Page 50 of Deceptive Desires

Hold, one… two… three… four…

Exhale, one… two… three… four…

Hold, one… two… three… four…

I repeat the box breathing technique until I’m calm enough to see through the nerves and tap into the excitement.

Roman is behind the wheel driving us to his parents. One hand holds mine as he navigates traffic with the other. The pure power and confidence in which he drives, sliding one palm over the wheel smoothly, has me clenching my thighs.

This is not the time to get turned on, Cecilia.

Now that I’m calm and ready to go, I’m looking forward to meeting his family. I just know they’re going to be amazing, just like Roman.

We pull into the driveway of a beautiful mansion. Despite the incredulous size, it feels homey. There are gardens full of colorful flowers and a fountain in the front. It’s gorgeous.

There are already three other nice cars parked in front of the house in the horseshoe, so we pull in behind one. I hope we’re not late.

Roman lets us in, despite my protest of not wanting to barge in without knocking. He said it’s fine, and he knows his family better than I do, so I follow along.

We go through a few rooms then open a door. He enters first then steps aside, revealing a beautiful dining room where his family is seated.

Oh no, we are late.

I take a deep breath and call up my mantra of the day.

Be your truest self and those meant for you will embrace you.

I smile awkwardly as the room silences, and I start to get the feeling that Roman forgot to mention that I was coming along.

“Hey, guys. This is Cecilia, my girlfriend,” Roman says smoothly.

My heart skips a beat at the introduction.His girlfriend.We’ve never discussed labels, but it makes sense since we’re dating.

I smile and wave.

They’re silent for a few more beats, then the other young woman speaks up. “Welcome! It’s such a pleasure to have you. I’m Margot, and this is my fiancé, Matthias.” She shoots me a radiant smile, and I start to warm.

This is going to go well, I just know it.

“It’s so nice to meet you. Roman has told me so much about you guys.” I turn to the older couple. “Mr. and Mrs. Montclair, your home is absolutely lovely. Thank you for having me.”

“Of course, dear. Please, call us Evelyn and Damien,” his mother responds sweetly, sending me a warm smile. “We’re so glad to finally meet you. Please, sit down.” I look and realizethere’s only one empty seat. I guess Roman did forget to mention I was coming. She stands up when she realizes. “I’m so sorry. We’ll have a spot made right away. Please, sit.”

I can tell she’s upset, so I shoot her another smile and give her an out. “I’m so sorry for intruding. I can leave if this was meant to be just family. Roman must’ve forgotten to mention it.” I turn to him and lean into his comfort. “Héroe, how silly of you.” I shoot him a teasing smile, silently letting him know I’m not upset.

The room seems to hold its breath, but I’m not sure why. I go over my words, wondering if I said something wrong.

Roman pulls me into a hug and smiles down at me apologetically. “I’m sorry, sunshine. I thought it’d be a nice surprise. And maybe we’d avoid the interrogation they put Margot through.”

I giggle at his reasoning. As always, my hero was just trying to protect me.

“No, dear, you’re absolutely welcome. We’re so excited to meet you. You’ll have to stay late so we can chat more.” Mrs. Montclair seems so hopeful when she says it.

My heart immediately warms. She likes me. She’s welcoming me.

“We’d love to,” I say at the same time Roman says, “We don’t have time.”

I look up at him and send him my warmest smile while pleading with my eyes. “Hero, please. I want to get to know your family.”