As soon as the thought comes, I dismiss it. The priest probably only has as much authority over Kaiser as Kaiser allows. But maybe I can learn more about what’s going on.
“Marriage is sacred. I’m here to help you find common ground. See what values you share. Even though this is an arranged union, there are ways you can come to terms with a partnership. Meet each other’s needs.”
Right now, I need to kill someone. And then maybe have an orgasm.
It doesn’t help to know that Kaiser would be great at meeting both of those needs.
“Bella, what do you want out of this partnership?”
“Respect,” I say before I think about it. Damn it, I should’ve said “Freedom.”
I don’t know why I’m even answering. Maybe I just want to see where this conversation leads. But I can’t discount the fact that the priest has years of experience eliciting deep secrets from people, and right now, he’s using that power on me.
“Communion,” Kaiser says before the priest can ask.
“Do you think you can come to respect Bella?”
I lean into his arm, the one with the rash on it. He sucks in a breath and says, “Yes.”
“And Bella, do you think you can give Kaiser what he needs?”
“Isn’t communion your area of expertise?” That’s what they call their fake cannibal ceremony, right? Holy Communion.
Father Francis grins. “I don’t think that’s the sort of connection Kaiser wants with you.”
“I don’t know, sometimes I think he wants to eat me.”
Father Francis continues as if I didn’t say anything. “To commune with someone is to share a deep intimacy. Closeness. Connection. All humans crave it. But it requires a level of trust. Do you trust each other?”
“Nope.”
Kaiser shakes his head.
“But you do desire him.”
“I plead the fifth.”
“She does,” Kaiser says.
I elbow him in the ribs and immediately regret it. “Ow.” It feels like I banged my funny bone on a doorjamb.
Kaiser helps me rub it better. His big hand massages my skin, and it feels good, as it always does when he touches me.
When I look up, Father Francis regards us with a satisfied expression. “Well, that’s a start.”
Just when I think this can’t get any worse, Kaiser straightens, becoming alert. I catch a glimpse of someone walking past the half-closed door.
“I need to speak to Atticus.”
“Go ahead,” Father Francis says. “It’ll give me a chance to get to know Bella better.”
Fuck.
Kaiser rises, and I instantly miss his heat. I don’t want to be left alone with the priest and his scary questions.
But I can’t beg Kaiser not to leave.
“I’ll be right back.” He pauses in the door to point his finger at me. “Be good.”
