The Sanctuary by Arika Stone Page A

important. I suppose I asked for it when I attacked religion and, in essence, you. But you’re the only thing that matters.” He reached over and smoothed my hair. “Do you want another cup of coffee?”
    I nodded. He walked to the coffee pot, crunching on random pieces of glass. “See, I would walk barefoot on broken glass for you,” he said, trying to make me smile. “Why don’t we go sit on the couch? It will be more comfortable.”
    I silently agreed, and we made our way to the living room. We sat in silence, and I stared ahead, sipping the coffee, knowing Val was waiting for me to pour out my soul.
    “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. This is my first confession.” I paused, not knowing how to continue.
    “Are you mocking what I said?” he asked cautiously, knowing he was treading in unstable waters.
    “No.” I shook my head and sighed. “That’s when it happened. My first Reconciliation.” Bringing my feet under me, I cast my eyes down. I gulped, tears streaming down my face. “As we were leaving the church, I lagged behind in the vestibule while my parents chatted outside. There was a car accident. One of the vehicles jumped the curb and hit them head-on. My parents died in front of the church steps, in front of me. I remember the priest holding me, pulling me back inside. I wanted to run to them, but they wouldn’t let me. No matter how hard I prayed, they still died. I was seven and alone in this world.”
    He reached for my coffee and placed it on the floor before embracing me, drawing me into him. I buried my head into his chest.
    “Eve, I swear, you will always be safe with me. I promise you will never be alone again.”
    “You can’t promise that.” I sniffled.
    “You have my word that I will be your shelter and your protector. I am so sorry if I caused you any pain. Please forgive me?”
    I rested my head on his chest, my body fitting snugly between his legs. He wrapped his arms around me tightly as if to shield me from the world.

Chapter 13
    “Don’t you have a plane to catch?” I leaned to kiss him.
    “I told Sebastian I wasn’t going. It didn’t feel right to leave.”
    “Please go. Take care of your business.” My independent nature kicked in. I didn’t like to feel vulnerable. “Besides, I’m going out with your sister today, I have a meeting tomorrow, and you return on Thursday.”
    “Are you sure? You can come with me. It’s no problem at all.”
    I decided to finally let him in on the secret. “I can’t. I’ve already cancelled on your president once.” I poured myself a cup of coffee and sat next to him.
    “And what exactly are you planning for her?”
    “I’m not sure if I will be planning anything. It’s about the presidential ball. I won’t know until tomorrow.”
    “What would they need you to plan? It’s the same boring pomp and circumstance every year. Nothing changes.” He let out a yawn.
    “You’ve gone?”
    “Yes, I’ve attended. Anyone who’s made an impact on Finnish society is invited.” He yawned a second time.
    “Were you working last night?” His eyes were bloodshot and dark, the circles underneath more profound than I had ever seen.
    “I didn’t work. I’m going on, oh, about forty-eight hours without sleep. It’s all right.” He waved it off.
    “Why didn’t you sleep?” His habitual insomnia was starting to concern me.
    “I did for a bit until you woke up with nightmares. It’s why I don’t want to go to Madrid without you.”
    I felt horrible. In the short time he’d known me, all he’d done was take care of me or listen to my inner torments. I was pretty sure any other man would have been running away from me by now. “I feel bad. This is not like me.”
    “Maybe this is more like you than you realize. When you were home, you bottled up everything. Now you’re releasing. It’s okay to let it all go. I love you, and I’m here for you.”
    “Well, if I was you, I would tell me I was