Page 42 of The Art of Deception

Alex-asshole-Scott.

I’ve been played this entire goddamn time.

How the hell could I have been so blind?

He’s holding two champagne glasses. I scowl at him, trying my fucking hardest not to cry right now. Iabsolutelyrefuse to give him my tears.

Right now, I don’t want to be a hurt or weak Tomi. I want to be kickass hold-no-bars shove-it-right-up-his-ass Tomi.

He studies me, standing with the folder in my hand, glaring at him. He cautiously steps into the room further, but my rage gets the better of me, so I hurl the folder at him full force. It slams into his torso, making the drinks spill all over his bare chest and down his jeans, making it appear as if he’s pissed himself while the papers flurry to the floor.

I cross my arms as he places the now empty glasses on the coffee table, appearing slightly frazzled.

“What did you see?” His voice is low and husky but holds command.

I allow my anger to take hold. It washes over me like a hornetready to strike. “What’s your fucking name?”

His entire body sags as he closes his eyes for a moment.

That right there? It’s all the confirmation I need before I throw my hands in the air, letting out a frustrated scoff.

“How could I have been so damn stupid? Xander? Alex? I mean, if I were smart, I would’ve picked up that they’re from the same goddamn name, right?”

He opens his eyes, staring right at me, and tries to step closer, but I take a step back.

“Don’t. Don’t you dare come near me!” My voice shakes, but it’s not from fear—it’s from the rage clawing its way out of my chest. “What the hellisthis? Some sick, twisted game you’ve been playing? You brought me here, left all this shit out like breadcrumbs, just waiting for me to piece it together? Was thateasierfor you? So you didn’t have to be a damn man and tell me yourself, you fucking asshole!”

His jaw tightens, his fists clenching at his sides. “I didn’t want you to find out this way. To figure out who I am by some goddamn accident.” His voice is rough, almost broken, but I don’t let it shake me.

“Then why bring me here at all?” I spit, my heart hammering in my chest.

He drags a hand through his hair, exhaling hard. “Because I was going to tell you.Tonight. I wanted you to hear it from me, not from some fucking pile of evidence staring you in the face.” His eyes burn into mine, desperate, pleading. “This isn’t some game to me, Tomi. I’m not playing when it comes to you. I care about you too damn much—”

“Bullshit!How can I believeanythingyou say,Alex!You’ve been scoping my shop for the last two years, getting all the inside info, knowing when to get me at my weakest so I’d fold under the pressure.I can’t believe you!I trusted you with my family—”

“Tomi—”

“Fuck you,XANDER!How dare you come into my life, turn it upside down like this, when all along you had an ulterior motive. I told you what that studio meant to me, and still, you’re the one taking it away from me.”

He steps forward, his hands out, trying to placate me. “That’s why I brought you here, Tomi. I need to tell you—”

“Save your lies,Alex.”I spit his name out like some sort of nasty-tasting vegetable.“I don’t want to hear another deceitful word from you. You lied to me, Xander. Point. Blank. To my face. About your name, and I’m the idiot who believed you. But more than that, you took the place that meant everything to Levi and me.” I point to him and then back at myself. “This…us… we’re done. And if Ieversee you again, I’m calling the police.” My chest squeezes. “Stay the hell out of my life. Stay away from Levi, and if I ever,everhear from you again…” I narrow my eyes. “So help me, God…”

Fucking hell! I can’t go on. This is too much!

My entire body begs me to stay, but my head’s made up its mind.

I’m too fucking furious to sayanymore words right now.

This lying asshole betrayed me.

In the worst possible way.

So I pick up my shoes and turn to head toward the elevator, but Xander grabs hold of my elbow, spinning me to face him. There’s genuine fear evident in his eyes.

I grunt, punching his nose. Not too hard, but enough so he gets the message. My knuckles ache, but it’s nothing compared to the pain in my chest as he lets out an “oomph.” He drops my arm and grabs his face.

“I told you if I ever met Alex Scott, I’d punch him… and I’m a woman of my damn word. Shame I can’t trustanythingyou’ve ever said to me.”

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