Page 26 of Deceptive Desires

“I remember twenty-four even though it was a decade ago. It’s a fun one,” Roman compliments.

I make a mental note. He’s thirty-four. Only a decade older than me. That’s not too old,right?

“What are you doing hanging with us then, old man?” Leo seethes.

“Celia invited me out. I couldn’t turn down a chance to see my sunshine.” Roman puts an arm around me, and I instinctively lean into him.

Roman nods at Gracie, “Hey, Gracie. How’ve you been?”

I’m surprised to see her grinning. She fist-bumps Roman and tells him, “It’s nice to have some good company around.” I almost think I imagine the way she quickly glances at Leo, and how Roman tenses at the implication.

“Let’s get drinks,” Leo suggests, already pushing away from the table, and storming towards the bar.

Gracie, Roman, and I approach the bar at the other end and almost immediately there’s a bartender in front of us taking our order.

Our unusual order of three waters.

“Are you sure you don’t want something to drink?” I ask Roman. “It’s on me tonight.”

“It’s never on you, sunshine. I’ll always spoil you.” Roman shakes his head. “And I’m sticking with water tonight. I want to keep my wits about me and remember every detail. It’s our first time together fully coherent.” He flashes me a smile, clearly referring to my concussed state at our previous two encounters.

“Here you go, boss.” The bartender says as he passes Roman the three, closed bottled waters. Roman’s eyes tighten for a second before he thanks him and grabs the waters.

With a hand on the small of my back, he guides me back to our table.

Leo’s already there, a line of shots in front of him.

“I got one for each of us. Everyone take one.” His grin diminishes at the sight of our waters. “Are you guys not drinking?”

“Sorry, man. I drove, so just water for me.” Roman explains, keeping his other reason between us.

“I don’t drink in places like these,” Gracie says harshly, glaring at Leo. He knows this. Every time we’ve gone out with Leo, Gracie has refused to drink alcohol. I know she doesn’t feel comfortable around him, so I understand.

“Guess it’s just you and me, Cecilia,” Leo says, offering me a shot of clear liquid.

“No, thank you. I’m sticking to water too.” I don’t give him a reason. Gracie’s teaching me that I don’t owe anyone an explanation.

“Come on, baby,” he whines, circling the table and hovering too closely. He yanks me to him and brings a shot to my mouth.

I turn my head, and understanding my discomfort, Roman gently pulls me into him and steps between us.

“She said no,” Roman growls at him, eyes dark. Roman turns to me, and his expression morphs into one of adoration. “Why don’t we hit the dance floor, sunshine?”

He offers me his hand, and I eagerly accept.

Maybe tonight will be great after all.

Chapter 17

Roman

As I lead her onto the dance floor, I can’t help but glare at Leo.

This motherfucker has been hitting on her and making her uncomfortable since the moment he saw her. That move to get a full hug was no accident. He keeps pulling her into him and throwing his arm around her as if he has the right, something she’s run away from each time. He’s not taking the hint. And I’m not the only one who’s noticed.

Gracie rotates between glaring at him and rolling her eyes. I can tell she doesn’t like him. I don’t like him either.

I don’t trust him.