Page 109 of Deceptive Desires

How could I be with someone who hurts people and enjoys it?

“As long as you fight me, you still care. You still want me. You never forgot me. It’s why you wear my ring around your neck. You hate yourself for it, but you still love me.” The surety in his voice infuriates me.

Because he’s not entirely wrong.

“Fuck you!” I seethe.

“You know I’m right,” he says with confidence.

And fuck him because he might be.

Chapter 79

Roman

I hate to see her this way. So angry. So upset.

This isn’t her.

My sunshine shines brighter than anyone I’ve ever met. She’s the embodiment of happiness, peace, and love. She’s kind-hearted and empathetic. She’s light and goodness.

Her eyes used to glow as bright as the sun, but she’s lost herself.

I may have dulled her for now, but I will reilluminate her. I’ll bring her back to who she once was. Because my sunshine deserves happiness.

And I make her happy.

So, I’ll stop at nothing to keep her.

Chapter 80

Cecilia

It’s nighttime. The sun set hours ago, and I can’t help but be happy about it. About finally going to sleep.Next to him.

Roman undid the handcuff after our conversation so I can freely roam the room and bathroom. I noticed that everything that could be used as a weapon is gone. Even the lamps are screwed into the nightstands.

Not that it’d be much use to me.

I may have changed, but I still can’t harm someone. Not even him.

Maybe especially not him.

Roman’s kept me fed all day. Eggs and sandwiches. All he knows to make. It makes me wonder what he’s been eating since I left. I wonder if he’s been okay without me.

It doesn’t matter. I don’t care if he’s been taking care of himself!

But I bet I’ll only last another day before I insist on using the kitchen.

And as if thinking of him summons him, he walks in.

“Hey, sunshine. How’re you holding up?” he asks with genuine concern in his voice. As though he’s not the reason I wouldn’t be doing well. As though this isn’t completely his fault.

“I’m dandy. Why wouldn’t I be?” Sarcasm negates my words.

“Sunshine, we’re going to break you of this negativity. It’s not like you, and it’s concerning me,” he says softly as he makes his way to the bathroom. “Come on, let’s get ready for bed.”

I follow him to the vanity and make note that everything of mine is exactly how I left it. It’s as though I was never gone.