Page 15 of Kiss of Deceit
She laughed. “He didn’t have to say anything. I know him well enough. You really didn’t sleep with him?”
I shook my head. “No.”
She studied me, her grin never leaving her face. “But you two did do something.”
I didn’t respond, not enjoying her prying when I had no idea who the hell she was. I picked at my sandwich, taking another bite. She pressed her palm on the counter leaning closer to me.
“You should have done it. He’s one of the best fucks I’ve ever had,” she whispered before pulling away. “I’m still in shock he even talked to you. He doesn’t like interns.”
“I’m aware,” I mumbled, my heart racing as I met her gaze. “You’re not with him, are you?—”
She waved her hand, and I caught a peek of her wrist tattoo. “No. Just friends who sometimes have sex. No strings, which is how we both like it. Feel free to go back for round two. He just started his shift if you want to go to the bar.”
“No,” I replied quickly. “He’s all yours.”
“Not mine to have,” she sang out as if this conversation was amusing her. “How old are you?”
She was blunt, and I couldn’t deny that even with the uncomfortable talk, I liked her. She didn’t seem like the type of person to deal with bullshit. She had the whole tough girl persona, but I had a feeling it wasn’t an act. She could handle herself.
“Thirty,” I answered, raising an eyebrow. “You?”
“Twenty-seven.” She drummed her fingers on the table. “Kole is thirty-three if you’re curious.”
“I’m not,” I stated firmly. “I have no interest in even talking to him again.”
She shrugged and I had a feeling she didn’t know I was living with him, because I was sure she would have brought it up. Grabbing her coffee, she stood up and began walking away.
“Unlike Kole, I like the interns,” she said, glancing at me over her shoulder. “It makes this town a little more fun when there’s new faces. I’m sure I’ll see you around, Dani.”
With those words, she left, leaving me alone with the barista. I finished my sandwich in a rush now that I knew the house was empty. Grabbing my purse, I hurried back outside, planning to change before I explored the town.
I was bundledin my thick jacket as I strolled down the side streets of Winterlake. I’d walked nearly this entire town in just over an hour. Except for the part that was gated off, securing a large warehouse. There were no signs that showed what it was, though the barbed wire covering the top of the fence proved there was something important in there.
The few side streets were lined with small houses, and condos like mine. All the stores were on the main street and one other road. Other than Last Call, where Kole and Adella worked, there were no other bars. The only clothing store was second hand. There were two small grocery stores, and a library. A gas station with one lone pump. A few other stores that every other town had, but here, everything was just on a smaller scale. Along with being run-down and dated.
Along the eastern side of town, there were mountains that looked like an impossible trek unless someone had days of provisions. Now I was on my way to see what was on the edge of the west side.
I veered off the road, following a trail that led into the woods. It was already dark, but I bought a flashlight earlier and flicked it on once I got far enough that the streetlights were no help anymore. Dried leaves crunched under my shoes as I delved deeper into the thick woods, keeping my light shining on the dirt path as I walked. Soon, the trail widened, and I swept the light, seeing a large wooden bridge.
I slowly stepped onto the wooden planks, hearing the river rushing under me. I pointed my flashlight over the edge, seeing the fast-moving water. A shiver hit me when the wind blew, and I hurried across the bridge, wanting to see more before I got toocold. Being out here by myself was freeing, and even though I couldn’t see much, I knew this would be my new favorite place.
It grew quiet the farther I got from the river, and I relished in the calm as I followed the path. Nature. Peace. Being alone. A smile played on my lips as I kept going until I heard a quiet crack from somewhere behind me.
My pace slowed, but I kept going forward, my ears straining to hear any other noises. It could have been an animal which I’d welcome more than a person lurking in the dark. Although, I was sure there were some animals in this forest that I should probably steer clear of. A couple of minutes later, another noise came from behind me and to the left. This time I had no doubt that it was footsteps. Either human or a large animal. Spinning around, I shone the light through the trees, my heart pounding against my ribs.
“Who’s there?” I called out, keeping my voice hard.
Only silence met my question as I swept the light all around, not seeing anything. My neck prickled as if eyes were on me, and I wished I had a weapon. I hadn’t been able to bring one with me since I had to get on a plane to cross the country. First thing after work tomorrow I’d have to scour the store for things to carry on me. Not that it was going to help me right now.
A soft thud came from somewhere in the darkness, and I spun, attempting to catch a glimpse. Whoever it was, they were in the direction I’d come from. The way I needed to go to get back to town. Adrenaline seared my veins, and I shifted on my feet, getting ready to move. I took a few steps back, still moving the light around me. Another crack came from far into the trees before another noise had me whipping my head in the other direction.
A chill slid down my spine as I backed down the trail. I wasn’t scared, but I also wasn’t stupid. I couldn’t fight at least two people when it was impossible to see them. I needed to even outthe playing field. My instincts convinced me it wasn’t an animal, and that whoever was hiding in the dark was a predator of some sort. I continued moving backward, deciding to try to disappear and find my own hiding place. At least until I could get a visual of where they were.
There were still quiet noises coming from the trees, but no matter where I shone my light, I couldn’t get a glimpse of them. My heart pounded as I turned around and began jogging, detesting that my back was to them. But I’d be able to hear if they got close. I needed to get to a place where it would be easier for me to get the upper hand.
My body flooded with heat as I moved, the cold not even a thought anymore. With every step I took, there was rustling behind me. Not close enough to be an immediate threat, but I was positive it wasn’t an animal now. And whoever it was, they were following me. My finger hovered over the button on the flashlight. It would make it more difficult to find me if I turned it off, but it would also put me at a disadvantage because it would take my eyes time to adjust to the dark.
I increased my speed, noticing the steps behind me did the same. My heart pounded against my ribs, and it felt wrong to run. Every piece of me wanted to turn around and attack, but that wasn’t the smart choice. Not until I knew how many there were. I was full on running now, my quick breaths filling my ears.
