Circle of Deception

by Skye, M.

  “Forget anything he has to say. This is my life and I choose you. Have I ever let him stop us before?” he asked in a comforting tone.

  “No, you haven’t,” she replied feeling a little more confident about their relationship.

  “Well, you let me worry about him. You just need to think about getting the wedding of your dreams put together,” he smiled. “The only thing, I want to hear you worrying about, is how many guests to invite, and keeping my mother away from the open bar,” he said and caressed her cheek while chuckling lightly.

  “You're sure aren’t you?” she asked and smiled brightly.

  “I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t,” he replied and kissed her hand.

  “What’s with the side conversation?” Matthew asked while looking straight at Meg and Alex.

  “We were talking about your father,” Alex gritted through his teeth.

  “Oh, the best subject in the universe. He is going to be thrilled about the engagement,” Matt said sarcastically.

  “Oh, don’t I know it, but I don’t give two shits about his opinion on the matter. That’s why I don’t work for him and wouldn’t accept a dime from him when he offered to pay off my student loans,” Alex explained.

  “That’s something I think you should reconsider. Let the old bastard cover your loans. It’s your birthright,” Matt said insistently.

  “I’m doing fine for myself. When I accepted the job with the firm, one of my stipulations was for them to pay my loans. As of two weeks ago, I am debt free,” Alex exclaimed.

  “That’s great man, but I do feel like you should at least take advantage of your trust fund. It kicked in for you last year and it would help with your wedding,” Matt said, hoping to inspire a compromise.

  “As long as his name is on the account, I will not accept it. I will not have that man pay for anything that concerns my wedding,” Alex said.

  “You remember how he treated Meg in the past, and I will never forget or forgive him for that.”

  “Matt, maybe you should drop the talk about Dad,” Aiden suggested in an attempt to bring the tension-filled conversation to a close.

  “You’re right. I don’t blame you one bit for being pissed Alex. If he had treated Melia the way he treated Meg I probably would have tried to break his neck. I just didn’t want you to miss out on millions of dollars that are rightfully yours. Hell, you should just have it for putting up with him all these years,” Matt said apologetically.

  “I know you didn’t mean any harm bro,” Alex replied, clutching his fork tightly in his hand. “I just hate talking about him.”

  “Now is that any way to treat the man that gave you life?” Ben asked as he walked into the room leaving the entire table speechless.

  “What the hell are you doing here, and how did you get in?” Alex asked as he bolted out of his seat.

  “I know you didn’t think you could return to town and not bother to visit your parents. Your mother told me that you were back, and as for getting in, Maggie let me in.”

  “Well, allow me to show you out,” Alex replied and advanced on him. Before Alex made contact, Aiden stepped in and grabbed him by the shoulders while Matt stepped in front of Ben.

  “Dad you should leave,” Matt said sternly.

  “You ungrateful ass kids are not throwing me out before I have my say,” Ben barked at Matt.

  “You can get out or I will throw you out,” Alex yelled while trying to fight through Aiden’s restraint.

  “You were always the weakest of the bunch,” Ben snarled at Alex. “Strutting in here with that trash on your arm like she is some prize, and now you want to marry the whore.”

  “Oh, that’s it, you went too far old man,” Gio yelled and jumped out of his seat.

  “Gio no!” Maddie yelled as she and Sean struggled to restrain a fuming Gio.

  “Get the hell out of my house,” Aiden yelled at Ben and stared him down with disgust in his eyes.

  “You little bastard. You think just because you have access to my millions that you can speak to me this way?” Ben yelled at Aiden. “Well, I’ll show you how the other half lives when you wake up penniless.”

  “You can’t do one damn thing. Let’s not forget the money for our trust funds came from mother’s family fortune, you can’t touch them. You were a miserable son of a bitch before her, and you will be once she divorces you,” Alex laughed.

  When Ben heard this, his complexion went pale. “What’s the matter Dad? Didn't think I knew, did you? Yeah, that’s right, I know she is divorcing you, and soon you will have nothing,” Alex said and laughed wickedly.

  “If you and that bitch think you're going to get away with this, just remember I love you to death.”

  “That’s enough. Get out,” Matt said and pulled Ben towards the doorway.

  “You too? You knew about this?” Ben asked feigning hurt.

  “I didn’t know anything, but are you surprised? You know, mom hasn’t been happy for years, and I don’t blame her. You're one hateful old man,” Matt said bluntly.

  “You will all pay for this.”

  “Sure we will,” Matt said and slammed the door in his face.

  Matt made his way back inside to find everyone looking rather displeased. “What was that?” Matt asked as he walked up to Alex.

  “The old man just doesn’t know when to quit,” Alex said and reclaimed his seat next to Meg.

  “Why didn’t you tell us about the divorce?” Matt asked looking slightly upset.

  “Mom didn’t want you guys to know until it was finalized.”

  “When will it be?” Aiden asked. “In two months.”

  “So it’s over?” Aiden asked hopefully.

  “Yes. In two short months, our parent’s sham of a marriage will be over, and we will be rid of him for good,” Alex smiled.

