Beyond Love Lies Deceit by Melissa Toppen Page A

talk me off the ledge and reassure me that I am doing the right thing. I have no friends, no family, no one that cares if I live or die. I am completely alone in this world, I think that’s the scariest part of all of this and why I am so out of sorts over my night with Luke.
    For the first time in a very long time I awoke feeling like there was more to life than this. That maybe love and friendship meant more than revenge. But then I remember what I’ve lost, that if not for Ryan Scott I wouldn’t be alone in the first place.
    With that thought alone I can feel my resolve slip back into place. Luke is a setback, a bump in the road I didn’t see coming, but that doesn’t mean that I have to get off the road completely. There is no future for the two of us, no matter what choice I make. My path to vengeance is all I have left now and I will cling to it until my plan is complete.

Chapter
Fifteen
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    L uke
    Visions of last night flood my sight the moment my eyes open. I take a deep breath, letting the memories seep in. Allie; the way she smelled, the way she tasted, the way she felt beneath me. I can’t wipe away the immediate smile that crosses my face.
    Sitting up, I realize immediately that I am alone. Even the disappointment of Allie not being here with me is not enough to shake the warm feeling last night has left me with. Throwing back the covers, I quickly climb out of bed, sliding on my boxer briefs before making my way out of the bedroom in search of Allie.
    It doesn’t take me long to realize the hotel room is empty. Not sure where she could have gone, I look around the room in search of my cell phone, not sure where it might have ended up in the chaos of last night.
    Just as I turn to head back to the bedroom, I spot my phone on the table in the living room, a folded over piece of paper wedged underneath it. Pushing the phone to the side, I immediately open the paper to see Allie’s beautiful cursive scrawled across the center.
    Headed out to do some sightseeing. Be back later
    -Allie
    Tossing the note back down, I grab my cellphone, preparing to call her. Before I can get her number dialed, the phone buzzes to life in my hand, a New York area code flashing across the screen.
    “Mr. Scott.” I recognize Shane Porter’s voice immediately upon answering. “My father asked that I invite you to join us for breakfast.” He continues without waiting for a reply.
    The last thing I want to do is spend the day with the Porters, especially given that I am currently preoccupied with a certain beauty I had the pleasure of sharing my bed with last night. But alas, I know that business is business and there is no way I can decline.
    “That sounds great. Where can I meet you?” I answer after a short pause.
    “Baristas on Eighth. Can you make it by nine?” He asks, causing me to glance up at the decorative clock above the entry way; just after eight.
    “Nine I can do.” I reply.
    “Perfect. We will see you then.” He says.
    “See you then.” I reply, disconnecting the call.
    Letting out a deep sigh, I decide to send Allie a quick text message before heading into the shower. I know it’s foolish of me to get involved with my assistant, and then there’s whatever is going on with her and Ryan to consider, but I cannot help the way this girl makes me feel.
    She has completely fucking wrecked me in the absolute best way possible.

Chapter
Sixteen
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    S amantha
    Wish I could join you. I hope you have a good day. I will be thinking of you.
    I read Luke’s message for the second time before snapping my phone shut and shoving it back into the pocket of my jeans. I know I am going to have to deal with this situation head on but right now it’s not a thought I can stomach.
    Crossing the main campus of NYU I look around at all the buildings, the layout, the scenery that Sean had described to me upon his arrival here all those years ago. Finding a nearby bench inside of