“Yes, it happens. Stop worrying, Father. I’m sure you have nothing to worry about. Can I get back in bed now? I really don’t feel so well.”

My eyes darted around the room as I tried to focus. “No. Get your pants on. I’m moving you out of here.”

“Out?”

“Kit,” I ground out, “get your pants on.”

A sad look was thrown my way and it was enough to drown out my temper.

“I’m sorry. Come here. You must me terrified.”

“I’m fine.”

Even as she said it, she obeyed. I blinked past the surprise and wrapped my arms around her. She was there. Right where I wanted her and now, what if…

“It’ll be okay,” I soothed. “I’m sure you’re right. It’s the stress. I kept you in here too long.” My hand stroked down her tangled hair and I couldn’t stop my eyes from closing. What the fuck had I done? God, I was going to hell. Kidnapping, taking her virginity, and then holding her captive…not to mention what I had to have done to her mind. She was sick, whether she was mentally affected or pregnant. I had done this to her. It was a wonder she wasn’t a graveling, crying mess, but why would she be? I pushed her past it. I broke her, just like I wanted to do.

“I’m going to take good care of you. I promise. You know this, don’t you?”

A nod was all she gave as I held her tighter. Shit. I needed help. She needed it, and not from me. If I got her pregnant…

“Get your pants on. I’ll be back to get you in just a moment.”

Nothing. She gave me nothing as she obeyed. My legs felt like they weighed a ton as I forced myself to head to the stairs. I wasn’t sure what to do. Even though I knew what the right thing was, in my gut, I wasn’t going to give her up. Especially if what I feared was true.

The door swung open at my push and I rushed toward the kitchen where Palo was still standing. One look in my direction and he stiffened. I moved in fast, gripping his shirt as I yanked him in.

“I need you to go to the store.”

Palo leaned his head back, looking up at me confused. “What do you need?”

The words wouldn’t come. Wouldn’t tear free from my mouth.

“The store,” I repeated. “Kit’s…sick.”

One set of blinks. Two. Palo’s eyes flew open and he shook his head in disbelief.

“Not a single word. Not to anyone.”

“Fuck. I can’t believe this. What if she is? What are you going to do?”

My hand clamped over his mouth and I shook my head. “Not another word. And hurry your ass up.”

I spun around, stalking back to the stairs. The pounding of my shoes echoed loudly in my ears and I scanned the room, panicking when Kit was nowhere to be seen. I rushed forward, spinning around and stopping as I spotted the door leading under the stairs slightly ajar. When I opened it, Kit was standing before the clothes, just…staring.

“What are you doing?” My voice came out angry, causing her to jump.

“I…” Her head went down and she turned, waiting. For what, I wasn’t sure. An order, punishment…?

My arm went around her shoulders and I led her up the stairs in a daze. I barely recalled grabbing the throw and wrapping it around her shoulders. The moment I did, I picked her up, walking onto the deck. Cold air bit into my hands and face, but I felt nothing. Nothing but concern for her state of mind. And guilt for what I’d done. What kind of priest was I? What kind of man? I shouldn’t have cared. I wouldn’t have concerning anyone else, but my greed had done this. My monster. Yes, he had wanted this. And he’d gotten it.

“Is that better?”

I let my cheek settle on her forehead. The response was automatic. She returned the closeness, cuddling into me even more.

“Yes, Father.”

“You’ve served your time well. You’re going to come stay with me now. Understood?”