Page 68 of Deceptive Desires

“Oh… Uhh… I’m not sure what you’re asking.” My faces pinches in confusion, because…what?

“He’s implying that you trashed your own place for insurance money,” Roman seethes. “Listen here, fucker. If Cecilia says there was an armed man that broke in, then there was an armed man. She’s the sweetest soul. She would never break her own things. She wouldn’t break anyone’s things. And she wouldn’t lie.”

“I’m sure your girlfriend is the greatest woman around.” He rolls his eyes. “But we have to be the ones to determine it.”

“Officer Evans!” the woman officer hisses.

“I’m just doing the job, Officer Nguyen,” he responds, his voice dripping in condescension.

“And you’ll do your job without blaming the victim,” Officer Nguyen orders him.

“I don’t understand. Why would I break my things, just to ask for money? I don’t even have insurance on this place,” I explain, still confused. “Unless my health insurance covers the cost?” I glance up at Roman for the answer.

He sighs and drops a kiss on my hair.

“No, sunshine. Health insurance is different than renter’s insurance. How did you rent this place without insurance? I’m pretty sure it’s illegal not to have renter’s insurance.”

“I don’t know. I think we opted out.” I try to recall the lease Gracie and I signed over a year ago.

Officer Nguyen comes to me and hands me her business card.

“Call me if you need anything or remember anything. We have another call to get to.” She starts to walk away, then turns back to me. “Cecilia, I would advise against staying here. Not only is the building itself not safe, but also, with the condition this unit is in, I wouldn’t recommend it. And while in myprofessional opinion I don’t think the robber will return, we can never be sure.”

With those caring yet troubling words, she and her partner leave.

“Roman, I don’t have anywhere to go. I only have enough money saved to stay in a hotel for a few nights. But I… I don’t think I can stay here. It’s just, every time I close my eyes, I’m back in that closet, fearing for my life.” I look up at him, tears welling once again. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Sunshine, you can stay with me as long as you need. Don’t worry about it for even a second. In fact, I’d love for you to move in permanently. Not only so I can always keep you safe, but also because I love you, and I hate going days without seeing you.” His voice shines with hope.

He pulls me in for another hug, and new tears form. Tears of gratitude.

I think about it and realize it’s the perfect solution. We’re happy together. And while I never saw myself living with a man until marriage, this is an extenuating circumstance. And I can’t deny that around Roman is the only place I’ll feel safe.

“Thank you so much, héroe. I can’t tell you what this means to me. You really are my hero. Saving me every time.” I lean up and kiss him on the lips.

He leans down to meet mine and pulls me in. The kiss is sweet and comforting. It feels like home.

“Let’s pack up your things and bring them to my place. You don’t need to be here any longer,” he kindly suggests.

We do just that, then head downstairs to his car.

The entire drive home, he wears a victorious grin, and I can’t help but smile at it.

Maybe something beautiful did come out of this.

Now I don’t have to live alone.

And now, I’ll be with my hero always.

Chapter 47

Roman

I glance at Cecilia’s sleeping form as I slip out of our bedroom.

Our bedroom.

In our penthouse.