Page 103 of Sin and Deception

“It’s probably nothing, right?” I said, looking over at her hopefully as she poured me a glass.

The last thing I wanted to do today was think about the violence and possibilities of our world. For just one day, I needed to put aside my duties as the Godmother of the Angelos family.

For twenty-four hours at least, couldn’t I just be a fucking bride?

“Absolutely,” Ariana assured me, handing me the wine and gesturing for me to drink.

I followed her instructions, attempting to rein in my racing thoughts.

Please let whatever was going on be something stupid.

And if it was something stupid, I planned to either make their lives a living hell or murder them with my bare hands.

“You can’t kill them on your wedding day,” Fiona said, shaking her head at me.

I scowled at her. “You’re a mind reader now, are you?”

“I’m your sister, and I know how you think.” She shrugged. “The moment they piss you off, you want to reach for your blades.”

“Am I that predictable?” I laughed, downing half the glass.

I needed the warmth of the buzz to take the edge off just a little. If this wedding ever happened, I needed to ensure I wasn’t drunkenly stumbling down the aisle.

“You have another option,” Christina hummed.

“I’m worried what you will say, but okay, I’ll bite.”

She gave me a beaming smile and said, “Just fuck them almost to death.”

“Oh, for the love of all that is holy,” Mama exclaimed. “How have I raised you to say such things?”

"Honestly, Mama. We're aware of everything about you and Papa, so there's no need to act surprised," Arianaremarked in her straightforward manner, which only infuriated Mama further.

“Stop picking on her, you two. Our knife-wielding mother doesn’t want anyone to know she’s a bloodthirsty badass who sinned before marriage.” Fiona shot me a grin as she walked over to the window.

"Feel free to enjoy yourself at my expense. This is what occurs when the Lord blesses me with daughters—not just one, but four.” Mama sighed dramatically, making me laugh.

God, I loved these women. Their antics always helped ease a stressful situation. A moment later, a cheer rang out from the crowd outside the window, and a wave of relief washed over me.

“Looks like your princes have arrived,” Fiona said, glancing into the gardens.

“My kings,” I replied.

She nodded in agreement. “I stand corrected."

I rose to face her, excitement coursing through my veins.

Fiona’s phone buzzed, and she signaled to Mama, who came over to me.

“It’s time, my sweet girl.”

She reached up and swept a lock of hair over my shoulders, smoothing the curl. Tears filled her eyes, and mine widened in surprise at her sudden outpouring of emotion. “I hope you know how beautiful you are, Nerine Angelos.”

“Thank you, Mama,” I replied, pulling her close, my heart overflowing. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” she said as I pulled away. “Now, go get your happily ever after.”

Mama extended her elbow, allowing me to slip my hand through it. We stepped out into the hallway together. Just outside the door, Ariana, Christina, and Fiona formed a line, grinning widely while clutching bouquets of red lilies. In front of them, Hayes and Charis looked adorable, holding baskets filled with red rose petals. They fidgeted restlessly, and Fiona did her best to manage them.

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