Page 96 of Priest and his Anarchist

“Had.” He lifts the piece of linen with his finger, and with his head turned to the side, I get a clear view of the regal cut of his features. “Fuck. This the one I bought you back in summer several years ago?”

When I don’t answer, his eyes are back on me, and the seriousness of his question dissolves into a smirk when he notices me staring. “Looking at me like that will get you fucked again, and I’m pretty sure our friends are already pissed that we’re late.”

With my shoes clutched in my hand, I close the door behind with my back, trying to catch my breath. Priest’s hoodie falls above my knees, an aromatic reminder of the feelings I’d squashed moments ago. I can’t have them. We weren’t married to be husband and wife, we were married to be partners. Both sides of a scale needing the other to balance it.

My phone lights in my hand as I drop my shoes near his dresser.

Mom: I’m sorry. Are you okay?

I reread her words. This is the life I’ve known—one that I once prayed for. I don’t think I could ever be angry enough at my mother to not talk to her. She’s made mistakes, but they were only because she tried everything she possibly could.

Yes. I’m sorry too.

You won’t have to see him anymore, or anyone. I should have listened to your father. I’m sorry I’ve made this so hard on you. It’s why I thought allowing you to be with the Kings would make you realize how important you are.

I pause, lowering onto the edge of the tub.

I’ve always felt important when I was with you and Dads, and you don’t have to apologize for allowing me to live the side of my life that I belong in. I’ll call you tomorrow. Love you—tell Dad and Father I love them too.

After her quick response, my phone blares in my hand. Nate’s wide grin fills my screen. Easter—I can’t remember what year. He’d taken a selfie on my phone after I’d been given a bunny teddy from someone. He managed to snap my disgust while hanging it by the ears.

“Yes?”

His face fills the screen when I accept his FaceTime, finally pulling the long strands of my hair out from my hoodie. I regret it when his head tilts to the side and his eyes fly around my face.

I know a lecture is coming, or a question. River saves my ass when her doll face fills the screen, her smile as wide as her father’s was in his contact photo.

“Trouble!”

I bite back my laugh. “Trouble!”

Nate breathes out a heavy sigh at the use of the nicknames that he gave us. Trouble Twins. It stuck. We only use it when he’s listening because it reminds him to count his blessings that we aren’t sisters instead.

“You’re both going to put me in an early grave, I hope you know that.”

River ruffles his hair. “Aw, Daddy. You’ll live.”

“That will never happen again.” Whacking his daughter out of the way gently, I don’t recognize the switch-up of tone until his words die off. I know he means it, but he can’t always be there to protect me.

“It will,” I whisper, relaxing against the headboard of Priest’s bed. My head rests against the cement, attempting to calm myself by memorizing the elaborate craftsmanship carved into the ceiling. “I have to get used to it if I want this life; if I’m following this life, then I have to share the same gratitude for that side too. I hate that it includes the witchy woo-woo shit I don’t believe in.”

Nate’s attention shifts over my shoulder, realization widening over his mouth. “I know that bed.”

After following his sight, River’s face fills the phone when I return.

River clears her throat, a perched brow. “I mean, not that I needed to recheck, but I also know that bed.”

“Our intention was to leave Priest with the gavel and allow him the space he needs to do that, but day two into our trip and we all realized that we needed to be back, not just for the opening—” His words turn soft. “—But for you, too.”

I start plucking satin off the velvet. “I’m fine. It’s just Priest, you know.”

Nate’s lips curl between his teeth as if holding in his laugh. “Yes, I believe I know.” This would be the perfect time to mention the girl from the party, but I hold it in. I’d known about the grandfathers’ lack of loyalty to their wives, but the fathers didn’t walk around, or be seen with any side girls. The mere thought of them even indulging didn’t seem to be part of this realm.

“I’m curious though.” I cross my legs. “Priest did the collection for me last week. He knows ab?—”

“Luna.” Bishop’s voice breaks through my thoughts, and I look back into the camera to see him staring back at me. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes.”

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