Page 89 of Deceptive Desires (The Syndicate #2)

Cecilia

The ceremony was beautiful. Margot was glowing, and Matthias was a man in love. The vows were beautiful, and tears were shed.

But I was distracted. By the loving gaze of the man I shouldn’t want.

We’re at the reception, and I’m seated at the Montclair family table.

After the ceremony, Bash gave me a big hug.

He told me he’d fight Roman for me. When I politely declined, he chuckled and told me he was glad to have me back.

Then, he took me by surprise by defending Roman.

He told me that men in love do crazy things.

I asked if he’d ever been in love, and he quickly changed the topic.

He left to go talk to some people, and I found it odd that he didn’t flirt with a single woman since I had heard he was a player.

Dom gave me a tight nod, and a firm handshake.

He told me he was glad I wasn’t taken, and that I had the Syndicate’s protection.

It was the most empathetic I’d ever seen him, and yet, he still barely showed any emotions.

The way he glowers around the wedding, the slight look of disgust on his face, confirmed my hypothesis that he’ll never get married.

I don’t think the man has enough emotional capacity to be in love.

Mr. Montclair hugged me and shared the same sentiment as Mrs. Montclair. They’ve been kind to me all night.

Margot and Matthias have been so caught up in themselves that I haven’t been able to talk to them much. I can’t adequately express my happiness for them. They deserve this and everything more. Their wedding is just as beautiful as their love.

And Roman. He never leaves my side. He lets me mingle and talk, but he never gives me space. Even when I’m talking about things that don’t interest him, he’s still mindful of the conversation.

When I glance longingly at the dance floor, he startles me by putting a hand on my back.

“Please, do me the honor of a dance, Mrs. Montclair,” he says flirtatiously.

I smile, then freeze as his words register.

He freezes as well, then pales.

“I’m sorry, Cecilia. I’ve been thinking of you as my wife since I proposed months ago. I didn’t mean it like that… The offer still stands. If you want to end the marriage, you can. I don’t want that, but I’ll respect your choice,” he replies quietly.

“I’d love a dance,” is all I say as I shoot him a smile.

I can’t deny the sparks that warm my chest when he called me his wife.

And I realize, despite how I got here, I’m exactly where I want to be.