Page 3 of The Priest

Naughty boy. Getting your kicks on the blood of Christ.

Before I say anything, I unbutton the top three buttons of my blouse until my cleavage and part of my bra are visible. In preparation—and Lord knows I prepared long and hard for this moment—I opted for the best bra I could find in my drawer. It’s dark blue, with a black lace lining in a floral pattern running along the sides. To finish off my outfit, I roll the waist of my skirt up until it hits mid-thigh.

“Father Murphy?” My voice is meek, almost scared, as I approach him.

“Ah, fuck.” Father Murphy gets a fright hearing my words and spills the wine over himself. He drops the chalice to the ground, using his feet to kick it under the pew. “Shit, you didn’t hear that,” he says before correcting himself again. “Or that.”

I chuckle at the silliness of his swears and his attempts to rectify the situation.

“I didn’t hear you cuss. Twice. Got it,” I giggle. “But what should I make of you drinking the communion wine while you’re all alone?”

He turns to face me fully, a worried look sprawling across his face. He doesn’t fumble to find words or answers to my question, instead remaining silent and stoic as he watches me walk.

“Nothing, I suppose,” I finally answer for him, “considering what I’m about to do…”

To him.

“And what exactly is it you’re looking to do?” He crooks a brow.

“I’d like to have a word with you?—”

“Of course, what’s up?” Father Murphy’s eagerness cuts me off. He gets up from his seat, wiping away some of the wine splashed over him.

“I’d like to have a word with you and God,” I say, walking slowly, swaying my hips, doing everything I’ve seen in the movies to make myself appear sexier. “Are you free for a confession?”

I can feel his eyes burning into me. He does his best to keep them on mine, but I can see them wandering downward to the unbuttoned top of my blouse. The fabric in his crotch shifts and a hard gulp makes his Adam’s apple bob nervously.

Hook, line, and sinker.

I’ve got him.

“It’s been a long time since my last, and I have a lot weighing on my mind,” I add, but the gawking doesn’t break. His hands slide under his vestments, and I watch them dance under the material until the bobbing in his crotch comes to a halt.

“Of course,” Father Murphy’s voice cracks. He clears it before continuing, “Right this way.”

We walk together, a few feet apart. With every step, I feel my cheeks turning a deeper shade of red. I shouldn’t do what I’m about to, but what choice do I have now? I’ve put myself and Father Murphy in this situation. I’m not going to back down.

Not while he’s biting into the forbidden apple from the palm of my hand.

3

REED

For such a smart man, I sure am pretty stupid a lot of the time. I’m playing dangerous games with forces far stronger than I care to imagine. Not God, mind you, but mafiosos and cops, all gunning for my head. Somehow, even with those real, tangible threats hanging over me, I’m acting as a vessel and messenger for a higher power who hasn’t done much in the way of helping me over the years.

Still, it’s gotten me closer to her. We’re so close together, separated by only a bronze letterbox opening and a thin sheet of grated plywood. She’s sitting on a flimsy wooden stool, her head pointed straight ahead and her eyes shut tight. Her breathing’s shaky, nervousness making her lower lip quiver, and I can tell whatever she’s about to say is meant for someone who’ll know how to help her.

A real priest with actual intent to rectify her sins. Not me, the lousy piece of shit preying on this town to get a shot at the sexy blonde.

“Before we begin, you know I’m new here, and I’d like to ingrain myself within the community as best I can. May I ask your name?” Yeah, that sounds good. A smooth way of asking for something so simple without sounding like a damned creep.

Even though that ship had sailed, I saw the way she looked at me while I fumbled to hide the erection bouncing against the thin material of my black cloak.

“Valerie,” she says.

“It’s nice to meet you, Valerie. Please continue.” I keep my voice calm against my mind and body’s racing.

“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.”

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