Page 104 of Original Sins (Dark Odyssey 6)

I feel even worse. “What?”

“There’s one and a half million in there, and it’s listed as coming from him.”

“Which means they don’t want to see me again.”

I’ve been paid. I never really felt like a whore until now.

Fresh tears run down my cheeks.

“Oh, Evie, I’m so sorry. You fell for them, didn’t you?”

I manage a nod. “How did you know?”

“Well, for one, you’re about the only woman I know who would behave that way after she just got told she has one point five million in her bank account.” She nods. “The other reason is we’re like sisters, Evie. I’ve always known you were in love with them even before you did.”

“You did?”

“I did. You were obsessed with them.Bothof them, and I know that sounds extremely weird, definitely to my ears because I’m supposed to be the man crazy one of this duo. I’m supposed to be the girl who shocks the other one. But I guess I wasn’t all that shocked, and I admit I was relieved when they bid on you at the auction. I thought that would make you happy because we found a twisted as fuck way to meet them.”

“Oh, Cordelia.”

“I know, one day I’ll ask you to explain how you can love two men the same and it not be weird when you’re all together. Right now, I think the floor is open.”

“How is it open? Georgiou paid the money, and I can’t accept it. I finally have what I need to leave, and I can’t accept it because that means he doesn’t want to see me again. Being with them wasn’t about money.”

That’s the truth.

“I know, and I think they might know that too.” She speeds up and draws in a ragged breath. “Evie, do you really want to leave it like this? I don’t think I could, because they both liked you a lot too. I remembered their faces last night when they saw you with Peter. I’m not sure who looked worse. Georgiou or Henry. I want to say it was probably Georgiou. He’s not the kind of guy who falls for a woman. He’s one tough nut to crack, and just think of how many women throw themselves at the two of them.”

“I can imagine.”

“Anyway, my point is now that the secret is out and they know who you are, you should explain what happened. If you truly loved them, then at least do that. It doesn’t matter what happens after that or how they take it.”

I nod and push aside my cowardice. She’s right. It’s time to start doing the right thing, even if I am screwed.

“I have to see them, Cordelia.”

She smiles. “Already taking you there.”

28

Georgiou

Ilook across at Henry and note how fast he’s tapping away at the keyboard on his laptop.

I’m sitting on the sofa looking at the wall, and I’m instantly reminded of the way we were in college. This could be us ten years ago.

He’d get lost in his work whenever we had a problem, and I’d do this or fuck some poor girl who thought it was a good idea to throw herself at me.

I sip on my bottle of wine and try to think past the shit, but I have the same problem.

The shit keeps coming back to screw with me.

I thought I’d feel better after sending the money off to Evie’s account this morning, but I didn’t.

I felt worse like it was really over.

She’d get it and know that the early payment meant the end of us.

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