Page 97 of Secrets, Lies and Love

“Cage, I . . .”

“Wait, don’t answer yet. You haven’t heard my entire proposal. The party will be on a Friday, so I thought I’d plan a weekend in the Hamptons. What do you think? I have friends there. I’m sure there aren’t any places that fancy in Kansas. And don’t worry about just being a nanny. They won’t judge you.”

I don’t know what irritates me more: him assuming that I would be dazzled by the invitation because, to quote him,“I’m sure there aren’t any places that fancy in Kansas,”or the fact that he believed I would feel embarrassed for“just being a nanny.”

I believe that he misinterprets my silence, thinking that I am considering accepting the proposal, because he continues, “I’m not pressuring you, but I need you to know that I’m not a monk, Cecily. I have tolerated your modesty until now because, to be honest, I find your country manner charming, but if you accept my invitation, we will sleep in the same room.”

I don’t know if it’s the pregnancy hormones that make me want to kill him, but I feel like flying at his neck and tearing the pretentious smile off his face. I don’t even care that, in my peripheral vision, I see people approaching, probably the secretary with some other employee. I’m determined to put him in his place.

Before I can say anything, however, the door opens and Dionysus appears.

“Come in,” he says to me without looking in the direction of anyone else.

Already angry with Cage, I feel my temper emerging. “Good afternoon, Mr. Kostanidis.”

Yes, I know I shouldn’t provoke him. From his expression, I’m sure he heard what Cage said, but I’m really upset that he’s treating me like I’m his property.

He approaches, and I shiver, but not from fear. It’s because I can’t control my body’s crazy reactions whenever he’s around.

“You know you don’t need to be embarrassed,gape mou.”

My eyes widen when his huge hand comes to the back of my head, because I know what he’s going to do and also that the other people here with us are paying attention to the scene.

I have time to stop him when he pulls me towards him and kisses me on the mouth in front of everyone, but I don’t because I’ll never be able to resist him. So when our lips touch, I forget the world around us and respond with my heart.

When I soften in his arms, at his mercy and in love, after seconds that seem like hours, he moves away, but without letting go of me.

“Dionysus . . . um . . . Mr. Kostanidis, I didn’t know you and Cecily, I mean, Miss Bradley . . . were together.”

I might feel sorry for him if he weren’t so stupid and insulting, treating me like I should be grateful for doing him the favor of inviting me to a party and a weekend away, but I’m enjoying watching him squirm in embarrassment, even though now that the effect of the kiss has worn off, I’m angry with Dionysus too.

“We haven’t announced it yet, but from now on, you’re warned. Don’t get in my way, Cage. You won’t get a second chance.”

Dionysus

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

I closethe door and only need to look at her once to be sure she’s mad at me.

Well, that makes the two of us.

Today, we will decide once and for all the future of our relationship.

“You did it on purpose.”

“I don’t know which part you’re referring to: when I stuck my tongue in your mouth or when I told that asshole that you are my woman, but in both cases, the answer is yes.”

“It wasn’t what we agreed.”

“There was no arrangement, only my respect for how terrified you seem to be of people knowing that you are mine. Newsflash, Cecily: this story of clandestine dates is over. I understand that my world is not attractive to someone who has never had their life exposed in the newspapers. I don’t like the idea of them persecuting you either, but at least with family and closest relatives, we’ll be honest.”

“So you’ve decided everything yourself, have you?”

“I gave you every opportunity to come around to the idea. Or would it be better to say, tomature?”

“What does that mean?” She faces me with her hands on her hips, and as crazy as it is, her anger excites me.

I should stay away, but I can’t, so I walk over to where she is and pin her against the wall. “You think you are a woman, but you’re just a scared little girl.”

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