Circle of Deception 2 by M. Skye Page A

still no excuse. I’m not having it.”
    “I know it’s a problem. I just want to try and focus on other things for now. Once we get to the appointment, we will have a better idea of what we’re dealing with.”
    “That’s if she makes it until then,” he huffed. “Are you sure you have to go into the office today? I thought we could both work from home.”
    Meg sighed and sat down next to him. “We wouldn’t get anything done being here together, and plus with Gio working from home, we are a little behind. I know it’s a holiday for everyone else, but I need to play catch up.”
    “Well, what am I going to do all day without you? Jordan’s with mom and Allison is over at Aiden’s.”
    “Spend some time with your brother. Someone needs to try and reel him in.”
    “What am I going to say? I was just like him last year when you left. I was so messed up and Aiden had to babysit me. I don’t think my advice would be the best.”
    “You at least have to try. For whatever reason, Aiden can’t seem to offer him the right words, but maybe something you say will stick.”
    “How can you be so nice to him when he hurt your sister?”
    Meg stood and leaned on the dresser in front of them. “I despise what he said, but as far as the girl, we all know how wrong you can be in those cases. I don’t agree with surrounding yourself with temptation, but perhaps he didn’t see her as temptation. When I thought you cheated on me, I flew off the handle only to find that it was all a part of some sick plan. Not talking to you first was the biggest mistake I ever made, and I don’t want Melia to do the same thing.”
    “He was still dead ass wrong for telling her he regretted getting married so young.”
    “You know Matt, he has always had the world handed to him. He doesn’t like limitations and kids limit you. Look at us, we were used to having sex multiple times a day, and now we’re limited to a few times a week. It’s hard and he isn’t used to hard. You guys and your parents spoiled him, he just needs to grow up.”
    “About those few times a week, I think I’m going to start sneaking in on your lunch and breaking you off. I already have to share breasts with Jordan, I’ll be damned if I don’t get the rest.”
    Meg huffed and pushed him down on the bed. “I knew you would find a way to make this about you.”
    “No baby, it’s about the both of us. I know if I’m hungry, then you’re starving. I need you.”
    “I’ll never turn down the chance, you know that, but before I agree to that, you have to promise me one thing.”
    “What’s that?” he sighed.
    “You have to talk to your brother.”
    “Really, Meg? You’re withholding sex until I talk to him?”
    “Yep.”
    “You’re awful.” He jumped off the bed.
    “Where are you going?” she asked as he fled the room.
    “To talk to Matt,” he yelled back. “After I finish this, I’ll be in your office naked. See you at noon, baby.”
    “Oh, hell,” Meg laughed. “What did I get myself into?”
    “Heaven, baby, pure heaven,” Alex yelled, and Meg laughed hard. She didn’t think he had heard her. Hurriedly, she got herself dressed and headed down the stairs. On her way down the hall, she peeped in and saw Alex and Matt engaged in deep discussion. She was glad she had forced them to talk, even if she had to trade sexual favors to get it done. She was convinced Alex could get through to him, he had to.
    ***
    Alex shifted to the side in his chair while Matt was talking. They had been involved in a heavy conversation for the past thirty minutes, and through all the ranting, Alex had listened to enough. He was at his wits end with Matt’s pity me attitude. “Are you done now?” he asked. He hadn’t spoken a word in the past five minutes, and his reemergence in the conversation wasn’t the most pleasant.
    “What?” Matt asked, looking confused.
    “Are you done now?”
    “Done with what?”
    “All this self-wallowing? I mean the way