Page 194 of To Catch a Sub

“Fuck, Colette.”

“Honestly, it wasn’t even fun. It was depressing how easy it was. And philosophically, I do think they should return items to their home countries.”

“I remember that conversation. Really should have fucking figured out it was you at that point.”

“I’m a thief, you’re police.”

“Not anymore. Which is why I just spent an hour getting yelled at by my grandparents.”

“Exactly. I caused that. I’m the reason you had to quit.”

“You think I care more about my job than you? Or that I’d want to continue working for an organization that fucked up?”

“Not now,” she agreed. “But what’s next, Landon? You are good at what you do. You’ll miss it.”

His jaw clenched.

“What happens when you become a detective again? What will they do when they find out you’re with me and I’m a thief?”

“Stop being a thief. Problem solved.”

Colette sat back, stomach in knots.

“I’m not saying that because I want you to change, or because I’m worried about how being with you will affect a career that I don’t currently have.” He gripped her hands in his. “What you do is dangerous, Colette. You keep saying it’s not, but it is.”

Unexpected anger gripped her, and she yanked her hands out of his. “It’s all I know.”

“That’s bullshit. You’re brilliant, and plenty capable of doing any fucking thing you want to.”

“I was seven the first time I walked out of a jewelry store with diamonds in my pocket. Seven.” She shoved off the bed. “If you lost everything tomorrow, you’d still have this. Have them. I have nothing.”

Landon rose, towering over her. “You have me.”

“Don’t say that!”

“It’s true.

She backed up, but he matched her step for step. “Can’t you see I’m ruining you?”

“You’re not.”

“You quit your job. You were going to murder someone. That’s not you.”

“Is that why you did it? Took my knife and baited Damien into coming after you, so you could kill him first?”

“So you wouldn’t have to! Murder would have broken something inside you.”

“And have you killed before, Colette?” he snapped.

“No,” she admitted, “But?—”

“It wasn’t your decision?—”

“I told you, I’m not worth the stain on your soul!”

They were both breathing hard, Landon continuing to stalk forward each step she retreated.

“I saw you pray,” Colette said. “I’m not sure to what god, but I don’t think any of them condone murder.”