Page 54 of Vicious Deception

“The one and only. What’s it to you?”

“That’s the man who’s threatening my parents,” Aubrey says.

“Wait, really?” I ask.

Aubrey nods. “It’s one of the reasons why Ludo was such a good option for me to marry since they’re in business together.”

“Well . . .” Finn shrugs. “Two birds with one stone, then.”

Aubrey’s shoulders drop. “Oh my god. My parents will be so relieved.”

“Be ready,” Finn tells me and Meredith again before turning and walking back toward the house.

My stomach flips. It won’t be much longer after that I’ll be able to see the guys. As long as they get out of Ludo’s mansion safely, that is.

They will,I tell myself, trying to combat the anxiety that tightens around my heart.We’ll get them out.

“You look like you need to clear your head.” Sparrow squeezes my shoulder. “Let’s head outside for a bit.”

“Just don’t go far,” Finn calls from where he’s already retreated into the dining room.

“You know we won’t, you worry wart,” Sparrow replies, rolling her eyes.

Outside, we wander around the yard. Maggie runs ahead while we stop in front of a small garden tucked between the house and a shed. In between the dead leaves and the beginnings of new greenery sits a small tombstone. There are only a few words on it:In memory of Andromeda.

I stare at it for a moment, wondering if this is the woman Austin talked about—the one Finn lost. Or maybe it’s in memory of a pet or something since there’s no last name.

But when Sparrow sees it, her expression turns sad, and she shakes her head. “Poor girl.”

“Who was she?” I ask.

With a sigh, Sparrow stares down at the tombstone. “One of the only people Finn’s ever fully trusted. Or loved, for that matter, even if he tries to pretend he’s never loved anyone.”

“What happened?” Aubrey asks softly.

“I can’t say.” Sparrow shrugs. “Not my place. Only that not saving her is Finn’s biggest regret.”

His biggest regret.I turn away, watching Maggie as I try to shove down my panic.

What if this doesn’t work?

What if not saving them ismybiggest regret?

“Shit. That was poor timing on my part.” Sparrow turns me around, clasps my shoulders, and stares into my eyes. “They’ll be fine, Wren. This is a good plan.”

“As long as we can trust Axel,” I say unsteadily.

“You wouldn’t be standing here if we couldn’t,” she reminds me. She smiles, and the sun peeks out from behind the clouds, illuminating her face and making her deep brown skin glow. “You four have a whole team of people behind you. No more worrying, okay?”

I nod. “Okay.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Meredith watching me. When I turn to look at her, her expression is oddly peaceful.

“From what Oliver has told me, I knew I’d like you, but you’ve surpassed all my expectations.” Meredith squeezes my shoulder reassuringly. “I’ve never seen someone as dedicated to them as you.”

“And you guys are going to kick Ludo’s ass,” Aubrey adds. “Otherwise, I still have to pretend to be his wife.”

I shudder at the thought, exaggerating it to make her laugh.