Instead of going straight to Rico’s office, I head into the bathroom first. I use it quickly and wash my hands. Looking in the mirror, I smile. This little white sundress is cute. It’s a little short since we’re having a pool party, but it’s still tasteful. The swimsuit beneath is basic.
I smooth my hands over the dress and turn to head up to Rico’s office. The house is quiet, but the party outside is jumping. The DJ has a thing for EDM. Not my jam, but I’m trying to go with the vibe.
Once up on the third floor, I step into Rico’s office and look around. I inhale and take in a lungful of his scent that’s all over the room. Closing my eyes, I remember last night and smile.
Suddenly, my mouth is covered, and I’m being shoved forward. I know right away this isn’t Rico. The scent is wrong.
I bite the person’s hand and run for the desk where I know Rico keeps a few guns. All I need is to get my hands on one. As I run, I’m pushed forward and fall onto the edge of the desk.
Pain shoots through me, causing me to whimper, but I don’t give up my fight. I hold my side and stumble to the other side of the desk. As I push the desk chair out of the way, I’m grabbed by the back of my hair.
I look up, and to my surprise, it’s the asshole from the club who was downstairs talking to Juliana. He looks down at me with evil in his eyes. Panic fills me and I go into fight mode.
I swing and catch him in the face. He growls and backhands me so hard I see stars. I fall back against the desk in a daze.
He grabs me and tosses me onto the desk. I keep fighting. He blocks most of my hits, but I get in a good one upside his head. I figure if I keep fighting, Rico will be here soon.
My heart is pounding so hard it feels like it’s about to come out of my chest. He grabs my legs to keep me from kicking and steps between them. It dawns on me that this has just become the fight of my life.
I don’t have time to wait for Rico to save me. I’m going to have to save myself. I calm down enough to think. He rips the front of my dress, causing me to scream out.
I punch him in his throat and begin to reach under the desk for the pistol I know Rico keeps there. Panic begins to rise again as my hand doesn’t connect with the handle right away. Unfortunately for me, this asshole recovers and comes at me again.
He wraps his hands around my throat, but I keep reaching for the gun. He reaches between my legs and rips my swimsuit. Tears fill my eyes. This can’t be happening to me.
I didn’t even notice him following me in here. I think I’m going to be sick. With the hand not searching for the gun, I try to push him off.
My brain is in shock as I finally find the gun and grab it from under the desk. I release the safety, then lift it to his temple and pull the trigger all in one breath. The shot doesn’t make more than a hissing sound as a silencer is on the end. I sit shaking as I stare down at the body on the floor.
“Oh my God,” I choke out.
I look up at the mirror that hangs behind the desk. Snot bubbles are coming from my nose, and tears are streaming down my face. I can feel myself shutting down.
Just then, Rico and Mario burst through the door. Rico runs for me, freezing as he rounds the desk and finds the body on the floor. The rage that fills his face makes him look like a monster has taken over his body.
Mario is the first one to snap into action. He pries the gun from my hand, then rushes to lock the door. Rico tugs his shirt off and begins to pull it over my head.
They are talking, but I can’t hear anything they’re saying. My ears are ringing. Rico cups my head and pulls it into his chest. I inhale him deeply and begin to relax.
I just took my first life. Oh my God, I have a body on my jacket. Uncle Claude’s words come back to me.Don’t let them get you into anything I can’t get you out of.
I did what I had to do.
Rico
“I’m excitedto finally start planning for our future. The engagement party is going to be ah-mazing. Everyone who’s anyone should be there. Don’t you think so?” Juliana prattles on.
Meanwhile, I’m doing my best not to tell her to shut the fuck up. I lock gazes with Mario and notice the panic in his expression. I quickly shoot him a text.
Me:What’s wrong? I sent her inside. Relax.
Mario:That’s not the problem. I lost sight of that asshole. The guy in the gray and white short sweatsuit.
I look up and glance around the crowd. I don’t see that guy either. When I noticed him earlier, I had wondered who had invited him.
“Where are you going?” Juliana whines as I start to walk off.
“I need to make a call,” I toss over my shoulder and keep moving.
