“So?”
“They’re having an affair.”
“That can’t be true,” I say in disbelief.
Our families have been connected for years, and Mary’s husband, Earl, is co-pastor of the church. He and Dad met in the military and became best friends. They visited us a few times in New York over the years, and we visited them in California before relocating here, so though an affair is possible, it’s highly unlikely.
“Yep, and that’s not the end of it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Dad is Lisa’s father.”
“What?” I cry, heart pounding.
Lisa is the only child of Earl and Mary.
“She’s our half-sister.”
“No. Our father is a God-fearing man.”
My world is crashing down around me. I can’t believe what I’m hearing.
“Do you honestly think he’s stayed celibate all this time?”
“But he barely even talks to Mary!”
“Come on, Pepper. They’re not going to walk around holding hands. There’s a lot at stake. If this got out… Boom!”
“Lisa is nearly sixteen years old, which means he cheated on Mom. He wouldn’t have done that.”
“For God’s sake, he’s not the saint he claims to be,” Patrick says, frustrated.
“It’s hard for me to see him in a negative light.”
“He really has you brainwashed,” he snaps and walks ahead of me.
So, the shepherd is actually a wolf in disguise. This secret is big enough to divide the church and destroy everything Dad has built.
I finger my still smarting face while observing Pepper on the video feed from my computer. Her slap had strength behind it. Not a lot shocks me, but honestly, her reaction was unexpected. Pepper has more bite than I assumed, which is a pleasant surprise. But if she tries that shit again, I’ll throw her over my knee and spank her ass.
Come to think of it, watching her ample ass jiggle as I deliver hit after hit is rather appealing. Maybe I should provoke her to smack me again just for that pleasure. I’ve been in my study since arriving home, planted in the chair at my desk, eyes fixed on the screen. She hasn’t done much—ate dinner and talked to a friend on the phone. I perk up when Pepper turns off the television and heads to her bedroom where she undresses, revealing a body made for sin. I’m going to worship every fucking inch of her. Pepper deserves better than a bumbling fool for her initiation to sex.
She moves into the bathroom and switches on the shower before stepping underneath the spray of water. I lean closer to the screen in anticipation as she reaches for the washcloth and soap. Remorse at spying on Pepper during her most intimate moments eludes me. I intently follow her hand as it glides across her glistening skin. She lifts her foot to the ledge of the tub to thoroughly clean between her folds. Groaning, I adjust my stiffening dick. Goddamn, I envy that washcloth. The urge to put us both out of our misery beats at me.
“Fuck,” I say, rubbing the nape of my neck.
Finally, she’s done showering. The show was amazing. Shit, I’m ready to hop in my car and drive to her place for an in-person encore. Once she’s back in the bedroom, she dries off and moisturizes her soft curves before putting on a T-shirt and panties. I’m disappointed she doesn’t sleep in the nude, but that’ll be rectified shortly.
After settling in bed, she retrieves a small black book and pen from under the mattress, then starts writing. Interesting. She has a diary. I’ve just been handed the keys to the castle, making a siege inevitable.What skeletons are you hiding in your closet, Pepper Bryant?Suddenly, she hurries across the room and presses her ear to the wall.
“What the hell?” I mutter, increasing the volume on my computer.
I can’t believe my ears or eyes. She’s listening to her neighbors having sex.
You’re a dirty girl, Pepper.
She releases a low moan as a hand disappears into her panties.
