Page 101 of Forgive Me Father

Eric finally turns his gaze toward me, a smirk playing on his lips. "I heard through the grapevine that Eden found her way back home. I stopped by the Faulkner's place and learned she’s been reconnecting with her faith. I thought it odd—Eden always hated church. Are you offering something other than guidance, Father Briar?”

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"I’ve been keeping an eye on you. You think I wouldn’t look into where my girlfriend was and who she was spending her time with?" His gaze is cold, calculating.

"She’s not your goddamn girlfriend."

"Careful, Father," Eric warns, his tone carrying a venomous edge. "Words like that are why it was so easy for David to believe you’re driven by lust. As I see it, I’m back now. Eden will learn to forgive the past, so where do you fit into allof this?”

"Are you threatening me?" I growl, stepping closer, my anger barely contained. "Don’t let my day job fool you; I would be glad to kick your ass.”

"Look at how feral she’s made you," Eric sneers, his gaze contemptuous. "This is why we had to break her.

Eric smirks, his eyes cold. "Eden's always been a temptation, a siren luring men into sin. Her presence alone is like a beacon for every dark impulse lurking inside them. We did what we did because she was a force of corruption—an embodiment of everything that leads men astray."

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a sinister whisper. "She needed to be punished for being a living temptation. If she was left unchecked, she'd only drag more souls into darkness."

I grab his shirt without a second thought.

Throwing him to the ground, I stomp on his chest before he can rise, slamming my foot over his hand and pressing my hand over his mouth to stifle his screams. Relishing the muffled noise against my hand, I wrap my hands around his throat, poised to crack his skull against the pavement, to watch his life drain from his eyes.

"I-I knew it," He chokes out, struggling for breath. "I knew you were fucking her. Tell me, how will David react when he learns you assaulted me?" Eric’s grin is maddening. "You think he’ll believe your word or mine?"

I release him, my mind consumed by Eden’s suffering.

He hurt her.

Everything turns red.

He has desecrated what’s mine.

"I dare you to try and take her from me.” I hiss, my patience gone.

I drive my foot into his jaw, the lights flicker out for him. My phone buzzes in my pocket as satisfaction floods through me at the sight of him beneath me.

When I answer the call, I’m met with a trembling voice. "Roman—"

"How quickly can you pack a bag?" I demand, my thoughts darkening as I contemplate smashing Eric’s head in further.

"Why—"

Zoey rounds the corner, her eyes locking onto the scene with a cold resolve.

"You asked me to choose, Eden. I’ve made my decision. Pack a bag for yourself and your brother. Tonight is the last night either of you will be in that house," I whisper, gripping Eric’s head as he groans in pain.

Shuddering on the phone, Eden takes a deep breath.

"Okay. I'm trusting you, Roman."

After hanging up, Zoey gives me a puzzled look.

"They can stay with my mother and me until we sort this out," Zoey whispers, glancing at Eric with a mix of anger and concern. "But you better tell me right now what the hell is going on."

"Take your break, and I will," I reply, my tone clipped.

This is bound to be a very unpleasant conversation.

Chapter 27