Consumed: A Dark Stalker Age Gap Romance

Chapter 4

Pepper

On the drive to Dad's, my thoughts wander to Dominic Stone. His piercing eyes, chiseled jaw, Greek nose, and full lips add to his male beauty, despite the marred skin covering the right side of his face. He has an intimidating countenance. Though his words were encouraging, the subtle hints of his body language told the story of a restless soul. Being one myself, it wasn't hard to recognize him as a kindred spirit.

I pull into the driveway of my childhood residence and turn the engine off. It always takes me a few minutes to compose myself before going inside. A person's home should be their sanctuary from the unpleasantness of the world. For me, it was a prison. Attending school was a refuge for me until my father forbade it, convinced I would be corrupted. Being retired, he devoted his time to homeschooling me. Bible study was a major part of the daily curriculum. Every scripture is ingrained in my brain. I missed out on so much—prom, graduation, a first kiss.

Memories assail me, causing me to hyperventilate. I breathe in deeply in an effort to calm my racing heart and still my shaky body.

I only visit when summoned, staying only long enough to appease my father. I'm happy my brother, Patrick, is home for the summer. His presence will make being here easier. Most likely, I won't see him too often once he graduates high school next year.

I scream when a sharp knock startles me, dissipating my thoughts. Lester, a deacon at Dad's church, profusely apologizes through the window. He's a tall, thin man. I probably outweigh him by twenty pounds. Though only in his mid-thirties, he's already experiencing male-pattern baldness. His lips are always dry, and white foam forms at the corners of his mouth. Seeing it makes me queasy. In church, he's always touchy-feely, and the way his beady eyes roam my body makes me uncomfortable.

I step out of my car. "You almost gave me a heart attack."

"I noticed you sitting there and wanted to check if you were okay."

"I'm fine. Just talking to old ghosts."

"I hope they're the good ones."

"Do good ghosts exist?"

"I think so."

"What are you doing here?"

Don't look at the white foam, don't look at the white foam, don't look at the white foam... Dang it, I looked at the white foam.

"Your father invited me to dinner."

"Oh. He didn't mention we were having a guest."

"Maybe it slipped his mind."

I find that hard to believe. He forgets nothing.

"Shall we go in?" I ask, walking to the front door.

"Sure. Congratulations on finishing the semester with stellar grades and starting a new internship today."

"Thanks."

My father emerges from the kitchen when we enter the house. His once muscular physique is gone. His midsection rivals Santa Claus, but it doesn't make him any less fearsome.

He gives me a peck on the cheek and Lester a firm handshake. "I hope you're hungry. I cooked a good, hearty meal."

"It smells delicious. What are we having?" Lester asks.

"Roast beef, carrots, and potatoes."

"Hey, sis!" Patrick flies down the stairs, envelopes me in a bear hug, and swings me around.

Man, he must be a foot taller than the last time I saw him. I'm amazed at how grown-up and handsome he is. We have the same dark complexion, but that's where our similarities end. His eyes are deep brown, and he has the cutest dimples. He'll definitely need a broom to beat the girls off.