Page 12 of Concealed Deception

I’m surprised my ass hasn’t gone numb from sitting on the floor.I stare at the ceiling, then I spot something out of the ordinary.A little red dot in the corner of the room.It belongs to a hidden camera.

The bastard has been watching me!What the hell?

My anger rises, and as my blood starts to boil, I look at the tray of toast Camille left and decide fuck this, then I get up and flip the tray on the floor.Once satisfied with my little rebellious effort, I raise my middle finger toward the camera.If they want me to eat, they can let me out first.I make an oath to myself that under no uncertain circumstances am I going to give into their demands, or better yet, play by their stupid rules and be the victim.I’m not a damsel in distress, nor will I play byhisrules.Despite being in this position, I’ve stood my ground before, and I will do it again.

If I want to play dirty, then I’m going to have to stoop to his level and lock the fear away.

I vow, for as long as I’m stuck in this room, I’m going to make Mr.Lamont’s life a living hell, and I know how I’m going to do it, but first, I might make myself comfortable in the tub I saw in the bathroom.If I’m a captive of luxury I might as well take full advantage.

As I soak in the bubbles, the aroma of jasmine not only calms my mind but relaxes my tense muscles and smells divine, enticing me to sink further into the tub.

It’s like a switch has flipped.

The wandering thoughts I’d had about this man resurface and a part of me wants to push his buttons.I want to test my own strengths and test my own limits.It could all go horribly wrong.I could be wrong about him.There’s only one way to find out—captive or not, I need to seduce Mr.Lamont.

It’s been long enough for the water to go cold and make me pull the plug to get out of the bath.Wrapping the towel around my dripping wet body, I take a look through the drawers, intending to find cosmetics, or at the very least moisturizer, but every drawer is empty.

I walk directly to the closet, putting my plan into motion.That’s if he’s watching.Two can play cunning if they want to and I definitely want that bastard to squirm under his pristine suit.

Searching the rack, I come across several dresses, but it’s the beaded floor length sheer dress that steals my attention.Pulling it from the rack to admire its beauty, I see it’s lined with beads, pearls, and shimmering diamonds.It must have cost a fortune.

It makes me think in a different perspective.If there’s a variety of clothing all in my size, then what’s the bastard’s agenda?

I take great care putting the dress on, paying extra attention to the pearl choker and sleeves.I imagine his hard expression faltering when he sees me in this gorgeous dress.

With my head held high, I walk toward the bed, accentuating the swing in my hips with confidence, then sit with great satisfaction, hoping this game has changed in my favor.

Seven

Xander

I arrived home only to be met with a riot of foot traffic.First, I was greeted by Doctor Roberts, who informed me everything was well, and Miss Pierce would recover from the sedative Tony gave her, stating she’d most likely sleep that off.

My second annoyance was my head housekeeper, Camille, shuffling around, causing all kinds of a fuss and mumbling nonsense to herself.

The commotion that was coming from upstairs was what put a smile on my face, though I made sure no one noticed.My treasure sure knows how to make noise.

I chose to have a shower to freshen up before I make my way back downstairs to my office to check on things.As I enter my office, I stride toward my desk where my laptop sits and bring up the footage.

Seeing as I haven’t missed much since Miss Pierce woke, I rewind the footage to catch up on what I’ve missed.I see her exact moments of confusion, fear, anger—which explains why Camille was muttering profusely to herself—and something else I never expected… strength.

Her newfound control intrigues me.

Once the footage reaches her exiting the bathroom, I watch intently.My eyes are fixed on her until the moment she disappears into the closet, and then she manages what no other woman has ever before.My breath hitches as I watch this beauty glide—like she owns every right to—from the closet toward the bed, where she sits like damn royalty in one of the dresses that were handpicked for her.

If I wasn’t so intent on breaking her, I have no doubt she’d make a strong companion.A partner to have alongside me while I run my kingdom.

I brush those thoughts aside.She’s here for one reason and that’s to pay a debt her father made to mine.Something I very well may have to inform her about.

My thoughts are cut to my cell phone vibrating in my breast pocket.Pulling it out, I answer sharply to the person on the other end.“What?”

“Alexander, where is she?Where is the girl?I know you have her and I want her.”

William’s demanding tone doesn’t intimidate me in the slightest.“William, it’s nice to hear from you.”

“Cut the crap, boy.Where is she?”

“Safe, for now.But let me be clear, she is not and will never be in your possession.She was promised to me by her father and you shook on it.I even have the documentation you both signed.Just because you had him killed, doesn’t mean you have any right to her, Father,” I spit.“I’ve taken ownership now, so you need to back the fuck off.”

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