“Of course.” His smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “And your relationship with them is purely…supervisory?”
The question hangs in the air like a noose.
I think about Adrian’s hands on my body in his office, his rosary beads pressed between us.
Marcus’s mouth on mine in the confessional, his Spanish whispers making my skin burn.
Elijah’s fingers threading through my hair, his beautiful face promising sin.
The memories make heat flood my cheeks, and I watch the Bishop’s eyes narrow slightly, noting my reaction.
“Yes, Your Excellency. Purely professional.”
“Miss Davis.” He leans forward, and his voice drops to something almost paternal. “I’ve been a priest for forty years. I’ve heard thousands of confessions, counseled countless souls. I know when someone is carrying a burden they’re afraid to share.” He pauses, letting the words sink in. “I can see you’re hiding something. And I want you to understand that lying to a Bishop is a grave sin.”
My hands clench in my lap. “I’m not lying.”
“Aren’t you?” His gaze is penetrating, seeing straight through every defense I’ve built. “Let me ask you directly, then. Has anyone at this parish behaved inappropriately toward you? Has anyone crossed boundaries that should not be crossed?”
The careful phrasing gives me an out, and I take it desperately. “No one has behaved inappropriately toward me. Everyone has been respectful and kind.”
It’s technically true. Nothing that’s happened between us has been unwanted or coercive. But the Bishop’s expression tells me he hears what I’m not saying.
“I see.” He makes a note in his folder. “And you’re always around them because…?”
“Because they’re good men.” The words come from somewhere deep inside me, honest despite the danger. “They’ve shown me more kindness than I deserve. They’ve given me a chance when no one else would.”
Something flickers in the Bishop’s eyes, but I can’t read it. He studies me for a long moment, and I force myself to hold his gaze, to not look away like a guilty child.
“Miss Davis, I’m going to give you twenty-four hours to search your conscience.” His voice is gentle but firm. “To pray about what you’ve told me today. To consider whether there’s anything else you need to share.” He closes the folder. “We’ll speak again tomorrow morning. And I expect complete honesty.”
The dismissal is clear. I stand on shaking legs, mumble something about understanding, and flee the office. Sister Margaret’s knowing look follows me down the hallway.
I make it to the bathroom before the tears come. My hands grip the sink as I stare at my reflection, seeing the guilt etched across my face. How did I think we could hide this?
How did I believe we could keep this secret when everything about us screams the truth?
The bathroom door opens. I expect Sister Margaret, but it’s just Mrs. Patterson, who gives me a sympathetic smile and asks if I’m alright. I nod, splash cold water on my face, and escape before she can ask questions I can’t answer.
The hallway outside the Bishop’s office is empty now except for Marcus, who’s been summoned next.
Our eyes meet for a brief second as we pass, and the look that passes between us communicates everything we can’t say aloud. Fear. Love. Desperation.
His jaw is clenched tight, his tattooed arms rigid at his sides, and I want nothing more than to throw myself into his arms and pretend the world outside doesn’t exist.
But Sister Margaret is watching from her position by the door, her sharp eyes cataloging this moment, this look, adding it to whatever evidence she’s building.
I force myself to keep walking.
The wait is torture. I retreat to my small apartment above the rectory, pacing the narrow space like a caged animal.
Every sound makes me jump, every footstep in the hallway sends my heart racing. I try to pray, but the words won’t come.
I try to bake, but my hands shake too badly to measure ingredients. I just…wait.
When Marcus finally appears at my door, his face tells me everything before he speaks.
His dark eyes are stormy, his jaw clenched so tight I can see the muscle jumping beneath his olive skin. He slips inside quickly, closing the door behind him, and for a moment we just stare at each other.
