Page 51 of Deceptive Desires

He melts instantly, like he always does for me. I’m so lucky. “Of course, Celia.”

I blush at the use of the nickname only he calls me.

Once a setting is made, Roman pulls out the chair and lets me sit, ever the gentleman.

Dinner goes smoothly. We talk about Matthias and Margot’s wedding. They’re getting marries soon. They seem like such a happy couple. They complement each other well.

The way he looks at her… There’s pure adoration in his gaze.

I used to long for that, but now, sitting next to Roman who grips my hand under the table, around his family, makes me realize I may already have it.

Chapter 32

Roman

I can see the confusion in their eyes. Their wary gazes. The way they’re trying to piece it together.

They want to know more about Cecilia. They’ve all been welcoming, but they’re taken off guard. They didn’t expect this. They didn’t expect her. But neither did I. I didn’t expect her.

But sometimes life has plans for you. And it gave me Cecilia. The best thing to ever happen to me. So, they better get used to it because she’s not going anywhere.

“So, Celia, when did this start?” Dom asks bluntly.

Celia. Not Cecilia.

I see red. How fucking dare he? That’smyname for her! Only mine.

“It’s Cecilia to you,” I say calmly, struggling to keep my voice even for Cecilia’s sake. I don’t want her to hear the anger I’ve been able to hide from her for so long. I glare at Dom, who sits on the opposite end away from Cecilia, so she can’t see the murderous look in my eyes.

My beautiful sunshine giggles, thinking I’m joking.

I’m not.

But I don’t correct her. The ones who need to know now know.

“A few months ago,” my Cecilia answers him, her voice drawing me in. I lock eyes with her and return her fond gaze. “He saved me. He’s my personal hero. He’s rescued me more than once since then.” She squeezes my hand, and my heart clenches. “My life has been unexpectedly chaotic these past few months, and he’s always there for me when I need him. It’s like he just knows.”

“Of course. I’ll always be there to protect you, Celia. I’ll always be here to keep you safe.” I keep my voice light and warm, but my insides steel at the promise. “You’ll never get rid of me.”

“It makes sense. Since his job is saving people. It’s amazing that you guys run Syndicate Enterprise. You keep people safe. That’s incredible.” The pride in her voice amazes me. I preen at how high of a pedestal she has me on.

The room stills.

Margot drops her fork with a clank. Matthias’s mouth hangs open. Dom stiffens. Bash pales. Mom and Dad share a sharp glance.

But I glare at them.

I shoot them a silent warning. A threat. If they break this cover, if they expose my lie, if they reveal what I truly do…

I love my family, but I don’t care who I have to hurt to keep her.

And I will always keep her.

Even if she doesn’t want me to.

She’s mine.

“Yes,” Matthias replies in a clipped voice, heeding my threat. “It’s great to have him on the team.”