Page 15 of The Hand that Frays

CHAPTER FIVE

NEO

The car drops us off near the Hilton London Hyde Park, a grand hotel. It’s near beautiful parks, gardens, and many easily accessible sights and attractions.

The woman I’m after lives in Mayfair, conveniently located only two miles away. While this trip is disguised as a honeymoon, my stupid girl knows we’re here to work.

There’s a giddy energy to her that usually keeps my veins buzzing, but today, that energy is missing. I check in while she hangs back, looking at the chandeliers and grandeur above her.

She was restless and quiet on the plane ride, which took far too long. A man like me shouldn’t be cooped up for that length of time. It makes my brain itch.

She’s throwing me off, and I don’t like it.

I’m sure it’s only because I’ve taken the reins back when my little psychopath loves to break free. Not here.

I need her to behave here, which she had agreed to.

As I push the elevator button, I realize that the problem might be me. I’ve grown used to my rare gem of awoman—now wife. Lyla’s behavior is a rarity, which surely has me on edge.

I wonder if her new calm demeanor is because I asked her to behave.

The card slides into the lock, which lights green. I push into the suite and hold the door for Lyla as she pulls her rolling bag behind her and steps inside.

“This is beautiful,” she says with an air of whimsy that I haven’t heard since we stepped foot in Crows Hollow again when Kage Davis was loose.

“It is. I thought you’d like it, stupid girl.”

She grins at me before leaving her bag at the end of the bed and entering the bathroom. She squeals when she sees the tub's size.

I plan to use that tub later. However, I want to understand Lyla’s behavior on the trip here.

“Stupid girl, come here,” I say, tossing my two bags onto the bed. One is full of clothing, the other full of things that I’m lucky to have gotten past security.

“Yes?” she asks; a buzzing energy in her tone skates up my legs and caresses the underside of my balls.

“Something’s wrong with you,” I say, running the back of my finger down her cheek.

She shakes her head, but her pupils constrict and give her away.

“What has you on edge?”

“I’m not on…”

My face hardens. She knows I hate lies.

She licks her lips, and I envision sucking her tongue into my mouth later. I need it like air, but I also need to know why she’s acting irregularly.

I can’t work when she’s not content.

I hate I can’t, but it’s a fact.

We’re one now.

The idea sinks through my brain and causes a needling tingle. It takes everything in me not to shiver.

“I’m just worried about being here. It’s unfamiliar territory. We don’t know our way around, and I don’t want to…”

She’s worried about getting caught killing Anne Hatt. She’s not here to do anything, however.

---