Page 37 of Secrets, Lies and Love

When I stand up again and face her, she seems to understand what I’m doing.

“I will be your employee, yes, but only when I’m at your house and working my shift. Other than that, with all due respect, Mr. Kostanidis, I can take care of my own life.”

She starts to walk away, but I grab her arm, even though I know that Anderson, as well as the other people at the party, can see us. “You’re being stubborn.”

She tries to hide a smile but fails. “No. I’m being practical. From what Elina told me, your house is in the opposite direction to my apartment, while Madison and your brother’s house is not. I’m in a hurry to get to my place today. Someone advised me to have fun before bed, as I recall. It was good advice, and I intend to follow it.”

After dropping that bomb, she turns her back and walks away, leaving me dying to go after her.

For the first time, I realize that perhaps I have misjudged the power of Cecily’s attraction.

Cecily

CHAPTER TWENTY

That man isdangerous to my judgment, I conclude as soon as I turn away from him.

Despite the confusion that has occurred since I arrived in New York, things finally seem to be back on track, and I’m not going to ruin everything in the name of a physical attraction that, as Elina rightly said, will lead to nothing.

“You were gone a while,” Cage says, appearing next to me.

I smile awkwardly. He’s the kind of person I would love to have as a friend. He’s straightforward and friendly, someone who doesn’t make you have to guess what he’s thinking. However, I think it’s not just friendship that he wants with me, and I’m not interested in “something more.”

“I was taking Mr. Kostanidis’ son to the car. He fell asleep.”

His brow furrows, as if he’s confused. “I thought you told me you worked for Elina at the Association.”

“Yes, but now I will be Joseph’s night nanny. It’s what I like to do most: take care of children.” As I say that, an idea suddenly materializes. “Can you excuse me? I have to talk to Elina.”

I walk away without giving him time to respond. When I find her, she is deep in conversation with Madison.

“Cici, Madison was looking for you to leave.”

“I’m ready, but I wanted to talk to you first.”

“Go ahead, my dear.”

“Do you think I could balance half a day at the Association’s library in the morning with a night shift at Mr. Kostanidis’ house?”

“I think so, but why do that? If it’s about saving your job, it’s guaranteed. Don’t worry.”

I look at her awkwardly. “It’s not that. It’s so I don’t spend too much time idle inside the house.”

Her face shows that she understands. “Dionysus stays at the station or at the bank all day. Relax.”

Madison smiles, perhaps understanding what Odin’s wife is implying. My shame increases.

“What’s going on between you two?” Zeus’s future wife asks.

“Nothing,” I answer quickly and change the subject. “Oh, Elina, Madison invited me to her wedding. How should I dress?”

They get excited explaining to me about outfits and hairstyles, and I thank God for having managed to take the focus off my inappropriate relationship—or would it be better to sayreaction—to my future boss.

Half an hour later, when I say goodbye to the owner of the house, it is agreed that I will continue working mornings for the Association.

It has nothing to do with fear of losing my job. I trust Elina’s word. The thing is, even though I really want to spend as much time as possible with Joseph, I can’t tell his father the reason I’m working there. Dionysus seems to have the power to read my thoughts, and if I reveal my identity too soon, I’m sure he will send me away.

I look at the apartment that I haven’t even gotten used to and am already leaving. This morning, I called Elina to ask her how I can return the keys, but she told me that I should keep them in case I want to run away and be alone for a while on one of my days off.

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