Page 25 of Priest

She takes a long breath. “One of the reasons I ran away was because my family were forcing my hand in marriage.”

My mouth falls open in surprise. “For real?”

She nods. “It’s very common in many cultures, and not as outdated as some people think.”

“Did you know the guy you were supposed to marry?”

“Yes… I… let’s just say he’s not husband material, well, not my kind of husband anyway.”

“Did he mistreat you?”

“Yes. He slapped me once when I talked back, never in front of my family, not that they'd care. He’s from an affluent family too. We never… did anything. I’m supposed to save myself for marriage and I followed through on that, but that didn’t stop him from skirting around town with whoever he chose. flaunting it in my face. And the kicker? My father knew about it and didn’t care.”

I stare at her, unable to comprehend.

She’s a virgin?

And this asshole abused her?

“That sounds like a good enough reason to high-tail it. The asshole who put his hands on you, is that all he did?”

“Y– yes.”

“I know what it’s like to not feel like you belong, Bella, especially in your own family.” I let that sink in for a second.

“Especially when domestic violence is encouraged to keep women in their place,” she whispers.

My hands tighten on the wheel. I’d like to meet this motherfucker and give him a taste of his own medicine.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that, and your family were no support.”

“Like I said; none of them have any redeeming qualities. I’ve had more kindness and encouragement from complete strangers. My nonna was the only person I really kept in contact with, but she’s on my mom’s side.”

“Do you have a phone?” I ask out of the blue.

She shakes her head. “I had to ditch everything when I escaped. My phone. Computer. Everything I owned.”

“I’d feel better if you had one, for emergencies and safety.”

“You don’t have to do that, Priest.”

“Without a phone or internet access, it’s harder to navigate the world.”

“It’s too much.”

“I can get a refurbished one that won’t cost that much.” I won’t do that, but she doesn’t need to know. “Think about it.”

“Why are you being this nice?”

I frown. “I’m not. I guess sometimes I’m drawn to people and want to see them succeed.”

“Is that what you want for me, Priest?”

“Of course. I have no agenda, Bella, other than to help you. So I don’t want you to think I’m expecting anything from you in return. Anyone who does that is a piece of shit.”

Her voice is soft when she says, “I’d never do anything unholy for money, if that’s what you’re suggesting.”

“I know, but I’ve seen it before many times,” I go on. “And sometimes young women think there’s no other way, I’m here to tell you there is.”

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