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Cecily

CHAPTER TWENTY

That man is dangerous 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 say reaction —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.

From the bed, I pick up the only photograph I keep from my childhood, and after running my fingers over the image, I kiss it.

“I’ll do it. I’ll make sure your son is okay, Keith. But just so you can rest assured in heaven, know that Dionysus truly loves Joseph. He’s not like Sue. I feel with every drop of blood in my body that his love for our boy is real.”

I dry the tears that insist on falling and place the photo at the bottom of my suitcase. The right thing to do would be not to take it, but I’ve never left it behind. It’s the only good memory I have from my childhood.

Five minutes later, the doorbell rings. I know it’s Mr. Colt because he texted me a while ago saying he was coming. He also gave me all of Diony . . . Mr. Kostanidis, silly! He gave me all of Mr. Kostanidis’ numbers.

I’m going to need to watch myself so I don’t think of him as the man who was my sexual fantasy last night.

From today onwards, he’s my boss.

I open the door for the driver, who smiles, friendly.

“I knew this position would be yours.”

“I didn’t. I thought he would never hire me. Mr. Colt?—"

“You can call me Anderson, girl.”

“Anderson, again, I ask you to forgive me for the scare I gave you. I should have paid more attention when crossing that day.” What I really wanted was to tell him the whole truth, but I can’t. Not yet. Maybe when I can finally leave.

“Forget it. You were tired and distracted. God works in mysterious ways. I have no doubt that that incident had to happen for us to get here.”

I don’t say anything more because my list of sins and lies is reaching stratospheric levels. Instead, I let myself be guided in silence to the car, even though I feel very embarrassed when he opens the back door of the vehicle.

As soon as I sit down and fasten my seat belt, my phone rings.

“Cecily?”

My body shivers from the heat of that sexy voice, but I force myself to be in control. “Mr. Kostanidis, good morning. I’m already on my way to your house.”

“I know. An unforeseen event arose, however. I won’t be able to wait for you. Ares is with Joseph until you arrive, but then he’ll have to go to work too.”

“And Mrs. Lisa?”

I hear his sigh. “She missed work today. It may happen occasionally, so I will need you to work during the day in those cases. When I have your employment contract drawn up, I will tell my lawyers to triple your current salary for situations like this.”

“It’s not necessary . . . “

“Yes, it is, but that’s not why I called. I wanted to let you know that I’m trusting my most precious possession to your hands. Joseph is my world, Cecily. Don’t let me down.”