Page 81 of The Art of Deception
My stomach squeezes when I hear about Xander’s childhood, knowing he had someone with him while he was growing up, like Henry.
Another thing on my checklist. I need to meet him.
“I’m hungry,” Levi announces out of the blue, making melaugh.
“Okay, buddy, let’s get you a snack before dinner,” Xander announces, standing up and walking into the kitchen with Levi, leaving me with his parents.
Aldwin’s eyes meet mine, and I see a shift in him from last night. He sees me, truly sees me for who I am and what I want from Xander, not the hussy he thought I was. It’s a refreshing change.
“I hope you will come over more often,” I suggest.
Ophelia beams. It’s like rays of sunshine shoot out from her very existence. “We’d love that.”
“Just maybe tidy up a little before we come next time,” Aldwin jabs under his breath.
“Sure,” I reply, keeping the peace. There’s no need to get all in his face about the house. I know it’s never this messy, so his request won’t be a problem. Greta keeps this place spotless most of the time. “Shall I show you around the house and where we’re going to put the baby’s room?” I ask.
Ophelia jumps up as Aldwin smiles again.
The one thing we have in common is family.
That’s what we are now, whether Aldwin likes to admit it or not. We are all bonded because of one man, Xander. Because of him, I’m making a life for myself I never saw coming, a life with a wealthy billionaire who’s not just all about the money.
He has a heart and a little streak of bad boy in him.
He’s mybad-boy billionaire,and I love every piece of him.
Chapter Twenty-Four
ALEX
One Month Later
Being at work with my new schedule is taking some getting used to, but with the help of Henry, it’s becoming easier. He’s keeping me on track, and I’d be lost without him. But the thing is, with the plan I’m putting into place, I’m going to lose him. But it will be to a good cause. Henry pulls the car up at home, and I take a deep breath as we both slide out of the car.
He moves around to help me gather all the paperwork and items I need to plead my case to Tomi as we walk to the front door. Normally, Henry simply drops me off and leaves for the night, but tonight, tonight I want him to come inside and meet everyone. He knows why, and is prepared for whatever outcomes may arise from the conversation that’s about to take place.
I get to the door, open it, and walk inside to P!nk playing in the background.
“This is quite different to the penthouse, sir.”
I smile. “It’s so much better, Henry.”
His face lights up. “That it is, sir.”
Henry gets it, he’s a family man.
Expensive taste and precious rare knickknacks don’t mean shit if you have no one to share them with. This house means everything to Tomi and Levi. It holds all the memories of their family. It’s only fitting we start our new memories here too.
We walk through to the kitchen, where the music is coming from to see Tomi and Levi dancing around in their usual way. Tomi has her baking apron on and is covered in flour as Levi dances with a cookie hanging out of his mouth. I love seeingthem like this. This is their bonding time, and so I stand back, watching my family in awe as Tomi’s eyes meet mine, and she bursts out laughing, dusting her apron down. “How long have you been standing there?” she asks.
“Long enough,” I tease, walking in, grabbing her, and planting a kiss on her lips. She tastes like cinnamon and powdered sugar. It’s delicious.
Levi turns off the music, making me spin around to see him staring at Henry, and I straighten my shoulders. Knowing Levi doesn’t like strangers in his home, I get to work quickly. “Levi, this is Henry, my driver and longtime friend.”
Levi’s ears pick up. “He’s a friend?”
I nod. “Yes. A very good one. He’ll be yours, too, if you’d like?”
