Page 31 of Sinful

But deep down, I was terrified. I would always be that little girl who struggled to get out of the locked box.

I swallowed hard at that memory before pushing my blankets off and getting shakily to my feet. As carefully as possible, I made it to the bathroom and turned on the shower. Church wasn’t in bed. He usually wasn’t in the mornings. He was typically downstairs or taking turns with Ashes and Stitches on attending classes, so someone was always with me. He’d leave in the middle of the night too. I assumed he was hunting.

I wanted things to get back to normal.

I took a shower, avoiding looking at my body the entire time, before I got out and dressed myself. I fell sideways, a wave of dizziness coming over me again, but I managed to catch myself on the edge of the sink before I could tumble to the floor.

Steadying myself, I finished getting ready, feeling almost human for the first time in weeks.

Slowly, I made my way downstairs to see Church was there, typing something into his phone while he sat in his chair. The smell of his weed hung thick in the air.

I approached him, finally catching his attention as I closed in.

“Specter,” he said, getting to his feet, his green eyes drinking me in. “You look beautiful.”

I felt my face heat at his words and looked down at the pretty sundress I was in. I was a bit cold wearing it, but it made me feel good and reminded me of Cady. By wearing it, I felt better.

He took my hand, pulled me onto his lap, and nuzzled against my neck.

“I love the way you smell,” he said softly, his warm breath sending goosebumps flying over my skin. I closed my eyes as he inhaled deeply, his hand high on my thigh beneath my skirt. “I like that you came downstairs to me. Are you feeling well, baby?”

To answer, I turned to him and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.

He took control immediately, deepening it until I was breathless.

When he broke away, he placed a sweet kiss on my bare shoulder.

“I’m sorry. I’ve just missed seeing you this way.”

I rested my hand over his on my thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Are you hungry? I can make you something.” He stared into my eyes.

I gave him an eager look, which made him chuckle softly.

“OK. I’ll get you something to eat.” He lifted me easily from his lap and placed me on the soft cushion before getting to his feet and going into the kitchen. I watched as he worked quickly at the stove. Before long, the smell of oatmeal hung in the air.

My stomach gave a growl which made me wince.

Quickly, he put my oatmeal into a bowl, grabbed a glass of orange juice, and came back to me. I watched as he placed the items on the table next to his seat before he brought me to my feet and took his place on the cushion again.

He pulled me back onto his lap and grabbed the bowl of oatmeal.

“Open,” he commanded softly.

He was going to feed me.

I parted my lips and allowed him to slip the food against my tongue.

“Eat, baby,” he murmured.

I did as instructed, chewing the oatmeal quickly. It was really good. He had even put blueberries into it. The little berries popped with flavor, making my tastebuds dance with joy.

He continued to feed me until my stomach was fit to burst. I turned my head away from him. I thought he’d fight me on it and make me finish it all, but he downed it himself before grabbing the orange juice and offering it to me. I sipped it and pulled away. He was quick to polish that off, too, and then placed the empty glass back on the side table.

With care, he pulled me against his body and held me. I rested my head in the crook of his neck, enjoying the comfort he brought me. The way he smelled. Like cold, wintery forest. Cedar. Wood. Something distinctlyDante.

“Is there anything you want to do today?”

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