Chapter 38 #2
My head snapped up, and I saw Riggs standing a few feet away, his grin fading when he spotted my injuries. A lit cigarette was in his hand, and he brought it to his lips as I untangled myself from Miles.
Miles glanced at him, annoyance flashing in his eyes. “We’re friends.”
Riggs looked behind me before meeting my stare. “Is Kole a friend too?”
Miles snuck a glance at me, looking curious. I licked my lips, considering how to answer. Before I could, another voice rang out from behind me.
“What’s your answer, Dani? Are we just friends?”
Ice flooded my veins. Kole stepped up beside me, and I turned my head to look at him. His furious glare was focused on Miles, and it was apparent he witnessed our hug. Finally, his eyes cut to me, his expression softening.
“Is your migraine better? I missed you in my bed last night.” His possessive words weren’t meant for me.
My face flushed, and it took everything to keep my expression neutral.
Anger bubbled within me. The man in front of me was a stranger.
I had no idea if any of the stories he told were true.
I couldn’t even trust my own instincts anymore.
Riggs let out a whistle. “Not just friends, then. I guess the gossip is right this time.”
Miles slid his hands into his pockets. “I’ll see you around, Dani.”
“I was serious,” I called out as he began walking away. “If you need it, I’m here.”
He threw me a small smile over his shoulder before disappearing down a side street. Riggs continued to smoke, walking with us toward the police station.
“You need something?” Kole asked him, shooting him a scowl.
“Nope. I have some time before my shift. I just wanted to see how Dani was doing after what happened.”
“I’m fine,” I assured him before turning my attention to Kole. “What are you doing up this early?”
“Me?” He arched an eyebrow. “You aren’t expected at work until eight. I was worried about you.”
This was fucking exhausting, and I had no idea how long I’d be able to keep it up.
Every word Kole said, I was scrutinizing.
As if I’d be able to tell his lies from his truths after all this time.
He pulled me in, and I was nearly as enraged with myself as I was with him. This was why I never let people in.
“I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to get coffee.”
“I don’t blame you,” Riggs mumbled. “I wouldn’t be able to sleep if I was attacked twice by a crazed murderer.”
“Shut the hell up,” Kole snapped, leveling him with a harsh glare. “She’s been through enough without everyone talking about it.”
There he went again—feigning like he cared about me. Did he, or was this all an act?
Riggs raised his arms. “I can take a hint. I need coffee before I start work, anyway. See you around, Dani.”
He strode away, whistling a tune. When he was out of sight, Kole halted, gently grabbing me above the elbow, spinning me toward him. His touch used to fill me with warmth and excitement, but not anymore. I resisted the urge to yank away as I met his stare.
“Kole—”
“Don’t do that again,” he said gruffly, the panic in his voice catching me off guard. “I woke up, and the house was empty. I thought something happened to you.”
“I’m—I’m sorry.” My words came out unsure. “I didn’t think about it.”
He released me to pinch the bridge of his nose as he blew out a breath.
“You’re strong, and smart. But going off by yourself is dangerous.
Whoever is going around killing people has knives and at least one gun.
I don’t care what time it is, I’ll take you wherever you want to go.
But please, do not go off by yourself again. ”
I frowned. “I’m a big girl, Kole. I don’t need a chaperone. And you have your own life. A bar to run. You can’t be with me every second.”
His eyes darkened. “Try me, Dani. I’ll close the fucking bar.”
“You wouldn’t,” I blurted, shock flaring. “People in this town would riot if they had nowhere to go after work.”
“They’d survive.” He eyed me curiously. “Is everything okay? You’ve been acting…off since last night.”
I forced a small laugh. “I’m only human. The last couple days have fucked with me.”
“I’m sure they have,” he said gently. “I want you to know I’m here if you need anything.”
“Thank you.” I paused, my heart hammering. “You’re one of the few I trust in this town.”
His expression didn’t so much as flinch. “Good.” He leaned down, kissing me on the forehead. “Just be careful from now on. Please.”
I nodded, swallowing thickly. It wouldn’t be long until I confronted him.
I couldn’t fucking do this when I saw him all the time.
But then what? What if I found out he was someone else’s monster?
I’d never killed anyone I was close to before.
I sucked in shallow breaths as my emotions threatened to take over.
This was why I needed to know more. When it came to Kole, none of my thoughts were rational.
“Let’s go to work.” He interlaced his fingers with mine before walking again. “I’m staying at the police station today.”
“Why?”
He chuckled. “Harry hired me, remember. Adella is working the bar today. I can spend the day working on the case with you.”