Page 73 of Thorns of Deceit

“Why can’t we just all be happy together?” I muttered.

“Or eat together,” Athena chimed in. “It always has to be ‘kill together,’ like that’s all we do.”

“Maybe we’re sinners like our father,” Phoenix signed, and her words hit home. Was I a sinner like my father? The very person whom my mother had protected me from my entire life?

Reina covered her face, and it was difficult to watch.

Isla made her way to her, lowered to her knees, and wrapped her hands around her.

“You know what Illias always says?” Isla murmured softly while Athena signed for Phoenix. “Strength is silent. Your resilience is stellar, and I’ve seen your determination. You do not give up, Reina Romero. So, whether you marry Dante Leone or not, give that fucker your silence. My brother is right, for maybe the first time in his life. Your strength is what makes you the woman we all know you are. The best response to people who don’t deserve you is indifference.”

“How do I marry Dante and want his brother at the same time?” Reina’s question just about broke my heart.

“Easy. You pretend you don’t until it starts to feel real. Show Amon what the fuck he lost.”

The words hit home and resonated more than I was ready to admit.

TWENTY-SEVEN

AIDEN

“Jesus Christ,” Kyran grumbled. “Did World War III start right here, in this shitty neighborhood?”

I stared at the wreckage that used to be Raven’s home in the distance, screeching to a stop and hitting the curb in the process.

“I doubt anything that important would happen here,” Tyran said, rolling his eyes. I exited the car, ignoring their bickering, while dread pooled in the pit of my stomach.

My brothers flanked me as I rushed down the street, approaching the chaos.

“I should have come with her,” I muttered to myself.

“Don’t stress,” Tyran said, staring at the scene with a furrowed brow. “I’m sure Raven and her mother are fine.”

Not even he believed his own words.

“Aiden…” My head slowly tilted in Kyran’s direction and I found doubt stamped across his expression. “You should know that Uncle Jack came to talk to your wife’s mother earlier.”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!

I stopped. “Why?”

He shrugged. “He wanted to welcome her to the family.”

I gripped him by the collar. “Why didn’t you tell me that sooner? He might have led our enemies here.”

“Whoa, whoa.” Tyran clasped my hand and squeezed. “Let’s not jump to conclusions.”

I shoved both of them away and rushed forward.

Chaos ruled every corner of this cul-de-sac. The shitty building was unrecognizable, its foundation tilting like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Remnants of wood flooring and furniture were stained black and grimy with smoke.

Police cruisers and ambulances crowded in, although judging by the sight, there wasn’t much left to salvage. Firefighters shouted, barking orders as they attempted to extinguish remaining flames.

The ringing in my ears reached fever pitch, and I walked forward almost as if surrounded by a fog. My insides were a mess, the terror inside me growing with each step I took.

My feet moved as I surveyed everyone around, expecting—hoping—to see Raven at any moment.

Why did I let her come alone? My mind chanted the question on repeat.