Page 21 of Secrets, Lies and Love

I think I break all speed records when I get dressed, partly foolish and partly childish for fear that the woman will go awayand leave me alone again with that arrogant man. Not because I think he could hurt me but because I don’t trust myself not to let him convince me to leave, since the Greek seems capable, with all his arrogant charm, of convincing an Eskimo to buy ice.

Although an unpleasant trait in most people, his arrogance makes him even more fascinating.

I need to be very careful with Mr. Kostanidis.

Although there aren’t any photos in magazines of him with women these days, perhaps due to his somewhat recent widowhood, in the past not only he but his brothers were spotted on celebrity websites with international models. Beautiful and sophisticated women. The tycoon is a conqueror, and falling in love with him will make it more difficult to achieve my goal.

I bend down to wash my face. When I lift it again, I see my image reflected in the mirror and I feel like crying.

I’m pale and tired-looking, and I’m sure I imagined any interest there might have been in me from Mr. Kostanidis. There’s no way a man like that would look at me with desire.

I look like a doll with blue eyes standing out on my face.

I’m grateful they left my bag in the bathroom, and I take a comb from it to make my hair look somewhat presentable. When I think I’m well enough to face the two strangers outside, I grab the handle and walk out.

“I’m sorry it took me so long,” I say to the blonde, completely ignoring the billionaire. Deep down, I hoped he was already gone, even though I really needed him not to leave.

Yeah, right now I’m a confused mass of contradictory thoughts.

“I’m Odin’s wife—he’s Dionysus’s cousin—Cecily,” she says, using my first name as I asked, “and I came here to help you.”

“Help me?” I ask, confused.

“Yes, but first I want you to tell me your story.”

“I don’t know if I understand.” The whole time I’m talking to her, I feel the man’s eyes on me, but I pretend to be indifferent.

“You’re not from here” she says.

“No, I’m from Kansas,” I say, even though I’m pretty sure she already knows that.

Who are these people? Did they investigate me? My God, what have I gotten myself into?

“And you came to New York looking for a job as a nanny,” she says and I sigh, relieved.

Oh, it must have been Mr. Colt who told her. But if that’s the case, how did she get here so quickly?

“Yes, I did,” I say, jumping at this chance. It’s not like I have many options. “But I haven’t had much luck so far.”

She looks at the suitcase next to the bed. “Were you leaving?”

“I considered that possibility, yes,” I say carefully, “but I would be very sad if I had to do that.”

“Why?”

“Because I came to New York to achieve a goal,” I answer, only partially lying, “and I wouldn’t want to leave without doing it.”

Neither of them needs to know that my goal has nothing to do with making money, because I don’t need that. I was very happy working in the small community library in the town where I was born and taking care of neighbors’ babies in my free time.

It’s not money that motivates me—it’s loyalty.

“I no longer have young children who need babysitters,” she says, and I open my mouth, amazed. Is she telling me that if she did, she would leave them in my care?

Unable to stop myself, I look at the Greek, and for the first time, I feel self-confident in his presence. I look at him as an equal and send him a silent message of “I don’t need you,” even though it’s a lie.

“But I run an association and I can try to fit you it into some role there.”

“I’m not trying to be ungrateful, but why would you do that?”

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