  “Well let’s break out some real drinks and toast to this. That man almost made me lose my cool,” Gio said breaking the silence in the room.

  “Almost? You were about two seconds from clawing his eyes out,” Maddie said and laughed.

  “I know. I joke with you guys, but when someone takes a shot at one of my sisters I get all protective,” Gio said and finally took a seat.

  “Thank you for sticking up for her, but there was no way I was going to just sit there and let him disrespect my girl,” Alex declared.

  “I appreciate what you guys did, but I’m a big girl. I’m not going to let Ben get to me,” Meg said and smiled convincingly.

  “I don’t know about you guys, but I second Gio’s idea about that drink,” Aiden said and sat down next to Emily.

  “Isn’t it too early for alcohol?” Marco asked and laughed.

  “It was too early for a visit from dear old dad but that happened. After a scene like that, I think we need a drink,” Aiden said in a comical tone, finally restoring some positive energy to the room.

  “We still have some tequila left, and I know there is some vodka in the fridge,” Marco said cheerfully.

  “Margaritas it is,” Emily said and walked towards the kitchen.

  “I’ll help you,” Marco called out and followed her to the kitchen.

  When Emily and Marco left the table, they left an awkward silence behind. After a few more moments, Alex finally broke the silence. “How does he always know what we are doing? Come on boys, out with it. Who keeps telling him where we are going to be?” He asked looking towards both Matt and Aiden.

  “Are you serious? Do you think one of us would tell him anything?” Aiden exclaimed.

  “Well somebody had to unless…”

  “Unless what?” Matt asked loudly.

  “Check your car Matt. He bought you that car. It’s probably wired with a tracking device,” Alex proclaimed and jumped up.

  “Give me your keys,” Alex demanded to Matt.

  “Here. I think I would know if my car was wired,” he huffed and followed his brothers out the door.

  While Alex searched the inside, Aiden look
ed underneath the car. “Where should I look?” Matt asked as he stood off to the side.

  “Here, look under the hood,” Alex said and pulled the release lever under the dash.

  “I believe we are reading too much into this. Well, I’ll be damned! Son of a bitch!” Matt yelled when he saw the tracking unit sitting next to his engine block.

  “You found it didn’t you?” Alex asked knowingly.

  “What the hell is wrong with him? What parent plants tracking devices on their child’s car?” Matt asked with anger in his eyes as he ripped the device from under the engine block.

  “The kind with plenty of secrets,” Aiden replied solemnly.

  “Well, I hope he is happy. That was the last straw. He is never going to see me or Cici again,” Matt declared and stormed back in the house.

  “Do you suppose he will be okay?” Aiden asked after watching Matt walk off.

  “Yeah, he will be okay. He had to find out exactly how ruthless dad could be at some point,” Alex sighed.

  Are you going to let him screw you out of your trust fund now that mom is leaving him?” Aiden asked.

  Alex smiled inwardly. “Hell no. I said as long as his name was on the account I wouldn’t accept it. In three weeks his name will be gone and I will be ten million dollars richer.”

  “You little sneak. You knew all along,” Aiden said and patted him on the back.

  “Of course I did. I stay in contact with mom’s attorney and let me tell you, she is going to eat him alive once the divorce is final. My only regret is that I couldn’t hand it to him personally,” he said and smiled confidently.

  “How is she? Has she slowed down on the drinking?” Aiden asked in a concerned tone.

  “Mom is awesome. I got her into a rehab facility and she is doing wonderfully.”

  “So she was actually in rehab when we thought she was on that cruise?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry to keep all these secrets from you guys, but I knew the only way, to keep you guys safe, would be to keep you in the dark,” Alex admitted.

  “Do you really think dad would harm us physically?”

  “Without a second thought if you got in his way,” Alex replied with a dour expression.

  “What’s the deal with all these secrets you’re referring to?” Aiden asked curiously.

  “You know I would tell you if I could, but I want you to have immunity after all this over. I don’t want you to have to testify when it comes down to it,” Alex replied.

  “Alex, what are you and mom involved in?” Aiden asked with a worried expression.

  “We didn’t do anything. Mom just knows all dad’s secrets, and she will be able to testify as soon as they are no longer married.”

  “Aren’t you worried that he will come after you, and what about Meg?” Aiden asked.

  “I’m not worried about him, and I will take care of Meg. I would never let any harm come to her especially when I’m starting a family with her,” he replied with a huge smile.

  “Really? You guys a trying for another baby?” Aiden exclaimed.

  “Yes we are,” Alex smiled.

  “You don’t waste any time do you?”

  “I’m ready. It’s way overdue. We should have been a family long ago,” Alex replied.

  “I’m so happy to hear that. I can’t wait to officially make her a part of the family.”

  “I can’t wait either. I want this to happen as soon as possible. Which brings me to my next topic… I want to move out of this place and get a place with Meg soon,” Alex said bashfully.

  “I wouldn’t have expected anything less. I think you should make this happen as soon as possible,” Aiden confessed.

  “Are you trying to get rid of me?” Alex asked jokingly.

  “Hell yes. It's time for you to leave the nest little brother,” Aiden replied playfully.

