Page 72 of The Art of Deception

He chuckles. “C’mon, the faster we get inside, the quicker we can get back home.”

I snort out a laugh. “You wanna eat and run?”

He shrugs. “If we need to.”

“I’d like to make an effort and at least stay as long as we can.”

He groans. “Fine. But only as long as we absolutely have to.”

“Deal.”

He inhales, then blows it out abruptly, leaning over to kiss my cheek, which sends a tingle down my spine as he hops out of the car. I open my door and slide out. He reaches for the flowers and whiskey bottle from the back seat, and I head over to his side so we can walk together.

I take the flowers from him as he holds the alcohol for his father, and we join our hands, stepping toward the lavish home. We take the steps, and the front door opens before we even reach the top stair.

I tense as I glance up, expecting his mother, but a maid answers the door with a cheery smile.

Holy shit, they are rich.

“Good evening, Alexander, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” she says curtly.

Hearing that name, though, it sends a shudder through me, and I can’t help but wince as Xander tightens his grip. He senses my agitation.

“Good evening, Laura. This is my partner, Tomi. She’s going to be around a lot more. And from now on, if you could address me as Xander instead of Alexander, I’d appreciate it.”

Laura’s eyes widen like she’s unsure of what the protocol is, but she weakly smiles and nods. “Of course, sir.” She turns to me. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you, Tomi. Won’t you both come on in? Mr. Scott is in the sitting room.”

Xander’s hand leaves mine as it moves to my lower back, ushering me in. My muscles are tense as hell as I walk inside this opulent home. It’s so lavish and formal. There’s no understated anything here. The entryway opens to the main foyer, where marble floors and an extravagant staircase lead to the second story, which is made of timber and wrought iron. It’s like a stairway from a feature film, it’s that dramatic.

At the bottom, there’s wooden cabinetry, giving the open room a warm texture. It all feels very Victorian, with a giant ornate chandelier hanging in the center, which sends shards of sparkling light dancing across the tiled floor.

Off to the right is the dining room—the table, a long wooden piece with high-backed dark timber chairs. The feature wall of the dining room is covered in blue slabs of slate as another ornate chandelier hangs above the table, which is decorated in a vast array of greenery, giving the room a foresty smell.

There’s no doubt the Scotts have taste.Would I have styled my mansion if I had one, like this?Hell no. But it’s done well. There are so many little details in this home I’m going to miss, but I can’t spend the whole time admiring the décor.

Laura walks us around the back of the staircase through to another room. The stale smell of cigar smoke smacks me in the face instantly as Xander and I walk into the sitting room. This is just as beautiful as the foyer. The walls have mounted candelabras between each floor-to-ceiling glass paneling door that leads to an outdoor area. Gold curtains line the doors, making this room feel almost royal. The dark brown of the leather Chesterfields that face each other on either side of the dark coffee table in the middle makes me realize how big this room is with that huge coffee table. A grand bookcase lines the wall filled with books and relics, having a warm brown, cream, and red feel to it. This is definitely his father’s sitting room.

Laura gestures for us to take a seat. I glance at Xander as we move in and sit on the uncomfortable leather Chesterfield. He places the whisky on the coffee table as Laura dips her head, walking out.

I turn to Xander, letting out a heavy exhale. “This place, Xander.Holy shit!”

“You think a lady would refrain from using that kind of language in here, wouldn’t you?” a deep tenor radiates from myright as my head snaps over my shoulder, watching a tall, sturdy man walking in. His gray hair is swept neatly on his head, and his broad shoulders hold his suit well. He’s ruggedly handsome for an older man. I see where Xander gets his good looks. I place the flowers on the sofa beside me and stand. Xander follows my lead as I step toward his father.

“Well, Mr. Scott, I guess I’m not a lady. I swear, and I won’t pretend to be something I’m not.” His face scrunches like I’ve offended him. “But what Iwilldo is keep it to a minimum in your home out of respect for you, sir.” I place out my hand for him to shake. He turns from me to Xander, and he curls up his lip, effectively ignoring me.

“What the hell are you wearing, son? Jeans and leather aren’t appropriate attire for dinner. You believe your mother will be happy to see you wearing suchmundaneclothing?”

I raise my brow, glancing down at my flannel top, jeans, and red heels.

He must think I look god-awful.

“Dad, give it a rest. This is how I dress when I’m not at work. Just because you don’t approve—”

“No, Alex, I donotapprove,” he says, staring right at me.

I tense, a shudder running through me at the mention ofthatname andhiswords.

“Darling,” a soft voice breaks through the tension. A stunning, mature blonde woman struts into the room, arms wide like she’s excited we’re here.

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