Page 53 of Deceptive Desires (The Syndicate #2)

Cecilia

It’s been a great weekend. My family loves Roman, and he loves them too. He seems happy, and he’s always engaged in conversation. It feels natural having him here.

It’s Saturday evening, and Roman is showering. Mamá is helping Abuela take a shower. Carmen and Felipe are putting Rosa to bed. Val went home. So, it’s just me and Papá.

“Venga, mijita,” Papá leads me to the backyard.

We sit in the rocking chairs near the garden.

“?Estás feliz con este hombre?” he asks me.

Are you happy with this man?

I don’t even have to think about it.

“Sí, Papá. Nunca he sido tan feliz,” I tell him.

Yes, Papá. I’ve never been this happy.

“Me alegra, Cecita María.” He puts a hand on my arm. “Yo veo cómo te mira.”

I’m glad, Cecita María. I see how he looks at you.

“?Cómo me mira?” I ask him, desperate for his thoughts. My papá is the wisest man I know. I need his insight.

How does he look at me?

“Como si fueras el sol, y todo su mundo girara alrededor de ti,” he tells me softly, and a tear drops down my cheek.

Like you’re the sun, and his whole world revolves around you.