Deadly Adventure (Hardy Brothers Security Book 19) Read Online Free

fair, baby,” James said, shaking his head. “Fine. You can plan the anniversary celebration. It had better involve nudity, though.”
    Mandy risked a glance at the man across the aisle and found him smirking. “It will involve nudity, wine, and a special meal.”
    James stilled. “You’re not cooking for me, right? I mean … I love you dearly, but I don’t think food poisoning is romantic.”
    Mandy frowned, her dislike of the man across the aisle growing as he burst into hysterical laughter. “I’m not cooking. I’m having a special meal made.”
    “Oh, well, that sounds good,” James said. “I didn’t mean to insult your cooking skills.”
    “Yes, you did.”
    “I … crap,” James muttered. “I guess the shark is getting a long massage in the tub tonight, isn’t she?”
    “You have no idea,” Mandy said, her eyes flashing before she turned back to the tour. “You’re in big trouble.”
    “Well, I have a feeling I can kiss my way out of it, so I’m fine with that,” James said. “Snap your photos, wife. I shall quietly sit here and figure out how to romance you while you’re doing that. I guarantee it will be profound – and my tongue will be involved.”
    This time the man’s wife snapped her head in Mandy and James’ direction, her eyes widening. “Oh, honey, he’s a keeper.”
    Mandy didn’t want to give in and smile, but she couldn’t help herself. “Yes, and I plan to keep him forever.”

3
    Three
    “ S o this is a pub . I’m … humbled.”
    Mandy’s blue eyes were so wide as she scanned the dark establishment James couldn’t help but shake his head. “You’re humbled?”
    “I’ve always wanted to see a pub.”
    James took Mandy’s hand and directed her toward a circular booth, sliding in beside her once she was settled and grabbing a beer menu. “You know you’ve seen pubs before, right? It’s just that where we’re from they’re called bars.”
    Mandy rolled her eyes. “That dive we play pool at once a month is not a pub. This … is a pub.” She raised her hands and excitedly gestured at the atmospheric hole in the wall.
    It was their third day in London and she’d been like this from the moment they hit the ground. James had zero complaints. He adored her enthusiasm. Still, he had to wonder if she wasn’t laying it on a bit thick.
    “Baby, can I ask you something?”
    “Always,” Mandy said, shrugging out of her hoodie and resting her cheek against James’ shoulder as he studied the menu.
    “Are you putting on a show for me?” James asked, his expression serious.
    Mandy was confused. “A show?”
    “I’m worried you’re going out of your way pretending to have a good time because you don’t want to hurt my feelings,” James admitted.
    Mandy’s smile slipped. “Pretending? Really?”
    James hated the shift in her features and mentally kicked himself for chasing the smile from her face. “I’ve never seen you this excited. Well, that’s not true. You were excited when I proposed and on our honeymoon. This is different, though.”
    “Don’t worry, I’ll stop enjoying myself right now,” Mandy said, fixing the approaching waitress with a stiff smile. “Can I get something … fruity? I’m not a big fan of heavy ales or anything.”
    “Mandy … .” James was frustrated.
    “Sure,” the waitress said. “Do you want something simple like a strawberry daiquiri?”
    “That would be great. Thank you.”
    The waitress turned to James. “And you?”
    “I’ll have whatever is on tap,” James said, remaining calm until the waitress disappeared to place their drink orders. The second she was gone James grabbed Mandy’s hand and directed her attention to him. “I’m sorry. I want you to be happy more than anything. I’m so afraid that I screwed this up now that I’ll never forgive myself.”
    Mandy’s expression softened, although only marginally. “I’ve always wanted to come here. You know that.”
    “I do know that.”
    “I’ve