Page 41 of The Art of Deception

They’re awards for business excellence.

Pride swarms through me for Xander, for the man I’m seriously falling for, while I read them. He’s gotten so far in his job, working for his family. Obviously, it pays well if this place is anything to go by. I can’t wait to find out what it is he actually does.

I read a little more, and then I see something that makes me double-take.

Cold sweat riddles my skin as ringing starts in my ears.

I’m gonna be sick.

My stomach starts churning so violently that I hunch a little.

My skin prickles with goose bumps, butnotthe good kind.

My body shudders as bile creeps up my throat when I see the name inscribed on the certificates.

I can’t believe it.

I can’t fathom it.

Thiscan’tbe happening…

Alexander Scott

I stumble on the spot, grabbing hold of the nearest shelf, which pushes a candle to the floor, and then it rolls a couple of times.

Alexander.

Alex.

Xander.

It’s the same fucking person.

Before I stumble backward, I moan, my legs hitting the coffee table, which tips me so I almost land on it. I place my hands on the top, where there’s a folder sitting wide open on the dark wood.

My heart hammers.

My head swirls.

My ears ring.

I grab the file, hoping for it to shed some light. I’m grasping at straws, and I know it, but when I look down, I spot a business card on the inside…

Scott Enterprises

Alex Scott

The name is embossed in the most beautiful foil gold on white.

Jesus Christ! My stomach lurches as tears spring to my eyes as Xander walks into the room.

I glare at him.

My…

Xander…

Is…

---