The Art of Deception

Chapter Twelve

TOMI

My first time at Xander’s place? I never imagined it would be like this.

Incredible hot sofa sex in a penthouse apartment.

I have so many questions.

I can’t help but feel like even though I just had a crazy, intense moment with Xander, another one of a different variety might be on its way. I need to know what’s going on. I need to know more, and I want to know it now. This not knowing anything about his life, makes me batshit crazy.

Sitting up on the sofa, he follows me and gazes into my eyes. He understands where this is heading before I even start.

Licking my lips, tasting him on me, it’s like a rush all over again.

But I need to focus.

I need answers.

Staring him in his eyes, I stand firm. “Xander… who are you?”

He exhales, standing, then pulls up his pants as he heads toward an opening for another room. “We need some drinks for this discussion. I’ll be right back. You relax. Don’t go anywhere.”

I stifle a laugh. “I’m half-naked. Where am I gonna go?”

He winks at me, then walks out as I take in a deep breath, then turn, finally taking in the sights of his living room. There’s a giant, and I mean giant television on the wall, and when I say giant, I mean massive. Enormous. Gargantuan. There are shelves with books, ornaments, and the like. Then there’s a wall with a few plaques. What’s that about? I stand, pulling up my jeans and walking barefoot over the plushest carpet toward the wall.

They’re awards for business excellence.

Pride swarms through me for Xander, for the man I’m seriously falling for, while I read them. He’s gotten so far in his job, working for his family. Obviously, it pays well if this place is anything to go by. I can’t wait to find out what it is he actually does.

I read a little more, and then I see something that makes me double-take.

Cold sweat riddles my skin as ringing starts in my ears.

I’m gonna be sick.

My stomach starts churning so violently that I hunch a little.

My skin prickles with goose bumps, but not the good kind.

My body shudders as bile creeps up my throat when I see the name inscribed on the certificates.

I can’t believe it.

I can’t fathom it.

This can’t be happening…

Alexander Scott

I stumble on the spot, grabbing hold of the nearest shelf, which pushes a candle to the floor, and then it rolls a couple of times.

Alexander.

Alex.

Xander.

It’s the same fucking person.

Before I stumble backward, I moan, my legs hitting the coffee table, which tips me so I almost land on it. I place my hands on the top, where there’s a folder sitting wide open on the dark wood.

My heart hammers.

My head swirls.

My ears ring.

I grab the file, hoping for it to shed some light. I’m grasping at straws, and I know it, but when I look down, I spot a business card on the inside…

Scott Enterprises

Alex Scott

The name is embossed in the most beautiful foil gold on white.

Jesus Christ! My stomach lurches as tears spring to my eyes as Xander walks into the room.

I glare at him.

My…

Xander…

Is…

Alex- asshole -Scott.

I’ve been played this entire goddamn time.

How the hell could I have been so blind?

He’s holding two champagne glasses. I scowl at him, trying my fucking hardest not to cry right now. I absolutely refuse to give him my tears.

Right now, I don’t want to be a hurt or weak Tomi. I want to be kickass hold-no-bars shove-it-right-up-his-ass Tomi.

He studies me, standing with the folder in my hand, glaring at him. He cautiously steps into the room further, but my rage gets the better of me, so I hurl the folder at him full force. It slams into his torso, making the drinks spill all over his bare chest and down his jeans, making it appear as if he’s pissed himself while the papers flurry to the floor.

I cross my arms as he places the now empty glasses on the coffee table, appearing slightly frazzled.

“What did you see?” His voice is low and husky but holds command.

I allow my anger to take hold. It washes over me like a hornet ready to strike. “What’s your fucking name?”

His entire body sags as he closes his eyes for a moment.

That right there? It’s all the confirmation I need before I throw my hands in the air, letting out a frustrated scoff.

“How could I have been so damn stupid? Xander? Alex? I mean, if I were smart, I would’ve picked up that they’re from the same goddamn name, right?”

He opens his eyes, staring right at me, and tries to step closer, but I take a step back.

“ Don’t . Don’t you dare come near me!” My voice shakes, but it’s not from fear—it’s from the rage clawing its way out of my chest. “What the hell is this? Some sick, twisted game you’ve been playing? You brought me here, left all this shit out like breadcrumbs, just waiting for me to piece it together? Was that easier for you? So you didn’t have to be a damn man and tell me yourself, you fucking asshole!”

His jaw tightens, his fists clenching at his sides. “I didn’t want you to find out this way. To figure out who I am by some goddamn accident.” His voice is rough, almost broken, but I don’t let it shake me.

“Then why bring me here at all?” I spit, my heart hammering in my chest.

