Page 14 of Deceptive Vows
Dimitris snorted, tapping ash into a nearby tray. “Never thought the day would come that Thea would argue in favor of getting engaged.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m arguing in favor of ending this. Which, by the way, I wonder if they know about Gabriele working with Marco.”
Lucas grunted. “For all we know, Pasha and Nazar met with both of them, and together they came up with this plan.”
Everything in me screamed that wasn’t true. I knew what I saw in Pasha’s eyes. Hurt. Loss. He understood the drive for justice. Nazar... there was something else there. An attraction for sure, but another layer that I felt compelled to peel back.
Ari grumbled and shook his head, pacing a short line in front of the couch.
I moved from Lucas to him. “You know I’m right. I love Anna. She is sweet and innocent, and I don’t want her hurt either.” The memory of her father’s blood splattered across her wedding dress flashed through my mind. No one deserved to go through something so traumatic twice. “But Marco is bringing in outside help. We use this as a chance to flip it around on them.”
My brothers stared at me.Hesitation and worry filled their eyes, but calculation did too. They knew I was right.
Dimitris took a few puffs of his cigarette, then nodded slowly. “Either we give our blessing, or she’ll do it anyway. At least this way we can back her up.”
I scoffed. “I wouldn't... Okay, yes, I would, but I’d rather go into it knowing I had your support.”
Lucas and Ari exchanged a look, a silent conversation passing between them.
Lucas rolled his tongue over his lips and dropped his arms to his side. “Thanksgiving’s at the end of the week. Aunt Helen wants us to get together. We could have it here and announce it then.”
“What? NO!” Ari growled, looking between us like we’d lost our minds.
Taking Ari’s face in my hands, I smiled. “Did I stop you?”
He stilled, understanding in his eyes. After he’d found out that several members of the police force, along with the chief, were helping Marco and attending some of his sickparties, he’d gone on a rampage. There’d been recorded evidence of crimes against children. He’d lost it and killedeveryone he could get his hands on, including our mayor.
Lucas was currently shopping for a new one. So far, there were no good prospects.
Ari maintained eye contact, his voice softening. “This is different.”
“Why? Because I’m a woman?”
“No. Because you’re my sister.” He pulled me into a bear hug, his grip almost too tight. “I’ve lost one, and I’m not willing to lose another.”
I returned the hug, breathing in the familiar scent of his cologne. “I know, and you won’t.” Leaning back, I smiled. “I need to do this.”
His lips pressed together a moment, resignation settling in his features. “All right. But the moment you think something is wrong, you’re tapping out. Got it?”
“I will. I’ll be careful. I promise.” Stepping back, a grin spread on my lips as I tried to lighten the mood. “So, do I spring it on Aunt Helen and just let Nazar show up, or should I give her a heads up?”
Lucas grunted a laugh, pouring himself another drink. “Maybe you should warnhim.”
Dimitris snorted, stubbing outhis cigarette. “Poor fella has no idea what he’s walking into with Aunt Helen’s interrogations.”
There was a moment of silence, and then my brothers laughed.
I joined in, but beneath the laughter, I was already plotting my moves. This was going to work. I’d make it work. Marco wouldn’t know what hit him.
Chapter Five
NAZAR
Hours later,her image still filled my mind.
My dark angel.
She’d walked into her brother’s office in an emerald-green dress and black heels, and my heart had hummed. The sight of her should have been a fleeting moment of admiration.
