Page 7 of Praise Me: Priest

You must.

“I’ll come,” she says, searching my face. “But…”

“But?” I fairly wheeze.

“Well. My aunt and I barely have enough money to make ends meet.” She looks a little embarrassed by that admission and I want to comfort her. Badly. “Would I be compensated for my time?”

“Yes,” I answer firmly for the monsignor. “She will. Generously.”

“Very well. As long as she performs to my satisfaction,” he sighs. “Go inform your aunt of where you’ll be for the next two days and arrive at the rectory by sundown.” He pauses, looking slightly devious. “For the first test.”

Farrah and I exchange a look that I pray isn’t too heated.

“Do not walk through the marketplace on your way home,” I say, gruffly. “And bandage your elbow as soon as you are home.”

“Yes, Father.”

She turns to leave and my muscles almost snap under the restraint it takes not to haul her back and keep her close. With me.

It’s going to take a miracle to pass these tests.

Good thing I believe in those.

Chapter Four

Farrah

I’ve never been to the cathedral before, let alone the rectory.

Father McDaniel—Rune—is waiting for me in the courtyard when I arrive.

It’s a testament to how attractive I find Rune that he’s standing in front of a beautiful church adorned with angels, stained glass catching the final glow of sunset…and all I can do is look athim. He leans against the gate that marks the beginning of the church grounds and I can’t help but compare it to the Pearly Gates leading into heaven.

Good thing this isn’t heaven, because I’m not sure I would get in.

Not with this snaking ribbon of heat in my tummy when I look at Rune, so serious in his clerical attire, the white square beneath his jugular marking him off limits.

I’m here to tempt him, anyway.

It’s wrong to be so warm…everywhere. As I walked here from the shelter tonight, my underwear grew wet, rememberingwhat almost happened between me and Rune in the field that afternoon.Close your legs, before I shove them open them all the way.

Just a short distance from the gate now, I attempt to calm my racing pulse to no avail. I’ve never been with a man, never even shared a kiss, yet I would have let him spread my legs and have his way with me.

The priest makes my body feel soaware. So primed. So achy.

I’m here to help him pass the tests, though, aren’t I?

I’m not here to make him fail. Am I?

I fear I’m going to be fighting the same battle as him. A battle with the hunger that only Rune has ever inspired in me. I want him to overcome temptation.

But a deep down, inexcusable part of me wants him to give in, instead. Show me what’s possible when my body prepares itself for a man, the way mine has done for him.

I’m still wearing the same dress as earlier, but I’ve borrowed my aunt’s sandals. There’s a small bundle thrown over my shoulder containing a change of clothes, panties and some toiletries. I’ve prepared myself as much as possible for what’s to come, but when I reach the gate and tilt my head back to look at Rune, the evening wind blowing his black hair to and fro, his jaw set in an imposing line, I almost turn and run back to the village. Not because he scares me. Because my body begins to clamor so intensely.

Rune takes my bundle but never takes his eyes off me. “Hello, Farrah.”

Slow heat runs like oil down my spine. “Hello, Father McDaniel.”

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