He drags a hand through his hair, exhaling hard. “Because I was going to tell you. Tonight . I wanted you to hear it from me, not from some fucking pile of evidence staring you in the face.” His eyes burn into mine, desperate, pleading. “This isn’t some game to me, Tomi. I’m not playing when it comes to you. I care about you too damn much—”

“ Bullshit! How can I believe anything you say, Alex! You’ve been scoping my shop for the last two years, getting all the inside info, knowing when to get me at my weakest so I’d fold under the pressure. I can’t believe you! I trusted you with my family—”

“Tomi—”

“ Fuck you , XANDER! How dare you come into my life, turn it upside down like this, when all along you had an ulterior motive. I told you what that studio meant to me, and still, you’re the one taking it away from me.”

He steps forward, his hands out, trying to placate me. “That’s why I brought you here, Tomi. I need to tell you—”

“Save your lies, Alex.” I spit his name out like some sort of nasty-tasting vegetable . “I don’t want to hear another deceitful word from you. You lied to me, Xander. Point. Blank. To my face. About your name, and I’m the idiot who believed you. But more than that, you took the place that meant everything to Levi and me.” I point to him and then back at myself. “This… us … we’re done. And if I ever see you again, I’m calling the police.” My chest squeezes. “Stay the hell out of my life. Stay away from Levi, and if I ever, ever hear from you again…” I narrow my eyes. “So help me, God…”

Fucking hell! I can’t go on. This is too much!

My entire body begs me to stay, but my head’s made up its mind.

I’m too fucking furious to say any more words right now.

This lying asshole betrayed me.

In the worst possible way.

So I pick up my shoes and turn to head toward the elevator, but Xander grabs hold of my elbow, spinning me to face him. There’s genuine fear evident in his eyes.

I grunt, punching his nose. Not too hard, but enough so he gets the message. My knuckles ache, but it’s nothing compared to the pain in my chest as he lets out an “oomph.” He drops my arm and grabs his face.

“I told you if I ever met Alex Scott, I’d punch him… and I’m a woman of my damn word. Shame I can’t trust anything you’ve ever said to me.”

He stares deep into my watery eyes, then slowly takes a step back, letting me step inside the elevator. I push the call button frantically as I stare back at Xander, finally seeing the face of the complete and utter asshole who destroyed my everything .

Our eyes are locked, but nothing’s being said.

My heart’s undeniably breaking into pieces.

Xander. The man I was definitely falling for, but now I can only see the man I despise.

What on earth would drive him to do such a heinous thing?

I have so many questions, but right now, I need to get the hell out of here.

“Tomi, don’t leave like this,” he begs.

My lip curls. “You told me you didn’t want to hurt me. Well…” I exhale, “… epic fail, you bastard.” The doors slowly begin to close.

Xander goes to make a move, but I stand taller, letting him know I’m more than done.

I’m hurt.

I’m devastated.

But more than that, I’m stunned.

His eyes hold too much—remorse, regret, something I can’t afford to acknowledge. Not now. Not when the pain is splitting me open from the inside out. I can’t let it in. I won’t . I need the anger, need it to fuel me, to keep me from shattering completely.

My heart pounds, each beat a reminder of the betrayal sinking its claws into me.

The elevator doors inch closer together, agonizingly slow, like the universe is mocking me, giving him time—too much time—to say something, to do something.

But he doesn’t.

He just watches, his gaze desperate, like he wants to reach out, to stop me, to fix what’s already too broken to mend. There’s a storm of words trapped inside him, fighting to be set free, but he can’t find the right ones—or maybe he knows none of them will be enough.

The elevator doors inch closer, and his face scrunches, like he is in physical pain, desperate to make a move but frozen to the spot, while the last sliver of light disappears, sending Alex Scott into the dark.

And just like that, Xander is right there with him— oh, the art of deception he weaved.

The elevator jerks as it begins its slow descent, but it’s nothing compared to the violent freefall happening inside me. The weight of everything—his lies, my pain, the crushing betrayal—slams into me like a tsunami, drowning me before I even have a chance to brace for impact.

I stagger, my shoulder hitting the cold metal wall, but I barely feel it. The real pain is inside, tearing through me with sharp, merciless claws. My chest caves, a choked sob ripping free as I crumble. The tears come fast, burning hot as they streak down my face, a brutal reminder of everything I’m trying to hold in but can’t.

I clench my fists, digging my nails into my palms, trying to ground myself in the anger, the fury that’s been keeping me upright.

But it’s useless.

I’m unraveling.

Falling apart, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.

He did this to me.

And worse—some part of me still aches for him anyway.

What the hell!

I’m so confused.

I’ve fallen for him—for Xander, but he was only using me.

I was played for a fool, and I let him.

I’m such an idiot.

The elevator opens, and I stumble out, my bare feet hitting the cool concrete as I sob uncontrollably while running to the car. I probably shouldn’t drive like this, but I have to get away from here.

I throw myself into the car, hands shaking as I jab the key into the ignition. The engine roars to life, but it’s nothing compared to the storm inside me. My breath is ragged, my pulse a frantic drumbeat in my ears.

I slam my foot down.

The tires screech, screaming against the asphalt just like every part of me is screaming inside.

