Page 68 of Wicked Nightmare

I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face. "Lillianna... Thanks for telling me that babe."

Lillianna. Nine letters. I rolled them around in my mouth the way you roll a candy, tasting each one. Lillianna with the pink curtains and the mom who hung them where she asked. Lillianna who waved at nothing in the dark. Lillianna who I'd been watching for seven years without knowing her name and now that I had it, it felt right.

Cam squeezed my hand. "Anything for you, baby girl."

My brain wouldn't slow. Wondering everything about her. Where she was. Whether she was safe. Whether someone was feeding her something better than watery cereal and stale bread. For some reason, I just couldn't let her go. Couldn't push her from my head. It was like she was a part of me, a piece of pencil lead, slid under my skin, forever imprinted.

As we approached the operative's house, a quaint little thing with a white picket fence, adrenaline flooded my system. Cam's stride was confident, purposeful. I had to fight to keep from running beside him just to keep up.

We paused at the gate, and Cam turned to me. "Ready?"

I punched him in the arm. "Born ready, baby."

As we walked up the path, I conjured images of all the fun we were about to have. This asshole had no idea what was coming.

Poor bastard.

Cam knocked on the door, his posture relaxed but alert. I bounced on my toes, smacking my hands together until Cam reached down and grabbed one, pulling downward until I stood still. Guess it would look weird to see such a well-dressed suburban woman bouncing around like a speed demon.

As we waited, I caught Cam watching me. "Calm down, tiger," he said. "Save it for our friend."

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to still. Cam was right, as always. I needed to keep my cool, at least until we got inside. Then, well... all bets were off.

The door creaked open, and I plastered on my best smile. Time to play. Cam pulled me tightly to his side, my hand outstretched with the pie. Looking up at Cam, he'd slipped into his charm face. The one women couldn't resist, and made men feel at ease.

The operative appeared, confusion and suspicion clear on his face. I held up the pie, my grin so wide it probably looked unhinged. "Hi there, neighbor!" I chirped, channeling my best suburban housewife impression. "We just moved in down the street and wanted to say hello!"

Cam chimed in, his voice smooth. "Hope we're not interrupting anything."

The guy hesitated, looking between us. I could practically see the gears turning in his head, trying to figure out if we were a threat. Oh, honey, if only you knew.

Before he could respond, Cam pushed past him, that charming smile firmly in place. "Don't mind us, we'll just set this down in the kitchen."

I followed close behind, looking around the room. So many potential toys, so little time. The living room was cozy, filled with mundane knick-knacks that could become so much more interesting with a little creativity. Off to the side, a door was ajar, the room lit with the blue of computer screens. I leaned forward to see three monitors running some kind of coding program. Interesting. This guy was definitely not just a foot soldier.

As Cam engaged the guy in small talk, keeping him distracted, I wandered around. A letter opener on the side table, bills underneath it, caught my eye, its blade catching the light. My fingers itched to grab it, to feel its weight in my hand, but I couldn't cheat on my karambits like that. These girls were thirsty.

I turned back to our host. "What a lovely home you have," I said, sidling up to Cam. "Don't you think so, darling?"

Cam's arm went around my waist, possessive and warm. "Absolutely stunning," he agreed, but he never took his focus off the operative. "I don't think you introduced yourself, love. This is Steven. Steven, my wife, Daisy."

I could feel the room getting tighter. "Steven" was on edge, his body language screaming discomfort. He mumbled a hello, shuffling his feet.

I was bored. This conversation was boring, and I resisted the urge to bounce on my toes. Instead, I twirled my hair and pretended to be engrossed in whatever the fuck this slimeball was saying.

The moment Cam's hand tightened on my waist, and it was showtime. In one fluid motion, he released me and lunged at the guy. I watched, mesmerized, as Cam's fist connected with the guy's jaw. The crack echoed through the room. Boom! In another life, he could have been a professional boxer. I was half-shocked the guy's neck didn't break from the impact.

"Fuck, that never gets old," I said, my pulse kicking up as the operative crumpled to the floor.

Cam dragged the unconscious body to a nearby chair. I grabbed some zip ties from my purse, tossing them his way. "Here, babe. Make it tight."

As he secured our new plaything, I circled the room again more thoroughly, humming softly. My fingers trailed over various objects.

"You're getting that look, Lakes," Cam warned. "Remember, we need information first."

I pouted but nodded. "I know, I know. But after?"

He smirked. "Then he's all yours, doll."