Lessons in Sin

by Pam Godwin

If people had hearts like Tinsley Constantine, my faith in humanity would be renewed.

I wanted his lessons in sin.

Where I was a cold and empty house of bones, she was a vast meadow aglow with lemon-scented blooms and honeybees. She was everything I wasn’t.

“I feel everything with you.”

“I want to die,” I whispered when he reached me. “No, you don’t. You’d much rather live to annoy the hell out of me every day.”

With her body entwined around me and her lips brushing mine, she didn’t let go. Instead, she slid a finger down the placket of buttons on my chest. “I want the one you’re wearing.” “It’s yours.” I let my head fall back on my shoulders, offering her my throat.

I wouldn’t touch her again. That was the biggest lie of all.

“You’re my first.” I ran my fingers through her hair, content to my marrow. “And my last.”

With wildlife galore and the panoramic vista stretching from north to south, there was no better view in the world.

Except the one I had.

“I’m your guardian. I’ll stay with you. I’ll keep you. I’ll fucking roar for you. If anyone fucks with you, I’ll be their nightmare. I’ll burn down the goddamn world for you. But I can’t do that if I get caught.” My chest buckled beneath the gravity of my decision. “No sex. No touching. No risks.”

“Yeah. I love her with everything that I am.”

“I’ve accepted the discipline I’ve earned, but there is only so much correction a heart can withstand. You’re my greatest, most painful punishment, Tinsley Constantine.” He whirled around to face me, shoulders heaving, hands flexing at his sides as he roared, “Get out of my church!”

Being with him had been an ascension to heaven. Leaving him condemned me to eternal hell.

“Are you asking me to marry you?” I tapped the signature line, my pulse quickening. “No, Miss Constantine.” He held out his pen. “I’m demanding it.”