Page 163 of Kiss of Deceit

“Yes.”

“Then you’re a good little serial killer.” He laughed at my wide-eyed shock. “Too soon?”

“I—I’m not used to talking about it to anyone.” My cheeks heated. “But I’ll tell you if you want to know.”

“We’ll have all the time we want when we’re back in Winterlake.”

CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO

kole

“What if theydon’t believe me?” Dani asked quietly, glancing at me over her shoulder. I chuckled, loving that her emotions were on full display for me, and right now, she was nervous.

“Talk all around town the last few weeks has been about you and what happened. You won’t even need to say anything for everyone to think it’s true.” My eyes drifted down her body, a smile forming on my lips. “Plus, I think they’ll be too busy asking why you have a plastic bag wrapped around your leg.”

She threw me a look, rolling her eyes. “I needed to get out of the house. I was going crazy.”

We were on our way to my bar, and this was the first time in more than three weeks that Dani was outside, breathing in the frigid air. She had a cast on her leg until her ankle healed and wrapped a couple trash bags around it, so she could walk in the snow.

After signing the papers, she’d spent a few more days in the hospital before being flown back to Winterlake. She’d been holed up in our condo, healing, and I stayed with her. It gave us time to talk.

At first, she was hesitant to speak of her past, worried it would scare me away. She quickly learned nothing she said would have me running away, and her confidence grew. I still didn’t know everything, but I wasn’t worried. She had all the time to tell me whatever she wanted.

Nothing she told me would scare me away. I just hoped she knew that.

“The snow is too damn deep,” Dani grumbled, having issues lifting her casted leg high enough to step. “And my toes are cold. I can’t wait to get this stupid thing off.”

With a chuckle, I bent down, sweeping her up in my arms. I was careful, knowing her ribs were still hurting. She snuggled against me, her new puffy coat pressing against my jacket. I walked slowly, not wanting to slip while carrying her. Soon, we got to the door of my bar, and Dani tensed in my hold.

“Don’t worry,” I told her softly. “Everything will be fine.”

She squirmed, silently telling me to put her down. When she was on her feet, I grasped her hand, intertwining my fingers with hers.

“Oh, are we telling everyone we’re together?” she asked, her voice full of teasing.

“Every soul in this town is more than aware you’re mine, Dani,” I murmured, leaning over to kiss her. “Ready?”

“I need a drink,” she muttered as I pulled the door open.

“Adella will make it. You’ll lose your nerves before you finish half of it.”

She giggled, the sound warming my chest. The last couple weeks had been long conversations and lots of sleep for her. It was only in the last couple of days that she was acting more like herself. As if the shock of everything was fading. Her nightmares were still happening, but they weren’t as frequent as they used to be.

But it was different this time. We had no secrets between us. No lies. She was being her true self around me, and I fucking loved it.

The chatter died down when I strode through the doorway, keeping her hand in mine. It was packed, every table full and both pool tables being used. Dani’s grip tightened as all eyes fell on her.

“Look who it is,” Adella yelled from behind the bar. “The woman who is the reason Winterlake is staying open.”

Cheers rose up, and I didn’t have to look at Dani to know she was blushing. More than a few came up to us, acknowledging Dani respectfully before greeting me.

“It’s good to see both of you alive,” Nolan said before taking a sip of his beer. “But let’s take a break from coming to my clinic, yeah?”

“That’s the plan,” I mumbled, moving toward the bar. The crowd parted for us, and Adella rounded the bar, giving me a tight hug.

“Glad you’re back,” she whispered. “This place isn’t the same without you.”

Before I could respond, she let go of me, and gently hugged Dani, being careful with her ribs.