Scorch (Virtues & Lies 2)

Silence falls between us. I step back.

“Well, shall we go?” Penny’s voice sounds from the end of the hallway. Wayne follows her. They both look flustered, irritation obvious on their faces.

“I thought Dad was with you?” Christopher asks her.

“Yes, he’s following behind.” Gesturing to the corridor that goes down to my father’s office, she adds, “Unfortunately.”

“Give it a rest, Penelope,” Francis groans, fed up.

“You need to rest, Francis. You’re not listening to the doctors. You can barely move for God’s sake!”

“I’m fine.”

“You are not fine!” She’s right—his normally golden skin is pale. Although the bandages on his hands have come off the last couple of days, there are still some angry red burns on them. He’s covered them with large skin-coloured plasters, but his hands still look tender and swollen.

“This discussion is over. If you’re not happy, you can stay. Stay or go, that’s your only concern.”

Wayne clears his throat. Ryan stands beside him from behind Francis.

“No limos today. We have a convoy—stick to it. Please. Ryan is taking you two.” He points to me and Christopher before looking over at Leo and Cassie. “You’re coming with me. Freddie you’re with me too; Casper, you’re with Ryan.”

“No funny business. Any trouble and we’re out. I have the place crawling with security, but it doesn’t mean we’re clear.” Francis looks between each one of us. “You go nowhere without one of us.” Glancing between me, Cassie, and Penny, he makes sure he’s heard before leading us out of the door to the Ranges waiting for us.

Chapter 39

Christopher

The hotel is manic. Ryan stops right behind Mum and Dad’s Range. He’s got one of his security guys driving them for the night. Lucian is standing to the side talking to another guy I recognise from Dad’s preferred team. Another of Casper’s Army buddies.

After he came back, he made it his mission to make sure the men he served beside were given solid ground to stand on. I think it’s why Dad admires him so much. It’s not just about his loyalty; he’s a true hero.

“Don’t stress, beautiful.” Kissing Arabella’s temple, I lace my fingers through hers. She’s trembling. I feel panic and fear seep from her pores.

“I don’t want to do this, Christopher,” she murmurs, grasping my arm tightly with her other hand.

Pointing to the red carpet outside, I make sure she sees all the security lined up along the short, lined path to the art deco doors of one of London’s finest hotels. Claridge’s is lit up with large spruces twinkling above the doors, stars shining between each tree and garlands s

ashaying the cover over the doors.

It feels Christmassy and magical, and it makes me smile because I know how much Arabella loves the holidays.

“You see how many guys are out there?”

“I know, but…I…”

“There’s more than you think. Francis has people watching from the surrounding buildings. The entire area surrounding us is being monitored. The hotel has been swept through. We’ve taken care of everything.” Casper looks back at us before he steps out of the car. Fastening his jacket buttons, he sweeps the scene with a calm assessing gaze.

Ryan does the same as Casper rounds the back of our vehicle. Walking straight onto the red carpet behind Mum and Dad, he and Freddie meet in the middle of all the flashes. Freddie says something, and they both laugh—I’m not sure if they’re making a show for the sake of the cameras or whether they’re actually laughing. As soon as one of the newer security guys jumps in the driver’s seat, Ryan opens my door.

The noise is crazy. Loud voices, shutters, and flashes, music and the general bustle of the city. It’s a disconcerting whirlwind, and as I step out, I help Arabella down too. Her hand squeezes mine as we make our way down the carpet-lined path. The hand holding her clutch rests on the crook of my elbow.

“So…about the house…” I say, trying to make conversation to relax her. It’s normally her that has to walk me through these things.

“What about it?” Looking up at me with a wide stare, she licks her lips.

She’s fucking stunning. My heart does all sorts of crazy shit that makes me take a moment to get myself together before I carry on guiding her to the hotel entrance.

“The builders are almost done, but the decorators won’t be able to finish by Christmas.”