Before you ask, I’m here if you need help. However, it’s time to have confidence in yourself, your decisions, and your power as an Angelos. You were born for this role and have spent your whole life learning things you may not even realize. Trust your instincts."

Goosebumps prickled my skin as Devani's words sliced through my doubts and insecurities.

“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “Your belief in me means more than you know.”

“I wouldn't have taken you under my wing if I didn't see potential in you,” she reminded me.

I was the Godmother, the Angelos Queen.

And it was time to start acting like one.

Taking a deep breath, I shared my plan with her, feeling the fire of vengeance blaze within me.

"Alright, here's what I'm thinking,” I started. “We're going to put an end to these feuds once and for all. It might get messy. There could be bloodshed. It may even backfire and ruin everything that generations have built. But perhaps, just perhaps, it will succeed."

Devani's eyes lit up with excitement. “Oh, now I’m intrigued.”

“Once we plot out the initial plan, I want to bring in Xander and Theo.”

“Of course. But first, make sure your house is in order. Your men are quite excitable and might object to several of our decisions.”

“I believe you are right. Timing is crucial.” I extended my hand to Devani. “Come sit at my desk, Director Patel-King. It’s time to stir things up.”