s'

oing to shatter it. He thinks I'm some messed-up little girl who needs saving. But the truth is, I'm th

in, doing his whole 'praying

t, as I slide into the pew behind him. "You k

he turns around slowl

ite of something delicious. "How long are you going to keep playing this game wit

n see his eyes burning with the kind of intensity that makes my skin prickle.

" I say, moving closer. "

t a really bad dream. Either way, I'

And what does he want me to do now? Pray. Yeah, sure, let me

tified with his hands clasped together like

better than you,' and I'm abou

s calm, like he's trying to keep control, but I see the ten

ooden pews, just watching him. He has

ng with sarcasm. "You want me to kneel? I

ime he's finally had enough. But instead, he turns to face me, his eyes narrow, jaw clenched. There's a flicker of h

with a dangerous calmness. His fingers twitch like he wants to re

ing wider. This is the g

you a chance to get a taste of the d

in his neck standing out, like he's struggling to hold

ands, his tone a little more force

e on your knees, Father. I bet you're used to begging for forgiveness, but maybe yo

n almost feel the heat radiating off him. For a second, I think he might r

Something that tells me if I push him any further

l, don't you?" he says, his

dripping with wicked delight. "I am in control, Father.

s quiet, save for the soft creak of the old wooden floorboards as Thaddeus takes another step toward m

g even lower, sending shivers down

the silence of the chapel. "Help me?" I repeat, shaking my head

enough now that I can feel the warmth of his body, his scent-a mix of fresh soap and som

close. And that'

tches him off guard. His hand shoots out to steady himself, but he doesn't say anything. His

more than kneel. I'll break you down, piece by piece, until you're begging

He doesn't say anything, just stands there, staring at me. And for a

oice harsh. "Get out of he

ripping with venom. "Oh, don't worry, Fa

as I go. I can feel the heat of his body radiating behind me, but I don't look back. B

This is far from over. And Father Thaddeus? W