Page 118 of Deceptive Desires

“I’m sorry, man. We’ll be there. Just tell us when and where.” I wince even as I say it, knowing I’ve severely fucked up… again.

I hear muffled noises from the other side then the phone being handed to someone.

“ROMAN FRANCIS MONTCLAIR! YOU SON OF A BITCH. No, sorry, Evelyn’s done nothing wrong. YOUASSHOLE! HOW FUCKING COULD YOU? I TOLD YOU SHE’D BE UPSET WHEN SHE FOUND OUT! YOU’RE THE WORST! YOU’RE FUCKING LUCKY YOU’RE STILL INVITED TO THE WEDDING! AND IT’S ONLY BECAUSE WE WANT CECILIA THERE.” Margot yells at me. The fury in her words cuts me but also brings a smile to my face. Knowing she’d choose Cecilia over me warms me. I love Margot like a sister, but so does Cecilia. I’m glad she’d have her.

“Speaking of which, how is she?” Margot continues, softer at the mention of Cecilia. “We want to see her. She probably hates you! I would too. You’re the fucking worst.”

I can tell she’s about to ream into me again, but Matthias must calm her down, because she changes the topic.

“Your tux and Cecilia’s bridesmaid dress will be delivered to your apartment today. Make sure they fit the same as two months ago at the appointments. You are to be at the library courtyard by noon. Cecilia is exempt from helping me get ready due to having an unfortunate fiancé. Unless she wants to, of course. Do you have any questions?” she orders me like a drill sergeant.

“No ma’am,” I don’t bother correcting her on the whole fiancé thing nor do I ask about snacks. I’m scared to set the bride off again.

With that, she ends the call.

And I head to my wife to tell her the good news.

Chapter 88

Cecilia

I take a deep breath as Roman navigates traffic.

We’re on our way to Margot and Matthias’s wedding. We’re getting there hours early because I still wanted to help Margot get ready. That was the original plan, and I don’t want to mess with her wedding day.

Despite how close we were, I’m nervous to see her. We were becoming great friends, but then I left. Roman mentioned how they thought I was taken, and they all were searching for me. Because I ran instead of talking to Roman, his whole family was worried about me for over a month.

Also, I’m still hurt that no one told me. I understand why the Syndicate needs to be a secret, but they all lied to me. Roman lied about so much, but they knew and never told me.

I don’t know how to act around them. I’m upset that they lied to me. They’re probably upset that I abandoned them after they welcomed me into the family. It’s going to be a mess.

And all too soon, we pull up to the library where the wedding is being held. The building is beautiful. It’s not one I’vebeen to before. I’m not big on reading, but I know Margot is. She’s even an audiobook narrator.

I close my eyes and start doing box breathing exercises to calm myself while Roman parks. When he opens my door, I feel his hand grab mine.

“Just take deep breaths, sunshine. Everyone is so excited to see you. They missed you so much. There’s no need to be nervous,” he says softly.

I open my eyes and see the truth in his. Despite it, I still have my doubts.

“But how could they forgive me for running away? They wasted so much time and almost caused a war looking for me. When all along, I left of my own volition. They have to be upset with me,” I counter.

“Cecilia, look at me.” I do. “They love you. Yes, they were worried about you and searched for you, but when they found out the truth, they weren’t upset with you. They were relieved you weren’t suffering. And they were pissed at me for being the reason you ran away.”

“Promise?” I ask, needing reassurance.

He lifts my pinkie finger in his and shakes.

“I pinky promise,” he says with a smile.

Then he kisses the top of my head, and I hug him. His warmth settles me, and I decide I’m ready to face the Montclairs.

Roman helps me out of the car and leads me inside. He brings me to a room in the back and kisses my hair one more time.

“This is as far as I go. I think Margot might hit me if I bother her. I love you, sunshine,” he says sweetly.

I shoot him an awkward smile, and shuffle inside.

I still haven’t told him I love him. I know where my heart lies, and I know how I feel, but I just can’t fully forgive him yet.And until I’ve forgiven and forgotten everything, I won’t confess my love for him. Even if it’s still there.