Page 87 of My Forever Sin

“There’s no way,” I whisper under my breath.

The first person I see upon opening the door is Heath, standing near the dark oak table with a whiskey in his hand, laughing at something someone is saying. My mother—perched on the edge of a chair with her arms folded—also laughing. I hold my breath before I take a look at the space the door is hiding.

Sure enough, it’s him.

Dressed in his usual cotton polo with a woven jumper on top, the collar sat neatly on the wool. Charming smile—fit for a liar—and neatly slicked back, blonde hair with a jawline that could cut through anything.

Samuel Dark.

In other words, my abuser from the convent.

My heart thumps in my chest at the sight of him, and even more when his brown eyes lock on mine, and that charming smile grows even wider.

“He’s your future husband, dear. What he says goes,” Sister Mary says, locking me inside with this monster.

“Jordan Clarence,” he drawls. The sound scrapes through my eardrums, reminding me of every touch and aggressive whisper, detailing what he’ll do to me once my time at the convent is done.

I force through the ball in my throat. “Oh.” My feet are glued to the spot, not daring to move any closer to him. This is the first time since leaving that demonic place I feel genuine fear, but it won’t override the simmering anger inside me.

He’s here. He’s back. But you’re stronger, I remind myself.

Samuel grips my waist, drawing me closer to him. “I think we should laser remove this”—he pokes a finger to my chest through the habit where my tattoo is—“it doesn’t belong on my body.”

I blow out a calming breath, shoving the memories away. Your body. Not his. Yours.

“Your fiancé is finally here!” Heath claps his hands in delight before rubbing them together.

“You didn’t think you could run from me, did you?” Samuel tilts his head at me and Mother narrows her eyes.

I begin shaking my head, every muscle in my body is clenched. Samuel stands and I damn near flinch, but I don’t dare. He roams over my face, my body before gently lifting my chin to his face. “What have I told you about using your words, sweet pea?”

Samuel’s hand comes down on my habit-covered ass hard. The sting zaps through my lower back.

He smiles at me, every threat in his eyes swimming to the surface and reminding me of what he did. My body’s natural reaction is to start moving away from him, so his grip on my chin hardens, as does the rest of his face. “Speak.”

I swallow knowing I have to act obedient otherwise my whole act is blown, but then something warm trickles down the inside of my thighs, making my legs twitch. Kain.

Kain.

Kain.

Kain.

I rapidly shake my head. “No. I was not running, sir.”

He lets me go, smiling again. “Good girl.”

“This will just make the process of your marriage easier,” Mother starts, making us both turn towards her. “Since she’s signed out of the convent, we could get you married tomorrow.”

No.

No, no, no, no, no.

My brain is short circuiting.

I’m running out of time.

“That’s perfect. Your father would be pleased to hear, I’m sure.” Heath sets his whiskey glass down on the table. “Father Michael’s has been waiting to welcome a new soul into his church. Give it a few months and there will be a mini you running around there.”