Page 135 of Remi's War (Four Dark Horsemen 2)

What if sometimes giving up is the only option to survive? Even if it means giving up your humanity?

“Maybe. Certainly his skills during the Trojan War could be admired.”

“I always imagined him as this calm, protecting, and cunning man. One of the reasons I named my son after him.” Melodic laughter slips past her lips, and yet pain dances on the edges of it, pulling at my heartstrings for some reason. “In my opinion, the name by default gives a certain vibe to a person who carries it.”

How strange too. I’ve gone twenty-three years without knowing anyone named that, and now I find out a second person is named after the mighty hero. “Yeah, well. I bet he loved the name while he was growing up.”

She freezes, the fingers clenching her necklace so tight the knuckles turn white and the air hitches in her throat. “He died just after he was born.”

Oh.

“I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you, honey.” Then she straightens up and shakes her head, plastering a smile on her face that once again seems out of place on her features. “I’m surprised to see such a young girl admiring art. Usually, it’s the older folks.”

Inwardly exhaling in relief at the change in subject, I say, “My dad would have my hide if he knew I didn’t show appreciation where it was due.”

Her brows rise, and for a second, the movement seems so familiar, yet I cannot place it. “Who’s your father?”

“Asher Walsh.”

Her eyes widen in surprise, and her red scarf slides down her arms when she steps closer to me. “Penelope?” she asks, and I nod. “We used to go to the same school, although he was younger than me by four years.” She is forty-six years old then. “Well, that and I was engaged to your biological father.”

My jaw drops at this admission, too stunned to utter a single word while my mind swirls with all this.

Theodore was engaged? And who is she anyway? Dad never mentioned this.

She must read the questions in my head, because she answers on them. “My name is Sofia Carrington. That engagement lasted for a few months, and then your father met your mother. The rest is history.”

Oh shit.

“Theodore was a cheater too?” The words spill from my mouth, and she huffs, waving her hand in a dismissive gesture, although I think she finds my assumption funny.

“Of course not. He fell in love. Besides, I was happy when it ended.” She gently rubs her palm over my arm. “And it worked out for the best. They had you girls.” She clasps her hands together. “I was so happy to find out this morning about you two.” Sadness quickly replaces the joy on her face though, and she puts her hand on her chest. “Not everyone is so lucky. To know that your children survived despite everything. And yet we hope for the impossible, just like Odysseus did.” A beat passes, and then she fires another question. “How is Asher? I haven’t seen him since Theodore died.”

“He’s good.”

“Married?”

“Nope. Dad says he is forever a bachelor.”

She grins. “That sounds a lot like him.” She opens her mouth, wanting to say something, but Remi’s harsh voice interrupts us.

“Penelope.”

I look over my shoulder to see him joining us.

“Oh. The meeting ended?” I expect him to wrap his hand around my waist, but to my surprise, he stands next to me, his hands in his front pockets while he stays absolutely cold and still as a granite wall, his gaze trained on Sofia.

In fact, his stare is so intense it makes me shift uncomfortably while various emotions wash over me in confusing waves as awkwardness settles all around us.

Why is he acting this way?

Clearing my throat, I introduce them. “This is Sofia Carrington. We just met, and this is—”

“Remi Reyes. Your husband. I’ve heard so many things about you over the years.” She smiles softly at him, but my husband gives her no reaction.

He just stays silent, staring at her, while her eyes grow more concerned and confused with each passing second.

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