“Sunshine, I work in security. I have to be armed to protect myself and others,” I exhale in relief as the lie comes quickly. “Plus, with my training, it’s only right I remain armed at all times in case there’s ever a situation where I need to step in. I’d hate for something to happen that I could’ve prevented if I were armed. I owe it to the world.” I lie so easily to her, but it’s for her own good.
And it is true. To some degree. I am armed to protect. Maybe not every stranger on the street, but definitely her.
“Oh. That makes sense.” She nods as she lets it soak in. Then smiles. “I’m sorry I freaked out. I just wasn’t expecting it. I’ve never seen a gun in real life.” Then my naïve, gullible girl shoots me a blinding smile. “See, you truly are a hero. Thank you!”
Fuck, that was almost bad.
I need a contingency plan. I need a plan in place if she ever finds out.
With that settled, I clean myself in her bathroom and come back to the couch. She’s falling asleep, so I lie down and cuddle her, holding her tightly against me.
When her breathing evens out, I wait a few more minutes, basking in her peace, then carry her to bed.
I tuck her in and stand in the corner watching her.
Only when my midnight alarm goes off, signaling it’s time for me to patrol our territory, do I leave. And I leave with a heavy heart.
On my way out the door, I collect her panties from the couch.
I inhale her release and groan at the scent.
These will last me a while.
With a smile, I shove them in my pocket and leave her door. I lock it with the extra key I made, and head down the hallway.
See you soon, sunshine.
Chapter 30
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.
