Page 143 of Inflict

“Nope.”

The bastard …

Killian was just lucky that Connor needed a best man for the day.

Connor could kill him on another day.

• • •

The interesting thing about Saint Johnathan’s church was the turrets that had been hand-built by a stone craftsman. Two turrets, actually, at the back of the building where the private rooms were sectioned off.

According to the priest and three nuns that inhabited the living space in the basement, the turrets had once been a part of the living quarters for more nuns, as they had assumed the church would always have the need for the women. As the years had gone by, they realized they didn’t need as many, some had chosen to live outside of the church, and as such, the turrets and private rooms had been redesigned for private use by the congregation and parishioners during events like weddings.

Connor was on the first floor in his private room, but just two floors above him was Evelyn’s private room. All he had to do was simply flick a lock, climb the turret stairs, and knock on her door.

So, he did just that.

He knocked on the door with the large brass “3,” stepped back, and waited. It didn’t take long at all before Evelyn opened the door, and peeked out.

“What are you doing up here?”

Connor looked her over, noting the silk robe she wore. “Where’s your dress?”

“We have another thirty minutes. It’s a heavy dress.”

“Where is Ciara?”

Evelyn smiled softly. “Running the halls with one of the younger nuns. She thought I might need a break to get ready.”

“Did you?” he asked. “Or did you just need to be alone?”

“I’m not sure.”

Connor didn’t have to question Evelyn on her answer further, because he could tell by her eyes that she was telling him the truth. It had only been a few months since she had shown back up with her daughter at her side, and while things for them had gone back to their sort of normal quickly enough, Ciara was another story.

She was a sweet child, and good God, she reminded Connor of her mother when Evelyn was younger. But Ciara had her moments, just the same as any other child might, and she had lived four years away from her mother, so a bit of distance was to be expected.

Connor hoped that changed, especially for Evelyn.

“Come here, lass,” Connor demanded.

“What—”

Evelyn didn’t even get the chance to argue before Connor had pulled her out of the doorway, and into his arms. He pulled the door to her private room closed, which left them alone together in the turret. No one was liable to interrupt them where they were, as all the rooms that led into the turret were locked for the day, and Evelyn’s was the only one unlocked at the moment.

Connor didn’t let Evelyn get out a word, kissing her to keep her quiet instead. He was careful not to mess up her hair, though the perfectly-set curls still demanded he tangle his fingers into the red-gold strands and appreciate their silkiness. Before he even realized what he had done, Connor had backed Evelyn into the bannister of the turret, and was leaning over her as their kiss deepened.

“I wanted to make sure you were okay,” Connor said gruffly as he kissed along her cheekbone.

“Don’t fuck up my makeup, Connor.”

“You’re ignoring what I said, love.”

“I’m fine.”

“Lonely?”

“Not when I know where to find you.”