Page 83 of Deceptive Desires

We eat the picnic that he packed as we talk about the future.

“I see us moving out of the penthouse. What do you think?” Roman asks after he swallows a bite of his caprese salad.

“I’ve always seen myself living in a cottage on the outskirts of town. With a big garden. But it’d have to be big enough for all the kids. I don’t even know if they make cottages that big.” I explain dreamily.

“If they don’t, we’ll build one,” he assures me as he pulls me onto his lap. “How many kids do you want?”

“I’ve always wanted a big family. At least five kids. But I’ll welcome as many as the universe gives me,” I tell him, praying that’s not a deal breaker.

“The more, the better. We can have as many as you’d like. It’s your body that carries them. I’m grateful for anything you provide,” he tells me.

His words warm my heart.

“Thank you, héroe. Plan on a huge house full of loud, messy children,” I tease him.

“I wouldn’t want my home any other way. As long as you’re standing by my side through it all.”

He presses a kiss on my hair, and I snuggle deeper into him.

“When do you want to get started? You’re still young, so I don’t want to rush you, but I’m almost thirty-five though, and I’d like to be able to watch our herd grow up,” he sounds sad to admit it.

“Any time after we’re married. Maybe as soon as we’re married. All I’ve ever wanted is a family of my own. Plus, women have a biological clock for reproduction. If we want a big family, we need to start soon,” I tell him.

“You’re fucking perfect. You know that, right?” He inhales, and I think he’s sniffing my hair. “What about your job? I won’t make you quit, but that many pregnancies and kids are a lot on their own. I can’t imagine juggling a job along with it. We can always hire help though,” he offers.

“No, I want to be the one to raise our kids. If you’re okay with it, I’d quit my job and focus on the kids. It was only a placeholder. I’ve never been too invested in it,” I tell him, hoping he doesn’t think I’m a freeloader.

“That’s perfect. I’d be grateful if you were to stay at home with the kids.” He sighs happily.

“I don’t want you to feel used though,” I tell him nervously.

He chuckles as though it’s ridiculous.

“Sunshine, I have to work for the family business. I can’t stop. And even if I did, I still have more than enough in the bank for us to be set for life. Bash and Matthias handle my financials, and they do a damn good job.”

I knew he has money based off his cars and penthouse, but I didn’t realize it was that much.

“Okay. Just know, even if we had nothing, and had to work for every penny, I’d still choose you and that life with you,” I tell him.

“I know, sunshine. You’re not a gold digger. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to spoil you. It’s my privilege now as your husband.” His tone reveals his pride, and I can’t help but smile.

“What do I offer in the relationship? What can I give you?” I ask him, needing to be an equal.

“You being a mother and giving us children is more than I could ever contribute. No money or job could ever equate to that. I’ll forever be grateful to you for it. It’s all that I could ever want.” The rawness in his voice solidifies what I’ve always thought.

That he truly is a hero. So selfless and strong.

“I love you, héroe,” I whisper to him, as I turn to kiss him.

“I love you too, sunshine,” he tells me before pressing his lips to mine.

Chapter 58

Cecilia

We walk up the driveway of my future in-law’s mansion, and excitement waves through me. I’m shaking with eagerness to tell them about the engagement.

I called my family the next day and told them. Everyone was so happy for us. My papá hadn’t seemed surprised, and when I mentioned it to Roman, he told me he had asked for his approval. It meant so much to me that Papá accepts my fiancé into the family.