Deceived by You Read online

  Deceived by You

  Marilyn Williams

  Copyright © 2020 Marilyn Williams

  All rights reserved

  The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

  Cover design by: Kayla Creations

  Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Chapter Thirty-two

  Chapter Thirty-three

  Chapter Thirty-four

  Chapter Thirty-five

  Chapter Thirty-six

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  Chapter Thirty-eight

  Chapter Thirty-nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter One

  It’s incredible how your life can change in an instant. A single action can lead to an undesirable chain of events or change your life for the better. In Ava’s case, she would say meeting Justin had enhanced her life. She’d found a man who’s trustworthy, loyal, and thoughtful. She could rattle off more favorable attributes the wonderful man in her life possessed and wouldn’t run out of adjectives. He always tells her how lucky he is to have her, but she’s the lucky one.

  Ava rose out of bed, her bare feet hitting the cold marble floor. She glanced over at Justin, who slept beside her. They’ve been in the sanctuary of his home since they’d arrived and haven’t left. He has worked from home, and she hadn’t left his side. When she arrived in San Diego a month ago, she soon realized he had downplayed his successful life. It wasn’t the beautiful, clear blue San Diego sky or the perfect summer weather that captivated her. It was the drive into his Carmel Valley gated community that had astonished her the most. Her eyes remained transfixed as they passed one mansion after another, and when they reached the private gates of his home, her jaw fell onto her lap. The home appeared as if he had transported it straight from a Tuscan villa in Italy. From the black wrought-iron gates, that surrounded the seven-bedroom and five-bathroom home to the rich tan stucco exterior and travertine cobblestone driveway that added to the exterior beauty.

  Ava slipped on her robe and ventured down the winding staircase. It gave the perfect view of the imported glass chandelier that hung high above the grand foyer. She proceeded down the hallway until she reached the kitchen that some would consider a chef’s dream. We’re talking about subzero refrigerators, professional Viking dual range, and built-in wall ovens. The Keurig coffee maker was the one contraption in his kitchen Ava knew for sure how to operate. She retrieved two k-cups from its holder and brewed two strong cups of coffee. By the time she returned to the bedroom, Justin was up, scrolling through his phone.

  “Ah, right on time,” he said, placing his phone on the nightstand before reaching for the cup in her hand.

  “So, our morning ritual hasn’t bored you, yet?”

  “Not for a second.” He took a sip and set the mug down. “But it’s time to join the real world again.”

  “Oh, so soon,” she whined before savoring the French vanilla coffee.

  “I wish we could hide forever. However, it’s time we return to real life.”

  “For you, it means going into the office.”

  “Working from home has its advantages.” He reached across the bed and stroked her hair.

  “Be honest, I’ve been a distraction.”

  “I’m not complaining.” He kissed her cheek. “Before I return to work, there is someone I need to see.”

  “Your father?”

  “Yep.”

  “I would love to tag along.”

  “Not yet. He and I have some catching up to do.”

  “I get it.” She placed her half-empty mug down. “Male bonding session.”

  “Something like that.” He jumped out of bed and entered the bathroom.

  Ava followed behind. The master bath was equal to the size of the entire first floor of the townhome she’d sold. Her favorite amenity was the soaking tub, it sat dead center of the bathroom surrounded by floor-to-ceiling columns.

  She watched as Justin turned on the water in the shower. It had jet sprays from every angle. He moved closer and enclosed his arms around her waist. “Are you sure you’re not upset I’m visiting my father without you?”

  “No, not at all.”

  “How do you plan to fill your day while I’m gone?”

  She shifted her eyes upward like she was in deep thought. “Let’s see… I can sit in the jacuzzi or take a swim in the infinity pool.”

  “I have one better.” He placed a kiss on her neck. “View listings for a house on the beach.”

  Ava jerked her head back and eyed him with confusion. “You want to move?”

  “Let’s see what’s available. If you find something you like, we’ll go from there.”

  She removed herself from his embrace. “But I don’t know the area.”

  “Start with La Jolla. That’s south of here, and it’s a short distance from my office.”

  “Are you sure you want me to do this?”

  “Yes, it’ll give you a chance to learn the city. Just make a list of anything that catches your eye and we’ll go from there.”

  Ava smiled. “I’ll get started right away.”

  “Well, not right away.” He untied her robe and kissed her lips. “First, I need you to join me in the shower.”

  ∞∞∞

  Justin zipped in and out of traffic on I-5 towards his father’s home. They hadn’t seen each other in several months, and it was past time for a face-to-face visit. He arrived at the exclusive gated community in the hills of Rancho Santa Fe where a familiar face stopped him at the guard station.

  “How you doing, Mr. Harrington? Haven’t seen you around in some time.”

