Page 56 of Forgive Me Father

Walking with the group, I lag behind with Luca, our fingers intertwined as I lean on him for support. Up ahead, Zoey chatters nonstop at Aiden, nudging him until a genuine smile finally breaks through. Zack keeps glancing back at me, his gaze burning into me, but I keep my focus anywhere else.

The trail opens up to a small lake, its waters reflecting the vibrant colors of the setting sun. The scene is peaceful, almost surreal, as the forest surrounds us like a protective barrier. Luca, carrying both our bags on his back, gives me a reassuring nod.

"If you’re worried about anyone seeing you, I can hold a towel up until you’re in the water," He offers with a kind smile.

A buzz in my pocket breaks the moment between us. Tugging my phone free, my stomach drops when I see the contact name on my screen.

Roman.

Why the hell is he calling?

I can’t answer this. Not here.

I hit decline and look around as the others begin to strip down and dive into the cool water.

"You go ahead," I grin at Luca, feeling my phone buzz again. "I’ve got to take this—it’s my dad."

He nods, accepting the excuse, and does something unexpected. He leans in and kisses my cheek, a sweet, comforting gesture that catches me off guard.

I watch as he strips off his hoodie, his body a welcome sight. Meanwhile, the buzzing phone in my pocket starts to feel like it’s burning a hole through my pants.

I answer the call, snapping. "What do you want?"

"Where are you?" Roman asks, ignoring my question entirely.

Zoey squeals as Aiden tries to dunk her under the water.

"None of your fucking b-business, Father," I slur, the alcohol blurring my thoughts.

"Have you been drinking?" Roman asks, disbelief lacing his voice.

I smile, feeling warmth spread in my stomach at the sound of his voice. "Maybe."

"Eden, what the hell are you doing—"

"Eden!" Luca shouts, waving from the water. "Get in! It feels fucking amazing!" The water clings to his perfectly sculpted body, every ripple highlighting his muscles, making the temptation nearly impossible to resist.

But it’s Roman’s voice that sends a fire scourging between my things.

"Is that the fucking coffee boy?" Roman’s tone is thick with anger.

"It is," I sigh, unable to resist poking the bear. "Zack’s here too. You really did a number on him, Father—"

"Eden, I’m not fucking around. Where are you—"

"Hey," Luca says, catching up to me as I lower the phone. "Everything okay?"

Instead of answering, I pull him into a kiss, making sure Roman can hear. Luca wraps his arms around me, his lips trailing down to my neck, each kiss sending a shiver through me that makes me giggle.

"I could get used to being greeted like that," Luca laughs, pulling back with a grin.

I lift the phone back to my ear, "I’m sorry, Dad, I’m kind of preoccupied right now—"

"You’re at the reservoir. I’m coming," Roman says coldly before the line goes dead, leaving me staring at the black screen.

Whistling and cheering from the group fills the air as Luca and I kiss again, but my nerves are on edge.

"You ready?" Luca asks, completely unaware of the storm that’s heading our way.