Page 88 of Crossed

Fucking Florence.

He grabs my hand. “I was serious about what I said, you know? I want you in my home by the end of the week.”

My lungs cramp but I school my reaction quickly, not wanting him to see.

“Father Cade said—”

His fingers tighten on mine. “I don’t give afuckwhat Cade said. I’m only putting up with his ridiculous rules because it will look good publicly, but if you think I’ll let you liveawayfrom me…that I’ll allow you to escape me now that I have you in my arms, you’re mistaken.”

“That’s not it,” I try to soothe. “I just thought—”

He drops my hand with a scoff, chin raised as he glares down at me. “Do you not wish to marry me, Amaya? Is that it? You want to make me a laughingstock? Use me for my money and resources and not have to hold up your end? Do you think I’m a man who takes kindly to being used and tossed away?”

Panic wraps around my throat like a noose and squeezes. “No.No,” I say firmly. “I do want to marry you.” Desperation clings to me, and I move forward until I’m between his legs. My hands tremble, but I ignore the way they shake as I reach out, stroking the side of his jaw. “I’m sorry.”

I lean in and press a kiss to his stale lips. He doesn’t kiss me back, and deep down I’m thankful for it, but in the moment, I need him to give in. I kiss his lips again.

Slowly, he relaxes, the back of his pointer finger brushing down the side of my face. It’s a soft motion, but it feels like a razor blade.

“You’re lucky I’m such a forgiving man,” he croons. “I don’t want to hurt you, sweet girl. I’veneverwanted to hurt you. But sometimes you leave me no choice.” His finger taps the edge of my chin before he pushes me back so he can stand. “By the way… how’s your friend?” He buttons his suit jacket. “What was her name again? Dalia?”

I pry my tongue from the roof of my mouth. “She’s fine.”

He nods, glancing down the length of me. “You love her, yeah?”

My chest seizes, heart stuttering until I can barely take in a breath.Is he threatening her?

“I only wanted to give Quin some time to get used to the idea, Parker.” My voice trembles. “That’s all I meant.”

Parker’s face softens. “I’ll take care of you and Quinten, Amaya. I’ve promised you that. Trust me.” I swallow back the nausea and smile.

Chapter34

Cade

I’M HERE AGAIN.

The same place I’ve been longing for but not allowing myself to go.

I’m planted between prickly bushes in a back alley, watching the object of my desire, the slivers of moonlight slipping through the window I’m currently peering through and caressing a path along her body I wish my hands could trace.

There are a few empty boxes with open lids scattered throughout the area and some taped up and pushed against the wall. I’ve wasted precious moments where I could have been surrounding myself with her.

And now she’s moving in withhim. About to be completely inaccessible to me in this way.

I’ve already deduced she no longer works at the Chapel. I went there two nights in a row trying to catch sight of her, and when I couldn’t, I convinced myself it was an act of God, trying to keep me from temptation. Somehow, I resisted coming back here to our window.

But as always when it comes to Amaya, I am weak.

After finding out she’s in trouble and I’m the reason, I can’t seem to stay away, almost as if being here and watching over her will appease the guilt sticking to my insides.

I could come forward, admit it wasmewho did the killings, and maybe if I were a decent man, I would.

But I’m no hero.

Not when it matters anyway.

Almighty Father, what should I do?