Page 22 of Secrets, Lies and Love

“Because my husband told me about your situation,” she continues, without giving any explanation as to how her husband knows about my life. “And I want you to have a chance. Maybe New York turns out not to be what you imagined and you want to run home to your town after all.”

I would go back right now if it were possible, but it’s not. I can’t leave the little boy I came to meet behind. “I’m not going back to my town, Ms. Elina. I am determined to change my life.”

“Just Elina, Cecily. As for not wanting to leave, wait a few months before you make a final decision.”

After that advice, she starts asking me questions about what I know how to do, and when I explain that I used to work in a library, despite the place having a tiny collection, she seems delighted.

“We have a library at the Association. I’m sure I can arrange something for you there.”

“I won’t refuse, Elina. Thank you very much for your generosity.”

“She doesn’t need to work at the Association,” Dionysus intervenes. “If you really want to stay in New York,” he continues, looking at me, “I can get you any position you want at my station or at the bank.”

That’s the moment I should shut up. Or perhaps fall at his feet, grateful, because it’s the chance I’ve been waiting for to get closer to the Greek and, consequently, to Joseph. However, a kind of rebellious entity takes over my body, and before I can stop myself, I find myself saying, “Thank you, Mr. Kostanidis, but I prefer to work for Elina. We both know how stupid I am. Far be it from me to cause you any harm.”

He looks at me in disbelief, as if h” can’t believe I’m turning down the offer, and even though I know I’ve committed a kind of suicide when it comes to my plan, a niggling satisfaction spreads through my chest when I leave him speechless.

Dionysus

CHAPTER TWELVE

As I leave the room,I can’t believe what just happened.

When I finally decided to give in, Cecily chose not to accept my generous offer to get her a job?

It’s not your problem, a voice warns.You did your best, and she refused both financial help—apart from hospital payments—and a job.

So why am I left feeling like I was unfair?

I’m not one to regret the decisions I make, but I feel like I owe her, which is crazy, since it was the girl who literally crossed my path, almost killing herself and getting me into trouble.

I pick up my cell phone to check a meeting I have in an hour, but instead of turning the page, dismissing Cecily Harper Bradley’s involvement in my life, and focusing on work, which is my main priority after Joseph, I find myself analyzing what Anderson said about hiring her as a nanny.

No. It would never work. I’ve never had a relationship with an employee before, but I know myself and I know that if I have Cecily within arm’s reach, I will seduce her.

The phone rings, and I see on the display that it is Zeus.

“Where are you? The girl has already been discharged, I assume.”

I sent him a message letting him know that she was fine and also telling him about what I found out about Cecily, because my older brother needs to control everything down to the smallest detail. “I just left the room. She will be discharged, but she won’t leave New York as I wanted.”

“As you wanted? Since when do you care about the fate of strangers?”

“I don’t care. That was just an expression. Either way, Elina will give her a job. From now on, Cecily is no longer my problem.”

“Cecily? I thought her name was Harper Cecily or Miss Bradley.”

Now I’m sure he’s teasing me, but I take the bait anyway. “She doesn’t like being called Harper, because of her stepmother.” I quickly explain what Odin discovered and also what Anderson told me.

“What is it about the girl that is catching your attention?” my brother asks, in his characteristic direct manner.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do. Despite what you told me, that she is no longer your problem, she still seems to be very much ‘your problem.’”

I sigh, irritated that he knows me so well. “I don’t like feeling indebted to anyone. Cecily didn’t accept financial help, and I feel like I didn’t do everything I could to support her.”

“Like what, for example?”

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