THE TEMPTRESS

||Prayers||

•STEPHANIE•

Two weeks had passed since that weird encounter at the cemetery. I tried to keep my distance, but I couldn't shake the feeling that Kaden or his guys were tailing me.

Even if they weren't, it felt that way.

With no permanent hideout or real protection, I was still vulnerable and exposed to all kinds of risks.

Kaden acting like my shadow meant he wouldn't leave me alone anytime soon after what went down at the cemetery.

His words echoed in my head every time I thought about that moment of us doing the deed in the damn cemetery.

I mean, seriously, who does that?

It was the freakiest yet most dangerous thing I've ever experienced. Being Catholic, I felt like I was disrespecting the dead.

But Kaden didn't care; he acted like we were casually hooking up in a gas station restroom. Which is way worse and a bit gross, but that wasn't the point.

I managed to get an apartment farther from Kaden's usual hangouts. I've been seeing him around a lot lately, so the last thing I needed was to bump into him too close to my secret spot.

The other house was still an option, but it only became necessary when Kaden planned to visit. Right now, it's just a safe meet-up spot where he wouldn't suspect anything.

I unlocked my apartment, walked in, closed the door, and tossed my bag on the small glass table in the living room.

It had all my listening devices and important items I had to retrieve from my old safe house. Breaking in was tough since the place was swarming with cops the day before.

I also knew they were looking for me regarding the unsolved murder cases of Luca's inner circle. The cops hadn't figured out my real identity yet, but I sensed they were close.

With a lot on my plate, the last thing I needed was cops tailing me. That's why I had to lay low for a few more days before planning my next move.

I sank onto the couch, unpacking my things. First, I took out my listening devices and set up my laptop.

As far as I knew, the bug was still in Kaden's study, undiscovered by anyone, including him. That was a good thing.

I hadn't been to Kaden's place in a while to catch up on what they might be up to, so this was my only option.

After setting everything up on my laptop, I turned up the volume, and the first thing I heard was his voice.

I frowned, hearing angry shouts and frustration in his tone. It sounded like he was on a phone call.

"Alright, alright, I get it. You shouldn't be asking me to come see you. It's pretty risky since the killer is still on the loose, and she's probably keeping tabs on you."

She? Who is he talking to?

"I know, Dad. I'm trying my best to find her."

Luca. I knew it. And the female they referred to was probably me.

After listening in a little longer, I turned off my computer, jumped up from the couch, grabbed my gun off the table, and checked the chamber to see if it was still loaded.

Kaden was meeting Luca at a secret spot. It was probably the only place Luca brought his most trusted allies since he couldn't take them to his safehouse, fully monitored by me.

If I found this secret meeting place, it was game over. I'd have an easy way in and take him out without complications.

This was my chance.

OoO

I hit the brakes, and the car screeched to a stop near the curb.

Twisting in my seat, I scanned the area for the black Mercedes I'd been tailing just minutes ago, but now it was nowhere to be seen.

"Fuck!" I smacked the wheel in frustration.

Where the hell did he vanish to? He was just here.

The street was quiet, lined with empty-looking houses, and a massive building loomed straight ahead.

Driving down the road, I parked in front of the imposing structure. It wasn't until I unbuckled my seatbelt and stepped out that I realized it was a church.

An eerie feeling washed over me, and my senses were on high alert as I cautiously surveyed the area before approaching the church entrance.

I had no clue how Kaden's car had vanished like that, but I was sure this was where he was headed.

If I'm right, and this church was truly his rendezvous point with his father, well, color me surprised.

Of all the places I had in mind, a holy place wasn't on the list, especially not somewhere I could picture Luca setting foot in.

He's practically the devil incarnate; his skin should sizzle if he steps into this sacred place.

Pushing the double doors open, I entered slowly. The church was empty, but the lights were on, and a dark aura lingered in the air.

I couldn't recall the last time I set foot in a church, probably when I was little and used to come here with my family.

Just the thought hit me hard, making my chest tighten as I strolled down the aisle, glancing between the empty pews.

No idea if Kaden came here, but I gotta play it safe.

I paused by the stage, my gaze drifted up to the cross on the wall, and my hand automatically found the rosary around my neck.

When was the last time I confessed my secrets to Father here?

Given all the shady stuff I've pulled lately, being here felt off, yet strangely, it seemed like the safest spot on Earth.

Stepping back, I settled onto a pew a few rows back, leaned on it, and let out a sigh.

"Sorry, I'm not ready for this." I blurted out, staring at the cross in front of me. "Things have been crazy lately; I can't even catch a breath."

I lowered my arms, leaned back against the seat, and clasped my hands together on my lap.

"I know I shouldn't be here, but I'm trying to track someone down, and he led me straight to you."

I glanced around the empty church before continuing.

"But if it's a sign from you that I should be here, then I'll accept it."

The air started feeling warmer, and my eyes glistened.

"I believe you'll understand what I'm after. I'm just hoping you can clear the path and let me finish what I started. My family—"

Tears choked my words, and I fought for composure.

"—they deserve justice, and I'll make sure they get it."

I paused as tears fell. Staring at my clasped hands, I tightened my grasp.

"There's just one thing I'm scared of that could ruin everything I've worked hard for."

I tore my gaze from my hands, facing the Jesus cross again.

"I can't let myself love him." I forced out a sob. "Please, don't let me fall for him. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up, but I need to finish what I came here to do."

Arms on the pew again, I bowed my head, closing my eyes.

"I can hold it together a bit longer, so, God, help me through this, and don't let him stand in my way... Please, don't let him fall for me too."

"Too late."