Maxwell: Not Without Guilt (Phoenix Club) Read Online Free PDF

prepare for court. He was a no-nonsense man with a stare just intimidating enough to make even the most innocent man quiver in the knees. Abel was thankful he was his attorney and not the prosecutor. He would hate to face Taylor from opposing sides. But the guy was a good man, and underneath his steel shell was a heart of compassion and patience and understanding. Abel should have known this even before getting to know him; Kaplan would have never assigned someone to his case who couldn’t sympathize with what he had gone through.
    ♦
    A ngel leaned against the door frame, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his slacks. “You don’t have to go.”
    Maddy didn’t reply immediately as he buttoned his light blue shirt then tucked it into his new black jeans. He glanced at Angel. “You don’t have to try and protect me,” he said quietly. “I’ve already seen the worst of the worst. I’ll be okay.”
    In some ways, it was as if the boy had grown up overnight. When Angel looked at him now, he didn’t see the vulnerable ten-year-old boy Maddy had been when Wade and Axel had taken over their lives. He’d had a hard time thinking of Maddy as almost an adult when everything Angel had gone through had been to protect him. But it was different now. Maddy wasn’t vulnerable anymore, and like any good “man,” he was quick to step up and be strong for those he cared for. In this case – Savannah.
    Angel smiled and nodded. “I know, Maddy.” It was no secret to either Angel or Dane that Maddy’s prime purpose for attending the trial was for Savannah’s sake. Maddy understood the hell she and Abel had gone through, and how much it would hurt having it all dredged back up. A rush of pride swept over Angel, bringing tears to his eyes. The “straight” world was damn lucky to have a young man like Maddy in their ranks. Whether because of what he had endured, or simply because of who he was inside – or both – Maddy was a natural protector, a guardian.
    “What?” Maddy was looking him uncertainly.
    Angel cleared his throat, then smiled. “Nothing. You look good. Very...grown up.”
    “I’m almost sixteen.”
    Laughing softly, Angel nodded. “Yes, I know.” He pressed his lips tight and gazed at his little brother. “You really like her, don’t you?”
    “Who?” Maddy murmured absently as he looked at himself in the mirror, messing with his shirt.
    “Who do you think?” Angel chuckled, “The only ‘her’ in our very gay family.”
    Maddy laughed low, then shrugged. “She’s cool.”
    “Cool?” Angel smirked. “Apparently cool enough to get all spiffed up for.”
    His brow arched, Maddy looked at him. “You’re spiffed up too.”
    “True,” Angel grinned. “But even so...”
    “Even so what?” Dane stepped up behind Angel and wrapped his arms around him, kissing his neck.
    “Nothing,” Maddy groaned and rolled his eyes.
    “Ah I see,” Dane grinned,. “You were talking about a certain, special young lady.”
    “You two just...leave me alone,” Maddy grumbled, though a smile played at the corner of his mouth.
    “Never,” Dane smiled darkly and nibbled Angel’s earlobe. “Where’s the fun in that?”
    Groaning again, Maddy just shook his head then walked over and very slowly closed the door, pushing Angel and Dane out into the hall. “Go away.” The door closed and the lock clicked.
    Angel laughed. “Guess our wit isn’t welcome.”
    “Who would’ve thought?” Dane kissed him, then walked with him to the kitchen. “Are you sure you want to be there today?”
    “Why wouldn’t I?”
    Dane wrapped him in his arms and gazed down at him. “The things Abel has to talk about, it could bring up bad memories for you as well.”
    Leaning against him, Angel sighed, “The memories are there either way. Not facing them doesn’t make them go away. And besides,” he drew back and looked up at Dane. “Abel is my family now too. And real families support each other, no matter what.