Page 69 of Sin and Deception

“I agree, one hundred fifty percent,” Theo said, nodding solemnly. “Everything has changed now. The stakes are a million times higher with the boys involved. We will protect our future. They are our future.”

“So that’s the plan? Storm both compounds simultaneously?” Davenport asked with a definitive nod. “I can have my men in place in days. It won’t take long.”

“We can take them out simultaneously, so they won’t be able to warn each other,” Deluca said.

I looked over at them, wanting to punch all of them in the face.

First of all, they hadn’t considered my input. And second, their plan was fucking ridiculous.

They carelessly threw around half-baked solutions without considering their actions could havecatastrophic effects.

Naturally, I wanted to conclude this game that had lasted for decades. We all wanted it to end, especially me. The thought of living in peace and raising our boys without constantly worrying every time we left the estate felt like a dream.

It wasn’t possible with a strategy like this. Oh, it was so simple to go in guns blazing.

Sure, why not? Let’s go storm the castle and have our heads shot off.

Idiots. Idiots with guns and no sense surrounded me.

Had any of them considered what would happen if Fiona was there? She could become collateral damage.

I refused to allow any of them to fuck this up.

Plus, there was a matter of knowing if we could trust Solon.

Right now, I wasn’t so sure.

But everything in me screamed that Devani was the last person to betray me. She had gone out of her way to protect me and keep me safe. She had taken me under her wing and treated me like a sister. Then there were the countless hours she spent training me, molding me into what she liked to call a “ruthless assassin.”

If it hadn’t been for her, I wouldn’t have survived the night, Andraius attacked me. No, Devani wouldn’t betray me. There was genuine loyalty and trust between us.

However, I wasn’t comfortable with the Solon team before me.

I needed to find a way to contact Devani. I had to find a way. There was no other choice.

Xander looked over at me, and I narrowed my gaze. He lifted his hands in surrender.

He cleared his throat. “The Angelos has something to say.”

Everyone grew quiet as the energy of my agitation filled the space.

“It’s interesting how you’re making decisions for my family.” I stood, placing my hands on the table, and glared at the agents across from me, including Xander and Theo. “Let’s get this straight—nothing happens without my approval. These are my sons. It’s my sister who is missing. I have the final say on any plans that are put in place.”

“Are you objecting to what we have laid out?” Deluca asked. “We are trying to find your sister.”

“I object for several reasons. First and foremost, you have no idea where Fiona is. Storming anyone’s compound puts too many people at risk and increases the chance of innocent casualties. Second, we want to maintain our allies, not drive them to our enemies. Strategy is the way to defeat Aetos and Stratos. Is that understood?”

“What action do you suggest we take, Angel?” Xander asked.

I held Agent Davenport’s gaze. “I think it’s time to talk with your spies in the Aetos and Stratos families. Once you confirm Fiona’s whereabouts, we’ll decide on a solid course of action.”

“What makes you think we have anyone on the inside?”

“All you’ve done since we met is trickle information to us. That’s basic Solon 101.” My phone vibrated in mypocket, but I ignored it, knowing only one person called me on that device. And the only way to read the message was to finish this discussion with Agent Davenport.

“And that tells you we have someone inside other families?”

“No, it tells me you are stringing us along as you gather your intel. I spent a lot of time with your director. She’s taught me a thing or two.”

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