Page 97 of Lord of Ruin

That had added to the guilt that continued to ravage my system, the anger I felt for the various aspects of deceit difficult to sort through or ignore.

As I headed toward the front door of my uncle’s beautiful estate, I glanced over my shoulder at the bright blue shimmer of the sea. The draw was just like I’d experienced as a boy but for some unknown reason, today the sight of the rolling calm seas was also disturbing. This wasn’t just the calm before the storm. This was that life changing moment where the path in front of me was forked.

I didn’t need to knock given it was family, but I did, my aunt answering. She was a fascinating woman, able to read her family members as if she were psychic. She placed her age-spotted hands on either side of my face, pulling my head down and kissing my forehead. The gesture was lovely, but it was her words that would forever haunt me.

“Min afíseis ti gynaíka pou fótise tin psychí sou na xefýgei. Giatí an to kánete, oi Éllines theoí tha sas stoicheiónoun gia to ypóloipo tis zoís sas.”

Do not let the woman who enlightened your soul get away. For if you do, the Greek gods will haunt you for the remainder of your life.

The words were heartfelt and damning to my blackened soul. But she was right. I hated myself for how I’d handled the discussion the night before.

“Don’t worry. I don’t plan on it.” I kissed her on the forehead as she’d done with me, squeezing her arms.

I didn’t need her to tell me the Brotherhood members had arrived. At least they’d wanted my uncle to be involved for this meeting, obviously placing their trust in the entire Diamondis family.

I walked to the extensive patio, studying the various men before heading outside. Phoenix had an odd look of relief when I headed into the fray of powerful men, taking a deep breath before smiling.

Constantine had made the trip, Maxim and Sabatino as well. Even Brogan was there, his face highlighting the concern every member felt. My uncle had set up a computer outside so we could conduct business while enjoying the beautiful day. It seemed surreal to be enjoying spending any time in Santorini when it felt as if my entire world was about to implode.

My uncle was busy getting the Zoom meeting started, fussing as he usually did with every aspect of his business. I headed toward Phoenix, eyeing the feast of food and drink my aunt had prepared. While it was the Greek way with everything, my stomach continued to churn from anxiety and anger at myself.

“Did you talk with Jenna?” my brother asked.

“Yes, and I believe her when she said she isn’t aware of Madden’s activities. Her mother was taken from Ireland a long time before Jenna was born, the name forbidden in their household.”

“Good to hear, brother.”

“Yet I destroyed the trust we’d developed by asking. That infuriates me.”

“It had to be done.”

“Someday you’re going to need to explain the finer art of handling business while keeping a relationship alive. I fucked up the best thing that’s ever happened in my life.”

“If it’s true love,” Brogan interjected, obviously overhearing our conversation, “then you will find a way back to each other. I know that well.”

I wanted to be angry that my brother had mentioned my personal life and business, but I was beginning to embrace the importance of the Brotherhood and the work they’d done for almost ten years. Maybe I did want to be a small part of the organization but not until Madden was killed and the woman I loved was convinced I wasn’t a bad guy.

Right.

As if that could happen.

“There,” Uncle Dimitrios said, pleased he had conquered technology.

“Let’s get started,” Constantine said. “It would appear Madden is still secluded away in Ireland.”

“How do you know that for certain?” I asked, although it sounded more like a demand.

Constantine glanced at Maxim, as if telling him to address my concerns.

“He’s been sighted by some of our… friends,” Maxim said under his breath. “Show the footage.”

As Constantine took over the controls on the monitor, flipping through several screens, he first pulled up a picture of Madden taken for some magazine or news article. He waited as we all made note of what the man looked like before he switched to a recorded video of a man walking into a house.

“That was taken in his home in Dublin. He has several estates in various countries, but it would seem he’s hunkered down for the long haul.” Constantine’s voice held an air of certainty to it.

There was no doubt the man seen in the video was Madden Byrne.

“Then we go hunting in his world,” Brogan snarled.

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