A Sinful Calling Read Online Free

last thing on Alicia’s mind, because Alicia had her own problems and worries to contend with. She loved, loved, loved her husband, Levi, mind, body and soul, but for the life of her, she still couldn’t shake the guilt she’d been struggling with since Phillip’s death. She’d had an affair, Phillip had snapped because of how hurt and betrayed he’d felt, and the gun the two of them had tussled over had accidentally gone off and killed him. Two years had passed, yet she still blamed herself. This had also been the reason it had taken her a full year to actually marry Levi. And while she’d accepted the fact that her parents and stepparents blamed her as well, knowing she was no longer close to them still hurt her to the core. From the time she’d been born, she’d been a daddy’s girl, but even he didn’t talk to her as much as he once had. He didn’t treat her badly and had stated more than once that it wasn’t his job to judge her regarding the affair she’d had with Levi, but he was still gravely disappointed in her.
    Just thinking about it now and replaying every ounce of what had happened that night made her want to scream. The whole idea of it caused her to lose sleep, and her feelings of regret and deep remorse were affecting her marriage. She couldn’t remember when she’d slept more than three hours a night, and sometimes all she did was lie in bed with her eyes closed. There were many evenings when she didn’t sleep a wink, which was the reason she always drank loads of coffee at work, trying to stay alert. The entire scenario unnerved her, and she constantly hoped and prayed to move on from her past. All she wanted was to be happy with the man she loved—the tall, muscular, handsome man—who, after all this time, still loved her unconditionally and with everything he had in him. If only she could forgive herself and live a normal life, things could be good for her and Levi. They could enjoy the wonderful marriage they’d both dreamed about. They could settle into being the soul mates they’d known they were from the moment they’d first laid eyes on each other.
    Levi rested his hand on top of hers. “Baby, are you okay?”
    “I’m fine,” she said, lying. “I’m good.”
    Levi gazed at her a few seconds longer, and while she knew he had a pretty good idea of why she was so preoccupied, he didn’t let on.
    Raven patted her lips with the linen napkin. “Well, now that we all agree that we need to create a whole new marketing plan, I have something I want to share as well. I’ve already shared this with my better half here, but Alicia, since you’re the church’s COO, and Levi, since all the elders report to you, I’m really hoping to get both of your blessings, too.”
    Alicia raised her eyebrows, wondering what this was all about. She looked at Dillon, trying to read his thoughts, but she couldn’t.
    “So what’s up?” Levi finally said.
    “Well, not only have I given this a lot of thought, but I’ve also been in deep prayer about it. I prayed because I wanted to make sure I was hearing God correctly.”
    Alicia stared at Raven. “And?”
    “He’s called me into the ministry. He wants me to serve as co-pastor alongside my husband.”
    Alicia slightly laughed.
    Raven frowned. “Oh, so you think my calling is funny? That it’s some kind of joke?”
    “No,” Alicia said. “I’m just a little shocked is all.”
    “Well, it’s true, and I’m not going to go against what God wants me to do. I’m going to be obedient.”
    “Wow, well, congratulations,” Levi said.
    Alicia turned and looked at Levi, who purposely stared at his plate of food, so then she searched her brother’s reaction. Dillon sat speechless, but Alicia could tell he had concerns. She had worries, too, because while New Faith was a non-denominational church, Alicia wasn’t sure the majority of the congregation would accept a wife being co-pastor. Not every church group was okay with having a woman as