Page 6 of The King of Hearts

I keep my head down as he continues his sermon, not wanting to chance that intense stare again. Usually, I can somewhat ignore the oddness of Father Vaughn’s bottomless black eyes, but this morning they seem exceptionally perceptive. Like he knows some deep, dark secret.

I mentally shake my head and ignore the more than usual intensity of Father Vaughn. I avoid looking at him for the rest of the service and instead keep my eyes down on my lap or direct them somewhere over his shoulder.

Not nearly soon enough, church is over, and everyone gets to their feet, a light murmur of voices filling the room. As he does every Sunday after service, Father Vaughn walks down the aisle to the back of the church, where he’ll stand at the doors and greet each member as they exit. My family and I get up from the front pew and make our way toward him.

“Father Vaughn looks particularly yummy today,” Tomas says in my ear. He’s practically smashed his chest to my back to whisper so only I can hear. “Wouldn’t you say?”

“Hush.” I elbow him in the ribs.

“Just stating facts,” he mutters. “The things I’d let that man do to me.” He hums in the back of his throat, sounding like he’s damn near salivating. “I’d let him bend me over his altar and shove his big har?—”

Even as my cheeks heat at the developing visual, I cut him off before he can continue. “Tomas!” I hiss and dig my elbow in deeper. “Cut it out before someone hears.”

He grunts with a laugh, but thankfully stops his fantastical musings. And just in time since we’re only seconds away from facing the object of his fascinations.

Tomas has had a crush on Father Vaughn since he took over the church several years ago. He likes going into great detail about what he wants our priest to do to him if given the chance. I think he does it because he knows it embarrasses me, but I know his fantasies are no less true.

“Another great sermon, Father Vaughn,” Dad says as he holds out his hand for our priest to take.

Father Vaughn smiles. “The Lord is my guide. It’sHiswords. I only deliver the messageHewishes me to.”

“Of course.”

Mom holds out her dainty hand, and Father Vaughn clasps it gently with both of his. “It’s lovely to see you again, Caroline.”

“You as well, Father. As my husband said, what a lovely sermon.”

Father Vaughn inclines his head. My parents move forward, and then it’s my turn.

Inwardly, my nerves are quaking as I step directly in front of him. Outwardly, I square my shoulders, stiffen my spine, andforce my lips to curve into a cordial smile. My hand is steady, if somewhat clammy, as I hold it out to him.

“Father Vaughn,” I say, silently praising myself for how even my voice is.

Father Vaughn’s hand envelops mine, and I barely hide the cold shiver it causes. He has large hands, and it’s surprising to feel the calluses on his palms.

“Savina. It was a pleasure to have you in church today.”

He says it like it’s a rare occurrence for me to attend church when I’m here every Sunday with my family. I have been since before I could remember.

“Thank you,” I murmur. “I’ll be here again next week, just as I am every Sunday.”

His lips twitch at my quiet quip. He releases my hand, and my first instinct is to rub my palm down my skirt to wipe away his touch. Instead, I curl my fingers into a fist and step to the side.

I avert my attention to my parents, needing to forget about the man who makes me feel uneasy. It’s not until we’re out of the church and on our way to our waiting cars that I feel like I can breathe properly again.

Before Tomas leaves, we make plans to meet this week for lunch to catch up. David, our driver, holds open the car door for Dad, Mom, and me. The cool air in the interior feels good against my flushed skin as I settle against the plush leather seat. Dad, who sits beside Mom on the seat across from me, pulls out his phone as soon as the door closes. A crease forms between his eyebrows as he looks at his screen.

“Everything okay, dear?” Mom asks when she notices his expression.

It takes him a minute before he darkens his phone and grabs her hand, lacing their fingers together and placing them on his thigh. I’ve always been in awe of my parents’ relationship. I’venever met a man and woman more in love than them. I hope to one day have the same special connection they share.

“Bishop and Ryker are bringing in a mother and her young daughter. He said the mother’s condition isn’t good.”

I sit up straighter in my seat and clasp my hands in my lap. A hollow feeling forms around my heart because I know what this means.

“Is he taking them to The Sheppard House?” Mom asks before I get the chance.

The Sheppard House is a small gated community where a select group of people live. No one is allowed access to the property unless you’re part of The Raven Group or a member of the community. It’s sort of like a safe house for people with violent pasts who need a secure place to go when they’ve got no other choice.

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