Rosa had felt electrified by Alice’s stunning body, her unbridled passion, the things she did with her lovely tongue. It had been as though neither of them had made love for a long time and that was what had made it so good. So special.

With Rosa it was all about the sex. Always. She didn’t have what it took to form an emotional attachment with anyone. So all she could do was make the most of what did provide at least some semblance of meaning to her life. Such as the thrill of the kill. The power she wielded. The feel of another woman’s lips.

For most people it wouldn’t be enough. For some it would be more than they could ever hope for. So Rosa wasn’t complaining. She never complained. It was partly because she didn’t believe for a single second that she would live to a ripe old age. Eventually she would make a mistake and the cops would catch up with her. Or she’d become a target herself and fall victim to someone who was more cunning than she was.

So what was the point in fretting over what was lacking in her life? Best to cling onto what she had going for her and enjoy it while it lasted.

‘It’s eight thirty,’ Alice said. ‘The good thing about working for my dad is that nobody complains if I turn up late. So what do you say to us giving each other a couple more orgasms?’

Rosa moaned with pleasure as Alice inserted a finger into her dripping vagina.

‘I can’t think of a better way to start the day,’ she replied.

The morning sex lasted just over half an hour and it was more than satisfying. Rosa came twice, squirting her juices over the sheets. Then she experienced a full-blown orgasm that made her blood sizzle.

Afterwards, they showered together before Alice gave her a quick tour of the apartment, which had to be worth a fortune.

‘I know what you’re thinking,’ Alice said. ‘That I’m a poor little rich girl living off her dad’s generosity. Well, I suppose I am but there’s nothing I can do about it so I don’t bother trying.’

Rosa laughed. ‘I think you’re lovely, Alice. And that’s despite the fact that you’re a beautiful, sexy, spoilt little rich girl.’

They dressed together next to the window that offered up a view of Hyde Park. Rosa had got her bearings by now and she knew that beyond the park was South London. Vauxhall. Battersea. The area controlled by the man who was paying her to kill people.

She’d be going back there soon. Back to the hotel. Back to the garage containing the motorcycle and the weapons. Then to the place where she intended to claim her next victim.

‘Oh, that’s awful,’ Alice said suddenly.