The Divine Temptation (18+) (Forbidden Priest Romance)

2. Sticky Lemonade (Edited)

(Please note, that Angelina's name has now been changed to Bethany. I realised as writing it, it was too similar to Evangeline.)

'Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.'

Provebs 11:17

♱

Evangeline

♱

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I begin an internal countdown; by the end of it, I'll either self-combust or punch Bethany in the face.

Bethany is the stereotypical popular girl, with blonde bouncy hair, and bright blue eyes. The type where people either wished to be her or wanted to date her. I, however, never fell for the 'nice, polite, and preppy' facade she tricks others with.

"So, Gabriel, I thought, seeing as you're taking over your father's role, it might be nice to have a small celebratory night in with some friends over at my house tonight?" She lifts her hand to touch him on his arm in gesture, but he swiftly pulls back, his eyes not meeting hers as her face heats with embarrassment.

"No need, I've got some things to tie up ahead of tomorrow that I can't really put off." He forces a smile, one that doesn't quite crinkle the skin around his eyes, as it did a brief moment ago.

"Oh, perhaps I could give you a hand; we haven't hung out in ages," she pouts, as I start to pick up on the ever-so-slight discomfort energy Gabriel seems to be putting off. I shift on my feet, watching the awkward interaction.

"I wouldn't want to waste your time, and anyway, I've already asked Evangeline if she could help, which she politely said yes to." My face furrows in confusion, but a quick glance at Gabriel, with an almost pleading look, tells me all I need to know. I recover my expression and nod along, agreeing with him. Her mouth twists in a sour expression, as her eyes slightly narrow.

I'm aware that I owe Gabriel nothing, but if it means irritating Miss Prep over here, it's a win-win situation.

"Why her?" She asks, attempting to look innocent as she stares up at Gabriel, eyelashes fluttering as she blinks.

Gabriel remains silent as he watches Bethany, a sense of confusion washing over his face, his hands still in his pockets, as more discomfort emanates from him.
"Her type aren't welcome around here," she adds, her eyes still pointed in my direction.
She's challenging me.

She knows that with the presence of others, she's protected because if it wasn't for the entire town's population packed into this square, I would have physically assaulted her by now, and she's using it to her advantage, throwing her own verbal punches.

The confusion on Gabriel's face doesn't falter as his eyes bounce between her and me, a simple challenging silent exchange, as we just stare at each other.

"Ladies, son," Father Richard appears on my right, now in casual clothes, and a drink in hand.
"Oh, this is great, Gabriel. You've met Evangeline." He puts the palm of one of his hands on the small of my back. I stiffen as the heat from his touch burns through the back of my dress, like hot acid.

Don't make a scene.

I take a harsh breath through my nose and let it out of my mouth.

"I was talking with Lillian earlier, and offered Evangeline here a job working in the church. She would report to you obviously, but it will only be temporary as you get your footing, and while Evangeline is here looking after her grandmother," Father Richard continues, as his grasp on my back doesn't break.