Page 2 of Kiss of Deceit

“She’s still alive. Get the EMTs in here. Now,” someone bellowed from right above me. “It’s okay, honey. You’ll be okay. You need to open your eyes. Stay with me. You hear me? Stay here.”

I fought to do what he asked, but my eyelids were so heavy. My body was so cold. The voices faded out as I fell into nothingness.

CHAPTER TWO

dani

Twelve YearsLater

I rested my head on the cold window, my stomach churning at the sight of the steep cliffs. The bus was driving dangerously close to the edge, and I kept my hands clasped together until my knuckles were white. The tire hit a pothole, and I bit my lip when the bus bounced. I hated heights, and driving through these mountains had my heart pounding.

In one year, it would all be worth it.

A soft hand landed on my arm, and I jerked back, lifting my head in alarm. Being so close to people was going to take some getting used to. But a stranger touching me? That was something I would never adjust to. The guy sitting next to me gave me a small smile, his hazel eyes warm and inviting as he met my gaze. I swallowed thickly, pulling my arm from his touch.

“This bus driver knows these roads like the back of his hand,” he tried comforting me. “I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

“Thanks,” I muttered, not liking how easily he picked up on my fear. “I’m not used to mountains.”

He took that as an opening to start a conversation. “Where are you from?”

“The East Coast,” I responded curtly.

“I’m from Florida.” He chuckled softly. “This cold weather is going to kill me.”

I studied him out of the corner of my eye, my guard staying up. His wavy hair was sandy brown, matching the light stubble he had on his jaw. He shifted slightly, messing with the tie around his neck, making me believe he wasn’t used to wearing suits. I guessed he was around my age, maybe a couple years older. He caught me watching, and flashed me a lopsided smile, revealing teeth so white that they had to be bleached.

“I’m Miles,” he introduced himself, offering his hand.

“Dani,” I clipped out, looking back out the window.

“Not much of a talker, are you?”

I wasn’t, but I didn’t feel like explaining that to him. “I’m just tired. I’ve been traveling for over twenty hours.”

“It feels surreal, huh?” He shook his head. “Where will you be working?”

The bus driver’s voice came over the speaker, freeing me from answering, and I slumped in the seat. I was sure I’d see Miles again, but for now I was happy keeping to myself until I had a chance to get my thoughts under control. He was right about one thing; it did feel surreal that I was here.

“Welcome to Winterlake,” the bored voice announced. “In a few minutes, we’ll be stopping, and you will get your housing assignments.”

Winterlake, Colorado. Where I’d be living for the next year. It was a tiny town, and finding information about it was next to impossible. We were told that about five hundred people lived here, and there was only one road leading in and out of the mountain town. In the winter, it became like a prison. The snow would get so bad that leaving wasn’t possible by vehicle. The thought of being trapped here made my chest constrict.

But I would deal with it. I needed this.

Peering through the window, I relaxed slightly when I saw solid ground again. The town was in a valley surrounded by steep cliffs. Trees lined the road, and my interest piqued when buildings came into view. A row of condos came first, all made of dark brown bricks with two stories. We passed a small park that had a few grills and picnic tables. The bus turned down another street that was full of small businesses. We slowed down, and once the bus stopped, I gripped the top of the seat in front of me and rose to my feet. Miles was still sitting, and he glanced at me in amusement.

“In a hurry?” he asked, taking his time to stand.

“We’ve been on this bus for six hours,” I said. “I’m ready to get off.”

My impatience flared when he took his time grabbing his bag from under the seat. I couldn’t move until he did, and I needed to stretch my legs. The bus doors flew open and there was quiet chatter as everyone lined up to get off. I peeked around at everyone, seeing looks ranging from excitement to nervousness. There were about fifty people in all, and I wondered why they all agreed to this. For the same reason I did? Or something different?

Once it was my turn, I bounded down the steps, breathing in the fresh, crisp air. Much different from the city air I was used to. I folded my arms, my thin sweater not a match for this chilly September weather. Goosebumps rose on my skin, and I stepped forward to grab my suitcase when the bus driver opened the compartments under the bus.

“Need help?” Miles asked from behind me as I lugged my suitcase out of the way so others could grab their things.

I gave him a half smile. “I’m good. Thanks.”