Page 36 of Concealed Deception

I spin, almost spilling my drink, then open the door with force, only to be pulled into a hard body and owned.He devours my mouth like it belongs to him, swiping out his tongue as he kisses me intensely.

I pull back, not wanting to play any part of it—even if he’s the best kisser I’ve ever come across—and tip my drink on his head.

A threatening look pulls me in, and I know I have about two seconds before he acts on it.Right on cue, he lifts me, throws me over his shoulder, and lands a whopping slap to my ass cheek.

“What the fuck do you want, Antonio?I thought I made myself crystal clear not to come near me anymore.”I try to reiterate my words from a few mornings ago.

“Don’t flatter yourself, pixie.I’m here on business.”He throws me down on the couch.While I right myself, he takes his finger and wipes it through the slushy contents dripping down his face.I watch on as he then puts his finger deep in his mouth, sucking it clean.His face lights up with the flavor hit.“This is fucking delicious.”

I ignore how hot that made me and wait to find out what he wants with me.If he’s here on business that means fuckface Lamont has sent him.

“I need your help.It involves Ava.”

As soon as her name is mentioned, my defenses go up.“No.Not happening.She got herself into bed with him, he can figure out how to fix it himself.She’s not spoken to me for days.She’s on her own.”I take a stand and look out for myself.

Selfish, yes.

Is it necessary?

Probably not.

“There’s a lot you don’t know, but right now you need to understand that she’s been taken by Xander’s father, and we need your help to get her back.”

“Why didn’t you lead with that?Fucking hell, Antonio, what are we waiting for?Let’s go!”

Before he says anything more, I’m marching toward the door where Knox is watching the whole disaster unfold.“Don’t say a word,” I tease.Knox has always been stoic.His facials are stone and he stands like he has a rod up his ass.

I don’t bother getting my purse or a coat.I know that whatever I need, I’ll get my hands on it later.

“Fuck, woman, wait for me.”Antonio rushes to catch up.As we make our way down the elevator together, a time where we couldn’t keep our hands off one another plagues me.

“It was the hottest sex I’ve ever had; you know… You spread your legs for me against the hand rail while I fucked you hard against the elevator wall.Fuck, you know what you’re doing, pixie.I can’t wait to get you into the club,” he whispers in my ear.

“Shut that shit down, now.It’s not happening.Ever again,” I hiss.I face my body toward the door and away from him.He gets under my skin.“The sooner I know what’s happened to Ava, the sooner I can get away fromyou.”

I ignore the rants and mutterings behind me.I’m ready to march out of the building when I’m pulled backward into Tony’s chest.His arms wrap around my midriff, holding me in place.His charm and sex appeal lures me in every time I’m near him, and I’m a glutton for punishment.I fight not to relax into him like I want to.

“You need to behave when we get to Alexander’s, pet, because once we’re there, I won’t be able to protect you from him.”

“Pa-lease.I’m not scared of him, or you, for that matter.”

Something cool and sharp glides over my exposed skin.I hiss at the sting it creates then feel the warmth trickle over my breast.

“Would you like to reevaluate that statement?”

He can’t see my eyes widen.I try hard not to let the dread in my stomach rise to the surface, though I’m failing.

Scenarios run through my mind of what could have happened to Ava.

Was I too blind to see what was happening to her?

If Tony can pull a knife on me, what has Alexander done to her?

“Please, just tell me what’s happened to her.”

He turns me in his arms, looking directly in my eyes as his finger swipes the cut he created and then he brings his finger to his lips.

“Your pupils just became dilated, pixie.Does having your blood on my tongue turn you on?”

---