Page 28 of The Art of Deception

We walk out to the white noise of morning television, andwe head to the family room. The curtains are still drawn as the morning news plays with Levi on the sofa, watching it intently. He likes to keep up with the financial reports. Don’t ask me why, but they fascinate him. He’ll be a wiz with money when he’s older.

“Good morning, friend,” Levi calls.

Xander’s eyes widen as I inwardly smile. Of course, Levi knew Xander was still here. He’s smarter than I give him credit for.

“Hey, buddy, how’d you sleep?” Xander asks, breaking apart from me as we make our way over to my brother.Looks like I’m dumped for the better Beaufort sibling.But I don’t mind. I love the fact they get along so well. Xander plonks on the sofa beside Levi, and Levi hands him a blueberry muffin. Okay, so my breakfast meals aren’t of the best standard right now. I need to go shopping.

“Very well. The best I have since Dad died.”

My head snaps up in shock as the room falls to silence, my heart hammering. Levi doesn’t talk about our parents’ death very often, so the fact he is now means something.

I just don’t know what.

I’m a little shocked.

I’m not even sure what to say.

Xander’s eyes casually glance up at me as if to assess the situation while the tension in the room ebbs slightly. “Well, that’s good that you slept well,” Xander suggests.

Levi nods matter-of-factly. “Yes, it is. Having a man in the house is protection from the shadows.”

My heart shatters so intensely I have to turn away to stop my eyes from overflowing. I never once thought in this entire year that Levi was missing that manly figure in his life to make him feel secure. No wonder he’s so terrified at night. I can’t protect him like our father could—like Xander can. Even though the shadows he’s scared of can’t hurt him, just having Xander heremakes him feel at ease. Secure. It’s something I’ll never give him, and it tears my heart to shreds.

Xander’s hand smooths up the back of my leg, giving me the support I need right now. “Well, I’m only a phone call away, you know that, and Tomi’s very capable. She can take on anyone and anything. Hell, I’m scared of her most of the time.”

Levi chuckles as I relax at Xander’s attempt to make us both feel better. I face Levi to remind him that Xander is telling the truth. I’ll always be here for him, no matter what.

“Xander?” Levi murmurs.

“Yeah, buddy?”

“Thanks. You should stay every night, though, anyway.”

I can’t help but laugh as I move in behind Levi and scruff his hair. “Okay, that’s enough. You have to get ready for school, mister.”

He quickly pulls his hair back into a neat position, then standing, he heads off to his room. I slide in to sit next to Xander, letting out a huge exhale as I plonk onto the sofa. He wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me to his side and cuddling into me as I rest my hand on his chest.

“How you doing? You okay?” he asks.

Pouting, I sigh. “I have some competition. He loves you more than he loves me.”

His face lights up, beaming with pride as he leans down, kissing the top of my head. “I’m a shiny new toy, Tomi, that’s all.”

I grin mischievously. “Does that mean I get to play with you, too?”

He leans in, his lips almost pressed to mine. “Oh, yeah, wouldn’t have it any other way.”

His lips meet mine kissing me as Levi rushes out. “Tomi, you have to get dressed, or we’ll be late.”

Groaning, I regrettably break apart from Xander.

He lightly kisses the tip of my nose as I stand and stride to my room to get ready.

***

Levi rushes toward the classroom. Just as he reaches the step, he turns back and waves at us. Xander and I both return the gesture from Xander’s Chevy as Levi’s friends all gawk at the tricked-out vehicle. They all glance at Levi like he’s the coolest kid in school. Levi was so happy he was able to ride in the car and tell everyone that he knows Xander.

“I’m glad I was able to do this for him,” Xander mentions as he pulls out onto the street.

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