Page 59 of The Art of Deception

She slowly smiles, but then it falls. “You hurt me.”

A lump forms in my throat. “I know, and I’m so fucking sorry, youhaveto know that. But I never intended to let it get that far or for you to find out that way. I was going to tell you, that night. It’s just… you got to the file first.”

Her hand subtly moves over her stomach—she appears a little scared. It’s the first time I’ve seen that apprehensive expression. I hold her other hand in mine. A spark ignites as I gaze deep into her eyes. “Tomi, I fell for you a long time ago. I need you to know I’m in. I’mallin. You, me, Levi, I want this to work. Just let me help you. Let me get you back in a shop and doing what you’re made for, what you’re born to do. You’re not a cashier. There’s nothing wrong with it, but your art needs to be out there in the world. I couldn’t bear knowing I was the one who took it away from you, but honestly, you’re the one stopping yourself from getting it back.”

Her eyes glisten as she gnaws on her bottom lip, her hand moving over her stomach again.

I furrow my brows as she clears her throat. “You, me, Levi, and… this little blip.”

My eyes widen.

My heart hammers and leaps into my throat.

My stomach churns as it finally clicks.

Tomi’s pregnant.

Withmychild.

I gaze into her eyes as joy fills my very soul. “You’re…”

She dips her head.

I lean in, grabbing her and pulling her lips to mine. I don’t care if she fights me. I need her right now.

Damn, it feels good to kiss her again after so fucking long.

Sparks fly in all directions, but she doesn’t fight me. She surrenders to the kiss, her mouth opening, letting my tongue collide with hers as I move my hand to the side of her face, caressing her cheek tenderly while the other grips her bicep, pulling her to me.

Kissing her, after so long apart, is a joy I haven’t felt before in all of my life. Knowing she’s carrying my son or daughter is something I can’t even comprehend. I slowly pull back, placing my hand on her flat stomach. My breathing rushed as she places her hand on top of mine. Elation swirls through me, and I can hardly stop myself from shouting from the windows.

I glance up into her watery eyes.

There’s a connection between us.

It’s always been here.

There was never any question about that as I stare into her beautiful doe eyes. “I’m going to be a father.”

She giggles. “In full disclosure, I found out a week ago…” She pauses and blinks a few times. “I just needed some time to wrap my head around this and figure out what I wanted, what I needed from you.”

I sit taller at her serious tone, paying full attention. “I’m listening.”

She sighs. “I should have heard you out. I should have stayed and listened to what you had to say. I dismissed you. I assumed you were the bad guy because the emails came from you when all the time your orders came from above. I know you couldn’t have stopped it now. I’m sorry for judging you. But I’m stillfuckingangry you didn’t tell me. For lying to me about your name, for leading me along. I won’tstand for that kind of bullshit, Xander.And if you ever lie to me again, I won’t hesitate in leaving you.” My stomach churns at how deceptive I was around her. “And I’mnotcalling you, Alex. I can’t do it.”

I lean in, swiping a piece of platinum blonde hair from her face. “I understand. I can’t apologize enough for every shitty thing I did. But Tomi, you mean so much to me. All of it came from a good place. But I promise you, I’m not going to fuck this up again.” I want to lighten the mood a little. “And just so you know, you’re gorgeous when you’re firing orders at me.”

She scoffs. “You’re an asshole.”

“Yeah, but I’myourasshole.”

She laughs, leaning in to kiss me again briefly. The electrical current sends a burning sensation to my cock.

God, I’ve missed her.

Suddenly, she pulls back, gazing into my eyes. “I’m not moving in here, Levi will hate this place.”

Excitement fills me. “It’s settled then, I’ll move in with you. Levi’s fine with me. And with the changes the baby will make around the house, you’ll need the extra hands to watch over Levi’s moods. A screaming baby will be an adjustment for him, and we will need to make sure his needs are met. We have to make sure Levi doesn’t become scared. We can create a safe haven for Levi, one where he can go and have his quiet time. Maybe even use some soundproofing in his room for added comfort. We will make sure he’s well taken care of.”

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