Page 21 of Deceptive Desires (The Syndicate #2)

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 the world 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.

“No, Roman. You’re not to blame. The stranger that did this is. The lost soul who made this poor decision is. You saved me. You kept me safe. You took care of me. That’s all that matters.”

I breathe him in again, and the scent of him and lemons enters my nose.

“Mmmm, you smell like lemons. It’s making me want a cup of tea.”

He tenses, then pulls back a little. There’s a strange gleam in his eyes, but he shakes it away.

“I’ll make you some tea right now.” He starts to get up, but I stop him.

“I can do it.”

“Absolutely not. Stay in bed.”

“I need to get up. My body is protesting being still for this long.”

He sighs but nods, and cradles me to him as he stands, carrying me out of my room.

“I can walk, silly goose.”

He lets out an unexpected chuckle. “I can’t remember the last time someone called me a ‘silly goose.’”

“Well, you’re being one. But it’s okay. I appreciate it,” I tell him as I snuggle into his arms.

When we get to the kitchen, Gracie is already in there, working on her laptop. She closes it when she hears us and races to my side.

“How are you feeling? Are you okay? Do you remember what happened?” she rushes out.

“I’m okay. I feel a little sick, but some tea will help. Roman told me what happened. How some guy roofied me. I’m not angry. I’m hurt and feel violated. But I forgive him. He’s a lost soul.” Gracie gapes at me, even though she should be used to my forgiving nature.

“You can’t be serious!” she gasps.

“Gracie, it’s not healthy to hold on to grudges. It’s bad for the soul,” I remind her. I’ve told her dozens of times, but she chooses not to listen.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she huffs then sits at the counter.

“Thank you, both of you, for taking care of me. I appreciate it so much.”

“You know I love you, girl. I’m always going to take care of you. Especially if you’re in a state where you can’t take care of yourself. Let’s just be more aware in the future,” Gracie tells me.

“I love you too.” I tell her.

Then I realize how awkward this exchange must be seeing as I’m still in Roman’s arms.

“Erm, you can put me down now, héroe?” I ask softly.

He doesn’t move for a beat, then places me on the couch. He heads to the kitchen, reaches into the pantry, and pulls out my tea stash.

Gracie plugs in the electric kettle, and they work seamlessly together.

It’s odd to see her comfortable around a man, but I guess the shared trauma and seeing what a good man he is won her over.

Roman sets the tea in front of me and sits in the chair across from me.

“You can have some tea too if you’d like,” I offer.

“I’m okay for now. I need to get going but wanted to wait until you were awake and situated.”

“Oh.” I try to hide my disappointment. “Can we see each other again soon?” I try to mask the want in my voice. I want him to say yes more than I want my next breath.

“Of course, sunshine.” A smile crosses his face. “As soon as you’re up to it, let me know. I’ll take you to dinner. On a proper date. But only once you’re ready. We’re doing this on your terms.”

I blush and nod. “I’ll text you later.”

With a final kiss to the top of my head, he’s out the front door, and Gracie’s locking it behind him.

“Well, what do you think of him?” I ask her, needing her insight.

“He’s perfect for you. He took such great care of you. That man is already falling for you. You need to give him a chance. A real chance. Don’t push him away… I don’t think he’d let you even if you tried,” she mutters the last bit under her breath.

“Do you really think so? That he likes me?” I ask, full of hope.

“Definitely. I think that man would do just about anything for you.”