Page 57 of CHASE: Captive to the Dark

“Food,” he said, bringing his hand up to make me look at him. “Whatever you want.”

How could he think of food after this? I couldn’t.

“Maybe some crackers.”

Sweat was beginning to surface on me now. My head was spinning and I felt off balance.

“Right. I’ll go get you some. Can I trust you to be good while I’m gone?”

Although he asked, I knew the consequences if I acted up.

“Yes, Father.”

A grin pulled at his lips and he let go, disappearing around the corner. The moment the door shut behind him, I lunged to the trashcan, pulling out the test. Without thought, I angled the test so it could have as much exposure to the light as possible. I squinted, but it wasn’t called for. I saw it. A pink line so light, it was almost nonexistent…but it was there.

“Fuck. Fuck.” My free hand came to my mouth and I tried to stop myself from heaving. It didn’t work. I turned, gripping the toilet as my stomach tried to empty what wasn’t there. Vertigo had me swaying, but by some miracle, I managed not fall over to the side.

On reflex, I flushed the toilet, rinsing with the mouthwash next to the sink. My legs were so weak, I found myself lowering to rest against the side of the tub as I stared at the test. I knew I should throw it away, but for the life of me, I couldn’t stop looking at it.

I was pregnant…by a priest. My first time and I managed to get pregnant. This had to be a joke. I had been so sure I was covered by the pills.

In a trance, I stared at the pink hue. What was I going to do? I couldn’t not tell Chase. But if I did, I’d never be free and I had to get out of this house. Away from him before my head became even more fucked up.

Footsteps drew me to my feet and it took everything I had to drop the test back in the trash. The door opened and I neared the entrance of the restroom in time to see Chase shut the barrier behind him. As he looked at me, I couldn’t help but see him in a different light. Jesus, I was going to have his child. I felt myself sway and he quickly moved in, catching me and helping me to the bed.

“You’re really not well. I’ll let Palo know to call in the doctor. Maybe he can make it out here tonight to check on you.”

“No.” Fear had me nearly yelling it. “I mean, I’m okay. It’s probably just a cold or something.”

“I don’t think so,” he said lowly. “You have no fever. Just wait here, it’ll only take a moment.”

My hand came out and guilt ate at me. As much as I wanted to leave, the lie concerning something so big just didn’t sit well. This went beyond a secret bone deep. This one was so big, I knew I couldn’t bear keeping it inside.

“Father…”

“What is it?” His concern was evident as he came back to my side.

“I can’t lie.”

“Lie? About what?”

Tears escaped and I pointed to the restroom. He looked back at the door, only to come to face me. The confusion melted and he took a few steps, not turning his back until he spun into the doorway. Seconds went by and I found myself climbing out of bed. The toilet seat was down and he was sitting on it with his head bowed, staring at the test.

“I thought I was starting to see something,” he said lowly. “I thought maybe it was my imagination.”

“It could be flawed…or.” I didn’t know what to say other than the question eating away at me. “What are we going to do?” I wiped the tears away, afraid of what his answer would be. I didn’t think he’d want me to get an abortion, but I couldn’t see how he could play the role he was living. “If you’ll let me leave—”

“Leave? Possibly carrying my child?”

My heart sank because I knew. Because I expected him to act this way. It was the only reason I didn’t say anything to begin with. I wasn’t going home if he had his way. Ever.

“You’re a priest,” I whispered. “You’re supposed to be celibate, not an actual father. I’m sorry, but I can’t pretend like this is okay. Like, I’m going to stay and everything’s going to work out. It’s not. I don’t want to be here. I don’t want to stay with you.”

Again, he stared down at the test. “Maybe you’re right. It could be a dud. There’s one more in the box. You’ll take it in the morning.”

“And if it comes out negative? Will you let me leave?”

Chase’s jaw tightened while he stared down. “No.”

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