Page 56 of Holy Sinner

“We’re staying in,” I say at the same time Kit says, “We’re going to the woods.”

I clench my jaw and take in a calming breath and then another, because what the fuck is Kit going on about? “We are not going to the woods.”

“We are. We have to look for clues.”

She sounds sure of herself, like this is some tv series where the Nancy Ass Drew lead solves a crime with nothing but her best friends and luck while an inept killer is one step behind them the entire time so everyone makes it to the end safe and sound.

“This is real life. We are not fucking doing that.”

“But Grant-”

I spin Kit in my arms and turn us so her back is pressed to the wall. “You fucking listen to me. You’re not setting foot in those woods, do you understand? There’s a killer on the loose. Someone that’s dangerous. This is real. That killer gutted Jane and emptied her out before they took her. Do you think they won’t do the same thing to you if they find you? You are not going near those woods.”

“They won’t.”

“How do you figure that?”

“You keep me safe.”

I step back like she slapped me. Kit blinks up at me, big brown eyes so earnest and trusting that I know she isn’t playing me. She believes what she’s saying. She thinks it's safe enough to go poking around a killer’s trail because she has me with her.

She’s right. I do keep her safe.

If she’s not safe to do what she pleases when I’m with her, when will she ever be?

“Fine. We go for half an hour and that’s it. Then I want your ass in the cabin.”

“Thank you, thank you!” Kit throws her arms around me. “I promise. I’ll do whatever you want after. I promise.”

That’s more like it. I don’t say so though, because Alana is watching. I just nod and give her the perfect smile I know her best friend and everyone watching us expects to see.

“Let’s go now before I change my mind.”

Kit grabs my hand. “You’re the best boyfriend ever.” It’s something. I’m going to make sure she says it where Rafe can hear her. She snags Alana’s hand and starts power-walking for the door. The crowd doesn’t move for her the way it did for Rafe until I level a stern look their way. If only they knew what I would do to them all if Kit let me.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

KIT

Alana is pissed but it’s worth it.

“What the fuck, Kit?” she asks and crosses her arms over her chest. “The last time I went into nature was before I met you.”

I roll my eyes and start scanning the ground. We just made it into the woods, not even a few feet and Alana is acting like I’ve got her in the middle of nowhere which I guess, fair. Elysium is kind of out in the middle of nowhere. They have on demand yoga classes, artisanal snacks and latte art so it’s not that out in the middle of nowhere so how can she really complain?

“Don’t lie. You dated that climber guy in college. You were always out in the woods then.”

“I was definitely drunk that entire summer and he was the worst, like all climbers are.”

I grin and keep walking. “Right, right. We can get Cosmos after this.” Most of the crew is looking at me like I’m an axe murderer but the staff isn’t. They’re paid too well and from the starry-eyed look they send my boyfriends’ ways, they know exactly who Grant and Rafe are. They haven’t changed how they treat me so we should be able to go to the bar like Alana will want as soon as we’re done in the woods.

Alana makes a harrumph sound but she relents and falls into step behind me. “What are we looking for?”

“Signs of a struggle or foul play.”

“Fucking hell.”

“I know.”

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