  Justin grinned at the gray-haired gentlemen. “I’m doing great, Steve. How’s Joanna?”

  “We had a visit with the doc yesterday. She’s in complete remission.”

  “That’s great news. Give her my best.”

  “Will do.” He lifted his hand in a wave as the black iron gate parted ways. Justin drove past two streets before turning onto a cul-de-sac. He smiled to himself as he parked his car on the circular driveway. He and his father, Christopher Harrington, were very close and have been since his parents divorced while Justin was in high school. Justin chose to surprise his father with a visit, so he called James, his father’s butler, to verify if his father were home.

  He quietly entered his father’s study, where he found him behind his desk overlooking paperwork. “Dad,” said Justin, knocking
on his door.

  Christopher lifted his head, and a huge smile spread across his face. “Son, it’s about time you came to visit your old man.” He stepped around his desk and embraced him with a hug. “Is Ava with you? I would love to meet her.”

  “She’s at home.”

  “It’s been a month and you’re still keeping her to yourself.”

  “I wanted time alone before throwing her to the wolves,” he laughed.

  His father patted his back and squeezed his shoulder. “Would you like a drink?”

  Justin sat in one of the overstuffed black leather chairs. “I’m good.”

  Christopher sat across from him with a glass of scotch in hand. “How are you really, son? I can’t imagine how you’re dealing with what you’ve gone through?”

  Justin rubbed his chin and grimaced. “I’m glad he’s behind bars, and he spared Ava from sitting through a trial by pleading guilty. But if I’m honest, I don’t feel like I’ve gotten justice. I wanted to kill the son of a bitch.”

  “It takes a sick bastard to lock someone in a pit and resume his normal life.” He sipped his drink before placing it on a marble coaster.

  “I could handle what he did to me. When I barged through the door and saw the barrel of his gun pointed at Ava’s head, that’s when I lost it. I charged him and beat his face into the ground. If he’d hurt her…” He shook his head. “I can’t bring myself to think about it.”

  “What matters is you’re both are alright.” Christopher sat back in the chair as his eyes rested on Justin. “What are your thoughts on a dinner party? Just a small gathering to welcome you back and introduce Ava to everyone.”

  “When?”

  “As soon as you free up time in your schedule.”

  “I’ll speak with Ava, but next week should be fine.”

  Justin and his father spent another two hours catching up. Each relating current happenings in their prospective businesses. Justin shared the construction progress of his resort hotel in Atlanta. Christopher expressed excitement over the FDA approval of his pharmaceutical company’s latest cardiac medication. He is the head of Steele Pharmaceutical, a company named after and founded by Justin’s grandfather, Robert Steele Harrington.

  “I better get going,” said Justin.

  “Before you do…” Christopher stood and faced his son. “I wrestled with telling you this.”

  “What is it?” Justin’s brows knitted together.

  His father slid his hands in his trouser pockets and grimaced. “Lindsey. She’s been beside herself since you left.”

  “Lindsey? Why?”

  “You should talk to her.”

  Justin frowned. “Concerning?”

  “Look, I know you’re in this new relationship with Ava, but Lindsey…”

  “Dad, we dated off and on. Definitely not serious enough that she’s owed a conversation.”

  Christopher’s gaze veered to the hardwood floor.

  “What is it you’re not telling me?” asked Justin.

  “She’s pregnant.”

  Justin’s face contorted into confusion as his hand rested on his stomach. He held it there as if someone had punched him in the gut. “Did you say pregnant?”

  His father nodded his head. “Just talk to her.”

  “It can’t be mine.” He shook his head in disbelief. “It’s been months since I’ve been with her.”

  “Son, you’ve been gone for quite some time. Longer than anyone expected.

  Justin ran one hand through his hair, while the other rested on his hip. “How can you be sure?”

  “I heard it straight from her father. Tom mentioned it last week during a round of golf.”

  Justin said goodbye and promised to get back to him as soon as possible about the dinner party. He walked in a daze to his car. He and Lindsey were involved in a very casual relationship that lasted six months until he left for business in Atlanta. Since then, they’ve had little contact. Before he believed a word of it could be true, he had to hear it from her mouth.

  After making a several stops along the way, he entered his home with his keys in one hand and a flower bouquet in the other. “Ava,” he called out, placing his keys on the center glass table in the foyer. He proceeded down the hall. “Ava!” His voice echoed as he stepped closer to the sitting room, where he found her laid across the sofa. Her eyes were closed with a pair of earbuds in both ears. He stood over her and stared into her face. He smiled as the memory of their first meeting replayed in his mind. She was amongst a crowd of over fifty people in a bar, yet she stood out as if a spotlight had shone above her. When his friend Nina had introduced them, he knew instantly, she would be the one who would capture his heart. Although he attempted to keep her at arm’s length, every moment they spent together he became more captivated by her brilliance, confidence, and most of all her beauty. He loved her and wondered how he would tell her about Lindsey. He could barely wrap his mind around it himself. For now, he would keep quiet about Lindsey and her pregnancy.

