Page 53 of Loving the Liar

“Good girl.”

I don’t like the satisfaction that reflects in his eyes. It’s not the same kind as when I do what I’m told. It’s deeper, like a mastermind seeing the dominoes fall into place.

I open my mouth to ask what the hell is it he did, and how did I unwillingly participate, when a voice resonates behind Chris. One that has my nausea returning.

“Having fun with my Aphrodite, Christopher?”

How thick is the thread of patience Chris is holding on to? Because I have a feeling it’s about to snap. He drops a soft kiss at the top of my head, like regaining strength, and turns around.

“Aphrodites belong to everyone,” he answers our professor. “And this specific one belongs to me.”

“Not tonight. I caught her.”

Chris takes a threatening step toward Reeves. He’s much taller than him, but I still have yet to find one person taller than Chris.

“Yesterday. Tonight. Tomorrow. In ten years. She’s mine.” My heart liquifies, melted by the dangerous heat in his voice. “Don’t test that. You don’t want to play with a man who would blow the world to pieces for her.” His voice lowers to a grave baritone. “Because, tell me, if I’m willing to destroy myself for her, what makes you think I won’t destroy someone as insignificant as you?”

There’s a long, tense pause before Reeves says. “It’s time to take her to Zeus.”

“Sure. I’ll come with you.”

Reeves’s face hardens, hate and disappointment turning him bitter. But he doesn’t protest.

While the Aphrodite’s quarters are underground, Eugene Duval’s private office is on the second floor.

My hair is still wet from the bath when we enter, dripping onto the hardwood floor in the elegant room.

Chris and Reeves both sit on the armchairs available in front of a desk, and Duval is in his own chair. I’m left standing, looking at Chris for clarity.

He only offers me a reassuring gaze. Not even a smile.

“Down, Ella,” the president orders without sparing me a look as he makes himself comfortable, unbuttoning his jacket.

I tighten my arms around my chest, glancing around the room, hesitant to talk. “There are no more chairs.”

He finally gives me attention, eyebrows drawn together as if confused why I still haven’t done what I’m told. “Aphrodites don’t sit on chairs in the temple. They kneel on the floor like the good little sex slaves they are. Now, down. Before the end of time, if you don’t mind.”

So much for calling us goddesses before the initiations. Quickly changed to sex slaves. Not that I imagined anything else.

My head snaps back to Chris, my mouth opening just as he cuts me off. “On your knees.”

An arrow to the heart would have been less painful. I thought he was helping me. My heartbeat doubles, but an order coming from my ex has a different effect than one coming from Duval, and I’m lowering before I can fight some more.

I’m between the two seats where Chris and Reeves are sitting, and I find myself leaning toward the man I used to be in love with.

Duval cocks an eyebrow at Chris. “Shouldn’t you be with your Hera? The ring ceremony starts in ten minutes.”

“Then I guess we have ten minutes,” Chris answers. “Let’s get to it.”

He casually and confidently brings a hand to the back of my head, caressing my hair possessively.

“I want to go home,” I rasp, half between an order and a plea.

“You may not talk unless I ask you an open question, Ella. Do you understand?”

There’s already an anger rising inside me, but Chris pulls at my hair when he feels me tense, so I nod.

“Did you get an invite to the initiations?”

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