Page 10 of Sire
Way.
Sure, I probably didn’t help my cause the first time we met. I told The Pastor we’d fall in love if he ever touched me.
Yep, that scared the shit out of him. It kinda scared me, too, but I couldn’t help it.
Sometimes…
Okay, almosteverytime, I don’t think about it. The truth just pops out of my mouth. I’m allergic to lies.
And after what The Pastor did for me? A man doesn’t need to be nailed to a cross for me to know he’s my salvation.
Some way, somehow, I’m meant to be with this man.
This menacing man, wrapped in ominous ink, who hates that I’ve invaded his sacred world. Yeah,him.He’s my answered prayer.
I suspect he won’t judge me for what I’ve done to survive, even though we’re painfully opposite people except for this…
“Thou hast made for thee to dwell in a Sanctuary, O Lord,” I shock The Pastor, “which thyhandshave established.” I quote scripture, aiming my eyes at his bandaged hand.
Point.
Made.
“See what I mean?” Mr. Muscle gestures. “She’s all yours.”
He turns to leave, but The Pastor seethes, “Take her with you.”
He turns back. “You heard her, bro. She belongs withyou. You’re two biblical peas in a pod.”
Yep, I knew it: brothers.
“Take her back to the safe house.”
“No can do.” He arches a thick brow. “Ms. Fayesaid to bring her to you. It’s what she wants.”
She? Does he mean the gorgeous mama bear who saved us? Or me? Or both?
Either way, Mr. Muscle said the name as if it’s a lie. Like,Ms. Fayeisn’t who she really is. But she is a woman you’d best obey. That truth is crystal clear.
It’s in the eyes of both men; eyes that suspiciously look like Ms. Faye’s. They’re so ocean blue, you want to dive into their depths, even if it kills you.
“Padre.”The toddler starts poking his finger, fascinated by the diamond stud in The Pastor’s nostril. It amuses the boy and doesn’t annoy the devilish man who’s too busy glaring down at me.
Our eye contact feels like a standoff.
Like a battle has begun.
A war of heat, fire, and fate.
And I belong right here, holding my ground and fighting for my future. It’s all I’ve ever known.
His nostrils flare. “How old are you?”
So, I flare mine back. “Old enough to know when a man cuts his finger off for you, you belong with him.”
He seethes, “I did that so you wouldn’t belong toanyman. You’re free to go.”
“I’m equally free to stay.”
