Page 24 of Concealed Deception

With Knox ahead of us, and Vince in tow, we make it to the vehicles in quick time.I veer toward the Escalade when Vince redirects me toward the Range Rover.“Miss, we’re changing vehicles.We’ll escort you back to the penthouse.”

I discreetly pull Vince to the side, and then with a hushed voice express my concerns.“What about Xander?One of you has to be with him.Vince, you need to help him.”My tone is not of fear but concern.He always has a bodyguard with him.I’ve never seen him without one since I first stepped foot in his life.

“Mr.Lamont has plenty of staff, Miss Pierce.I wouldn’t worry.He knows what he’s doing.Now, please get in the car or I will have no choice but to force you.”

I don’t want to be drugged in front of Lacey, or have her drugged for that matter, so I stand tall and do what Xander asked of me.

I do as I’m told.

As soon as we’re in the car, Lacey is on me like a ton of bricks.“What the fuck, Ava?Care to enlighten me on what’s really going on?Are you in trouble?Why are we being forced into a car and taken back to his place?”

I’ve got to stop her.I don’t know how long I’ll be able to carry on this charade if I don’t.

“Stop, Lacey.That’s enough.Maybe he treated me better than that sleaze you so eagerly forced me to go out with.Maybe I want to be here…”

“Ava, I’m sorry, all right?When your message came through, I thought you finally got your chance at having a good time with someone who’s not a loser.I’m notwhat-the-fuckingthe fact you’re living your life.I’mwhat-the-fuckingthe fact that you’re getting cozy with the notorious Alexander Lamont.Ava,” she whisper-hisses.“He’s dangerous.”We stay locked in a silent conversation—me telling her that I’m okay, and her practically yelling at me with her eyes, telling me to get the fuck out of here, and me doing the same regarding Antonio and her.

“I know what I’m doing, Lacey.”I don’t need to voice aloud the lies of my past or how I want more answers, yet I need to remind her how much is at stake now.

“You slept with him.”It’s not a question, nor her passing judgment.It’s a simple fact which puts more of the puzzle together for her.“Fuck, Ava.”

And the judgments return.

Fourteen

Xander

I didn’t want Jackie seeing Ava again after their first encounter, so I sent the girls home with my two most trusted bodyguards.It was either that or risk them causing a scene, and I don’t need people seeing the effect Ava’s having on me.

Without a doubt, my treasure is under my skin.The way she responded to me in that room and her need to challenge me has changed everything.She holds more power to ruin me than I ever believed.

My plans to collect my debt have now turned into protecting what is mine.I will shield her from my world so long as she plays by my rules; which includes keeping her away from the troublemaking whore in my establishment.

I take great care ensuring everyone who gains access to Envy has something I can use as collateral.You’d be surprised how many people of importance are willing to do my bidding.

The moment Jackie’s pawn turns, he comes to full attention, straightening his spine, and greets me as if we’re old friends.“Mr.Lamont, what a pleasure to see you this evening,” Deputy Commissioner Griffin Chamberlin greets.

“Griffin.”I shake his outstretched hand.“A word.”I look at Jackie, so she knows this is a private conversation and she’s not welcome.

“Of course.”He turns to the whore causing me all kinds of trouble.“You’re no longer needed.”His dismissal pisses her off, but she has no other choice but to follow instructions.

He turns to me with his full attention.“What can I do for you, Alexander?”

“I would actually like to discuss a matter with you, if you’d join me on my balcony.”

I indicate toward my office balcony that overlooks the whole club.The exact spot I hid out of sight when Ava and her friend first arrived, watching from the shadows.

“Of course, lead the way.”

I nod to my security on the ground floor and they know what to do with Jackie.As of now, she no longer works here.

When I push through my office door, Tony is laying on the couch, watching the many screens we have observing the building like a fucking slob.

“Shit, boss.”Tony quickly turns the screens off when he notices I have company and stands to greet Griffin.“Deputy Commissioner, always a pleasure.”He mockingly salutes then leaves my office.

Sliding the glass door open, I get comfortable in my chair and light a cigarette.I like to make myguestssquirm before getting down to business.

Relaxing in my chair like I’m about to address an old friend, I bring my cigarette to my lips and inhale.I hold the smoke in my lungs for a long beat before exhaling the plume.The longer I press pause on this conversation the better, as nicotine flows through my system, easing the tension that’s building inside me.

---