“True, but we’ve done our best to crack down on those.”
“As noble as that is, these Cupids are vicious creatures. They’re practically terrorists.”
I snort laughed.
“Perhaps,” I said, not wanting to disagree with him. He’d just done me a huge favor. “But Roman isn’t. He’s a good guy.” I truly meant that.
“He threatened to beat me to a pulpif I did anything to hurt you.”
Surprised, I popped my head off Jonas’s shoulder. “He did? When?”
“As soon as I arrived. He pulled me aside and read me the riot act. It’s apparent he’s quite smitten with you.” Jonas smirked. “Not very kosher, though, is it? Him being the host of this farce and all.”
“True, but it’s not his fault we were unnaturally torn apart.”
“Yes, about that.” Jonas’s tone sharpened. “I think we need to uncover how that happened and expose it. My guess? Your wicked stepmother Psyche had a hand in it.”
“Huh. I never thought about that.”
She did hate my mom and me, sure. But how would she have known about Roman and me? And what could she really have done? Unless . . . maybe she’d kept me from my father. Maybe that’s why he’d never told me the reason he stayed away for the first sixteen years of my life.
What if I was supposed to have been in his world and missing out on that somehow messed up fate for Roman and me? Who knew? I wasn’t sure I ever would.
“She’s more evil than the Cupids,” Jonas pressed. “There’s a rumor she’s been secretly working with skin care companies worldwide, manipulating their formulas so no one will ever be as beautiful as her.”
That one I could almost believe. But . . .
“What could she have done to keep me apart from Roman?”
“Who knows? Perhaps she teamed up with Hera. Or even my mum,” he grumbled. “No doubt she was jealous of your beauty and talent. I’ll get to the bottom of it, love. Don’t you worry.”
No doubt he would, and he would feature it inPantheon Confidential. Psyche would just love that. I could hear the counseling session between her and Hestia now. She’d probably blame it on my mom and me, as per usual.
“I appreciate that. But right now, all I’m focused on is getting Roman to recognize I’m his soulmate—and winning an Academy Award.”
Jonas let out a short hum of approval. “It was quite a show you put on.”
I laughed, remembering how all my besties had followed me to make sure I was okay. Of course, Cassie had been in on the entire thing. She’d played her part beautifully. All I’d said through my fake tears was that I just couldn’t believe he’d come and it was too painful to talk about. That was Jonas’s and my shtick: say it was too painful, and then never talk about it again.
“Me? What about you?” I asked. “Your whole ‘I’m only here for you’ routine. You had me believing it.”
He paused.
“That’s because I was telling the truth.”
“Oh, Jonas.”
“I know, love. I’ve always known.” He sighed, gaze drifting into the distance.
I turned toward him, making sure to catch his eye, to finally face him. He deserved at least that from me.
His green eyes searched mine, hunting for doubt. But all he would find was determination. Determination to help Roman see the truth.
I lifted a hand to his cheek, which was rough with stubble. He really was beautiful.But he wasn’t mine. And I knew exactly who he was meant for—I’d save that revelation for later.
“It was never my intention to hurt you. I’m sorry I was too embarrassed—too cowardly—to tell you the truth back in school. I thought if anyone could unlock my heart, it would be you.”
But now, holding his hand, I realized the truth. His touch didn’t run deep. My heart didn’t even flinch.
