His Sin

Chapter Two: Morning After

Fiona POV

I didn't sleep, every time I closed my eyes I felt Theo’s hands on my waist. I managed to get a few hours of sleep before daybreak.

"Fiona! We're leaving in five minutes!" my father shouted from downstairs.

I jumped, nearly dropping my hairbrush. I took a deep breath and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked the same—pale skin, neat hair, and a high-collared blue dress- A perfect example of what a pastor's daughter was supposed to look like.

The car ride to church was silent. My father was driving while my mother sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window. I sat in the back, my knees pressed together, I felt ashamed yet good. I have never in my entire life been that close to a guy.

I was in a closet with a guy last night, I thought. A 'delinquent.' And I think I liked it.

"He's really here," my mother whispered, her voice a mix of shock and amusement.

"He's a menace," my father grumbled, slamming the car door. "Pastor Thomas needs to get his house in order. That boy is going to be a stain on this congregation."

I followed my parents inside. The air felt heavy and at the back of the congregation, I locked eyes with Theo. His eyes swept over my body from head to toe taking me in, I blushed turning my face away before sitting down.

I took my usual seat in the front row. I tried to focus on the sermon but then I felt it. That sensation at the back of my neck that told me I was being watched.

I slowly turned my head, He was sitting in the very back row- where he had been since I first saw him, the same place he had been last night. He wasn't wearing a suit. He had on a dark button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing the tattoos on his forearms. His older brother, Luke, was already up on the altar, looking perfect in his suit.

Theo caught my eye. He didn't smile. He just stared at me intensely.

My face burned hot. I turned back around so fast I nearly gave myself whiplash.

The service was a blur until Theo’s older brother, Luke, stood up to lead the prayer. Luke was everything Theo wasn't. He was polished, soft-spoken, and had a smile that made all the mothers in town wish their daughters would marry him except me. Luke never caught my eye I just didn't see him that way.

After the final "Amen," the congregation spilled out into the hall for refreshments. I tried to stay glued to my mother’s side, but she got cornered by the choir director. I ducked toward the refreshment table, my hands shaking as I reached for a plastic cup.

"You look like you've seen a ghost, Fiona."

I gasped, spinning around. It was Luke. He was standing much closer than he needed to be. He reached out, his hand hovering near my arm before he dropped it.

"I'm just a little tired, Luke," I said, forcing a small, polite smile. "Big cleaning night yesterday."

"I saw," he murmured. There was something in his eyes—a flicker of something that didn't feel right. "You're a very dedicated girl. It’s a rare quality. I’ve always admired that about you."

Before I could respond, Theo spawned out of nowhere.

"Admiring the scenery, Luke?" Theo was standing behind me. The two brothers looked nothing alike in that moment.

"I was just talking to Fiona, Theo. Something you wouldn't understand," Luke said, his voice sharpening. "We were discussing her dedication to the church."

Theo snorted, stepping up right next to me. I could feel the heat radiating off him, more intense than the midday sun. "Dedication. Right. Is that what we're calling it these days?"

He looked at me, and for a split second, his hand brushed against mine. He didn't grab it, but the contact was enough to make my stomach flip. He slipped something small into my palm—a crumpled piece of paper.

"See you around, Luke," Theo said, not breaking eye contact with me. "Try not to bore the girl to death."

“Sorry about Matthew, I was wondering if you'd be free later? “

“Oh, I'm really sorry I have chores and things to do, maybe another time?” Luke looked visibly hurt but nodded.

“Fiona!” my father's voice boomed

“Yes, father?” I yelled back, “Nice speaking with you I'll see you later, bye” I said grabbing my purse and running off to meet my parents.

In the car, my father kept talking but I had already zoned out thinking of Theo. Oh god this wasn't supposed to happen, this is why my father kept me away from men. Once you have the slightest contact with them you can't help but keep thinking about them.

I groaned out of annoyance, “Is everything alright dear?” my mother asks.

“Yes mum I just have a slight headache” I give her a small smile.

“I should stop at the pharmacy” she murmured.

“Is that all? You have been acting strange all day” my father says- his hands on the steering wheel.

“Yes, I’m just a bit tired”.

“Where were you last night?” My father asks, and my face turns pale.

“I-I was at church” I reply my hands shaking.

My father c***s his head to the side to see my face, it takes everything in me to keep my face calm.

“I went to the church and didn’t find you there, although I met the doors wide open” he responds.

“Yes I went there to clean but it was getting late so I came home” I said

“I didn’t hear you come in early” my mum adds.

“Well ma, I-I actually used the back door so I won’t wake anyone up”

“Oh, how’s your headache? Still there?” She asks.

“It’s better now thank you” I smile.

They go back to their conversation and I slowly open the note Theo slipped in my palm.

The note read “meet me at the riverbank by five” My cheeks felt hot. He wanted to see me again? Oh wow. I tucked the note in my sandal feeling my heart beat.