Page 94 of Forgive Me Father
"Eden-"
"I did fuck him Aiden," I hiss, both Zoey and him going deadpan. "And I loved every fucking minute of it. So you can run home, tell our dad, and see what the hell happens. Or, you can leave me the hell alone, and let me implode on my own."
Tugging up Roman’s shirt, I show the pair the bruises Luca left.
"This was Luca, not Roman. If you want someone to send the witch hunt after, you're looking in the wrong place."
"Eden, that's not what we're saying," Zoey begins. "He's just... older and in a position of authority with our church. Priests are supposed to swear abstinence-"
"Well, this one didn't," I mutter. "So, are you both going to keep my secret, or tell the whole world my dirty sin?" I question, tapping my foot impatiently.
"And when he's tired of you? When the lust has worn off and he puts his faith over you? What then? Is that something you can deal with?"
It's the same question I've been asking myself repeatedly.
What happens when Roman chooses his faith over me?
"That's not your problem to figure out," I hiss, pulling up my dad's contact on my phone.
Slamming my phone down on the center arm rest, they both eye the device.
"Either call him or let it go."
Taking several seconds to look at the phone, Aiden and Zoey exchange a look.
"When this all comes crashing down Eden, don't say I didn't warn you."
That was the last thing Aiden said before starting the ignition, driving us away from the church and the night Roman and I shared.
Chapter 25
Eden
Although I haven’t had any alone time with Roman since Halloween, we’ve become masters at stealing moments whenever we can. Quiet exchanges in the altar server’s room before Mass or brief touches in his office just before the service begins have become our sanctuary.
Roman convinced my dad to let me take on more service hours, and the facade is falling into place perfectly despite Luca’s sudden absence. After what happened at the party, Luca has found himself at the bottom of my brother’s shit list. Aiden’s taken it upon himself to keep Luca as far away as possible—ignoring him during football and ending calls before I can even answer.
Though, I know if Roman ever saw Luca again, he’d probably kill him for what he did that night.
I used to think being close to someone as dark as Roman would be terrifying. I never imagined I’d crave it as much as I do now.
“Dark roast, one cream,” Zoey shouts, placing the drink on the counter.
Pulling myself out of my mindless daze, I return to my station, pulling shots and frothing foam.
“So, the fall festival is coming up,” Zoey grins, ignoring the wandering eyes of the man grabbing his drink. “Should I expect to see Roman there with you if you come?” She questions, using his first name so casually.
“You’re asking me if a local festival will be where I decide to publicly flaunt my relationship with our priest?” I arch an eyebrow.
Grasping her chin, she pretends to ponder the thought. “Yes, I think that’s exactly what I’m asking,” she smiles.
“You’re fucking delusional—”
“Who’s delusional?” His deep voice cuts through the noise, making my heart skip a beat.
Looking up, I see Roman lingering at the register, his hair tucked away under a black baseball cap. He’s wearing a large bomber jacket, clearly trying to stay concealed, avoiding prying eyes.
“Speak of the Devil,” Zoey jokes, poking me in the back.
