Falling for the Killer

The place was immense. I knew she was loaded, but my god. I could’ve fit the entire Valentino family in this place comfortably, and had more room to spare. The Don’s house was similar, though a touch smaller, and this sort of wealth and opulence was like an entirely different existence.

I struggled my whole life. I barely had anything growing up. But Ash was born and bred with a silver spoon in her pretty mouth.

It didn’t matter. I sucked in a breath and marched down beneath the huge awning and toward the front doors. They were big and wooden with glass set in the middle, and I found a small bell off to one side. I hit it once, then twice, and waited.

After a minute, the door on the left cracked open. A woman looked at me, wide-eyed, confused. She had light brown skin, long dark hair, and wore simple black slacks and a white shirt.

“Yes?” she asked. “Can I help with something?”

The housekeeper, I guessed. “I’m here to see Ash,” I said. “Tell her it’s Gian, and it’s important.”

“Ash,” the housekeeper repeated. “Does she expect you?” Her frown deepened.

“No, but—”

“Marcia, who the hell is that at the door?” a voice boomed out.

Marcia stepped back, head bowed, as a young man took her place.

He scowled out at me. I’d never met him before, but I knew this was Ash’s brother, Jack. He had slicked-back hair and wore a pair of chinos and a button-down. Everything about him screamed wealth, from the tan on his skin to the glittering Rolex on his wrist. He looked at me like I was some lost puppy.

“What can I do for you, pal?” he asked. “If you’re selling something, we’re not interested. Maybe you can try the Lane family, they’re right next door.” He grinned at me, and his teeth glittered white.

“I’m here to see Ash,” I said. “Tell her Gian’s waiting.”

His grin faded. “Ash isn’t here,” he said.

“I know that isn’t true,” I said, clenching my jaw, suddenly uncertain. If she wasn’t home then I might’ve wasted a long drive out here, and might not get another chance at this.

“Who are you?” Jack asked. “Gian who? I never heard of a Gian.”

“I met your sister at a retirement party a few weeks back,” I said. “She has something of mine, and I want it back.”

His eyes narrowed. “I don’t know what you’re thinking—”

“Go get Ash,” I said and stepped closer. “Believe me, she’ll want to talk.”

“She’s busy,” he said through clenched teeth. He didn’t back down, which was impressive. I was bigger than him, broader and more muscular, and I could see a tinge of fear in his expression, but he held his ground. Good man.

“I thought you said she wasn’t here?” I sneered and was tempted to shove him inside. I could break in here without a problem, but these people weren’t to be fucked with if I could avoid it.

“As far as you’re concerned, assume she’s never home,” Jack said, and went to shove the door.

But I reached out and stopped it. “Ash!” I called over his shoulder. I heard my voice echo off marble floors and I could only guess at the incredible wealth locked deeper inside that mansion.

“Marcia,” Jack said, “call the police. They’ll take care of this for us.”

Marcia said something in Spanish and ran off. I let out a frustrated growl but Jack didn’t step aside.

The moment hung suspended between us. I knew I was overstepping and making a mistake. Jack was her brother, and if I wanted to win her over, I should probably consider trying to win over her family, too. I’d never convince her parents to like me, but her brother might be possible.

Then again, these people would never accept a man like me, and her brother looked like he was already too far down their rich yuppie rabbit hole to ever let his sister be with a mobster. No, he wouldn’t be any help, but he didn’t need to be an enemy, either.

Still, she was in there. I had to get inside and talk to her before she told her family and made things harder. Jack’s face tensed as I prepared myself—

Then heard a scream from inside.

It was shrill, angry, and scared.

And it was Ash.

“What the fuck,” Jack said, turning.

I shoved him hard. He stumbled inside, slammed against the wall, and let out a gasp of pain as I barreled into the house and ran toward the source of the scream.

5

Ash

I sat in front of my vanity, surrounded by face creams, moisturizers, hair products, makeup, old notes from friends, a couple love letters from summer camp boys, a little trophy from an equestrian competition, two swimming trophies, framed pictures of me and my friends in the band, and other small trinkets from my life. I stared into my own eyes as intently as I could.