Page 23 of Concealed Deception

“Care to explain?”

Xander’s hand is on the small of my back, and I know the subtle nature of it means he wants me to lie.

“We’re going to need drinks first, ladies,” Antonio interrupts.

I look at Xander with agreement, and he grants permission to Vince who nods in acknowledgment.Moments later, an assortment of drinks are brought to our table.I sit on the opposite side to the two backstabbers, then Xander slides in next to me, keeping me close.I’d have melted into his side had the circumstances been different.

“No shit.”Antonio laughs.“She’s gotten to you good.”His comment confuses Lacey more, and I pick this as my cue.

“Rowan was a dud.His words might have been smooth, but his realpersonalitywas uninteresting.”I glare at Antonio for a short moment before carrying on.“The date was going terribly when Alexander came along.I called it off shortly after.Alexander ended up buying me a drink, and the rest is history.”

“Hold on.Not so fast.How did you magically save her from a bad date?Were you stalking her?”Lacey is in full investigative mode.I know we need a believable story to pull this off.Xander doesn’t disappoint.

“It’s my restaurant.I was out for dinner, saw Ava and took the opportunity to discuss our unfinished chat.”

“You mean you scared her date off, so she’d have no choice, more like.Bloody hell, you’re all the same.”She pauses while taking a drink, then continues without letting any of us answer.“That doesn’t explain why you’re out dressed like a million dollars with Mr.Illusive himself.”

“Lacey,” I scold in warning.

“Ava,” she counters.

I take my drink and enjoy every last drop until it’s finished.

“Ladies…” Antonio tries and fails at redirecting the conversation, because Lacey has her own agenda.

“So, you’re saying you’re okay with this?How the hell do you go from being defensive during those messages to Rowan, to this assertive, own the room, woman?Where has this new Ava come from?”

I don’t answer; that means admitting to my whole life’s lie, to what went on behind this booth’s glass panel, and admitting to the feelings that are coming forth for the man next to me.

“Your silence frightens me.Just saying.But I like this new confident you.She’s hot.”Lacey makes a claw with her hand and swipes it through the air with a purr of her tongue.

Once we’ve finished reciting our events of the past few days, I round the questions onto her.I ask why on earth she’d come back here with this narcissist and lecture her for being so stupid.

The subtle squeeze on my thigh stops me from taking my outburst any further.Xander’s light touch grounds me, and when I look at Antonio, I understand his reasoning; it’s a warning.Antonio is staring daggers in my direction.I swear, if we were anywhere else, his knife would be headed in my direction right now.This new protective nature I’m witnessing from Xander tells me things are changing between us, and he’s noticing as well.We’re both already in over our heads.

“Ava, I’m not going to apologize for having some fun.Especially not when I thought you were doing the same.”

We’re interrupted by Knox coming alongside Vince and speaking into his ear.Vince keeps his composure, however, Xander is on high alert.He knows his men well.Vince excuses himself to gain Xander’s attention while Lacey continues to placate Antonio.

“What is it?”I ask when Xander comes back to us.

“You need to leave.Now.Antonio, escort the girls out the back, you and Knox take Lacey home.Ava, you are to stay with Vince.Donotleave his side, and for fuck’s sake do as you’re told.”

“Boss,” Antonio says with concern on his tongue.“I can stick around; Knox can take Lacey.”

All of this secrecy is causing a headache.Especially when I have a feeling of what—or who—could be on the horizon.

“I’m going with Ava.”Lacey digs her heels in, leaving no room for argument’s sake.

“Fine, just get them out of here,” Xander orders.“I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

I hastily get out of the booth, along with a disgruntled Lacey.

I don’t ask questions.

I don’t look back.

My overthinking of being in Xander’s father’s ownership has amplified my fear, and is enough to keep my legs moving.

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