Page 156 of Kiss of Deceit

“Shut up,” he growled. Smugness filled me when I noticed a hint of panic. His plan was falling apart. Dani had every intention of making sure he didn’t leave this place alive. And I’d help her however I could.

“You want to watch him die?” Leo yelled his threat at the top of his lungs. “I’ll shoot him right now.”

“I’ll believe that when you stop hiding behind him.”

It was impossible to know where she was, even when she spoke. With a curse, Leo pushed away from me and then kicked me behind the legs, sending me to my knees. The wet snow seeped into my jeans, and I gritted my teeth when my shoulder was jostled around. He stood in front of me, pressing the gun to my forehead.

“I’m not hiding behind him now. Show your fucking face.”

CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

dani

My heart droppedas I peered at them through the pine tree branches. I hadn’t been expecting Leo to let him go that quickly. I wasn’t close enough yet. I tiptoed around, putting myself at Leo’s back while staying out of sight. Kole was on his knees, his scathing glare aimed at Leo. His face was beaten and bloodied, and I noticed earlier how messed up his shoulder was. Even if his hands weren’t zip tied, I had a feeling he couldn’t use his right arm. Which meant I had to get Leo far away from him.

The thick smoke from the fire helped me stay hidden as I crept closer. My ears perked up at a new sound. I glanced at the sky as the helicopter engine grew closer. It wouldn’t be long until we were interrupted. I clenched my teeth, looking back at Leo. He wasn’t leaving here alive.

I lingered behind the tree. Once I moved, I’d be within his sight. Flexing my fingers, I took a deep breath. The cold was beginning to affect my senses and my movement. I shoved my hands into my pockets, grabbing my knives. I could throw them from here, but if I missed, I would be down a weapon. It was too much of a risk.

I sprinted forward, preparing to throw one of my blades if Leo saw me too soon. Kole noticed my movement first, his eyes widening slightly as I got closer. Unfortunately, Leo heard my footsteps a second later.

He whipped around, the gun tight in his grip. Before I could throw my knife, Kole lunged forward, knocking his body weight into Leo. They both went down, Kole letting out a groan when he landed on his bad shoulder.

But it gave me the time I needed. Leo climbed to his feet, but I was right there, dropping one of my knives to snatch his arm. I brought my other blade up, slashing his wrist. He yelled out in pain, his hold on the gun loosening. I wrenched it from his grip, but he slammed into me, taking us both to the snow.

“Do you regret it?” I panted, fighting for the gun. “I killed your son. Hurt him like you hurt me.”

I doubted he had the emotional connection to Miles to be devastated. But his anger at me besting him? That was apparent.

“This isn’t over,” he hissed.

I swiped my knife at him again, slicing him shallowly in the arm. The gun fumbled from his grip, and we both dove for it. My fingers wrapped around it first, but his hand covered mine.

“Do you need this to kill me?” I taunted, my finger finding the trigger. “Because I don’t.”

I pulled the trigger again and again, until the gun clicked when there were no more bullets. Leo cursed at me, letting go of the useless weapon.

A sudden brightness blinded both of us. Leo kicked me in the chest, stealing my breath. He rolled away, clamoring to his feet, darting toward the trees.

“No,” I choked out hoarsely.

I staggered to my feet, realizing the lights were flashlights. Harry was running to Kole, while Susan stared right at me.

“Dani, don’t,” Kole said, his voice pleading. “We’ll find him.”

I met his eyes, silently apologizing. “I can’t. He doesn’t get to live through this.”

With those words, I ran in the direction Leo had disappeared, only taking a second to snag my other knife off the frozen ground. Kole was yelling, only to be cut off with Harry demanding he stay still. My heart ached as I ran. I wanted to stay with Kole more than I craved my revenge.

But he wouldn’t be safe if Leo got away.

My attention cut to a noise in front of me. He wasn’t trying to be quiet as he ran. I shoved my knives in my pockets and began chasing after him. The cold was hindering my muscles, and I breathed out evenly, upping my pace.

I could hear the helicopter getting closer, and I wondered who Susan called.

When Leo suddenly disappeared, I stumbled to a halt. My chest heaved as I caught my breath. A shiver ran through me as I scanned the trees.

“Do you know why I left you alone for all those years?” His breathless voice came from somewhere to my left. “I could have come back and finished you anytime I wanted.”