Page 36 of Deceptive Desires

Only when I can barely stand from exhaustion do I move from my position. I lay on the other side of her bed, and drag her to me, curling her onto my chest.

The feeling of her pressed against me, soothes the fire raging within. She’s safe here with me, in my arms. No one can get to her.

No one can get through me.

I’ll protect her with my life.

Chapter 21

Cecilia

I wake up with a pounding headache. Opening my eyes makes me nauseous and dizzy. I groan in response.

As soon as the sound leaves my mouth, movement from the ground has me prying them open again.

Roman sits up from where he’s lying on the ground next to my bed and looks up at me.

“Sunshine, you’re awake.” He sighs in relief.

I try to remember what happened last night that led to Roman sleeping on my bedroom floor, but it’s blank. I can’t remember anything.

“Roman, what happened? I wasn’t planning on drinking, but did I blackout? I can’t remember a thing.”

I try to sit up but groan again. He’s by my side in an instant, helping me up.

“How are you feeling?” he asks, genuine concern in his voice.

“Terrible. Nauseous. Dizzy,” I whimper.

“Here, take these and drink this.” He hands me some Ibuprofen and a glass of water. I take them and chug the whole thing.

“Why do I feel like this? I’ve never been this hungover.”

“What do you remember?” he asks cautiously.

“I remember getting ready with Gracie. The T ride over. Getting into the club. Ordering a water. Dancing with you…” I blush at the last statement because I remember more than just dancing. “After that, it’s pretty blurry. I think I threw up at some point. And showered.” I look down and see I’m in pajamas. “Did you… did you undress me?” I blush at the question, but I’ve never been naked in front of a man before, and I would’ve rather my first time not have been blacked out and covered in vomit.

“No, sunshine. Gracie undressed, showered, and redressed you. I cleaned up your room and prepped it for bed while that was happening. I would never take advantage of you like that,” I can see the honesty in his eyes. He really means it.

“I believe you, hero. Thank you for taking care of me. I didn’t mean to get drunk. I’m so sorry,” I can barely look at him, I’m so overcome with shame.

“Sunshine, no. You weren’t drunk,” he sighs and sits on the edge of my bed. He grabs my hands before looking me in the eyes. A look of pain crosses his face. “I left you for five minutes to go to the restroom after we were on the dance floor. I swear it was only five minutes. When I came back, you were hunched over. Gracie was trying to take care of you…” he sighs again. Swallows hard. Squeezes my hand. “You were drugged. Roofied.” His eyes are hard, and anger clouds them. He exhales and goes back to normal.

I take a moment to breathe. I call up a mantra and repeat it to myself until I’m calm.Forgive those who hurt you and theworld will heal you.I do a few breathing exercises until my heart slows to a normal pace. I open my eyes and grip his hand with both of mine.

“Thank you for telling me,” I say sincerely.

“Nothing happened. Listen to me, Cecilia, nothing happened to you. I found you before the scum could. Gracie was with us the whole time. We took you to the bathroom, and I made you throw up the drugs. I’m sorry, but we needed to get it out of your system. Then I drove you guys home. She showered you. I wasn’t in the room when you were undressed. Then I put you to bed and slept on the floor next to you to watch over you. Yes, you were drugged. And I know that’s horrible. Physically and mentally. I can’t imagine what you’re feeling after such trauma. But listen to me. No one touched you. You were not physically violated in any way. I promise you.”

I nod, knowing he’s telling the truth. I can feel it in my bones.

“I believe you, mi héroe. You wouldn’t let anyone hurt me. You saved me. Once again, you’re my hero.” I move one hand to cup his cheek, and his eyes close with the contact. “Thank you, Roman. Thank you for taking care of me.”

“Always, Cecilia. I will always take care of you,” he promises fiercely.

He leans forward pressing his forehead against mine. We just breathe each other in. Then he pulls back just enough to lift me into his arms and crush me to his chest.

“I’m so sorry I left you, Celia. I’m so sorry. None of this would’ve happened if I’d been by your side,” his voice is pure anguish.