Page 36 of The Art of Deception

“You didn’t fail us, Tom-Tom, asshole Scott did,” Skins blurts, then takes a long drink of his champagne.

I exhale as Jana, Gigi, and Hogtie all nod in agreement. “Yeah, you’re right.” I have a sip of my champagne, taking another glance around my shop.

This is it.

The end of an era.

I’m devastated these people I call my family have to leave here too.

“Fuck Alex Scott!” Gigi hollers, making me almost spit out the champagne.

Everyone else chuckles.

I giggle as I raise my cup. They all raise theirs in a cheer while champagne spills over the top and runs down my hand. “Yeah, fuck Alex Scott!” I bellow.

We all laugh, then take a giant drink.

I turn and spot Xander walking toward us, but he’s a little hesitant.

My body alights, and all the hairs on my skin stand on end as warmth floods through me. He makes me feel alive, even when I’m in the shittiest of situations. Xander strolls over to me, a slow smile creeping on his face. Jana nudges me as I place my cup on the cashier’s desk, then walk across to meet him. His body relaxes as I approach, his hand reaches out to take mineinstantly. A tingle shoots up my arm to my heart, giving it a little kick-start.

“I wanted to check how you were doing. Tonight is huge for you.”

I lean up on my toes, planting a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks, you have no idea how hard this is.”

He grimaces, but it’s only a fraction. “I have some idea. I’m sorry, Tomi.”

My brows knit together as I chuckle. “It’s not your fault. You have nothing to be sorry for, Xander. But you being here definitely helps.”

He tenses, doing that wincing thing again. I’m not sure what it’s about, but I know I need to feel him, so I tighten my grip on his hand and start walking.

Xander leans into my ear. “And where are we going?”

Smirking, I pull him past everyone. They’re chatting amongst themselves, not paying attention as we pass. “There’s something I’ve always wanted to do here.”

The corners of his lips turn up as he follows me into the supply closet in the back, and I close the door behind us. I turn around and wrap my arms around his neck, gazing into his eyes. They light up as he suddenly realizes my intentions. Leaning up on my toes, I press my lips to his while his hands snake around my waist, holding me. My lips tingle while his tongue dances with mine.

Xander pushes me back against the shelves, hard. I “oomph” into his mouth as the shelves rattle, and a couple of ink bottles fall to the floor at my feet in our mad moment, but luckily don’t break. My hands tangle in his hair before his run under my shirt, his smooth, warm fingers caressing the small of my back. We kiss frantically against the shelves while his fingers grip my skin.

My clit throbs with desire—Xander makes me so needy for him. If the guys weren’t out in the other room, I would definitelytake this further. But I know I can’t, I need to slow down because as much as I want, no, need Xander right now, I have to cool this down.

I slow the frantic kiss. He senses and pulls back, his forehead resting against mine as we pant for breath. His eyes staring into mine, so full of lust, I want to sayscrew it alland drop my panties right here.

Xander licks his lips, his hand coming up to gently caress my cheek. “How are you… really?”

I close my eyes, taking a much-needed breath. “This is fucking shit… I hate the world right now.” I open my eyes to see him watching me with a sympathetic frown. “But it is what it is. And all I can do is wait and see how this all pans out. What kills me… is I just don’t know how Levi is going to take all this.” I shrug out of his grip and start to pace the confined space. “You saw how he was at the zoo. I mean, I’m not expecting that every day, but I do know he’s not going to be the same when he’s thrown this far out of his routine.”

Xander sinks in on himself, the move not comforting me at all. It only shows me I’m right. Levi isn’t going to get through this transition okay.

Xander strides up to me, taking my hand. “I know this is hard, but Tomi, you’re so strong. You’re fierce. And as for Levi, you take suchgood care of him. You have your specialists to turn to if he needs it. Levi knows you love him and only want what’s best for him. He’ll get through this, just like you will.”

“Yeah, but at what cost? What trauma is this shit going to have on Levi? Will he fight his way through it? What if I can’t find a job quickly enough? What if I can’t pay the mortgage on the house?” My eyes widen when the realization strikes. “Fuck, what if I lose the house? The house my family lived in, Xander? The memories of my parents and Kaylie. I can’t do that. I can’t lose that house, not for Levi or me.” I pace harder and faster,anger coursing through me.

Xander tries to pull me in, but I resist, yanking away from his grip.

“I need to go and see this Alex Scott. Give him a piece of my mind. Walk right into his office and punch him in his fucking nutsack.”

Xander gulps, placing his hands on my shoulders to stop me from pacing. “Tomi, you’re angry. I get it. Trust me. Nut-punching Alex won’t do you any good. It won’t make you feel better. And it absolutely won’t get you your shop back. Just take a breath, and let’s go out there to celebrate your last night with your friends.”

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