  Justin brushed the strands of her hair from her face before placing a single kiss on her lips. She stirred a bit before opening her eyes. “I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful asleep,” he said.

  Ava stretched her arms above her head, with her eyes falling on the bouquet he held. “You’re biased.” She reached for the flowers, bringing the red roses to her nose. “They’re beautiful.” She stood and hugged him. “How was your visit with your dad?”

  “Good. He asked about you and wondered why I didn’t bring you along.”

  “I told you I’m ready to meet your family.”

  “Call me selfish, but I want to keep you to myself for a bit longer.”

  She smiled. “I better get these in water.”

  He followed her into the kitchen. “He wants to throw us a dinner party.”

  “What did you tell him?” She arranged the bouquet in a Waterford crystal vase.

  “I would speak with you and let him know. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to do it next week.”

  “Fine with me. I can’t wait to meet everyone.”

  “Did you find any listings for a beach home you liked?”

  She frowned. “All the available homes were in the millions.”

  “I know.” He shrugged. “Don’t worry about the cost. Make a list, and we can always negotiate.”

  She stared at him as if he had spoken a foreign language. It wasn’t lost him they come from two vastly different worlds, and it would take her time to get used to living in his. Justin placed his hands on her waist, lifting her onto the counter. He inched closer, causing her to lock her arms around his neck. “Still happy you moved here?”

  “At first I was nervous. You know, relocating and starting over. Now that I’m here, I have no regrets.”

  He kissed the side of her neck. “I couldn’t imagine leaving Atlanta without you and being alone in this house.” He dragged his lips to the other side of her neck as she arched her back. “I couldn’t do this.” He cupped her ass, pushing her to the edge of the counter.

  “You didn’t get enough this morning?” she asked.

  “I could never get enough of you.” Justin moved his lips to her mouth where she pulled him into a deeper kiss. As he continued to kiss her, he slowly unbuttoned her shirt. His hands glided up the skin of her back, stopping when he reached the closure of her bra. “Shit,” he murmured, reaching into his pants pocket to grab his phone.

  “Who is it?” asked Ava. She looked just as upset as him.

  He glanced at the name on the screen. Lindsey! “It’s no one.” He sent the call straight to voicemail and placed the phone face down on the counter. He slid Ava’s bra strap down her arm and kissed her bare shoulder. Before he could go any further, his phone rang again. His mouth became dry and his pulse quickened as Ava’s hand hovered over his phone. In one swoop, she flipped it over and eyeballed the screen. “It’s Rebecca,” she said, hopping off the counter, buttoning up her shirt. “She wouldn’t call if
it wasn’t important.”

  Justin took the call from Rebecca Shaw, an associate he left to oversee the construction of his hotel in Atlanta. “Becky said hello,” he said after hanging up.

  “What’s going on? You don’t look very happy.”

  “There’s been a setback. Damn sewer lines are causing a problem big enough I may have to fly down.”

  “Really? So soon?”

  “I’ll see if she can handle it, if not I won’t have a choice. In the meantime, where were we?” He grabbed her arm, pulling her into an embrace. “If I have to fly out, I’m taking you with me.”

  Chapter Two

  While Justin spent the morning at the office, Ava decided to take advantage of the warm weather by going for a walk through the neighborhood. To prepare, she changed into the proper attire of denim shorts and a white tank top. She then ventured into the kitchen for the proper hydration. Because Justin didn’t believe in using plastic water bottles, he had a cabinet full of aluminum bottles in various sizes and colors. She removed a pink bottle and filled it with ice-cold filtered water from the fridge.

  Before exiting the front courtyard, she sent a quick text to Justin to let him know she would be out of the house. She began her walk downhill, admiring the views of the multi-million-dollar homes she could see. Most sat behind privacy gates far from the street. It was a quiet neighborhood with no one in sight. If it wasn’t for an occasional passerby in a car, she would’ve thought she and Justin were its only occupants.

  Midway through her walk, she noticed a moving van with a woman dictating orders to several workers. “This piece goes in the dining room,” she said to two men who looked as if they struggled to carry a wooden banquet cabinet. Her eyes drifted towards a navy-blue velvet chair partially covered in a white cloth. It sat isolated from the other furniture on the sidewalk. With no other excitement happening on her walk, Ava turned down the street.

  “Gorgeous chair! That color is spectacular!” she said, catching the woman’s attention.

  She turned towards Ava with a friendly smile. “It is, isn’t it? Would you like to take a peek?”