DECEPTION AND DESIRE

Chapter 15: You Lost It

VANESSA

My grip tightens around the wine glass as I watch Richard step inside—followed by the last person I ever wanted to see.

Dave.

That smug face. That arrogant smirk. That walking red flag of a man.

My stomach knots.

What the hell is he doing here?

Richard glances at me, his expression unreadable. Meanwhile, Dave stands there like he owns the damn place, dressed in his usual designer suit, exuding trouble wrapped in expensive cologne.

Then his gaze lands on me. His eyes widen slightly in surprise, but the smirk never fades. I hold his stare, refusing to let him see an ounce of weakness.

I know why he's here—to expose me to Richard. But I got here first. The problem? I haven't told Richard the truth yet.

Why did I even come? To confess? To admit that I’m not Jane, not Vanessa—but instead, I ended up in his bed.

Dave's gaze rakes over me, lingering in a way that makes my skin crawl. A dark flicker of jealousy passes through his eyes. He stands there for a moment, studying me like I’m some kind of art exhibit he once owned.

He had me when he was lucky. And he took me for granted.

Richard suddenly sets his glass down with a quiet clink. "Take your eyes off her."

My breath catches.

I can’t believe Richard noticed.

Dave chuckles but finally looks away, shifting his attention to the spread on the table. "Wow. You guys are having a feast without inviting me?" Without hesitation, he drops into Richard’s chair and picks up his fork.

I stiffen.

His eyes meet mine as he spears a piece of food from Richard’s plate. Slowly, deliberately, he brings it to his mouth.

"Hmm." He chews, then smirks. "This is delicious."

Richard snatches the plate away. "Dave, I thought you said you had something to tell me."

My pulse quickens. God, no. Please don’t let him say it.

Dave merely shrugs and grabs the plate back, taking another bite before speaking.

"Well, I found out you haven’t been to work for three days. I called your number, but you weren’t picking up." He takes a sip of water and then sets the glass down.

"So, I decided to check on you. Make sure my cousin is doing fine."

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

Then his gaze flicks back to me. There’s something in his eyes—something unsettling.

"You know, these days are crazy," he says. "You can’t trust just anybody."

Richard leans back. "Well, as you can see, I’m fine. Nothing’s wrong with me."

Dave chuckles. "Good to know."

Richard changes the subject. "By the way, have you gone through the agreement documents for the Green Estate project?"

Dave nods. "Yeah, I’ll bring them to your office tomorrow. That is if you decide to go to work."

Richard smirks. "I’ll be there."

I focus on my food, chewing quietly as they talk. So far, Dave hasn’t brought up my name or anything about me. And that makes me suspicious.

Then, suddenly—

"Jane."

My stomach drops.

I force myself to look at him. "Yes?"

"This food is tasty."

"Thanks, Dave," I say, keeping my tone neutral. "But I didn’t cook it. Richard did."

Dave’s eyebrows shoot up. "You’re joking."

Richard chuckles. "I only cook for someone special." He reaches for my hand and presses a soft, lingering kiss to my knuckles.

A warm flutter stirs in my chest.

Richard lifts his gaze to mine with a small smile. "I’ll be right back." He pushes his chair back and stands. "Dave, I need you to check a document with me. Let me go get it from upstairs."

I watch as he heads for the staircase, his footsteps soft against the floor.

The moment he disappears, Dave shifts. His entire demeanour changes. His body tenses, his eyes darkening with something cold—something dangerous.

I barely have time to react before he grabs my wrist and yanks me out of my seat.

"Let go of me," I hiss under my breath.

But he doesn’t. Instead, he drags me toward the glass door leading to the balcony. His grip tightens, his knuckles white with restrained fury.

I dig my heels into the floor, my pulse pounding. "What do you want?" I sneer.

Dave shoves the door open. The night air rushes in, cool and heavy with tension.

His grip tightens around my wrist as he pulls me onto the balcony, the night air brushing against my skin like a cold warning. The city lights flicker in the distance, but all I can focus on is the fire burning in his eyes.

I yank my arm, trying to break free. "Let go of me, Dave!" I hiss, my voice low but laced with fury. "You’re making a scene."

He doesn’t budge. His jaw clenches, his breathing heavy. "What the hell are you playing at, Vanessa? Or should I say, Jane?" His voice is sharp, cutting through the tension like a knife.

I swallow hard. My stomach twists.

"You have some nerve," he continues, his voice dark. "Lying to Richard, making him think you’re someone you’re not. Sleeping in his bed, eating his food, acting like—"

"Like what, Dave?" I cut him off, my voice steadier than I felt. "Like someone who cares about him? Unlike you, I’m not here playing games."

I see what this is about. He's angry and jealous that I'm getting the s*x and love he starved me of.

His eyes flash. "You think this is a game? You think you can just waltz into his life and erase everything?" He lets out a humourless laugh. "I know what you are. A liar. A fraud. And when Richard finds out—"

"Why haven’t you told him yet?" I challenge, stepping closer. My heart is hammering, but I refuse to back down. "You came here to expose me, didn’t you? But instead, you’re out here on the balcony, dragging me around like some jealous ex. So tell me, Dave—what’s going on?"

His breath catches, and for a split second, his grip loosens.

Gotcha.

"You had your chance," I whisper, watching the flicker of something unreadable cross his face. "You lost it."

Dave steps back like I just slapped him, his hands clenching into fists. "This isn’t over," he says, his voice low and dangerous. "Not even close."

Before I can respond, the sound of footsteps echoes from inside. Richard.

Dave straightens, his mask sliding back into place. I do the same, smoothing my hair and adjusting my expression.

The glass door opens. Richard steps out, his brows furrowed. "Everything okay out here?" His eyes flick between us, suspicion creeping into his face.

Dave forces a grin, too smooth, too practised. "Yeah, man. Just getting some fresh air. Your lover here was just telling me how lucky you are." He throws me a pointed look, then steps past Richard, back inside.

I let out a breath.

Richard watches me closely, his fingers brushing against my arm. "Are you sure you’re okay?"

I nod, pasting on a smile. "Of course. Just… catching up."

He doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t press. Instead, he leans in, his lips grazing my forehead.

"Come back inside," he murmurs. "I don’t like you out here alone."

I follow him in, but my mind is racing.

Dave’s right about one thing.

This isn’t over.

Not even close.