Forgive Me Father (The Shadows of Darkness Universe, #1)

by Katerina St. Clair

Unlike many catholic churches, Saint Michael’s chose a more direct approach to confession, positioning the priest's chair in front of the penitent, forcing you to look the man in the eyes while confessing your sins.

"How could I have anything but empathy for an orgy-loving, meth junkie?"

"I am no stranger to temptation, Eden," He says. "And while my devotion to God is unwavering, I fear you just might become my greatest sin."

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

“You’re going to ruin me, Eden,” Roman whispers, his fingers tapping the steering wheel. “And I fear I’m going to love every second of it.”

you’re what sinning feels like, Eden, then I will gladly embrace the gates of Hell and beg for God's forgiveness for the rest of my life,"

"I will kiss the ground you walk on, Eden Faulkner, so long as you can handle the demons that trail after me,"

"Probably like I just told you I love you, then looked like I was too scared to accept it."

“I believe the Lord has tested me,” I say, my voice gaining a fervent edge. “He’s shown me the corruption that festers in those who claim to be faithful while plotting sin in the dark.”

“And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” (Matthew 5:30).

“I thought collecting might curb the urge to use them. Clearly, that’s not the case.”

“My dad is a bad man,” I whisper. “And he hates me for loving a good one.”

“If he is,” I whisper, “then God has answered my prayers for the first time.”

If this is what my life is, then God truly heard my prayers. And he sent me Roman Briar.