I let Serena stay. I let her into my bed.

In the darkness of my room, we lay side by side. She was naked, while I kept on my briefs in a ridiculous attempt to prevent us from sinning any further.

"You'll need to leave before sunrise," I said. "I can't risk any of the neighbors seeing you."

"Of course." She withdrew her hand from beneath the covers so she could trail her fingers along my bare chest. "Now do you believe me when I tell you this isn't wrong? God didn't strike you down, did he?"

I grabbed her wrist harder than I meant to. "Was I already damned before we met?" When she didn't answer, I gave her a shake. "Was I never truly saved?"

"I think you take the Scripture far too literally."

Her wry tone infuriated me. Did she consider this some kind of game? Was I merely a toy for her amusement?

Perhaps Serena sensed my growing rage, for she slipped from my grasp and then nestled closer. I could feel that now-familiar heat emanating from her body.

"You're not damned," she said gently. 

"Are you?" I couldn't help asking.

She moved to embrace me. "Maybe I've simply gone astray. Have you considered that I might need to be shepherded back to the flock?"

Before I had a chance to respond, she grasped my hair and guided my mouth to her breast. I heard her moan when I wrapped my lips around her hard nipple.

As I suckled, my muscles took on the heaviness of relaxation. My fears and doubts dissolved into contentment, and I thought I might doze off.

Serena took my hand and placed it between her legs. "Touch me, Adam. I know you can make me feel good."

All my drowsiness evaporated when I felt her coarse pubic hair, damp with lubrication. Tentatively, I explored with my fingertips. Her folds were fleshy, the inner lips slick. Inching downward, I dared to probe her entrance.

Then I swept my fingers upward in search of her clitoris. Despite my fumbling, I soon found that swollen nub, and Serena's moans grew louder when I gave her a caress.

"Right there," she said. "Just like that!"

I propped myself up while massaging her. Gradually, I applied more pressure. Serena lay on her back, her legs spread wide. In the shadows, she cupped her breasts and fondled her nipples.

"Do you want to taste me, Adam?"

I froze, caught between desire and trepidation. "I... I wouldn't know what to do." It was painful to own up to my inexperience, my inability to please her.

I heard the grin in Serena's voice when she said, "I have a feeling you're a fast learner."

She pushed me downward until I was beneath the covers and lying between her thighs. The heat made my face flush. Greedily, I inhaled her scent.  

I'd often fantasized about performing this act. Of course, I always imagined I would be doing this with my wife, in the sanctity of our marriage bed. Instead, I was with a dangerous woman who often made me wonder if I should fear not only for my soul, but also for my safety in this earthly realm.

Extending my tongue, I prodded at Serena's inner labia. The taste was strong, instantly filling my mouth. My salivary glands puckered as I continued my efforts.

Serena helped me by spreading her outer lips apart with her fingers. The moment I grazed her clitoris, she released a faint cry. Encouraged, I flicked my tongue faster.

Her hips bucked, and she was soon grinding against my face. "Suck my clit," she demanded.

Eagerly, I drew that engorged bud into my mouth. Serena's thighs shuddered on either side of me.

Growing more confident, I slipped a finger inside her. It excited me to hear her approach climax, and to feel the tremors coursing through her lithe frame. When I used another finger to penetrate her, she began moving the way she did in the car earlier that day.

I could hear how wet she was as I thrust my fingers in and out. All the while, my tongue worked relentlessly at her clitoris.

"I'm almost there!" She wove her fingers through my hair, pulling hard. I enjoyed the pain; it spurred me on until I knew I had her right at the edge of orgasm.

And then she came, against my face and around my fingers. My eyes widened at the sensation of her muscles gripping me. Her wails deepened into throaty groans before she fell silent altogether. Still, her spasms continued for what must have been half a minute. It shocked me, for I'd never witnessed anything like that in the pornographic films I so intently watched.

Finally, Serena relaxed into stillness, though her breathing was heavy. I threw back the covers and slid upward, seeking out her mouth.

She readily allowed me to kiss her. I wondered if she could taste herself on my tongue.

I brushed my lips against the side of her neck. "Did I do okay for my first time?"

"You were perfect," she told me with a smile. "And did you enjoy eating my pussy?"

"Yes." I made the word sound like a confession.

