Page 100 of Kiss of Deceit

“I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to get coffee.”

“I don’t blame you,” Riggs mumbled. “I wouldn’t be able to sleep if I was attacked twice by a crazed murderer.”

“Shut the hell up,” Kole snapped, leveling him with a harsh glare. “She’s been through enough without everyone talking about it.”

There he went again—feigning like he cared about me. Did he, or was this all an act?

Riggs raised his arms. “I can take a hint. I need coffee before I start work, anyway. See you around, Dani.”

He strode away, whistling a tune. When he was out of sight, Kole halted, gently grabbing me above the elbow, spinning me toward him. His touch used to fill me with warmth and excitement, but not anymore. I resisted the urge to yank away as I met his stare.

“Kole—”

“Don’t do that again,” he said gruffly, the panic in his voice catching me off guard. “I woke up, and the house was empty. I thought something happened to you.”

“I’m—I’m sorry.” My words came out unsure. “I didn’t think about it.”

He released me to pinch the bridge of his nose as he blew out a breath. “You’re strong, and smart. But going off by yourself is dangerous. Whoever is going around killing people has knives and at least one gun. I don’t care what time it is, I’ll take you wherever you want to go. But please, do not go off by yourself again.”

I frowned. “I’m a big girl, Kole. I don’t need a chaperone. And you have your own life. A bar to run. You can’t be with me every second.”

His eyes darkened. “Try me, Dani. I’ll close the fucking bar.”

“You wouldn’t,” I blurted, shock flaring. “People in this town would riot if they had nowhere to go after work.”

“They’d survive.” He eyed me curiously. “Is everything okay? You’ve been acting…off since last night.”

I forced a small laugh. “I’m only human. The last couple days have fucked with me.”

“I’m sure they have,” he said gently. “I want you to know I’m here if you need anything.”

“Thank you.” I paused, my heart hammering. “You’re one of the few I trust in this town.”

His expression didn’t so much as flinch. “Good.” He leaned down, kissing me on the forehead. “Just be careful from now on. Please.”

I nodded, swallowing thickly. It wouldn’t be long until I confronted him. I couldn’t fucking do this when I saw him all the time. But then what? What if I found out he was someone else’s monster? I’d never killed anyone I was close to before. I sucked in shallow breaths as my emotions threatened to take over. This was why I needed to know more. When it came to Kole, none of my thoughts were rational.

“Let’s go to work.” He interlaced his fingers with mine before walking again. “I’m staying at the police station today.”

“Why?”

He chuckled. “Harry hired me, remember. Adella is working the bar today. I can spend the day working on the case with you.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

kole

I crossed my arms,shifting on the uncomfortable cushion. My eyes drifted over the ugly blue flower pattern. This couch has been in this tiny room for the whole five years I’d been coming here. I fucking hated coming here.

“You look agitated.”

My eyes cut to Susan. “Do I?”

She crossed her legs, setting the thick folder on her lap. “Yes. Care to elaborate why?”

“No.”

I tapped my foot, biting my tongue to keep quiet. This room was barely large enough to fit this couch and Susan’s chair. It was suffocating. Her gaze drifted from my crossed arms to my bouncing leg.