8
Amelia.
I used to think the church was the safest place in the world. Now, it’s the only place I ever feel in danger; real danger, the kind that isn’t about God or hellfire, but the risk of losing everything for one more taste of Nathan Carter.
Rumors were wildfire, burning up pews and hallways, lapping at the heels of everyone who whispered my name. I felt them everywhere I went, crawling over my skin, making me flinch when a door slammed, making me sweat every time my father glanced at me a little too long. It was like being watched by a thousand eyes and knowing not a single one of them would blink if you burned.
Nathan tried to keep his distance, tried to be cold, but the tension only grew tighter every day. It was in every brush of our hands, every glance that lingered too long.
