Page 147 of Loving the Liar

“There are only two options for an Aphrodite’s status to change. Either a Shadow asked to marry her and she gets to become a Hera...”

“Or?”

“Or she’s being removed from the Circle.”

“Being removed?”

My heart stops altogether, my lungs refusing to draw in a breath.

“I’m going to assume that what Hermes just published put you and Reeves in a tricky situation. It’s more than okay for both of you to sleep together, but not to put the Circle in jeopardy. Everyone knowing a professor slept with a student is a risk for us. It puts eyes on a Shadow and also on the Circle.”

I run my hand through my hair, pulling at my roots as my chest tightens some more.

“Are they going to kill me for putting the Circle at risk of being found out?”

“Where are you?”

“Why aren’t you answering my question? Am I safe?”

“Are you on your way to the temple?”

“Yes! Achilles?—”

“I’ll meet you there.”

The second I go past the front door, two men are on me. “This way, Aphrodite.”

They don’t touch me, but their mere presence is terrifying. As we walk up the stairs, my legs feel like jelly. I don’t think they’ll get me all the way to Duval’s office before giving up on me.

We’re almost by his door when it opens, and Megan and her dad walk out.

She’s crying, screaming at whoever is inside the office while Gabriel McLean holds her tightly by the upper arm.

“Dad—” she attempts as he drags her away violently. “I didn’t?—”

“You are a disgrace to this family,” he cuts her off, then snatches the necklace with the lotus flower she has around her neck. Her sign that she was a Hera. “Your jealousy and hysterics have cost me enough. You’re lucky I’m too important that you’re not being killed.”

She notices me, her face reddening some more. “You,” she snarls.

“What’s happening?” I barely choke out.

“You’re finally going to get what you want, aren’t you? Little fucking bitch…” She tries to come my way, but her dad holds her back.

“I don’t understand,” I rasp as I try to calm my breaths.

“Into the office, Aphrodite,” McLean growls, dragging his daughter away from me.

I don’t even dare to not listen, hurrying into the office.

My brother was right.

Chris is there, standing tall with his hands in the pockets of his suit and a serious look on his face. Eugene Duval is in front of his desk, running a hand through already tousled hair. His angry stare comes to me, and I notice his jacket has been thrown on one of the chairs.

“Ella Baker.”

I try not to gulp, but I fail, and my knees almost give up under his dark voice.

“You’re becoming more trouble than you’re worth.”

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