Beneath His Touch

Chapter Fourteen

SARAH

I couldn't get him out of my mind. The scene that unfolded still haunted me, even two days later. Staring at my reflection, I felt like I was trapped in that moment. Jerry had warned me—Javan wasn't just any bad boy. He had layers, deep issues that went far beyond the surface. Curious, I asked Amanda about the root of their feud, and now I understand where it all began. A girl was involved, of course. Rumor has it that during their freshman year, Javan, Jerry, and Andy were inseparable. They were the golden trio: Jerry, the football star; Javan and Andy, dominating the rugby scene. They had fame, popularity—everything.

But it all unraveled when Jerry's sister got involved. She was secretly dating Javan, and when Jerry found out, Javan denied the whole thing, even denying her. That rejection broke her. She spiraled into addiction, depression, and Javan didn't care. At the time, he was also dating Liz, which only fueled the scandal. Liz lashed out at Jerry's sister, and Jerry, who adored his sister more than anyone, saw everything fall apart.

My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my thoughts. It was a text from Brian. Yeah, him. Out of nowhere, he had started being friendly, even apologizing. Now he wants to be friends again. I haven't blocked him yet, though I wanted to, but something held me back—it felt too... pointless.

See you tomorrow... he texted.

We'd planned to meet Cynthia, his girl, to clear things up between them. It's ridiculous how much pity I feel for him. I toss my phone aside and finish my makeup. It's Sunday, and I'm home alone—my parents had traveled back to the rural areas for planting season. According to the weather forecast, the rains are supposed to start in early October. Vicky was also away on some fieldwork project. She'd been chosen for the team, which meant a bonus for her—and more pocket money for me. I smiled at the thought. Having a hard-working, single sister who adored me definitely had its perks.

I hailed a taxi, heading to church. I'm a baptized Catholic, attending Christ the King Church, just a few kilometers from home. I always go to the second Mass. By the time I arrived, the service was about to start. I slipped in quietly, taking a slight bow before settling into the fourth row on the right. After a silent prayer, I noticed everyone standing as the priest made his entrance.

I hummed along with the choir—their energy was infectious. I had once been part of the choir, back in my school days, and was even chairlady of the Young Catholic Students. For me, Christ comes before everything—boys included. That's why, despite my feelings for Brian, I kept my faith at the forefront. He'd been baptized Catholic too, once attending this same church. He was incredible when he joined the choir, another reason I'd fallen so hard for him. Back then, he seemed like the perfect candidate—everything I wanted.

Now, looking back, it all felt like a joke. A joke on me.

A deep, familiar sigh catches my attention from beside me.

I turn, and my heart nearly stops. Javan. He's sitting right next to me, dressed in a sleek black turtleneck and matching jeans, his dark sunglasses adding to the aura of danger that seems to cling to him. His lips curl into a smirk, and I instinctively try to pull away, but his hand shoots out, gripping my wrist and yanking me closer.

"You've been avoiding me, wildcat," he murmurs, his voice low and taunting. "But you're not getting away this time."

I glance at the altar as the priest continues his sermon, the irony almost too much to bear. "Jesus is watching you!" the priest declares with fervor. "He is right there beside you!"

I glance at Javan, trying to steady my racing heart. Jesus? No, this wasn't Jesus beside me—it was the devil I'd had a one-night stand with. What the hell was he doing here? How did he even know about this church? His smirk deepens, almost as if he can read my thoughts. My throat tightens, and I swallow hard, my heart hammering against my ribs as panic threatens to overtake me.