Page 1 of The Hand that Frays

CHAPTER ONE

NEO

Being on the run as a killer means you can’t get used to anything. Everything is always new and thrilling. The one thing I have gotten used to, however, is the filthy, stupid girl that is on the run with me.

She’s the exception to the rule. The one thing I don’t leave without when I hear sirens. The reason I breathe.

Over the last year, we traveled the United States, killing for fun sometimes and other times killing with purpose. She’s pulled me out of my shell and my motivation. So much so that I now lean into her brand of insanity. Following her direction and plans as if they were law.

Today, we move again.

“What’s next on your tour of the States, stupid girl?” I ask, sinking my teeth into an apple. The juices fill my mouth, and I swallow as Lyla looks up from her MacBook screen and watches my Adam’s apple bob.

Sometimes, I wonder if I didn’t break her too much. Kick her into the dark a bit too far.

Other times, I know she’s just the right amount of fucked-up and toss those notions out thewindow.

“A man in Kentucky molested his daughter, but the lack of evidence is getting the case thrown out.”

“Do you want to figure out if he truly did it?” I ask, leaning over the back of her chair.

She feels my presence like an animal feels that of a phantom, and she sits up straighter in her chair, making me grin.

“No. The implication alone is enough for me. Even if he didn’t do it, the evidence they found of abuse in the home means he’s risen to the top of my list.”

“Mm, I love it when you’re bloodthirsty.” I wrap my hand around her throat from behind.

She sighs and leans into me.

“I know, but we need to get on the road. I was rather messy last night, and in a town this small, we’re likely the only ones in this run-down shit-shack of a motel that raise any red flags.”

She’s right, even if I want to tell her otherwise. More than anything, I want to watch her red-painted lips wrap around my cock and slide down to its base. Listening to her gagging on my dick is my favorite pastime.

“Plus, we’re only a four-hour drive from where I need to be tonight,” she says.

She closes her MacBook, slides it into its case, and tosses it on the bed.

Grabbing her hair before she can make off to load the car, I yank her back to me, turning her around as I use my other hand to grab her pussy.

“Just promise me I get to fuck you today, and I’ll do your bidding,” I growl.

Her eyes light, pupils constricting under the haze of lust.

“I fucking promise,” she says, and the sinister smile she gives me has a wicked energy skimming through my spine.

“Then lead the way, stupid girl.”

After a five-hour drive,which included gassing the car and stopping for food, we’re sitting under the shadow of an oak tree across the street from Ed Johnson’s house. He was released only this morning.

Lyla is antsy in her seat, and I have just the thing to calm her down. Part of me knows she won’t simmer until she gets her fix of death.

“What are we waiting for?” I ask her.

She points, and I narrow my eyes, leaning forward as I perch my hands on the top of the steering wheel.

Two children are at the table in front of the window. They both look to be doing their homework, and Ed is in the kitchen, nursing a beer behind them.

“Ah,” I say. “Didn’t account for them?”

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