Page 105 of Sin and Deception

Theo squeezed my hands, and I turned my focus to him. We all knew I’d have a million questions later, but for now, this—our future waited, wide open and full of possibilities.

“Dearly beloved,” Xander started. “We are gathered here today..."

Epilogue – Chapter Five

NERINE

We decided to leave for our honeymoon in the morning rather than right after the ceremony. We arranged for everyone else, Mama, my sisters, the boys, and most of the soldiers overseeing the estate, to stay at a hotel, keeping only a few on-site for the evening.

After a night filled with exquisite dining, drinks, and dancing, our guests gradually departed, loading into hired cars that took them to various luxurious hotels.

Eventually, Theo, Xander, and I found ourselves alone for the first time that evening. We were tired and a bit tipsy, the excitement of the day surrounding us like the setting sun in the distance. Standing together, we gazed over our property, our arms wrapped tightly around one another.

The warmth of their bodies and their love enveloped me, making me feel cozy and joyful in their embrace.

“That went quite well, almost flawlessly,” I remarked as we looked at the pink and blue streaks in the sky above us.

“Almost,” Theo replied, glancing back at Xander with a wink.

I withdrew from their embrace and turned to face them.

“I suspected you both were up to something. What was it?” I inquired. “Are you finally going to explain why you were late?"

They crossed their arms and shook their heads before saying in unison, “Nope.”

Frustration bubbled inside me, nearly suffocating my happiness and intensifying my irritation.

“You promised there would be no more secrets between us. I believed that vow applied to both of us."

“Relax, Angel,” Theo said, wearing an annoying smirk.

“Don’t you dare tell me to?—”

Xander silenced me with an intense and passionate kiss. His tongue slipped between my lips immediately. I pulled away, my annoyance rising, even though his mouth felt incredible.

“Don’t ask me to relax. We can’t begin our marriage with hidden truths!"

“We aren’t being dishonest," Xander reassured me. “And there won't be any secrets. Something did happen earlier that caused our delay."

“I knew it!” I exclaimed, gesturing to the bloodstain on his shirt.

“We both recognize your investigative skills, Angel,” Theo replied. “We will share everything, just not tonight.”

“That’s why we asked you to relax,” Xander added.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes, absolutely,” Theo confirmed.

“We have everything under control. We sincerely apologize for the delay regarding our wedding. Please forgive us.”

I smiled at them, my annoyance dissipating, and my heart warmed by their expressions.

“I forgive you,” I replied, my tone gentle and full of emotion.

They each took one of my hands and kissed the back of it, their warm lips grazing my skin at the same time, sending shivers through me.

“You are the most stunning bride I’ve ever seen,” Theo whispered.

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