Page 39 of Sin and Deception

"I don't believe a word of it," Theo hissed.

"What aren't you telling us?" Xander demanded, his voice tense with suspicion.

I looked up at them, shaking my head in frustration. "Iam telling the truth," I insisted, praying they couldn't see through my lie.

"We know when you're lying or leaving things out," Theo said coldly, glaring at me.

"What does it matter? You're going to kill me anyway," I replied bitterly.

"Are you serious right now, Nerine?" Xander erupted as his calm facade shattered. "What aren't you telling us?"

This wasn't the Xander I knew.

He always kept his cool with me, even during moments of anger. It was Theo who frequently lost his temper with me. But now, it seemed like I had broken them both.

“What am I supposed to believe? I deserve whatever you do to me. I accept it.” I managed to keep my voice steady, even though the burning in the back of my throat felt like acid, scalding, and utterly painful.

“If we had wanted you dead, we would have done it long ago,” Theo stated, his tone icy. “I’ve already told you this. You will live a long life, Nerine. I’m going to make sure of it.”

“But you intend to make me pay for hurting you.”

Theo and Xander exchanged glances before Theo focused back on me and said, “We will decide your penance later. Now, speak. We want the rest of it.”

I couldn’t tell them everything now that they knew about Hayes and Charis. “I’m not saying another word until you let me go.”

"We’re in charge here, Angel," Theo reminded me.

Xander raised an eyebrow. "You're not in a position to make demands."

I rolled my eyes, annoyed that they were right. There was no point in arguing with them since they were as stubborn as mules. That was how they had always been. Why should I have expected anything different?

"I'll share what I can," I reluctantly agreed, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath before starting my story. “Devani visited me one day. I had no idea why she wanted to meet, but I trusted her."

A buzzing sound interrupted our conversation, prompting them to grab their phones simultaneously. They read their messages with increasing alarm before glancing at each other in panic.

"Shit," Xander muttered under his breath.

I asked anxiously, "What's wrong?"

Theo quickly pulled a gun from his waistband, his face filled with fear and urgency. "We need to go now."

"Right now," Xander added, his voice tense with urgency.

"What the hell is happening?" I demanded, tugging at my restraints once more. "Untie me immediately!"

But they ignored me, their gazes filled with worry and determination as they swiftly approached the door.

Theo firmly said, "Our conversation isn't over."

"Hell no, it’s not," Xander growled before both of them walked out of the room, leaving me still tied up and seething with uncontrollable anger coursing through my veins.

"Come back here!" I shouted, aware they would ignore me no matter how loudly I yelled.

Thirteen

NERINE

Xander's voice was urgent as he spoke to Theo. "We need to move quickly," he said, his eyes fixed on the phone in his hand. The two hurried through my apartment, their eyes scanning every corner.

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