Page 120 of Kill for a Kiss

A night’s passed since Elle and I moved to my shack. An old home. Used to be haunted. But now—I look over at Elle sleeping in the cot—it already feels like another home I have with her. The ocean crashes across the shore outside. It’s still dark, even though it’s a new day.

And over the wood stove, I stand flipping over a freshly caught fish. It sizzles in the pan, oil spitting like it’s got something to say. Then it quiets when I let it cool on a tin plate.

I like the silence. The crisp, early air passing through the open window. The faint hiss of flames. The mineral tang on my hands when I speared for breakfast a while ago. I like the work. And I like the idea of her waking up to it.

Elle. She’s still in my shirt.

Last night, she left me spent. But she still wanted more, even after I gave her everything. The things she says in the dark, breathless confessions against my ear…

Now,thoseare going to haunt me. I want them to.

The moment I cut into the fish, I hear the rustle of fabric and her light footsteps behind me.

“Smells good,” she murmurs, rasped with sleep. She comes, arms sliding around my waist. Lips brushing the back of my neck.

“Figured you could use something warm,” I say, steadying the plate even as her mouth grazes my neck.

She holds me tighter. “You’rewarm.”

My breath’s shaky. I turn in her arms. She’s looking up at me like I’m the only thing in her world right now. It guts me. Itflusters the hell out of me too.

“You’re dangerous like this,” I say, brushing her hair behind her ear.

She smiles into my chest. “Guess you’re breakfast now.”

A short laugh leaves my smiling lips before I can stop it. Then I spot her wrist. The watch. Stan’s. Big, matte black, unmistakable. It doesn’t belong on her, but it’s there, ticking like a heartbeat that isn’t mine.

The warmth in my heart turns heavy. She doesn’t notice. She’s too busy kissing down the top of my spine, humming softly.

I close my eyes for a second. Bite back the jealous bile crawling up my dry throat. I let her kiss me as much as she wants. A second passes, then she says she needs to step out. Doesn’t say where, but I already know. I open the door for her. She disappears past the tree line. I wait until the sound of her footsteps fades. Then I reach into the drawer beside the old cot and pull out Stan’s phone.

He tossed it to the ground like it meant nothing. But when I flip it open, there’s that picture of him and Elle. On the screen, Stan’s grinning like a goddamn idiot, while she looks like she doesn’t even realize he took the photo. Still, she looks breathtakingly beautiful.

I stare at her lips for too long, not realizing there’s a notification. Four unread messages. I know who they’re from.

Got Lix on our side. Good old charm of mine. No biggie.

Gonna hunt down demon. I mean, Damon. Damn ducking autocorrect.

I’ll ruin demon’s honeymoon and bring him back to help us.

Keep her safe at all costs, Silver. Please.

I stare at the words for a long time. Of course Stan would go for Damon. I shut the phone with a snap. Tuck it into the inside pocket of my coat. Elle doesn’t need to know. She deserves one more morning of peace. But I won’t forget for the both of us. I never do.

28

Sterling

Some days later

Confidential location. September 18. 0800 hours. Temperature steady at 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity high. Visibility open-air, restricted by mist. Entry points natural. Exit points accessible. Personnel identified: two. Immediate threats: none.

It’s been me and Elle. Alone together. Blissful days blurring into incredible nights. Still, it’s not enough. For either of us.

The shack was enough when all I needed was a place to fall apart. But she’s here now. She deserves better. And every part of me is restless with that thought. So I’m taking her out, past the edge of the trees, down a narrow dirt path, and past the ridge where rocks jut out, sharp and jagged, ready to cut. But I’m guiding Elle through it, making sure she’s safe. Besides, it’s not far, but it is hidden, like everything I’ve ever wanted to keep for myself.

When we step into a clearing, I can see the hot spring’s still there, steaming and untouched. It’s a place I used to go to when silence was the only thing that didn’t hurt. When I needed to bleed in peace. Now she’s here too. And somehow, it doesn’t feel like a reminderof my loneliness anymore. It feels like a gift I never should’ve been allowed. And now, I’m sharing it with the woman I want to give my everything to.