Page 77 of Deception & Daylight
The blood drains from my face as Matty’s form comes into focus. He’s leaning back in the chair, his legs crossed at the ankles. The smug grin on his face tells me everything I need to know about his intentions, but I’m done being a victim. Straightening my spine, I stare defiantly into his eyes. “Oh look, a catfish.”
His jaw ticks, but he quickly reels in his visible agitation. “So he told you. Interesting.”
“Fuck off, Matt. You’re so fucking desperate you had to pretend to be your brother — a better man by far — just so women would notice you.”
“And you’re the dumb bitch who fell for it. Tell me, Maggie Watson… how do you think dear old dad would feel about his precious daughter sending naked photos to strangers on the internet?”
“You fucking piece of shit! Get the fuck away from my girlfriend,” Miles growls, grabbing Matty by the front of his shirt as he hauls him from the chair. I didn’t even see him approach, but in the blink of an eye, Miles has Matty pinned against the brick with his forearm, and Matty’s expression has changed from smug to sinister.
“You broke the terms of our deal, brother. One way or another, someone is going to pay.”
I step up to Miles, tentatively placing my hand along his spine. “He’s not worth it, Miles. Let him go.”
“I won’t let him threaten you, Maggie. I have to protect you.”
I reach out and cup his cheek, forcing him to look at me. “You’ve been protecting me for two years. This has to end. If that means I face the consequences of my foolish actions because this piece of shit is a fucking predator, so be it. I trusted too easily and that’s on me. But you’re a better man than he’ll ever be, Miles. And I don’t need you to sink to his level.”
The tender look in his eyes steals my breath, and he instantly releases his brother. “This isn’t over,” Matty snarls. “You’ll regret this.”
Miles wraps me in his arms, holding me tightly as Matty disappears around the corner. “You’re amazing, you know that. I don’t fucking deserve you.”
“You’re damn right you don’t,” I tease, my gaze softening as I reciprocate the embrace. “But I’m yours, all the same.”
Miles
When we return to the table, we fill everyone in on the Matty situation; they’re rightly appalled, and the rest of our lunch passes with a palpable tension hanging in the air. It’s all I can do to keep my anger at bay. Maggie’s been radiating nervous energy ever since the encounter, and I don’t want to make it any worse.
“You ready to head home?” I ask, leaning in to whisper in her ear as Paige and Cade finish packing up their leftovers.
“Can we stop by the inn first? I want to check on Mama Lucy.”
“Of course. Why don’t we bring her some lunch?”
She nods, and I place a quick to-go order for Ma’s favorite BLT sandwich and a slice of pecan pie for dessert. Rosie hands me the bag with explicit instructions to have Lucy call her immediately. It would seem the news of her budding romance with Doctor Nate has been making the rounds, and Rosie’s waiting for the inside scoop.
When we arrive at the inn, we find my mom in the sitting room. Her face lights up with a beaming smile and she immediately pulls Maggie into a tight hug. “I heard about the article. How are you holding up?”
“Surprisingly ok, actually. It’s almost a relief. But enough about me. How areyoufeeling?”
“I’m fantastic. A little sore, but that’s to be expected. I’m happy to be back at work. I didn’t realize just how much I missed it. Feels good to be behind that desk again.”
Ma’s surgery was a success, andthe doctors are hopeful she’ll be in remission soon. She's been officially cleared to resume work on a full-time basis. When she shared the news, I was elated. But then the stark realization hit me that Maggie would be free to leave again. She doesn’t have a reason to stay…unless I give her one.
“We’re glad you’re ok, Ma.” I kiss her temple, a feeling of gratitude warming me as I realize things could have been so much worse if they hadn’t caught it early. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost her. “Has Matty come by to see you today? We ran into him at Rosie’s earlier.”
“No, I haven’t seen Matty in a few days. Is everything ok?”
I know I should tell her what’s going on, but I don’t have it in me to crush her spirit; not after everything she’s been through. Despite all of his flaws, Matty is still her son, and she loves him unconditionally. I don’t want to break her heart that way. “Everything’s fine. I’m sure he’ll be by to seeyou later. We better get going.”
Ma’s brow furrows in confusion, but she doesn’t pry. “It was good to see you two. Take care of my girl, Miles.”
“Always.”
Chapter 32
Miles
? Little Girl Gone - Chinchilla
