Page 29 of Concealed Deception

“I know that look, Xander.It means trouble, so tell me.What the fuck is going on?”

“That’s what I’d like to know.We need to leave, now!”

All four of us are in my car and making our way back to the penthouse.Tony checks in with the cameras, and to my relief, I see Ava is in her room.“What about Camille?”If anything happened to either of them, I wouldn’t forgive myself.

“She’s still in her quarters, watching the cameras.All looks good, boss.”He relaxes as he puts his phone back in his pocket.

“Good.That’s good.”I don’t know what else to say.Thoughts of Ava hurt, or worse, is tipping me over the edge.I’m ready to cause utter destruction to anyone who gets in my way, friend, or foe.

“I think you’ve just admitted to yourself how special Ava is.”Tony’s not patronizing me.For once, he’s being sincere, and he’s right.

“I’ll tear these states down piece by piece if anything happens to her, Tony.That’s a promise.”

Tony nods in agreement.“Let’s go get your empress.”

Seventeen

Ava

With the lack of sleep and the hideous amount of tossing and turning, my body aches, my head throbs, and I’m mentally drained.I haven’t come out of my room since Xander strode away from me this morning.I preferred going back to bed than being anywhere else in this house.This whole situation is a mess.I’ll be the first to admit drinking that much was idiotic.

There’s one thing I regret more.Handing myself over to Xander for a third time.I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve been played for a fool.

I’ve always been known to attract assholes, but this man is on a different scale.

I don’t know why I find his dominance so appealing, but I’ve succumbed to him, nonetheless.

I keep overlooking that I’m being kept here and have become stuck in his web.I’ve been lured in and used.Chewed up and spat out like I mean absolutely nothing, yet he’s still protecting me.He’s shown me plenty of times he’ll never hurt me.I don’t understand it.

I have learned one thing though, that no matter what is happening here or between us, I hold the power to destroy him.I know there are people out there that would literally kill if they knew I existed in Xander’s life.

Knowing that, I may be able to play him at his own game, and I internally smile.I have to think smart.I have to keep in mind that this man had been watching me through cameras when I was first brought to the townhouse.His office wall is lined with security screens, and I know there’s a camera somewhere in this room.I bet he has an arsenal somewhere in this house, too.

That gives me an idea.

As I sit up, I notice a glass of water and two little tablets on the nightstand like those I didn’t take yesterday.Taking these for my headache, then heading for the bedroom door, I think of all the ways I can make Alexander’s life a living hell while I’m here.

As I try the door handle, nothing happens.“Son of a fucking bitch!Let me out, you fucking asshole!”I yell, and abuse anyone who’s listening.

After a lengthy time of trying to get attention, I slump down on the floor, with my back against the door.Grabbing fists full of hair, I tug in frustration.We’re back to this again.Me being held captive inside a fucking bedroom.

I pick myself off the floor, not allowing self-pity to overcome me.I’m not letting anything or anyone defeat me.I’m sticking to my plan and going to find a way out of here.

I look around the room for something I can use as a weapon.A piece of wood, or a lamp, possibly the glass.Anything that’ll give me the upper hand and can keep disguised for what it really is.

I look under the bed, hoping maybe the feet or legs are easily detachable, and they might be.But that would be too obvious, and I’ll be caught on camera.

Another idea hits.My shoes.I could try to take one or two of the stilettos heels off.Or maybe there’s a hair dryer in the bathroom?I go in search of something that’ll be of any use and come up empty handed.Short of ripping the shower head off, I have nothing.I opt for using the shoe idea first and keep the glass handy as well.

I sit in the walk-in closet, biding my time.I’ve managed to lever some heels apart using the hanger rail—a somewhat proud moment.

While I'm here, I look around for something more suitable to wear.Searching the racks, I find something comfortable looking and baggy enough to hide some of my weapons.

I’m finishing getting changed when someone knocks on the door.“What?”I call out.

There’s a soft voice on the other side.Camille’s voice.Of course, she’s here.“What do you want Camille?”I snark.

“I have dinner for you.”There’s a pause before I hear the lock disengage and footsteps pad on the carpet.

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