"Then say it," she insisted.

"I... I enjoyed eating your pussy." Though I'd heard plenty of filthy talk in pornos, I never spoke that way myself. "I loved tasting your cunt," I added.

Serena lifted her head to give me another deep kiss. "Remember, when we're together, you're free, Adam. Free to use me, free to fuck me."

I couldn't help but groan at that tempting prospect. Yet I reverted back to my feeble protests. "This isn't right. I'm a pastor. I made a promise to God."

"And you've kept that promise for so long," she reminded me. "But you're only a man, not a saint. You didn't take a vow of celibacy."'

I was still considering her words when she planted a final kiss on my mouth and then rolled over on her side, with her back to me.

Releasing a sigh, I rested my head on my pillow. Questions raced through my mind: How did you find me, Serena? How do you know about all my filthy habits? How did you worm your way into Edna's house? Have you been following me? Spying on me?

But my thoughts never materialized into words. I knew Serena wouldn't answer. She had her secrets, too.

I fell asleep with her scent lingering on my face. I had no desire to wash it away.

At some point in the night, I drifted back toward consciousness. Only half-awake, I sensed Serena's presence.

"What is your true form?" I asked softly. My eyes remained closed.

She stirred at the sound of my voice. The quiet stretched between us for several seconds. Finally, she said, "You wouldn't find it pleasing."

Alarm coiled inside me, ready to spring into full-blown hysteria. "If you won't let me see, at least let me feel it."

I thrust my hand under the covers, reaching for her. My fingers met something damp and slippery. Eel-like.

A shout escaped me, and I lunged from the bed. Clumsy with fright, I struggled to turn on the lamp.

In the low light, I discovered I was alone in the room.

Serena had already left, just as promised.

*****

The following morning quickly rid itself of all clouds, and the sun's rays seemed to track me like a spotlight. I felt the weight of God's stare upon my shoulders as I prepared for the day. Remorse soured my stomach, growing more potent during my shower. I eschewed breakfast entirely, allowing myself only a cup of coffee. Each time I recalled my horrible dream, I inwardly shuddered.

A neighbor gave me a ride to the auto shop, where I picked up my vehicle. I was determined to keep busy with virtuous activities, for I desperately wanted to prove to the Lord that I could return to being his dutiful servant. I drove to the hospital and visited a church member who was recovering from surgery. Then I went to the church to help out with the soup kitchen held in our fellowship hall each Friday.

By the end of the day, my shame had become a mere annoyance, like a splinter under the skin. My lighter mood accompanied me home. It was only when I entered the deepening shadows of my house that I realized I hoped Serena would soon arrive.

I made myself a sandwich for dinner, then sat in the living room to read my Bible by lamplight. I feared if I lingered in the bedroom, I'd be tempted by my nightstand drawer. I'd end up masturbating to the sight of naked women in the magazines I kept there.

The hours felt interminable, and I was often distracted by the slightest sound. I continued waiting for Serena to knock at my door.

I was relieved to hear the mantel clock's chime letting me know it was eleven. Late enough, I decided, and got ready for bed. Though I was tired, I slept fitfully. More than once during the night, I reached for the pillow Serena had lain upon. Burying my face in it, I breathed deeply to catch a trace of her scent.

*****

Late Saturday morning, my phone rang, and I nearly tripped in my rush to answer it. Was it Serena? Maybe she wanted to make plans for the evening.

"Hello, Adam," Michael said. His voice sounded sandpaper-rough. "I'm afraid I've come down with a nasty cold."

"I'm sorry to hear that," I told him.

"Do you think you could give the sermon at church tomorrow? I don't believe I'll be in any shape to attend service, much less get up and speak in front of the congregation."

"Of course," I immediately replied.

"I've written the sermon out," he said after a brief coughing fit. "It's on the desk in my office if you want to review it."

"I'll certainly do that. Feel better soon, Michael, and let me know if you need anything."

Once I'd eaten a quick lunch, I headed toward the church on foot. It was another glorious day, when the sky's unblemished blue served to intensify the gold, red, and orange foliage of fall.

I spent the afternoon reviewing the sermon Michael had prepared earlier in the week. In the empty sanctuary, I stood at the pulpit and practiced for hours. The sermon was about charity, and I felt it would resonate with the congregation if I delivered it effectively.

