Page 279 of Vicious Temptation

“You trusted someone you loved. That doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.”

“I should have known.”

“Why?” Her question catches me off guard. “Because you’re always supposed to know when someone is lying to you? Because loving someone should come with a special ability to see every secret they’re keeping?”

I don’t have an answer.

“Thiago deceived you. That belongs to him. You don’t get to turn his actions into a reason to punish yourself.”

A tear makes its way down my cheek.

“Listen to me, Remi. You’ve always walked into a room with your head high. You speak your mind and you fight like hell for the people you love. You don’t apologize for taking up space.” She pauses until I’m looking at her again. “Don’t let one man’s betrayal make you believe any of that disappeared overnight.”

Around me, no one says a word.

“Nothing that happened changes who you are to us. You’re still our Remi, and you’re still fiercely loved.”

Reaching across the table, she extends her hand to me.

“So lift your chin, sweetheart. Don’t let him take that from you, too.”

I take her offered hand, and she gives mine a squeeze. “Thank you.”

Papá waits until I look at him. “A mistake, princesa. That’s where this ends.” His voice leaves no room for argument. “Now we deal with those responsible.”

I push to my feet, and everyone turns toward me, but being the center attention of the doesn’t carry the same weight it did when I walked in. “I called you all here for a reason.”

My eyes find Aunt Leni first, then Aunt Eva and finally Valentina on the screen. Val gives me a small smile, and I hold on to the reminder that I’m not standing here alone.

“Thiago Braga is part of an organization called Helios.”

Saying his name still hurts, but I continue.

“According to the file I was given, Helios is some kind of covert operation. I don’t know exactly where they fall or who they answer to, but they have access to information and resources they shouldn’t have.” I look toward Uncle Derek. “The best way I can explain it is that they’re the antithesis of The Six. Have you ever heard of them?”

“No.”

Aunt Eva shakes her head. “I’ve never seen that name in any report or database.”

“Neither had I until that woman gave me that file. Helios compiled a full dossier on me, including every one of you except the Leones.” I rub my palms against my thighs before continuing. “Thiago was sent to learn what we know and retrieve any intelligence we have.”

The next part is harder to say.

“If he couldn’t or if he learned we were still active, he was supposed to eliminate me.”

Mamá goes still.

There’s one more thing I’ve kept from her, and after everything that happened with Thiago, the last thing I want is another secret between me and my family.

“Mamá, there’s something you don’t know. I asked Aunt Athena to let me be the one to tell you.”

She steps closer. “What is it?”

“You met Thiago’s father. You were with him the night he died.”

Mamá takes a moment.

“The detective from Miami?”