I don’t care.

I need out.

Away from his snobby penthouse.

Away from the lies.

Away from Alex fucking Scott!

As fast as fucking possible.

The city lights blur past me, streaks of neon and shadow smearing together as I push the car harder, faster, as if speed alone can rip me free from the gravity of him. But no matter how far I drive, I still feel him—his voice, his touch, the weight of everything he didn’t say pressing against my chest like a vice.

And that’s the worst part.

I hate him. I fucking hate him.

So why does every shattered, broken piece of me still want to turn back?

I can’t go to Levi like this—him seeing me worked up will make him upset—so I just keep driving. I don’t know where the hell I’m going, I can barely even see through my tears, but I don’t stop.

I keep going.

Tears rolling down my face, dripping onto my shirt.

My breaths come in short, uneven gasps, my chest tightening like a fist squeezing the air from my lungs. I swipe at my face, but it’s useless—the tears won’t stop, won’t slow, won’t let me breathe. My vision blurs again, the road ahead nothing but streaks of light and shadow.

I clutch the wheel harder, my fingers aching, my body trembling under the weight of everything crashing down on me all at once. A sharp sob rips from my throat, raw and broken, and I bite my lip to stop another from slipping free.

The world outside moves past me in a haze, headlights flashing, neon signs flickering, but I barely register any of it. My mind is stuck in a loop—his voice, his face, the way everything shattered in an instant.

I don’t know how long I drive.

But eventually, I pull my car to a stop, wipe my face, take a deep breath and observe where I am. I slide out of my car before walking up the path to the brownstone. I know it’s late, but I’m hoping she’ll be awake.

I gently rap on the door. That way, if she’s in bed asleep, it won’t wake her. A few seconds later, the door swings open, and Jana stands there holding a baseball bat with a green mud mask on her face, wearing a unicorn onesie.

I can’t help but chuckle.

Goddammit! That is exactly what I need right now.

She drops the bat to her side, taking one glance at me, jutting out her hip. “I thought you were holding it together too well at the shop tonight. C’mon, let’s get drunk,” she offers without hesitation.

I rush forward, taking her into a tight embrace.

She softens, hugging me back, and exhales. “This isn’t about the shop, is it?”

I shake my head slowly against her shoulder.

She mumbles under her breath, “What did Xander do? No more tattoos, so no more nookie?” she teases.

The anger ignites inside of me at hearing his damn name. My tears dry up instantly as I pull back from her with pure hatred in my eyes.

She raises her brows with a grimace. “Okay, you need to come in. With that kind of death ray in your eyes, it must be bad.”

“You have no idea,” I grunt out the words.

She grits her teeth, pulling me inside, and we head straight for her tiny living room. Both of us plonk onto her bright purple sofa, where potato chip packets litter the floor and empty soda cans are spread all over the coffee table. It’s the total opposite of Xander’s place. Jana’s apartment is lived in, it feels like a home, maybe one a teenager lives in, but a home nonetheless.

Alex’s apartment’s barren, clinical, full of assholery—just like him.

It’s so easy to distinguish between the normal people and the dicks of the world.

Jana turns me as we sit facing each other cross-legged on her sofa. It’s hard to take her seriously with that shit on her face, but it’s her, so I deal with it.

“So tell me, what did lover boy do?”

I scoff. “Not my lover.”

She raises her brow. “Tomi…” she pauses. “You and Xander were getting close. Talk to me.”

My stomach rolls just thinking about it. Bile rises in my throat as I tense all over. “Xander’s full of shit. His real name is Alexander…” Jana tilts her head for me to continue, “Alex… Xander Scott.”

She jolts back, so much so that she almost falls off the sofa. “Fuck off!”

I clench my hands into tight fists, fearing I might punch the nearest thing in my anger again, which wouldn’t be a good idea because that happens to be Jana.

“You’ve got to be shitting me?”

Shaking my head, I shrug. “I shit you not.”

“Holy crap on a stick, now I see why you’re like…” she waves her hand around, “… this. That’s all kinds of messed up.”

“Tell me about it,” I murmur.

She sits taller, slapping her thighs like she’s had the best idea. “Right, we’ll start a ‘We Hate Alex Scott’ Facebook page!”

I can’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. She’ll do it, too. “I’m sure it would go against every rule Facebook has regarding their anti-bullying policies.”

Jana’s cheeriness falters as she thinks that over. “Yeah, probably… okay, then instead, for tonight, we get hammered.” She stands up before walking to the cupboard in her living room, pulling out the vodka and two shot glasses.

I grimace as she brings them over and starts to pour.

Why not? I may as well drown in my misery.

I’m going to miss Xander. The guy who’s obviously a fake but who was the best boyfriend— if that’s what he even was —that I ever had in my life.

“ Slauncha , my dear,” Jana offers, handing me my shot of vodka.

I raise it up to her, clinking my glass to hers.

Time to down some shots and get totally messy.

Xander?

Xander who?