Though I'd managed to chase thoughts of Serena from my mind for much of the day, I couldn't help but dwell on the woman during my walk home. Why was she keeping her distance now, when she'd so relentlessly pursued me at the start?

I filled the early evening hours with chores, tidying up the house and doing laundry. Rather than spend another night contritely reading the Bible, I sat on the couch and mindlessly watched sitcoms. At the start of the eleven o'clock news, I turned off the television.

While brushing my teeth, I tried to tamp down my growing anger. Serena's absence should have been a relief; instead, I felt used and manipulated. How I'd suffered at the mercy of her whims!

When my alarm clock blared early Sunday morning, I rose with a grim resolve. I was prepared to accept that I'd never see Serena again. In the shower, I resisted the urge to masturbate. I would not tarnish this holy day with my sins.

Outside, it was unseasonably warm. Thick clouds formed a curved bowl overhead, trapping everything beneath in a layer of humidity.

Once I stood at the pulpit to address the congregation, I began to sweat. Perhaps I was coming down with a virus as well. I told myself I was imagining the disappointment I saw on the church members' faces when they realized it was me, and not their beloved Pastor Michael, who would be delivering the sermon. I lacked his charisma, his natural ability to engage his listeners. He'd previously advised me to be less formal, and while I knew he was only trying to be helpful, I felt wounded by the mild criticism.

As I now opened my mouth to begin, I spotted her.

Silently, she entered the sanctuary. The others, not hearing her, continued facing forward. Icy horror flooded my guts as I watched her slip into the very back pew. She wore a dress of virginal white, its hem falling to her knees. The bodice wasn't as modest; it was made of a stretchy material, with off-the-shoulder sleeves.

When our eyes met, she offered me a sweet smile.

Mortification made me stutter, and I had to stop and take a deep breath. My fingers clung to the pulpit. In desperation, I looked to Michael's wife, Jane. Her benign expression morphed into one of consternation while she watched me flounder.

I sensed that only self-righteous fury would save me. Though Michael's sermon had been meticulously prepared, I set it aside.

"Today," I said in a surprisingly firm voice, "I want to talk about temptation." As I spoke, I couldn't resist glowering at Serena.

I directed the congregation to open their Bibles to the Book of Matthew, Chapter 4, Verses 1 through 11. I knew these passages by heart. 

"Christ fasted for forty days in the wilderness. He knew his faith would be tested." My face grew flushed, as if I were under the strain of physical exertion. "And Satan did appear in order to tempt Jesus." I went on to describe each of the three temptations, my voice growing louder until I was practically shouting.

All the while, Serena watched and listened attentively. Her placid smile was yet another provocation. 

"Weak with hunger, Jesus resisted temptation, finding strength in the Scripture." I lifted my Bible. "This book is all that's required for us to remain on the righteous path!"

Throughout the remainder of the impromptu sermon, I noticed church members exchanging nonplussed glances. Meanwhile, Serena nodded in encouragement. Her fingertips slid along the length of her neck, then dipped lower toward her breasts.

After witnessing that, I refused to look at her again. The desire I'd previously felt had dissolved into undiluted rage.

The congregation seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief when I finished. Once the service concluded, they filed into a neat receiving line, and I stood ready to shake their hands.

Jane was one of the first to greet me. "That was certainly a passionate sermon, Pastor Adam."

I managed to hold her stare. "I hope Pastor Michael won't mind me improvising. I felt called by the Spirit to preach about temptation today."

"Of course," Jane said, but I sensed the judgment in her terse nod.

Serena waited at the very end of the line. By that point, the other church members had gathered in the corridor beyond the sanctuary. Some were drifting out into the parking lot. Their casual conversation and occasional laughter carried over to me.

"That was a wonderful sermon, Pastor," Serena said. Despite her less-than-appropriate attire, she managed to look chaste while gazing into my eyes. "I very much enjoyed it."

She extended her hand, but I refused to take it. I made no effort to hide my contempt. No longer caring what any of the others might think, I leaned close and whispered in Serena's ear, "Leave this place. The very sight of you sickens me."

The woman didn't recoil from my words. Her smile didn't fade in the slightest.

Before retreating, she said, "I'll see you soon."