I follow along, looking around as if this is my first time here. It’s not. I’ve been here so many times I could walk around here blind-folded and not bump into anything. I’m the ghost stalking these walls.
Caleb and Fiona walk hand in hand through the door to the large cafeteria style kitchen off the far side of the church. We’re greeted by a group of nuns. I scan the area searching for him. The second my gaze locks on him, he’s already staring at me—and he appears angry. His jaw is set tight, and he’s practically throwing daggers at me with his eyes.
That’s a new look for him, and I fucking love it.
I’ve seen the many versions of Ewen he keeps locked away, but I’ve never seen anger. Does he have this look because ofme in general, or because I’m here right now? I get hard at the thought. Because it means he’s thought about me enough he’s developed an emotion. And I’m greedy enough that any emotion about me is good. I will change that anger into lust before long.
“Afternoon everyone.” I smile and turn on my charisma. The best way to get close to him is by being here, and that involves these nuns seeing the charming me. The person everyone respects and feels comfortable to talk to about anything.
That’s my real magic power. I make people feel relaxed, calm, and safe. They tell me their darkest secrets, thinking the nice bartender is their bestie. When in actuality, I’m the one who reaps their secrets. I use them for my best interest or my family’s.
An older woman walks up to me, eyeing me up and down. “I’m Mother Helen and I run this kitchen. What’s your name? Why are you here?”
Time to act.
“Mother Helen, hello. I’m Declan. I own Murphy’s Bar. My sister was on her way to volunteer, and I couldn’t think of a better way to give back to my community than joining her. I just feel guilty I didn’t come sooner to help,” I say without breaking eye contact. My smile is light and appears genuine.
It’s not. I’m only here for Ewen—who is still across the kitchen, stirring something and throwing mental daggers my way.
The head nun buys what I’m selling, though. “Well, thank you Declan. That’s very kind. We can always use extra hands. We’re understaffed and underfunded for how many people we try to feed. It’s honestly the donations that keep the needy fed. We’re just His tools.”
She tosses me an apron and points me right where I want to be—next to my Aingeal. “Go help Father Ewen. He’s an awful cook. I’m afraid he’ll burn the soup.”
Everyone in the kitchen starts laughing. Ewen breaks his stare from me and smiles.
“I only burnt the mac and cheese. Soup is different.”
Helen shakes her head. “We will also not mention the other incidents then?”
She sounds like a mother teasing her son. I like her. She’s an old bat who says it like it is.
I smile and walk straight to the grumpy looking priest. He clearly isn’t a fan of me being here but won’t make a scene.
“Hi Father.” I wink once I’m next to him. His body is stiff and rigid.
Being the proper gentleman he is, he says hi back but refuses to make eye contact.
I lean in to smell what he’s stirring and brush up against his side. His movement stops. My need to touch him is in overdrive, but I can’t with so many eyes around. I do want to see if he’d let me in private though.
“I think this soup is done and if you continue to stir it, you’ll actually cause it more harm.” The nun was right, he’s not a cook.
He huffs and throws up his hands in defeat. “Fine. Clearly God didn’t want me to be a chef of any form.” He looks around for something else to do, but everything else is covered. “I’ll go set up the tables and chairs.”
Ewen avoids looking at me or in my direction as he takes off toward the door leading into the cafeteria area.
I inspect the soup once he’s gone. It doesn’t look bad. I just wanted to get a rise out of him. Killing the burner, I shift it over, giving it time to cool. I spend some time prepping what’s still needed but before long everything is done. These nuns are thorough with the tasks.
Now I can go help him. My sweet priest.
Without saying a word to anyone I leave in search of Ewen. I find him in the cafeteria unfolding tables and arranging them so the patrons have a place to sit while they enjoy their meal.
He either doesn’t know I’m here or he’s still avoiding me. For once I want him to know I’m not lurking in the shadows, I’m standing right here. I don’t want to spook him. Yes, I want to know what’s going through his mind, but I don’t want him to run away again.
So, I shadow him. I watch what he’s doing and follow suit. I grab one of the tables folded against the wall and unfold it, putting it right next to the one where he’s arranging chairs. He doesn’t stop me. But he’s also not talking to me. That I don’t like. I want to hear his voice, have his eyes on me.
I want his everything.
Not going to happen so I shake that annoying thought away.
