Page 13 of Wicked Salvation
“In passing.” I don’t know how to make my next words more palatable. “She’s Vivienne’s ex-girlfriend. They dated for a couple months when we first got to Augustine.”
Eden shoots up from leaning on me, turning to face me wide-eyed and slack-jawed. I miss the warmth of her body against mine, but now I’m just as invested in this story as she is.
“She’sgay? She’s probably the straightest girl I’ve ever seen.”
I shrug. “I think she’s bisexual.” I run a hand through my hair. “As far as I know, Vivienne’s the only girl she’s dated.”
“That somehow makes more sense.” Eden puts a finger over her lips, leaning forward with her elbows on her knees. “She prays at night so fervently that her rosary bruises her fingers. At first I thought it was some strange form of Holiness, but now it might just be…guilt.”
“It’s hard to hold two opposing beliefs.”
She nods. “Do you think she misses Vivienne?”
“I don’t remember how their relationship ended. She was devastated when Vivienne started dating Marita, though.” I rack my brain trying to think of what Vivienne had said. “Oh…Vivienne ended it because Anastazya wanted to keep their relationship a secret forever.”
“Forever?”
I nod. “She was ashamed.”
Eden waves her hands around. “This whole place is designed to make you feel ashamed about who you are…”
It’s my turn to stare at her, shocked. “I never thought I’d ever hear you say that.”
“Now, hold on.” She holds a finger up. “I’mstilla Catholic. I’ve just been thinking about things a bit more.”
“Mhm,” I say. “What have you been thinking about?”
“Mostly you.”
Her hand flies over her mouth. I smirk.
“Me? I’m flattered, Edie.”
She slaps my arm lightly with her soft hands. “In the sense that, they want me to believe that Vivienne is a sinner. Thatyouare.” Eden starts wringing her hands. “You guys have been the nicest to me. All thesinnerstreat me better than the believers.”
I can’t hold it in. “Silas considers himself a believer?”
“Why wouldn’t he?” Eden cocks her head.
Oh Eden, the things you don’t know.
I avoid her question. “Is that why it’s so easy for you to forgive him? Because he’s a believer?” I pin her with a hard glare. Now that I have her alone, I’m tired of sidestepping the elephant in the room. “Would you let a sinner treat you the way he does?”
“I wouldn’t date a sinner.”
She lowers her eyes. Her words feel like a stake through my chest.
I wouldn’t date you.
“That’s fair.” My throat burns. “But he’s abusing you, Eden.”
“Abuse is a strong word.” She shakes her head. “I’ve been through worse.”
“What?”
Eden gives me a sad smile, and if my heart wasn’t already shattered, it would have. Flames kindle in its place. Just howmany people are hurting her? How many people do I need to destroy to protect her?
“Who has put you through worse?” I keep my tone as neutral as possible.
