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“Apologize?” I confirm. “What for?”
A glimmer of amusement flashes in his dark eyes as he shakes his head. “I think you know what for.” He sighs heavily. “I took advantage and I’m sorry it went so far.”
I nod. “Of course. I’m sorry, too.”
“Why are you apologizing? You didn’t do anything wrong.”
I shrug. “I was a willing participant.”
His jaw works and I notice him flex his fingers. “That’s not the point. I’m in a role of authority, and I took advantage.”
A tense and heavy silence falls between us until the waitress comes back with our order. “Can I get you anything else, boss?”
He shakes his head, eyes never leaving me. “No.”
It’s dangerous for him to look at me like that in public. A gaze so raw it’s unholy. And yet he doesn’t break our eye contact. “Dig in,” he says, once she’s gone.
My stomach rumbles as I’ve not eaten anything today. “Thank you.”
He tilts his head. “You’re welcome, little doe.”
I pick up the fork, tasting the pancakes. “That’s delicious,” I say, shutting my eyes at the sweet taste of maple syrup.
“Not as delicious as what I had yesterday morning.”
I tense at that, heat flooding my veins and lighting me up from the inside out. “You shouldn’t mention that. After all, you just apologized for it.”
He chuckles, clearly finding my discomfort amusing. “Perhaps my apology wasn’t exactly sincere. I want to do so much more to you, little doe,” he murmurs, eyes fixed on mine. “But I’ve got vows to uphold.”
Disappointment coils through me as I nod. “Yeah, I know.” I look down at the pancakes and push a piece around my plate.
“What did you do for work before coming to Fordhurst?” he asks, quickly changing the subject.
I swallow hard. “I’ve never actually had a job.”
His jaw clenches. “Then what job do you want to do?”
I bite the inside of my cheek. “Waitressing would’ve been good, but I’m open to anything.” I don’t want to sound desperate, but I’ll run out quickly if I keep burning through my cash.
Dante clears his throat. “I’ve got an opening at the bookstore. I think it’s the only vacancy at the moment.”
My eyes widen. “Wow, you own the bookstore too?”
“I own a few places in town, yes.”
“Why do you bother being a priest?”
His gaze sharpens on me, a dangerous glint in his eyes. “Because I’m trying to keep a part of me at bay. And turning to God seemed like the best way to do it.”
My eyes dip to the ink on his chest and arms. “I must admit, you don’t fit the stereotype of a priest. I’m sure your past isn’t what anyone would expect.” A flash of fire enters his eyes, and I quickly add, “Not that it’s any of my business, of course.”
His lips twitch into a smirk, and there’s a brief silence before he responds. “Everyone has a past, Madison. Some are just more colorful than others.” His gaze lingers on me, heavy and intense. “Just like everyone has secrets.”
I nod in response because he knows my secret. At least snippets of it. That I’m running from my abusive husband. I want to know his secrets, but I don’t pry.
I take another sip of my drink. “How long have you lived in Fordhurst?”
He raises an eyebrow. “Four years,” he replies after a pause, giving nothing away.
