Page 41 of Concealed Deception

The scene before us stops us dead in our tracks.

“Hello, son.”

Twenty-Four

Ava

I never expected to be in this situation.I was excited to start a new job in a new city with one of my closest friends.Instead, the betrayal of my own dad sits in the back of my mind.How could he do this to me and my mom?

Xander’s father came into my room not long ago and has been spouting off about the auction being more of a success then he ever imagined.Continuing to say he gets millions as well as keeping me for himself.

“What do you mean,keep me?”

The slap to my cheek comes fast, twisting my head sideways.

“You little whore.You’ll not speak out of line again.”

I rub the side of my cheek, easing the sting that turns into a deep burn, which no doubt has left a mark.

“I’m about to claim my prize and you’ll let me.If you don’t, I’ll punish you.I’ll mark you so no other man will ever want you.I’m going to enjoy—”

A loud explosion cuts him off, as does the firing of bullets.

I’m thankful he didn’t get his hands on me in that way; however, he does take me in a hostage hold.He pulls my back hard against his front, and I almost lose my stomach contents at the feel of his hardness digging into my lower back.

A gun comes to my head the moment the door crashes against the wall, and I freeze in fear.

“Hello, son.”

“Xander,” I whisper as the gun digs harder into my temple.I let the silent tears fall.

“Let her go, you piece of shit!”Xander’s strained voice holds so much anger.If I wasn’t mistaken, I swear I saw a flicker of fear in his eyes as the door was flung open, too.But now, it’s gone, and in its place all I see is rage pointed directly at his father.

“I don’t think you’re in a position to make demands, Alexander.That little bid you made doesn’t mean you’ve won.I knew you’d come for her.It’s a shame for you really, I can’t seem to let this one go.Maybe I’ll use her for myself?I've been in need of a new toy ever since you discarded my last one.”

Xander’s fiery eyes burn holes through William.They’re void of all emotion.

This is the man Lacey warned me about.

This is Alexander Lamont, New York’s king of the underworld.

He is the man I’ve fallen for in the days of my capture.

My life goes by in a timelapse.Me as a child with my aunt.My school years.Going to college.Meeting Lacey.Moving to New York.The way Xander brought out the dark side I’ve been too scared to share with any man, yet he knew what I wanted.He knew what I needed.

I close my eyes, not wanting to see the strangled expression on his face as his father continues to goad him.

“She’s just like her mother, such a pretty thing.I had fun breaking her, too.The bitch wouldn’t listen, though.She was adamant to save hersweet girl.She fought, and I enjoyed every moment of fucking her, right up until the point where I slit her throat.”

My eyes snap open.I have never heard anything more gut-wrenching and heart destroying in my life.This sick human raped and killed my mother, all to get to me.

My own mask slips in place.I look into Xander’s eyes, hoping he understands what this means.

I’m sick of being a pawn.I’m a strong-willed woman in control of my own life.Anyone who says otherwise is going to learn a hard lesson.

I’ll no longer bow down.

“Let’s get one thing straight, we may share the same bloodline, but I amnotyour son.You think you have the upper hand?You’re a coward.Your trafficking days are numbered.I’m going to bring you and every man that tries to stop me to their knees.”

---