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

7. Make a Wish (Edited)

'Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honour.'

Proverbs 21:21(NIV)

♱

Evangeline

♱

"He wants me in a relationship with Bethany," Gabriel states, his eyes directed at his tea in a similar manner as when I first met him a week ago, swishing the liquid just like the lemonade.

"And based on finding you wandering the streets, I'm guessing you don't want to be in one with her." I couldn't help but feel a mild tightness in my chest as I awaited his response.

"No." His eyebrows slightly frown down. "There was a brief moment when we were dating, but I don't ever see myself continuing it." There's a slight change to his aura, and at the same time, the tightness releases ever so slightly as he answers my question, but not at the mention of a previous relationship.

"Have you told your father?" He nods.

"It's no use, I guess. He has his eyes set on her being my wife." I choke on my tea slightly.

"Y-Your wife?"

"Yeah, well, he thinks she'll be one. In his head, she's the perfect Christian—young and fertile, as he likes to say. She wouldn't bring shame to the family. If anything, you're probably a better Christian than she is, and you don't even practice." He awkwardly chuckles before taking another swig of his tea.

My mouth parts in part shock and amusement. Gabriel has never spoken so freely like this before, and I would be lying if I said I didn't like it. It was like speaking to a friend and not the local priest. Even just earlier, when we burst out laughing at him having cream on his nose, it all felt relaxed.

"Yeah, I doubt that."

He stares at me.

"You don't think you were a good practicing Christian?" he asks as I shake my head.

"No, I mean, I live life in what I consider to be a morally good way, but I don't attend church, nor plan to after I leave here. I'm also partial to a bit of lying and may have laid with one too many men before I've even been betrothed." It was my turn to swish around the remaining liquid of my tea.

"None of that stuff would make you a bad Christian. If anything, I think God would understand that times are ever-changing, and that His teachings would grow with the generations." I give Gabriel a small smile.

"Thanks, but I think I'll find it easier not following the path of Christ. And anyway, God said one shall not kill, and I don't think it can be any clearer than that. I fantasize about hurting people far too often," I reply as he chuckles. I focus on his neck, slowly watching as his Adam's apple bobs when he sips his drink.

"So, if you were dating her not too long ago, what happened?" I ask in an attempt to draw me away from lusting over his bodily features.

"It's complicated," he simply states, a phrase he so commonly uses. He stares ahead, and I don't pry any further into the situation.

"Well, take my advice: date who you want. I understand that you're a priest and would want to go about this modestly, but as you believe that God's words can adapt with the times, live life a bit more freely. Date and marry who you love, not who your father wants, because God only knows you'll be miserable." He smiles at my reply.

"Has anyone told you that you could be a preacher?"

"Once or twice, but not a preacher for the house of God, I'll tell you that." He chuckles again, a low one, deeper in his chest, which sends shivers down my spine.