Page 73 of Sin and Deception

I clenched my jaw. When did pushing Solon to the brink of explosion become part of the plan? We were dealing with a rogue assassin group with flexible morals. Had they forgotten this?

These men were going to push me to my breaking point. Now, all my warm and fuzzy feelings were gone completely.

I tried to calm my breath and prayed we made it out alive.

After a few tense seconds, Theo finally spoke up again. "We meant no disrespect, Agent Davenport. The news we received was unexpected and left us feeling vulnerable and uneasy. We believe that leaving is the best course of action to ensure our safety."

"We appreciate all of your efforts and support," I added, wanting to diffuse the tension. "Your team's protection was invaluable, and we are grateful for everything you have donefor us. However, we will manage our own protection from this point forward."

“Very well. We will accept your decision despite our concerns.” Davenport gave a curt nod, her eyes flickering between Xander and Deluca as if she anticipated a confrontation. "Let’s clear our equipment and take our leave."

Deluca stepped back, his gaze still locked on Xander, who returned the intense stare.

"Thank you for your assistance," I said, trying to calm any remaining tension.

Davenport and her team began packing their equipment, and the sounds of zippers and Velcro filled the room.

Theo, Xander, and I made our way to our part of the house. Once we entered the living room of our suite and closed the door securely, I sighed, letting my body relax for the first time in hours.

"Great job," I said, shooting a sharp glance at Xander. "But you, hothead, could definitely improve your delivery."

He scoffed, "Whatever. That was part of the plan. Besides, you were eager for it, which got the job done."

I pursed my lips, recalling how his aggression had dulled my senses during the questioning. "Yes, until you crossed the line. Then all the tingles vanished because I thought you and Deluca were about to throw punches."

"I don't like it when anyone questions me," he muttered, running a hand through his messy hair and offering me an apologetic grin.

"Understandable." Theo chuckled. "But there's this thing called diplomacy. Maybe you've heard of it?"

Xander rolled his eyes and walked over to grab some bags. "I never claimed to be smooth."

"No, you did not." I laughed. "Okay, let's focus on getting out of here now that we've dealt with that obstacle."

"The car and driver are ready," Theo reported. "The decoys will join us as planned. Great idea, Angel."

"I've learned a few things from being around these agents," I replied before heading into the next bedroom, where Mama was waiting with the boys. "It's time to go."

She lifted Hayes into her arms, and I took Charis in mine. After getting into the car and speeding down the highway, I pulled out my phone and texted Devani to update her on our progress.

It was a long journey, with over three hours of driving and two vehicle changes, before we finally boarded a private plane bound for Boston. This time, I made sure to double-check that the pilot had filed a false manifest to throw off any unwanted attention.

The boys slept soundly throughout the flight, their calm demeanor offering a brief distraction from the flood of worst-case scenarios that filled my mind. Even as we descended into Boston and passed through the gates of the Angelos estate, my nerves still felt uneasy.

But as soon as the doors of our armored SUV swung open at the front entryway of the house and I stepped out, a wave of emotion washed over me.

My eyes took in the grandeur and beauty of the home I had left behind against my will two years ago. It held both some of my best and worst memories.

"Are you ready to go in?" Xander's voice broke through my thoughts as he and Theo stood on either side of me, each carrying one of our sleeping boys in their arms.

I intertwined my fingers with theirs. "I'm ready."

As we approached the front door, the Angelos soldiers paused their duties to acknowledge us. As they saluted and said, "Angelos," I couldn't help but think of my father, Papa, who was always larger-than-life and known as the Angelos.

A chill ran down my spine. "I am the Angelos."

"Yes," Theo and Xander replied in unison.

As I stepped through the threshold of the house, I took a deep breath, savoring all the familiar scents of my childhood home. It instantly stirred a wave of nostalgia. My eyes settled on a wall adorned with pictures of our family at various stages of life.

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