Page 30 of Deceptive Desires (The Syndicate #2)

Cecilia

“It was a good day at work. Everything is going well. Bash is making progress on a new product…” Roman’s smooth voice carries through my phone speaker during our routine goodnight call.

I love hearing from him at the end of the day.

Most of the time he doesn’t talk about work, but it’s interesting when he does. He’s a hero, saving people’s lives every day. It’s so admirable.

“Sunshine, will you join me for family dinner this Sunday? I’d love to introduce you to them. We’ve been dating for months, and I know they’ll love to meet you.” The way he says it, so slowly, I can hear the trepidation in his voice. But I can also hear his hope and excitement.

My heart stops.

Me? Meet his family?

It’s such an honor. I didn’t realize he’s as serious about us as I am. Meeting the family is important, right? That’s a big step, right? I’ll have to ask Gracie.

All I know is, I want to. I want this with him.

“I’d love to, héroe. Thank you.” I try to contain the excitement in my voice.

He exhales in relief.

Did he really think I’d say no?

“Thank you, sunshine. I’m so excited for you to meet everyone. They’re going to love you.”

“I just know I’ll love them too. Anyone who raised such an amazing hero is an automatic yes to me. If they’re anything like you, it’ll be great,” I assure him.

“Alright, sunshine. Time to end the call. You have work in the morning,” he says it so dreadfully, as if hanging up is painful for him.

“All right, silly goose. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Goodnight, héroe,” I whisper into the phone.

“Goodnight, Celia. Sweet dreams,” he whispers back.

Then the call is over.

And instead of turning off the lights and going to sleep like he said, I jump out of my bed and fly down the hallway.

I knock on Gracie’s door once, then four more times until she answers.

“What in the hell is wrong with you?” she grumbles, looking disheveled.

“I am so sorry. I didn’t realize you already went to sleep.” I feel terrible waking her up.

“It’s past eleven. Of course I’m asleep. I have an eight a.m. in the morning,” she says just as sleepily then yawns.

I didn’t realize I’d spoken to Roman for over an hour tonight.

“I can just let you go back to sleep. I’m so sorry.”

“No, you already woke me up. Tell me what’s wrong,” she demands, stubborn as always.

“Roman invited me to family dinner on Sunday. This is a good thing, right? I mean, if he wasn’t serious about me, then he wouldn’t introduce me to them, right? I just don’t know what I’m doing!” I throw my hands up.

“Take a deep breath. Get in here, let’s talk this out.” She opens her door further and goes to her bed. I sit on it with her ready to delve into this new development.

“So, what do you think?” I beg for her advice.

“I think this is great news. He wants his family to meet you. He has brothers, right?” she asks.

“Yes, three. And one of them is engaged. His parents will be there too. I haven’t heard about anyone else, but I can’t be sure there aren’t more.” I give her the rundown.

“Okay. You’ll win over the mom and dad easily.

There’s no way parents won’t like you. Now, we know nothing about the brothers or the fiancée.

I’d say work on getting the fiancée to like you, then her soon-to-be-hubby will follow suit.

That’s the majority which should sway the other two brothers,” she masterminds like a general preparing for battle.

“Or I could just be myself and hope that’s enough for them. Not come in with some battle plan to win people over,” I suggest the much more realistic option.

“Ugh, you’re no fun. But you’ll be fine either way. They’ll love you. You’re a bundle of joy and optimism. You and unlikeable are oxymorons,” she says it almost insultingly, but I think that’s just the grumpiness from being woken up. “It’s why you attract so many morons,” she grumbles.

“Roman’s not a moron!” I defend my man.

My man?

I guess he is my man.

“I’m not talking about him. Never mind. I’m just cranky.” She groans. “If that’s all, please go away. I want to sleep.”

I give her a hug, which she begrudgingly returns.

“Thank you so much, Gracie. I’m feeling better already! Love you!” I tell her as I prance out.

Okay, I can do this.

I’ll just spend the next few days meditating on it.