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

21. Can you show me

'For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.'

Galatians 5:13 (NRSV)

♱

Evangeline

♱

"No, you wake them up?" I stir in my sleep at the sound of hushed voices.

"Go awayyy," I groan, turning to the other side and snuggling back into the bed, warmth spreading on my side.

"Poke her again," I hear another voice coming from another direction. At the same time, I feel a sharp prod in my side.

My eyes shoot open, and I'm met with Gabriel's sleeping face, a slight snore escaping his lips. The beauty of such a sight is destroyed the moment I glance at Margaret, who is standing on his side of the bed. I narrow my eyes as I turn my head around and see my grandmother standing behind me, her finger extended. Her expression is a mix of sheepishness and smugness.

"I told you it'd work," Margaret whispers to her.

I can feel the weight of Gabriel's arm lazily draped over my waist under the covers, not obvious to either of them yet. I lift part of the cover up as I point my finger at both of them.

"Both of you, out now, before he wakes up, or so help me God, I'll be going to prison for elder abuse," I quietly shout, stilling my movement in hopes Gabriel doesn't wake.

They both look at each other, holding a laugh under their breath. Gran gestures to Margaret to the door, and they both tiptoe towards the open bedroom door.

"We'll be downstairs, sweetie," she grins as they leave, closing the door behind them.

I crash my head back on the pillow, raising a hand as I rub my forehead. Gabriel stirs beside me, his arm naturally tightening around my waist, pulling me closer to him.

"Morning," he mumbles, the sound of sleep thick in his voice.

"Morning," I reply as naturally as possible. As if on cue, his eyes slam open, and he retracts his hand from my side. I moan at the absence of warmth as I pull his hand back.

"I like your arm around me," I say, in hopes of distracting him from any of the sounds coming from the hallway as Gran and Margaret make their way downstairs. At the same time, a flush of pink fills Gabriel's cheeks before a lazy smile covers his face.

"Okay then." With swiftness, he tightens his grip again and pulls me to his front, so we're now flush against each other. I gasp in shock and giggle at the contact.

"I like that sound," he says as he snuggles his face into my neck, his quick learning of affection a shock to my system.

"I think I like morning Gabriel, but I think we need to have a chat because there is no way you've all of a sudden become this smooth when you've preached about your lack of experience to me. You've got more game than me right now, Gabriel, and I'm not sure how to feel about that?"

I ask, pulling my neck back slightly to face him. He seems more relaxed, as his head rests against the pillow.

"I may or may not have spent many of my evenings skim reading the books you gave me, and watching any scenes of their respective films I could find."

"Why?"

"I just thought maybe there would be something in the books to help with the situation from the other night. Some clue as to how to speak to you, or anything. So I may have picked up a few things along the way," he smiles sheepishly, but it quickly turns serious as he slightly loosens his hold, and I just stare at him.