Page 162 of Kiss of Deceit

“Murderers,” Kole cut him off sharply. “Two murderers.”

Sean raised his hands. “Either way—you can’t walk away like nothing happened. Susan believes you’re still a danger to society.”

“Of course she does,” I muttered, my eyes dropping back to the handcuff.

“But Kole believes the opposite,” Sean said softly. “And his judgment is part of the reason our experiment has been so successful. I value his word. So, I would like to offer you a spot at Winterlake.”

“A spot,” I repeated, surprise lacing my voice. “As an inmate?”

“Kind of. You’ll be doing similar work as Kole does. Help profile inmates who would be good candidates.”

My eyes widened. “Susan’s job?”

“Unfortunately, no,” Kole gritted out. “Susan will keep her job.”

“You’ll continue to work at the police station, but just like Kole, you’ll watch.” Sean handed me a pen. “You can take all the time you need to read everything over.”

“Is there a certain time I have to serve?”

He glanced at Kole. “As of right now, it’s ten years. But the current therapist can bring that date forward or…” he cleared his throat. “If you do anything to jeopardize your spot at Winterlake, you’ll go back to prison and serve the rest of your life sentence.”

Knots coiled in my stomach. Susan didnotlike me. What would stop her from sending me back to prison even if I did follow the rules?

“Susan isn’t the final voice,” Kole said in a hushed voice. “It goes up to the board and through me too. They would need evidence of any wrongdoing for that to happen.”

I doubted Kole would have any say in my future because of our relationship but didn’t comment.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Sean chuckled. “You have no plans on murdering anyone else, do you?”

His words were joking, but I didn’t miss the lingering look he gave me. I had a feeling he believed I was capable of killing again. The thing was—he was right. I could easily fall back intothe life I had before I went to prison. And if I kept going after monsters, I would probably enjoy it.

My eyes drifted back to Kole. “Are you staying in Winterlake?”

“I’ll be wherever you are, Dani.” He leaned over the side of the bed, brushing his lips to mine. “Always.”

My chest tightened. “Even after everything you learned about me?”

“I’m gonna go get some food,” Sean announced his exit. “If you have any questions about the papers, have Kole call me. It was nice to meet you, Dani. You must be someone special for Kole to fight so hard for you.”

He strolled out of the room, shutting the door behind him. Kole put his knuckles under my chin, gently tilting my face up.

“I’m sorry they hurt you,” he said gruffly, his gaze darkening when he looked over my injuries. “I never should have given them a chance to touch you?—”

“Don’t,” I cut in, grabbing his wrist. “You’re the reason I survived, Kole.”

He arched an eyebrow, a frown on his lips.

“When I was falling down that hill, all I could see was you.” My voice cracked slightly. “You’re the reason I fought so hard.”

He blew out a breath. “If anything happened to you…”

“I’m right here.” I hesitated. “Did you learn more about my past?”

“Sean told me a little. I want to hear it from you.” His thumb brushed my cheek lightly. “Not now. When you’re better.”

“What if you see me as a monster?” I whispered, panic slicing me. But I wasn’t going to sugarcoat it now that he knew. If Kole wanted me, then he deserved to know everything. “Because in many people’s eyes, I am. I’ve done horrible things to people.”

“The people you killed—were they like Leo and Miles?”