Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
“Wait,” I say, but she doesn’t.
She rushes from my office, and I’m left wondering what the fuck just happened.
I feel like shit, and the guilt weighs heavily on my system. I shouldn’t be making Eva feel this way.
Not now. Not ever.
I grab my phone from my desk, swiping it on and bringing up Vin’s contact.
He answers on the first ring. “What’s up?”
“I need you to look into a Christopher Matthews for me.”
“What’s this all about?”
“Just a hunch for now.” When I mentioned Gregory Saunders name to Eva earlier, there was a moment of recognition behind her blue irises. If she does know him it would most likely be related to her ex-husband.
“Okay. I’ll get back to you when I’ve got any information,” Vin says, and I thank him before hanging up the phone.
Hopefully we can get to the bottom of everything and get this trafficking ring taken down once and for all.
Chapter 18
Evangelina
I leave the church in a rush, my footsteps quick and unsteady as I make my way across town to Greer’s for Sunday brunch. The early afternoon sun beats down on me, but my mind is elsewhere, a whirlwind of confusion. My head’s a mess—thoughts tangled with guilt, desire, and uncertainty.
Who am I to cause the downfall and destruction of one man? The weight of it all presses down on me, suffocating in its intensity. I can’t deal with the storm of emotions swirling inside me.
Because when Benedict kisses me, there’s something undeniable between us. Something electric. It’s like a spark ignites the moment our lips touch, and it sends a shiver through my entire body. For a brief second, it feels like we could have something real, something lasting—maybe even forever. But that’s silly talk. It’s just a fantasy, a fleeting hope that has no place in reality. I need to remember he’s unattainable, out of reach in ways that matter most.
I pull into Greer’s driveway, grateful for the reprieve. The sight of her gorgeous home, with its overgrown flower beds and white picket fence, offers a sense of comfort. Today, I don’t have to think about the church or the priest who leads it. I can shut off my brain for a few hours and just be.
Before I can even knock, the door swings open. “Hi,” Greer says with a warm smile, her brown hair catching the light as she leans against the doorframe.
“Hi,” I reply, managing a small smile in return.
“I’m so glad you could make it.” She wraps me in a tight hug, her familiar scent of lavender and honey wrapping around me as she steps aside to let me in. The house smells of freshly baked cinnamon rolls and coffee, instantly calming me.
“You look amazing,” I tell her, noticing a radiant glow about her that I hadn’t seen before.
She grins and pats her stomach. “I’m pregnant.”
My eyes widen, and my grin grows as the news sinks in. “Oh wow.” Without hesitation, I pull her into another hug, holding her a little tighter this time. “Congratulations! That’s incredible.”
“Thanks,” she beams, her happiness contagious. “I’ve been dying to tell you. Come on, let’s sit and catch up.”
As I follow her inside, I finally feel some of the tension in my chest release. For now, I can set aside the turmoil of the morning and bask in Greer’s joy.
“You’ve been busy,” Greer says, leading me into her bright, sunlit kitchen. The smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and the countertops are covered in trays of cinnamon rolls and fruit. Everything about her space feels warm and inviting.
“I have been,” I reply with a small smile, though I’m careful not to let too much slip. I don’t want to bog her down with news of the new job or the impossible assignment Father Carmichael has thrust upon me. Talking about Benedict feels dangerous, like if I open that door, someone might see right through me. Right to my heart, where all the feelings I’ve been trying to suppress are hiding. If anyone, even Greer, detects them, I’d be exposed.
“How’s everything going with your son?” she asks, concern softening her voice just as Roman and Ledger walk into the kitchen. Roman flashes me a warm smile, his arm already protectively around Greer’s waist, while Ledger trails behind with a knowing look, as if he’s always one step ahead.
I greet both of them quickly, congratulating Roman on the pregnancy before I settle back into the conversation. “It’s been an uphill battle, that’s for sure,” I admit with a sigh. “But I’m saving every penny I can. Hopefully, soon I’ll be able to start shopping around for a new lawyer.”
Greer’s eyes light up with that signature warmth, her smile reassuring. “Let me know when I can help. I’ve got a list of a few names for you, and I know some of them could make a real difference.”