Tell Me You Love Me

1| Sinister

Chapter 1: Sinister (Brielle's POV)

I sat in my seat in the church, listening to my father give another one of his speeches. I stifled a yawn and looked out the window, watching a woman who was trying to calm her baby that appeared to be crying. 

Everyone in the church was startled and gasped when the doors opened with a loud thud, hitting the walls behind them. My father stopped his speech and glared up at the person. 

I think I'm the only one who didn't turn in my seat to look at his face. Because I'm the only one who knew it would be him. 

He mumbled apologies while walking down the aisle. I watched as he walked past me and to the stand with the bowl of holy water. He dipped his middle finger in it, only his middle finger, and touched his forehead, the center of his chest, and each of his shoulders. He's the only one who would do that. And also wear all black to a church. 

I bit down the inside of my cheek, trying not to laugh at my father's expression. You're not meant to do that just with your middle finger, obviously. 

"Please, continue," he smiled, sauntering over to me and sitting in the empty spot beside mine. 

My father continued talking and I watched in silence. 

"What'd I miss?" he whispered, nudging my elbow. 

"Why don't you ask God?" I mumbled, not turning to look at me. 

"Ouch," he chuckled. 

"Why is it that you sit with me and not with your family when you do this?" I asked through gritted teeth. 

"Because they're annoying. So are you. But it's just as fun to annoy you," he smirked, tucking my hair behind my ear. 

I ignored him and crossed one leg over the other, digging my heel into his shin. 

He chuckled and stopped, turning to my father as well. 

With the end of my father's speech and prayers, everyone clapped and then all the doors to the church room were opened so people could head out in different directions. 

I stood up, gathering my dress and praying that I could avoid this today. 

"Brielle!" 

I clenched my jaw, grinding my teeth before turning around and plastering a smile on my face. "Yes?" I smiled at my father. 

"We're heading for lunch. Where are you going?" he frowned. 

"To the bathroom. Never mind now," I sighed, following him to the table that was set up for all pastors and their families, as well as the royal family. Which, unfortunately, included that jackass. 

My dad just happens to be Ashbourne's most well-known and respected pastor. I thought that was a good thing. Until it turned my life upside down. Now everything I do directly affects his image. And I can't do anything I like in public. If I do... let's just say it isn't fun. 

I took a seat beside my mother, greeting the people in my immediate surroundings and ignoring the others. The seat to my left was free and I was praying someone took it. Anyone but him. But I swear, I step into this church and my luck runs out. I greeted his parents who passed my seat and then turned to him when I felt his leg brush against mine. "What?" I snapped. 

"Someone clearly woke up on the wrong side of the bed," he taunted. 

"I wake up on the wrong side of the bed every Sunday." 

He nudged my knee. 

"What?" I asked again. 

"Brielle." I looked forward and found Mrs. Laurence sitting there. She adjusted the strap of her dress and then looked down at mine.