Her voice repeats in my head about how she is both Eden and Elliott. For some reason or another, it makes sense to me. She is also playing a role. What role? I don’t know just yet, but I’m going to find out.
I peeked through the doors just as Joshua and Elliott were rounding the corner to go down the hallway he and Samuel had gone down before I came out to the patio. Elliott’s face looked somber and panicked as she disappeared from sight.
I don’t know what is in store for her, but it was taking all of my willpower to not run down that hall and make a break for it.
But I have to stay and help the others as well. I have to make sure I get as much information on the Divine Worship to save as many people as I can.
No matter what the fuck happens, Elliott will be mine to save as well.
24
Eden
“You asked for me, Samuel?” I ask, my head low as I walk into Samuel’s work office.
I hardly come in here. It isn’t a place I was allowed in when I was younger and when Mr. Donovan was working. We ladies stay to entertain and help with the children during those times. Samuel was the one who would be up here with him, learning the ways of the Divine and making sure he knows what to expect when it’s his turn to lead.
It’s weird to see him in the leader role. He looks so much older now as I watch him stand from his desk. He isn’t the young teenage boy I met all those years ago. He seemed to have hardened through the years. That showed on his face. But I got to see the Samuel I know back then, whenhe didn’t have the responsibilities, when he would allow it. He tends to keep that version of himself kept behind his hardened protégé role.
“I wanted to make sure you are okay,” he says, making his way around his desk and leaning against the front side. His hands held the edge of the wooden surface. “You may leave now, Joshua.” He waves his friend away.
The door clicks into place behind me.
Samuel curls his finger for me to come to him.
Wrapping my arms around myself, I do as he asks. “I told you I am just tired.”
“Yes. You did say that.” He pulls my arms loose and tugs me to him. “But I would like to think I know you well enough to know you are lying to me.” With my hand in his, he rubs his thumb on the top of mine. “Why are you lying to me, Eden?”
My palms start to sweat.
Does he know?
No. He couldn’t know. Right?
“Tell me what’s truly bothering you?” He tugs me into a hug, his head resting on mine as he brings it to his chest.
“I just miss you during these things. You have been so busy lately. Here isn’t any different.”
“I miss you, too, Eden.” He leans back to look down at me.
Trying to compose myself, I watch him through my lashes.
His hand glides to my neck. When his thumb brushes my jaw, a flash of Kameron comes to mind. My stomach coils at the same need Kameron has sparked in me, but it instantly plummets to the bottom of my gut as I look at Samuel.
I shouldn’t be thinking of Kameron right now—and definitely not aboutthat.
My cheeks heat up, and I try to look away, but a darkness passes over Samuel’s face.
He raises his hand, cupping my face, darting his gaze from my cheeks to my eyes. “We will have a lot of time together really soon. I promise.” He leans in and kisses me on the cheek. “I’ll have my little Eden all to myself again.” Pulling back again, he leans his forehead to rest on mine. “We just have to get through all the community things and Father first.”
“Father?” I ask as he strokes my hair.
“I will have to take over fully sooner than later with how he has been doing lately.”
His jaw ticks.
“Is that what you truly want?” I place my hand on his chest.
