Page 8 of Sin and Deception

This couldn't be happening.

"Don't worry, Nerine! It's all going to be fine," she reassured me frantically. "I promise nobody will trace this back to us. I swear, I changed the details."

How could she be so naive? My mind raced as my heart pounded in my chest.

Okay, first things first. I needed to read this book ASAP and devise a plan for damage control. Who knows what kind of consequences could come from this sudden fame?

“Send me this book, Fiona. Right now.”

Excitedly, she exclaimed, "I'll email you a copy when we hang up. But, Nerine, you're going to love it!" Her words resonated with pure enthusiasm as if she couldn't wait for me to dive into the book she had written.

"I based it on your life as the Godmother of the Angelos Mafia," she continued. “The heroine was forced into marriage with the new Godfather to save the family, being the eldest daughter. But in the end, she escapes, saving herselfand her family. I changed all the names, details, and locations, so don't worry."

My stomach churned with unease at Fiona's description of the book. She had taken events from my life and twisted them into a fictional tale for the world to consume. How could I not worry?

"Send me the book, Fiona," I requested firmly.

But deep down, I knew this book was not just a harmless story. It held secrets and truths that could endanger my family and me. Yet, Fiona remained oblivious to it all.

"I thought you'd be happier," she pouted. "It's a big deal to make it to the top of the charts like that.

"I'm proud of your success and artistry," I sighed wearily. "But, Fiona, I have to ensure you aren't putting any of us in danger with this book."

Listening to her protests and reassurances, my heart ached for my dear sister. She had never witnessed the horrors I endured at the hands of Andraius after our forced marriage. Mama had made sure to keep her sheltered from it all.

But now, with this book published and gaining popularity, all our efforts to protect Fiona seemed pointless.

"We're not in danger!" she insisted once more. "I wouldn't do that to us."

I couldn't stay mad at her for long. She was innocent in all of this, unaware of the consequences her actions might bring.

"I know, sweetheart. You wouldn't intentionally put us in harm's way," I assured her. "Send me the book. I'm looking forward to reading it."

"Thanks, sis," she said, a hint of relief in her voice. "I love you. Please don't be mad at me."

"Let me read the book, then I'll decide how mad to be," I replied sternly. "And, Fiona, if I tell you to unpublish this thing, you need to listen to me, okay?"

"Okay," she agreed reluctantly. "But millions of readers already bought it. You can’t put that cat back in the bag."

"I'll call you back later, okay?" I managed to say before hanging up.

As I waited for Fiona's email, my mind raced with thoughts and fears. All the sacrifices and pain we had endured over the past two years—were they all for nothing?

Oh, Fiona, what have you done?

Three

THEO

Seated behind the intricately carved oak desk, I gazed out the window at the vast Angelos estate. Beyond the tall trees encircling the property, the city of Boston thrived with life, its sounds muted by the thick walls of my office.

I couldn't shake the twinge of guilt as I looked at all this luxury I hadn’t earned. I was the acting Godfather of the Night for the Angelos Syndicate, with Xander's assistance... if he ever bothered to show up.

My fingers tapped impatiently on the desk, recalling how Nerine loved this spot. Xander and I had brought her right here once, years ago, when she first assumedthe title of Godmother of the Night. A small smile tugged at my lips at the fond memory.

But my mind quickly returned to the present, filled with tough choices and memories of past events that brought me to where I am today. None of it was easy. Xander and I faced numerous challenges and sacrifices to get to this point.

Our main priority now was defending our territory and protecting the Angelos family from enemy syndicates, particularly the Stratos from Chicago, who had been breathing down our necks for far too long. Today, an important strategy session awaited us if only Xander would bother to show up on time. He would never have dared to be late if it had been Nerine waiting for him.

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