Preacher Man

by Jessa Kane

Mama says I’ve got the devil in me and she must be right.

The town preacher, Joseph Stark. A man whose very job is to quiet the devil inside his followers, yet he teases Lucifer himself to life inside me. Makes him dance.

Look, Daddy. Look your fill.

I’ve seen her wearing much less through her bedroom window, but the dress…it’s a symbol of the struggle I face every Sunday, trying to concentrate when my body is screaming at me to take the girl.

One might think a former mafia hit man would have better self control. When it comes to Mila, only Mila, they would be wrong. I slip more and more toward madness with every day that passes without me inside her.

“The baptism didn’t work,” she whispers. “I still have the devil inside me, preacher.” A fist tightens around my throat. “Who told you the devil lives inside you?”

“You have the devil, too,” she breathes. “Don’t you, preacher?” I grasp her chin and lift it. “Several of them,” I say, backing her up against the door and finally, finally pressing our bodies together. Groaning. “You, however, don’t have a single one. You’re sweet and precious in every way.”

“I’ve been down every dark path this world has to offer. You’re the opposite, little girl. You’re the path of light. That’s part of the reason why I’ve tried so hard to keep my distance.”

Your body needs mine, little girl. I’m your cure. And you’re mine.”

Daddy is going to ride you till he dies, little girl.

“My wife. Mine. Forever and ever.” My upper lip curls. “Amen.”

“You were the only thing I could think of. There was only Mila in her pretty purple dress.”

“I want to go on an adventure with you.” I lean down and kiss her soft mouth. “You are my adventure.”