A Lesson in Thorns (Thornchapel, #1)

by Sierra Simone

“Of course we can’t play, Delly,” Auden says. “Becket can’t either.” She sets the bottle down on the low table between all the sofas and chairs, and then puts her hands on her hips. “And why, exactly, is that?” Auden looks surprised, then swiftly protective. “I won’t kiss anyone but you. And our priest has his vows.” The priest in question polishes off his flute of champagne. “Actually,” he says, “I don’t see the harm in it.” Now we’re all surprised, staring at him with open mouths and slack expressions. He regards us with amusement. “Well, it is just kissing, after all; I don’t plan on breaking any vows for real. I haven’t had that much champagne.” “Isn’t kissing against the spirit of the vow though?” Saint asks quietly. It’s the first he’s spoken in at least an hour, if not more. “Jesus kissed his friends,” Becket replies, his words untroubled, but I didn’t miss the barely there flinch he gave at Saint’s question. It makes me wonder exactly how Becket feels about his vows—and kissing—and his friends.

“This can’t—” his voice breaks and he looks away, swallowing. “This can’t happen. We can’t happen. Do you understand?”