Sin and Deception (Sin and Lies #2)

Chapter 24

Twenty-Four

N ERINE

As I gazed into Fiona's piercing turquoise eyes, the flames of the fireplace danced behind her in my office. The warmth from the fire contrasted with the tension in the room as I spoke to my sister. She sat beside me, her features reminiscent of my own at a similar age. It served as a disconcerting reminder of our bloodline and the weight it carried.

"You might think you live in a bubble, but that’s not true," I said, hoping to share some wisdom with my sister. "The blood that runs through your veins carries a rich history you can’t ignore. Believe me, I've tried to escape it myself. But now, I understand the value of embracing and leveraging our heritage to our advantage. "

Fiona shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her voice brimming with determination. "But I believed I was doing the right thing by writing the book. Once I found out they were coming after the boys too, I thought…" She trailed off.

Despite my recent conversations with Theo and Xander about family unity, it was my turn to convey this message to my sister. "Communication is essential for our family," I gently reminded her, feeling a pang of guilt for my hypocrisy. "We are a team, and no one should act alone.”

"Do as I say, not as I do," I said with a rueful tone, which made her smirk and relax the tension in her shoulders.

"I know," Fiona reluctantly conceded, her impulsiveness overshadowed by regret. "I won't act thoughtlessly again. I didn't think about how my actions would affect our family. That was a mistake."

"I'm always here for you," I reassured her, offering a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You can come to me no matter what, and we'll figure things out together. We must always stand united against our enemies."

"I understand," Fiona admitted, her earlier determination replaced by humility. "I've learned from this."

"Good," I said warmly, kissing her forehead. "You'll keep growing and learning like we all have."

Man, I sounded like an old lady.

What the heck?

Fiona's face lit up with excitement. "I have some fantastic news," she exclaimed.

Her infectious smile spread to my face. "Tell me! I could really use some good news. "

"I got accepted to Boston University!"

"What!" I couldn't hold back my excitement. "That's amazing!"

"Yeah, I didn't want to tell anyone until I was accepted, but I plan to start once my semester at Arizona State is over."

"Fiona, this is wonderful news!" I hugged her tightly. "And you'll be so close to family now! I was worried about your loneliness after Mama and the boys moved back here. This is perfect!"

"Thanks, Nerine," she said with a grateful smile before leaning in for a kiss. "With all the craziness in our lives over the last few years, I'll feel much safer being closer to home. And to you."

I narrowed my eyes playfully. "You're just coming back to sneak in and take my job?"

"That too," Fiona beamed. "But there are also two little boys who are a big incentive."

"They're all yours," I said, shaking my head with a smile. "But be careful; they’re pure chaos in human form. Charis managed to get to the other side of the house last night. Hayes even found one of the secret passageways. Who knew he was strong enough to push open a false wall?"

Fiona laughed with me. "I can't wait for the twins to arrive. We'll have to have them babysit and see how long it takes before they run out of the house screaming."

My heart swelled with love and happiness for my sister as I watched her carefree and silly after everything we had been through together.

Fiona's voice bubbled with excitement. "Do you think the boys are awake? I want to read them a story. I bought them a new book."

"I think Theo and Xander have already put them to bed," I replied, pausing for a moment. "You know what? They might be asleep on the floor in the boys' room. Hayes and Charis aren't used to the routine, and they can be difficult to settle down and get to bed."

Fiona laughed, tilting her head to the side in amusement. "You look happy, Nerine. The shadows in your eyes have vanished."

"I've never been happier," I reassured her. "Having my family together at last, after all this time? I can't even express how relieved I am."

"I know it was hard for you to be away from everyone," Fiona said sympathetically. "I'm so glad to see your little family together now. You truly deserve this."

"Thank you." My eyes filled with tears of gratitude.

“I can’t wait until we start planning the wedding.”

I held in my moan. “I’d rather a justice of the peace officiate it and have it over and done with, but Xander and Theo overruled me.”

“Of course they did.” The outrage on Fiona’s face was almost comical. “You have to celebrate everything you’ve overcome.”

“You sound like Mama,” I grumbled.

“You had to know she wouldn’t take your side on this. You’re her eldest child. She wants that big wedding, even if you aren’t taking the traditional path.”

“I suppose you’re right. At least it’s going to be sooner rather than later.”

“Meaning?”

“Late June.”

“That’s barely a month from now.” She cocked her head to the side. “Are you insane?”

“It was either that or the justice of the peace.”

She hugged me tightly, whispering, "I love you, sis."

"I love you too," I whispered back.

As we released each other, we said goodnight and went our separate ways.

I walked down the hallway to my suite of rooms, which felt less private now with the boys so close to the bedroom I shared with Theo and Xander. At least there was a small sitting room separating us from the babies, considering their fathers’ sexual appetites and my inability to keep quiet.

Regardless of how drastically our lives had changed, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness.

But as I walked down the hall, instead of toys scattered on the floor, I found random pieces of men's clothing. They were all damp. I glanced up at one of our guards, who pursed his lips as if trying to stifle a laugh, then shrugged in response to my questioning look.

What would I discover upon entering the room? Taking a deep breath, I turned the knob and stepped inside, bursting into laughter at the chaotic scene that unfolded before me.

Theo and Xander lay in their underwear, sprawled on the floor beside the boys' cribs. On top of them were two diaper-clad boys who still seemed to have soap on their bodies. The room was a complete mess, with bath toys and towels scattered everywhere.

I couldn't help but pull out my phone to snap a few pictures. This is what life is really about.

My family.

My loves.

My children.

For the first time in ages, I felt truly happy.

Xander's eyes flew open, and he frowned. "Are you filming us?"

"No, just taking some pictures," I laughed.

"It's the same thing. Get rid of them. I don't want any evidence of this." He stood up and placed Charis in his crib.

Before I could say anything else, Theo stirred and opened his eyes. "What's going on?"

I giggled, trying to hold back my laughter. "I have a question for both of you."

"Don't even say it," Theo groaned sleepily.

"I'm just curious," I insisted, wearing a mischievous smile.

"You'll pay for it," Xander warned as he walked toward our bedroom.

As I followed him, I stoked the flames. “Who had more trouble at bath time? You or the boys?"

"That's not funny," Theo huffed, setting Hayes down next to Charis in his crib.

But I couldn't help but laugh at the sight of two grown men exhausted by two tiny babies, needing a nap themselves.

"You’re going to pay for that," Theo said with half- seriousness. "And you need to keep your voice down, or you'll wake the boys."

My heart raced at the warning. "Um, I have an early morning tomorrow."

Xander shook his head, a sly grin spreading across his lips as he approached me. "You know the rules. You must face the consequences of your actions."

Suddenly, I realized I had backed myself against a wall instead of moving toward the door that led to the adjoining living room. I tried to find a way around them, but Xander blocked my view.

“How about a rain check?"

Theo stepped closer, a mischievous glint in his gray eyes. "We don't accept IOUs."

"So, what do you accept?" I asked nervously, feeling a blend of anticipation and fear.

"You'll find out soon enough," Xander said mysteriously. "Now, make your way into our bedroom and take off your clothes."