Page 126 of Deceptive Desires

“You’re hurt!” I growl out, fuming.

“It’s just a scrape, thanks to you. You’re the one who took the bullet for me,” she explains stubbornly.

I sit up, ignoring the pain, and turn her gently to face me.

The memory of the ambush comes to me suddenly.

And I’m even angrier than before.

“How fucking dare you?” I demand, beyond furious.

“What?” she asksconfused.

“How fucking dare you put yourself in harm’s way? How dare you come between me and a man trying to kill? How fucking dare you?” I’m blinded by my fury.

“Excuse me! I’m the reason we’re alive. I took out TWO of them! I shot and killed two men.” The last line comes out a whisper.

Tears well in her eyes as she soaks in what she did.

I pull her into my chest, grimacing when her head hits my wounded shoulder.

“Sunshine, you saved us. You did what you had to do. If you hadn’t shot those men, we’d be dead,” I console her.

When she finally evens out her breathing, she jumps back, realizing her head has been resting on my shoulder.

“I’m so sorry. We can get you some morphine if you need it,” she offers.

“No, we’re talking first. Look at me!” I demand. Only when her eyes find mine do I continue. “Don’t you ever do that again! Don’t you ever put yourself in any position that could get you hurt. I don’t care if the only protection you have is me, you use me until the danger passes. I don’t care if I die saving you. You use my body as a shield. I won’t live in a world where you’re gone! Do you understand me?” I shake her gently, needing her to realize how serious I am.

“But–” she tries to argue.

“But nothing! Promise me you’ll never do that again. I’m here to protect you. My job is to make sure you’re safe! Promise me!” I’m begging at this point, but I don’t care.

She lifts my pinky finger in hers and shakes.

“I promise,” she whispers sadly.

Then she leans forward and kisses me deeply.

I respond quickly, loving every minute of it.

“Do you remember what I said before you passed out?” She blushes as she asks.

I work hard to keep my face neutral when the smile fights so hard against me. I remember her forgiving me and telling me she loves me, but I want to hear it again.

“It’s fuzzy,” I tell her, and it’s not technically a lie. My memories of the reception are a little hazy.

“I love you, Roman. So much. I know you messed up, but everything you did, you did for me. While I don’t approve of the methods, you made my life better. And you’ve more than made up for it. I’ve never been happier than when I was yours. I don’t want to move out or get an annulment. I want to stay your wife. I forgive you. So please, please don’t ever try to leave me like that again!”

Tears stream down her face as she professes her love.

I pull her in for a hug, and despite the pain, I wrap both arms around her.

“I love you. And I’ll never stop loving you. You are my sunshine. I’m sorry I did some crazy things, but you make me crazy. I can’t change who I am, that I’ll do anything to keep you. Just don’t ever leave again,” I beg.

“I accept you for who you are. If the Syndicate keeps the city safe from the men that attacked us, then I understand.” She pauses then giggles. “I’ll never run away again. Plus, you’ll know if I do.”

I freeze, only now remembering the tracker I put in her.