Page 49 of The Art of Deception

Jana’s eyes light up, just like I hoped Tomi’s would, but, of course, Tomi’s as stubborn as they come.

Of course, she’s going to fight me on this.

“Yes. The answer is yes, Tomi. Because I’ve been coming here as a customer for two years, and because of that, I know you. I know the workers. I know what this place means to all of them, to you, to Levi…” I take a step closer as she tilts her head like something clicks in her mind.

“And just howexactlydid you get it past us that you’re Alex Scott? When you came in the first time, you would’ve had to show us your ID to get a tattoo. Jana would have seen your name?”

I glance at Jana—she already knows—who is folding her arms across her chest with the biggest of frowns appearing.

I gulp down the lump in my throat. “I used a fake ID. I knew if you saw who I was, you probably wouldn’t deal with me—”

“What? You did that so you could scope out the shop, you fucking asshole!”

“No, Tomi, no. I swear. It was so I could get my tattoo done by the best, without you thinking I was doingexactlywhat you’re thinking. If I came in and told you who I was, when I started sending you emails a few months later, it would have been…weird.”

“And this isn’t?”

I exhale, trying to bring it back to my original point. “Iknow this is messed up. I couldn’t find a way to keep the original Hope & Faith Ink building, but I have been working on a new design that’s going to be similar to what it is now, but with a few better features, with things you wanted in your dream store.” I sigh. “I’m doing this for you because I can. Let me give you this, Tomi.”

She scoffs. “Right, so I can be indebted to you for the rest of my fucking life? No, thank you, sir.I don’t have the money to fall back on if shit hits the fan. Then I’d need to payyouback everything.” She folds her arms defiantly. “No. The answer isno. Firmly,no. Now leave, Alex, you’re not welcome here.”

My chest aches at the idea of never seeing her again, so I make a move. “You’re still my girl, Tomi. Whether you want to be or not. Whether you believe me or not. You will always bemy girl.”

She laughs unrestrained. “Who says shit like that? I’mnotyour girl, Alex. Now get the fuck out.”

I glance at Jana, who has softened her stance toward me. I smile weakly at her, then turn and walk toward the door. “I’m not giving up on you, Tomi.Ever!”

“Please do,” she replies, making me laugh.

“There’smy girl.”

“Not your girl,” she cuts back.

“Yes, you are,” I state, walking out and closing the door behind me before she can say anything more.

I turn back to see her watching me and dip my head, to which she flips me the bird. If anything, that little action has only made me more determined to get her back.

And I will.

I just have to show I’m not giving up on her.

She needs to know how much I care about her and Levi.

Chapter Fourteen

TOMI

Salivating over Xander in a suit did all kinds of things to my libido. As much as I try to deny my feelings for him, I know I’ve fallen hard for the man who played me like a damn fiddle. That’s what hurts the most. I’m usually so smart, so switched on about this sort of thing, but Alexthrew me completely.

There was not one thing that made me suspicious of Xander—there was nothing that triggered alarm bells. That’s what makes him such an unprecedented liar. How could I ever trust him again?That’s why it hurts—I trusted him, not only with myself but also with Levi. How Levi’s going to cope with Xander not being around for him anymore, I don’t know. Levi finally felt like he had a man he could trust who would be there for him. But Xander let him down too.

That’s not cool.

Jana’s talking to me as I continue to dismantle the workstations after Xander’s departure, but I can’t hear a word she’s saying. My head is racing with thoughts I can’t control. Memories of times Xander and I spent together, times we’ll never have together. I didn’t realize the hold he had on me until right now when he’s actually gone.

“Tomi… earth to Tomi?” Jana calls, snapping her fingers in front of my face.

I glance up at her. “Huh?”

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