Free Goddess by Chance (Demi-God Daughters Book 2) by Erin Ashley Tanner Page B

swallowed. “Thank you for thinking so highly of me.”
    “You’re very welcome.”
    When his hand moved toward her face, Arienne was sure she was going to scream. Casually his thumb swept across her cheek.
    “You had an eyelash,” he said. He dropped his hand.
    “Thanks.”
    “Sure. Now how about we go inside?”
    Arienne blinked rapidly. “What?”
    “We’re here, sweetheart.”
    “I’m so embarrassed. I didn’t even realize the car had stopped moving.”
    “No need to be embarrassed. We can just chalk it up to us enjoying each other’s company.”
    “Yeah. Let’s go with that.”
    “Great.” Chris opened the door and stepped outside. Turning around he reached for her hand and helped her from the car. Chris shut the door and still holding her hand, made his way to the front of the glass entrance way.
    Second thoughts started to creep into Arienne’s mind. What were you thinking agreeing to come here with him? He’s going to find out. How could he not? She pushed the thoughts away. It had been a long time since she’d set foot inside this building and the same staff wouldn’t likely be there. Would they?
    Chris opened the door, allowing her to step inside first. She entered and strode to where the front desk was. A petite, raven-haired girl was sitting at the desk.
    “Welcome to R.A.I.N.N. How can I help you?”
    “We’re here to make a donation. I’m Chris Triton, and this lovely lady is Arienne Marcos.”
    “Arienne? Arienne Marcos?” a voice rang out.
    Arienne looked past the receptionist. Coming towards her at full speed was a heavy set Latina with bountiful breasts and hips. A wide smile stretched across the woman’s face. Arienne’s heart dropped to her stomach.
    “Trisha.”
    The woman enfolded Arienne in a warm embrace. “Arienne, it’s been so long.”
    Wincing, Arienne’s eyes met Chris’s as she hugged Trisha back. She had no clue what he was thinking, but she was sure that whatever it was, it wasn’t good.
    ****
    Arienne looked like a deer about to be plowed down by a pickup truck. He could fairly taste the fear radiating from her. As she and the matronly Latin woman broke apart, he extended his hand. “Chris Triton. A pleasure to meet you.”
    “This is an honor. Trisha Fernandez,” the woman said shaking his hand.
    He could see the surprise on her face as her eyes darted back and forth between him and Arienne.
    “The honor is mine. Arienne has told me some really great things about this place.”
    “I’m so glad. Arienne, I didn’t realize you were on a first name basis with Mr. Triton,” Trisha said.
    “We met recently.”
    There was a pinched look around Arienne’s eyebrows, and her mouth was in a thin line.
    “Great. So what brings you by?”
    Triton walked closer to Arienne, placing his hand on the small of her back. She looked at him with eyes narrowed before turning her attention back to Trisha.
    “We’re here to make a donation of a million dollars.”
    Trisha’s mouth hung open. Tears formed in her eyes. Hook, line, and sinker.
    “Bless you. Bless you both. If you’ll follow me,” Trisha said.
    Arienne gave Trisha a terse smile before falling in line. Triton did the same, his hand still on Arienne’s back. Before this day was over he vowed that Arienne would confess her secret to him, even though he already knew. Sometimes there was nothing better than good old-fashioned reverse psychology.
     

Chapter Sixteen
     
    Arienne was silent as the car drove them to lunch. Guilt. Shame. Worry. All those emotions welled up inside her. You knew this was a bad idea. Deep down. But it was too late now. She’d seen the way Chris watched her as she and Trisha spoke. The glint in his eyes. The smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Although he’d been the perfect gentleman, she knew better. There was no telling what he was thinking, but she was sure it wasn’t good.
    “Arienne, are you all right?”
    Her head snapped up. Chris’s eyes stared into