Sitara squealed when Decker clapped his heels to her sides and pushed her into a gallop towards home. Even after Laurie was a mile behind him, he could still feel the preacher’s body pressed against his own and taste his hot breath between lips that begged to be devoured.
There was no helping a man who didn’t want it. Mired in his own guilt so deeply, he threatened to drown others with him, casting blame like rocks at a sinner.
The saloon was dark when Decker got home, but he still sat at his window and cracked open a new novel.
Damn stubborn preacher.
Pages blurred in front of him as he stared at the same chapter. He should’ve trailed Laurie back to the chapel. Even if it was just to rid himself of the irritating thought that Laurie’s blood would be wasted on another creature that wasn’t him.
He stayed at the window until dawn stretched awake and he caught a glimpse of a small figure, shoulders bowed as he trudged into town.
Decker swore Laurie hesitated at the mouth of the alley, turning towards the saloon before he seemed to make his choice, and the parsonage door creaked shut behind him.