Thank you for taking the time to read Betrayed by You, Book One in the Deception Series. I hoped you enjoyed the first book in Ava and Justin’s trilogy. If so, please consider leaving a review. Their story continues in Deceived by You, Book Two in the Deception Series. Keep reading below for a sneak peek.
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.
To be informed of my next release, please visit my website. http://marilynwilliamsbooks.com
Other Books by Marilyn Williams
The Shattered Series
Shattered Lives
Shattered Hearts
Shattered Truth
Betrayed by You Page 25