Page 89

Matthias

“So, Margot, have you guys decided when the wedding will be?” Mom asks.

We’re all gathered at my parent’s house for family dinner. Well, everyone except Roman. He’s running late, so we went ahead and started without him.

“We’re thinking between six months to a year,” Margot replies. “We’re not stressing too much about it.”

“That’s the way to do it,” Mom nods. “We’re here for anything you need.”

“We appreciate it, Mom,” I tell her with a warm smile.

“Who all will be in the wedding?”

“Bash, Dom, and Roman will be the groomsmen,” Margot says, then hesitates. Her cheeks flush. “And I figured their dates could be the bridesmaids.”

She’s embarrassed. I know she feels self-conscious about not having any close girlfriends.

“I won’t be taking a date,” Dom cuts in, his voice flat .

“Nor will I,” Bash spits out, arms crossed, as though the idea of a date to my wedding disgusts him.

What the hell?

I’d expected it from Dom, but it’s surprising from Bash. The man has dozens of women on speed dial.

“Why not? It’s not like you don’t have a long list of options,” I ask Bash.

“I’m not seeing any of them anymore.”

“Since when?” I ask, eyebrows raised.

“They don’t interest me.”

Before anyone can follow up, the dining room door swings open and Roman walks in.

A beautiful woman trails behind him.

Tall and graceful. Long, dark waves framing her soft features. Her skin is tanned, her brown eyes vivid and wide. She’s wearing a floor-length skirt and a flowy blouse.

Who the hell is this?

“Hey guys. This is Cecilia, my girlfriend.” Roman delivers it casually, like he didn’t just drop a grenade in the room.

We all stare, stunned. She looks way too soft for Roman. He’s going to eat her alive.

Margot recovers first.

“Welcome! It’s such a pleasure to have you. I’m Margot, and this is my fiancé, Matthias.” She flashes Cecilia one of her warm, radiant smiles.

For a second, I’m jealous that someone else gets to be on the receiving end of it. Then Margot squeezes my hand beneath the table, and I pull her close.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Cecilia beams. “Roman’s told me so much about you guys. Mr. and Mrs. Montclair, your home is absolutely lovely. Thank you for having me.”

“Of course, dear,” Mom responds smoothly. “We’re so glad to finally meet you. Please, sit down.” She stands abruptly, realizing there’s no place set. “I’m sorry. We’ll have a spot made right away. Please, sit.”

Cecilia’s smile doesn’t waver. “I’m so sorry for intruding. I can leave if this was meant to be just family. Roman must’ve forgotten to mention it.” She turns to him with teasing eyes. “Héroe, how silly of you.”

I brace myself for it. Waiting for Roman to snap. To bark at her. To correct her.

For teasing him.

For reprimanding him.

For calling him hero.

What the fuck was that? Roman’s the villain.

But instead, he pulls her into a hug.

“I’m sorry, sunshine. I thought it’d be a nice surprise. And maybe we’d avoid the interrogation they put Margot through.”

That snaps Mom back into hostess mode. “No, dear, you’re absolutely welcome. We’re so excited to meet you. You’ll have to stay later so we can chat more.”

“We’d love to,” Cecilia chirps just as Roman mutters, “We don’t have time.”

She turns to him, smiling up sweetly. “Hero, please. I want to get to know your family.”

And just like that, the beast melts. “Of course, Celia.”

Dinner continues not as usual. Roman’s acting charming. Saying please and thank you. He’s cooing at her. It’s unsettling.

Bash and I keep trading glances. Dom’s just glaring at Roman, taking breaks only to flick skeptical looks at Cecilia like she’s a puzzle he can’t solve.

“Did you know about her?” Margot breathes out under her breath for only me to hear.

“No. I have no idea what’s going on.” I whisper back.

“So, Celia, when did this start?” Dom asks bluntly .

“It’s Cecilia to you.” Roman corrects lightly, but shoots daggers at Dom. The calm voice is unsettling against his glare that his woman can’t see. Cecilia giggles, thinking Roman’s joking.

“A few months ago,” Cecilia answers, her gaze fond. “He saved me. He’s my personal hero. He’s rescued me more than once since then. My life has been unexpectedly chaotic these past few months, and he’s always there when I need him. It’s like he just knows.”

Saved her?

Roman beams at her. “Of course. I’ll always be there to protect you, Celia. I’ll always be here to keep you safe. You’ll never get rid of me.”

There’s warmth in his voice, but something sharp flickers in his eyes.

“It makes sense,” Cecilia continues, completely oblivious. “Since his job is saving people. It’s amazing that you guys run Syndicate Enterprise. You keep people safe. That’s incredible.”

A heavy silence crashes over the table.

Margot drops her fork with a clank . Dom stiffens. Mom and Dad share a sharp glance. Bash pales.

And Roman.

He’s staring us down.

A silent warning.

A threat.

I’ve never seen him so terrifying.

“Yes,” I reply, my voice clipped. “It’s great to have him on the team.”

The conversation carries on, but we’re all off kilter.

With every sweet word this na?ve girl says, one thing becomes terrifyingly clear.

She has no idea who Roman really is.

After months together, she doesn’t know him at all .

The ruthless killer.

The angry beast.

The man the underworld fears.

She’s none the wiser to the man.

Cecilia has no idea he’s lying to her. And he’s doing it with a smile. She thinks he saved her. But he’s the one she needs saving from.

She’s falling in love with a mask.

God help her when it slips.