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Chapter 16 Damien
My patience is dwindling as the priest continues prattling on and on about Heaven and God and whatever else people like to hear in order to cope with death.
It’s almost comical how people have this need to be pacified about the unknown. How quick they are to believe a book, a priest, or any other virtuous entity about what happens in the afterlife when there’s never been any tangible proof.
Then again, faith and fear are powerful manipulators.
Some people need something to believe it. While others need something to run from.
I glance at my watch as everyone bows their heads in prayer. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Cain get up from his chair and slink out of the room.
I eye the empty seat next to me.
Such a pity they’re going to miss the eulogy.
“I tried knocking, but she hasn’t come out yet,” the woman standing outside the bathroom door says as I approach. “Are you sure she’s in there?”
Positive.
I slip her a hundred-dollar bill. “Thank you. Now get lost.”
Leaning against the wall, I fish my cigarettes out of my pocket and light one.
She’s got about two minutes left before I bust through the door and interrupt their little reunion.
My jaw tightens as I suck the cancer stick down to the filter and light another.
I’m on edge. I’ve been on edge since the moment she stepped under my roof.
I fucking hate it.
My ears perk up when the bathroom door opens. A second later, Cain’s little lamb steps out.
“Ready to leave?”
She jumps at the sound of my voice. “Jesus Christ. You scared me.”
I stub my cigarette out on the wall. “You were in there awhile.”
The next words out of her mouth will determine what happens between us from here on out.
“I—um. I needed a moment.” She swallows hard. “Had to clear my head.”
There’s something different about the way she’s looking at me. I don’t like it.
“The bathroom door was locked.”
“Was it?” Her shoulders rise in a shrug. “I must have locked it by mistake.”
It’s all I can do not to shake the shit out of her. She’s a terrible liar.
I shouldn’t be surprised since most people are, but disappointment flickers in my chest anyway.
I thought Eden was different…but she’s not.
And I won’t waste my time and energy on someone I can’t trust. Not again.
I drag my thumb across her bottom lip. “Your lipstick is smeared.”
“I was crying.”
Her pulse quickens as I slide my thumb down her throat, pausing when I reach the first two open buttons of her dress. “What happened here?”
She inhales sharply. “I don’t know what you mean.”
I graze the lace of her bra. “They were closed before.”
“Oh. I needed air.” Her eyes dart to the bathroom briefly before they lock with mine. “Speaking of which, I thought we were leaving.”
“Sure. I just need to ask you one more question.”
“Okay.”
“Did your stepdaddy use a condom when he fucked you in the bathroom, or did he pull out?”
“Wha—”
I shove past her. “The seats in my car are leather so keep your legs closed. I don’t want a mess.”