  “You’re not fooling me. You want me out because things are finally happening between you and Emily,” Alex said knowingly.

  “She may have something to do with it, but I want you make the next step. I know you won’t be happy unless you’re waking up next to her every morning.”

  “You’re right. Now that I have her back, I never want to let her go.”

  “Little brother, you have my full support in anything you do, but promise me one thing,” Aiden said with a sober look.

  “What is it man?”

  “Don’t get in over your head with this mom and dad stuff. If you need me, I'm there. I don’t care what it may be, I’ll always take your side. We always stick together and nothing will change that.”

  “I promise you if I need you I will call, but not a moment before then,” Alex answered.

  “Hey, come on in guys. Emily and Marco finished the margaritas,” Meg called out from the front door breaking up the conversation between the two brothers.

  “I’m coming baby,” Alex replied and rushed to her side with Aiden close behind him.

  “What took you so long?” she asked and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “We were talking business. All boring stuff,” he replied and looked to Aiden to confirm his story.

  “Yeah, very boring,” Aiden said and walked past them into the house.

  “You’re lying. I know you are,” Meg said and gave him the eye.

  “Baby, it’s nothing for you to worry your pretty little head about. Just let your man take care of the small stuff. You do trust me don’t you?” he asked trying to restore her trust in him.

  She smiled. “With my life.”

  “That’s my girl. Now let’s get some drinks. We need them.”

  As they made their way inside, they ignored everything but each other. They were so lost in their loving embrace that they didn’t notice a red light was still blinking on the tracking device.

  Unknown to everyone, the side conversation outside was recorded and listened to by Ben. “So they think they can pull one over on me do they? Well, it's time to lower the boom,” Ben exclaimed in his private office while laughing sinisterly.

  Chapter 5

  Planning Forever

  “Time is not our friend right now,” Meg exclaimed and threw her hands up in the air. “Why did we pick a date that was only three months away?”

  “Baby, we are going to be fine,” Alex replied and picked up his phone. “If you need more help then I’ll get you some.”

  “Who are you calling?”

  “Gio, the wedding whisperer,” he replied and laughed lightly.

  “Why didn’t I think of that?” she exhaled. “He would gladly jump at the chance to help.”

  “Well, I’ll call him and let him know that we need him to meet us later,” he told her.

  “Why later?”

  “Because I need to show you something.”

  They had been working for hours at Meg’s and he was in desperate need to pull her out of the house. He wanted to show her what he had been secretly working on.

  It had been two weeks since he proposed and they were inseparable, except when working. The only time he had to do anything without her knowledge was on the way to and from work. He set up so many surprises during his car rides, but there was something he needed her approval on before he went forward.

  “You know, you are always surprising me. When are you going to let me return the favor?” she asked slyly.

  “You’ve been returning the favor for the past two weeks sweetheart,” he said and raised his eyebrows suggestively. “If these walls could talk.”

  “You’re a bad boy,” she said as she pulled him closer. “How about I return the favor right now?”

  “I would love to strip you naked and make you scream my name, but we have somewhere to be. If we don’t leave now, we won’t make it.”

  “Oh, you’re no fun,” she pouted. “Let’s go.”

  The car ride to the destination was quiet. Meg spent most of the time looking out the window trying to figure out where they were headed. When she noticed that they were almost out of
city limits, she began to get confused.

  “Honey, where are you taking me?”

  “We are almost there. Five more minutes, I promise,” he replied and flashed a sexy grin.

  “Okay, but you owe me once we get home for shooting me down earlier.”

  “Let me start apologizing now. I’m sorry for denying you.” He eyed her as he spoke, taking in her flustered smile. “I’m sorry for not taking you upstairs and spanking you so loud the neighbors could hear, and I’m sorry for not pulling you on top of me and taking you straight to heaven. Do you forgive me?”

  “Well, when you grovel like that, how can a girl stay mad?” She ran her hand down his chest to rest on his leg. “Of course I forgive you.”

  He was shivering under her touch. “I hate to stop you again, but we have arrived.”

  “I understand that, but where exactly are we?” she asked, viewing their surroundings.

  When he walked over and opened her car door, he smiled and pulled her out. “I’ve been working since I proposed to find a place to call our own. Something that’s just ours. I’ve searched high and low for the perfect place and I think this is it. I wanted you to come here with me to see if you love it as much as I do.”

  When she finally looked ahead to see the big house resting on the hill, her eyes began to well up with tears. Alex loved how the house sat on three acres and could seclude them from the rest of the universe. He wanted a big yard where they would be able to allow their future children to run freely without worrying. “It's fantastic,” she exclaimed and smiled brightly.

  “You haven’t even seen the inside yet,” he said and laughed.

  “Well let’s go!”

  Once they got up to the door, they found the Realtor waiting inside the foyer to show them the rest of the house. The Realtor, Callie James, was one of Alex's oldest friends, and she specialized in high profile realty. She had helped him and Aiden find the house they were currently living in.

  He told her all about his plans with Meg and it was she who found the home they were looking at.

  “Well, hello Alex, it's good to see you again,” she said and reached out her hand.