It’s as if I’ve sinned just by looking at him.
Crazy thoughts spiral in my mind as I wonder what it would be like to be close to a man like him.
It’s something I’ve thought about a lot more recently because I’m fast realizing this test was a blessing in disguise because I am craving something that is forbidden to a nun. A boyfriend.
Julius is no boy. He is one hundred percent man, and my breath catches when he smiles, his dark eyes glittering with something I can’t put into words. I have never met a man like him, and my inner voice is screaming at me to stay away. However, the part of me I am listening to more these days is purring like a kitten who found a new master.
The attendant approaches and clears away the meal and says pleasantly, “Dessert is waiting. Shall I fetch it now?”
My eyes must light up because Julius chuckles softly and nods. “Bring everything you have.”
I gaze with dismay at the amount of food left, and I almost jump out of my skin when his hand reaches across the table and closes around mine.
“Relax.”
His husky whisper is like a spell drifting across my soul.
“The food will not be wasted. There are many other passengers on this flight further down the plane. They will finish it.”
“More passengers?”
I glance over my shoulder, and when I turn back, his hand is still holding mine and a ripple of electricity shoots through my body as it reacts to his touch. I peer down at his tanned hand almost covering mine, and when I lift my eyes to his, he is staring at me with amusement.
“Does this bother you?”
He inclines his head toward our hands, and I suck in my lip and chew on it, a nervous habit I’ve tried to control, but control isn’t something I possess any of right now.
“A little.”
“Only a little.”
He smirks, and I nod shyly. “I’ve, well–”
“Never touched a man.”
My face is on fire as I nod slowly, and I almost jump out of my skin as his thumb caresses my skin while staring at me with a smoldering gaze.
“It’s hot up in the clouds,” I say with a sharp breath, and he winks and draws his hand away from mine.
“I’m sorry; call it a test.”
“A test.” I reach for my water as he nods, leaning back in his chair.
“You told me that Sister Agatha wants you to experience normal life. Many women hold hands with men, and I was interested to see your reaction to that.”
“Did I pass—the test, I mean?”
He grins, and if anything, my blood heats even more.
“I’m confident you could pass any test you are set, Rose.”
“Then you have a better opinion of me than I do.”
I draw a deep breath and lean back in my seat, wishing like crazy I could open a window or something.
Luckily, the attendant returns with the most interesting desserts, and I peer at the dishes with greed rather than hunger, which shames me a little.
“I don’t know which one I prefer.”
