Page 33 of Deceptive Desires (The Syndicate #2)

Cecilia

I’m being led to the sitting room by Roman’s parents and Margot, but I can’t focus on anything they say.

‘I love you.’

Roman’s words echo in my mind.

I’m elated that he said them, that he told me he loved me, but as he’s leaving the room, with his family around, not giving me the chance to reply, caught me off guard.

Nevertheless, he said it. And I know he meant it.

We’ll discuss it later, and I’ll tell him I feel the same way.

“Cecilia, what is it you do?” Mrs. Montclair interrupts my realization once we sit on the couch and chairs.

“I’m a PT tech for a physical therapy clinic in the city. It’s a nice job. I get to help people heal, and that’s really fulfilling,” I say with a smile. Even though my job is hopefully temporary, I do enjoy helping the patients. “I also teach yoga after work some days.”

“That all sounds amazing. You seem like a selfless woman,” she replies with a smile of her own, and it warms my heart.

“You really do… So, how did you end up with Roman?” Margot asks with what can only be described as a dumbfounded expression on her face.

It takes me a moment to respond as confusion reigns through me.

“Roman saved me. He’s one of the most selfless people I know,” I explain to his family who I’m sure know this, but I’m met with incredulous faces.

“I got knocked into a metal street pole on the way home from work and Roman literally caught me and carried me over a mile to my apartment. He took care of me when I first got the concussion then returned a few days later to check in. He gave me his number, and when I reached out, he asked me out. We’ve been dating since then.

” I sigh dreamily at the memories of how my hero and I started our relationship.

“That sounds… very kind of Roman,” Mr. Montclair says slowly.

I can’t make sense of the long pause or the confusion that remains etched in their features. Maybe I’m reading their scrunched brows and slight frowns wrong.

“He’s been nothing but kind since. We went to a club for a friend’s birthday, and I got roofied. He took me home and took care of me,” I pause. “He’s always taking care of me. He’s such a great man. I’m sure this isn’t a shock to you guys.”

Suddenly, all of their expressions shift. Their eyes soften, their brows relax, and sweet smiles take over.

“Of course, dear. We’re just surprised he’s doing all this for a woman.

In his thirty-four years on this planet, I’ve never been introduced to a girlfriend.

I’m just surprised at seeing this new side of him.

” His mother fidgets with her hands, and I wonder if I’m making her uncomfortable praising her son.

“Oh,” I say surprised. “I didn’t realize he’s never brought a woman home before.”

My heart skips a beat at the realization. I’m the only woman he’s ever introduced to his family. That means we must be serious in his eyes. I mean he did just profess his love to me, so this shouldn’t be too much of a shock.

“I don’t think he’s even had a girlfriend before. He’s never even mentioned a woman,” she explains with wide eyes.

“I’m surprised you were able to chip through that tough exterior,” Margot chimes in.

“Tough exterior?” I repeat, now the one confused. “He’s never been anything but gentle and kind with me.” I laugh awkwardly. “I feel like we’re talking about different people.”

“No, no, no. I’m sure he just shows you a different side than what he shows his family. He has to be tough for his… job,” Margot rationalizes.

It calms me because that must be the case.

“I’m sure you’re right,” I agree. “So, what is it you guys do?”

“We retired a while ago, but Margot here is an audiobook narrator!” Mrs. Montclair says proudly.

I blush at the obvious response that the older, rich couple is retired. My parents still work even at their age, but their circumstances are different.

“That’s really cool, Margot. What kind of books do you narrate?” I ask, genuinely curious. I’ve never met anyone with that career.

Margot blushes, then tells me about the romance novels she records.

As the conversation ebbs and flows, I realize how warm and welcoming Roman’s family is. It feels like they’ve already accepted me, and I couldn’t be more honored.

I already feel at home with them.