Page 100 of Forgive Me Father

"She’s seduced you, hasn’t she?" David’s question is laced with a false note of sympathy as if he pities my predicament.

"Seduced me?" I scoff, incredulous. "Do you have any idea what you're insinuating?"

"I know how the Devil operates, Roman. He creeps in when you least expect it. I fear he has ensnared you in his game. How much discipline is my daughter truly receiving—"

"You saw the cross, David," I retort, anger flaring as I recall the marble crucifix I had used with Eden. "You know I’m dedicated to teaching her genuine submission—"

"And none of what you’ve done has been driven by lust?" He presses, probing for an admission of guilt.

"Is that why you brought her ex back?" I counter, my voice sharp with frustration. "You think I’m compromised—"

"I didn’t say that, Roman," He chides, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "I brought Eric here to remind Eden of her past. The life she led before college. Eric was a devout follower of faith with my daughter—"

A devout follower? That maderapingher okay?

"You’re already contributing greatly to our cause. Perhaps it’s time I hand over the task of guiding Eden to someone who knows her better than you," David says, his tone condescending. "It was naive of me to expect you to manage her alone—"

"I can handle the time commitment. It’s not an issue."

"You don’t have to," David interrupts, his voice cold. "Eric is back for now. Maybe he can help my daughter find her way amid the darkness she’s fallen into," David sneers, his disdain for Eden evident.

The urge to confront him violently is almost overwhelming.

"David," A voice cuts in, drawing me back from the brink.

Eric approaches, his head held high, a smug grin spreading across his face.

"Eric, I'm almost done—"

"I get what you’re saying, David," I lie, forcing myself to stay calm. "But I’ve got it under control."

David’s nod is far from reassuring, his skepticism evident.

"I hope you’re right, Roman," David warns, his voice low and measured.

Brushing past me, David gives Eric’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze, his smile disturbingly warm.

"You coming by for dinner?" David asks, his tone casual.

"Of course. Perhaps Father Briar would like to join us?" Eric’s voice drips with malice as he raises an eyebrow.

"Roman?" David’s voice snaps me from my thoughts.

"Of course," I reply with a forced grin. "Sounds great."

David seems satisfied with the response, nodding as he prepares to leave. "I’ll see you both at my place around six?"

Both Eric and I nod in agreement.

Satisfied, David strides away, lingering by Eden’s car, no doubt preparing to lecture her once Zoey escorts her outside.

As soon as David is out of sight, I retreat behind the building, hidden from view. My eyes lock onto Eric, who’s observing Eden from a distance, an eerie resolve set into his expression.

"She’s beautiful, isn’t she?" Eric muses, his eyes following Eden’s car as it drives away.

My grip tightens around my phone, my anger barely contained.

"Why are you here?" I demand, my voice cold.