Into the Light (The Light, #1)(48)

Somewhat nervously she reached for her new necklace and slid the silver cross from side to side. Taking a deep breath, she dropped her chin a bit and asked, “May I please stand to eat?”

“Why, Sara?”

Yes, I am an ass.

“Because my reminders are still sore, and if you’ll allow me, I’d like to let them rest.”

She was more perfect than I’d ever imagined. It wasn’t that in reality I needed this submission, but damn, it was hot. “What’s the purpose of the pain?” I asked.

“It’s to remind me to think before I speak and to not question.”

“If I allow you to stand, will you continue to remember?”

As her lip quivered, twisting the knife in my heart, she replied, “Yes, I’ll remember.”

“You may stand.”

“Thank you.”

So insanely hot!

I readjusted myself, lessening the physical pressure of my obvious attraction.

We’d practiced walking about the room, but leaving the clinic was different. She had to completely trust me and allow me to lead her through a dark world. With her coat and gloves secured, we made our way out of her room, down the quiet halls, and out into the cold night. As she breathed the frigid air, I asked, “Are you all right? It’s been a few weeks since you were out of the clinic.”

With her petite hand wrapped in mine, she replied, “I am, as long as you’re with me.”

The thing was, I knew without a doubt that she meant it. In this warped world, I was her anchor. It was the plan from the beginning, but the fact that it had worked both elated and sickened me. She deserved a hell of a lot more than this.

Once we were in the temple, we were greeted by everyone. Though I’d given her only a brief synopsis on how to respond, she did so appropriately. To those she didn’t know, she smiled and nodded, all the while holding tight to my hand. It wasn’t until we met up with Brother Benjamin and Sister Raquel that we released our grip, and I placed her hand in Raquel’s.

“Sara, I’ll come and get you once service is over. Sister Raquel will take you to Sister Elizabeth. Sister Ruth is seated in front of your seat. They’ll all be there for you and watch over you.”

Raquel smiled in my direction as she squeezed Sara’s hand.

“Thank you,” Sara replied. “I’ll be fine.” She turned toward Raquel, understanding that she could speak to others who she knew. “Thank you too,” she said.

Raquel nodded toward Brother Benjamin and me. “We’ll be fine, I promise.”

Murmurs filled the large room with the sound of normal preservice chatting as Benjamin and I made our way to the Assemblymen’s seats. Once we were in our places, I glanced out to the congregation of followers. Sara and Raquel were making their way to the Assembly wives’ seats, where Elizabeth was waiting. Though Sara tried to hide it, each time she sat or moved, her expression revealed her discomfort. After a while I watched as Sara’s and Elizabeth’s heads went together, and Elizabeth held Sara’s hand. The two appeared to be speaking quietly between themselves. I wondered if Sara was confessing her punishment.

Just before service began, Brother Timothy leaned toward me. “I see Sister Sara made it here tonight.”

“Yes, Brother, Father Gabriel invited her.”

“Oh, I know. I just wasn’t sure if she’d be able to walk, but it appears as though sitting is more her issue.”

My body temperature rose. “Brother, she informed me of what occurred while you and Father Gabriel were in her room. I’ve taken care of my wife’s impudence.” I lifted my brow and settled my eyes on Lilith. “Perhaps you should follow suit.”

Though I listened to Father Gabriel, my gaze never left my wife. Not being able to sit with her increased my anxiety. While I trusted Raquel and Elizabeth, they weren’t me, and I was ultimately responsible. Nonetheless, as the evening progressed, my apprehension waned. If someone hadn’t known the truth, they’d truly believe Sara Adams was back following her incident.

The word incident filled me with dread. Father Gabriel still hadn’t pronounced his decree for Sara’s perceived part. It was essential to the plan, the timetable, and the protocol, but that didn’t mean I liked it or was comfortable with my wife suffering more correction. After closing prayer Brother Daniel came to me.

“Brother Jacob, I’m very pleased with Sister Sara’s presence here tonight. You should be proud.”

A little of the tension left my shoulders. “Thank you, Brother. I am.”

“Father Gabriel would like to speak to us for a few minutes.”

“Now?” I asked nervously, looking out toward the moving people.

“Yes.”

As he passed by, I reached for Benjamin’s arm. “Brother, I need to speak with Father Gabriel. May I ask you—”

He didn’t let me finish. “No need to ask. I’ll get the ladies and escort them to the conservatory. We’ll wait for you there.”

Luke stepped closer. “Would you mind including Elizabeth? I’m part of this meeting we’re about to have.”

Benjamin nodded, unquestioning. “I’ve got your backs,” he said with a grin as he walked toward our wives, still seated where they’d been.

Luke’s elbow hit my ribs and he whispered, “You’ve got it bad.”