Free Circle of Deception 2 by M. Skye

only gone for a few days, and rushed back to his new life with Maddie. Things were really going great for them, too bad everyone in their families weren’t having the same luck.
    Matt and Melia’s situation had spread throughout the entire circle, and people were quickly making their opinions known. It was a big mess that they all wished would clear up soon, but the way Melia was feeling about everything showed that it wasn’t. She was truly a woman scorned. She had hired a divorce attorney and was out for blood.
    Matt had moved out, and she had restricted his access to their house. She had changed the locks and he wasn’t allowed to come by without her being present. The one thing she did allow was for him to spend time with Cienna. As much as she despised him for what he had said and done, Cienna adored him and she wouldn’t deny her the father she loved; even if she doubted his devotion.
    After being thrown out, Matt went on a downward spiral. Staying out late all night and drinking was diminishing his chances for visitation, and his brothers knew they had to step in. Watching Matt lose Melia was one thing, but losing Cienna was unacceptable. As much as they both resented what he said, they knew how much he loved his little girl. Aiden was still too furious with him to take him fully, but Alex was surprisingly sympathetic and demanded that Matt move in with him and his family until a resolution was reached.
    Maddie stirred next to Nathan and rolled over to face him. She was wearing a devious smile and she caressed his cheek gently. “You’re up early. To what do I owe this pleasure?” When he positioned the breakfast tray over her legs, she giggled and kissed him. “This is wonderful, did you cook this yourself?”
    “Yes, sweet lady, I made this all for you. I know you have a big day planned, and I want you to have your strength.” As much as she appreciated everything Nathan had done for her, she sighed when she thought about her tasks for the day. First, she had to see Melia, and then she was off to make that drop in visit she promised regarding Gio. She hadn’t seen him in days, and she was getting worried. They had never gone this long without some form of communication, and it was strange.
    Maddie continued to think things over and picked at her food. When she looked up and saw the nervous expression on Nathan’s face, she almost crumbled. He had gone to so much trouble to surprise her, and here she was looking ungrateful. She took the fork and inched it towards her mouth, he reached for it and placed it back on the tray. “You don’t have to eat if you’re not hungry. I can tell there are some things on your mind, don’t let me force anything on you.”
    “No, you went through all the trouble to make this for me, and I want you to know how grateful I am.”
    He ran his hand down her face and smiled. “I know you appreciate it, and you have nothing to prove to me. I just want you to know that I’m supportive.”
    “I know you are, and if you really want to help, could you do one small thing for me?”
    “Anything, name it and it’s yours.”
    “Come with me. Melia has been frigid and snappy with everyone, and I may need a referee in case I have to slap her into reality.”
    “I’ll be there,” he smiled.
    “What has you in such a good mood? Not that I’m complaining, I would just like to know.”
    “You, baby,” he stroked her cheek and pushed her hair back. “I finally feel like I’m supposed to be here. For the past few days, we’ve been in this little bubble with just us, but now you want me on your arm helping you with your real issues. It’s what I’ve always wanted.”
    She laughed. “Crazy in-laws and a girlfriend who might have to bitch slap her sister back into the world of the living is what you wanted? You have a sick sense of humor, baby.”
    “No, I want a woman who shares everything with me, and I think you forget they’re my cousins too. I don’t want just the