Page 12 of Killer Kiss

There was nothing like family for being able to be your true, authentic self.

Shame that also applied to my mother.

Her true self was despicable at the best of times.

Vincent didn’t bother knocking when we got to the door. He just tapped out the security code and strolled on in like we owned the place. He shoved one hand deep in his pocket, most likely reassuring himself he had a knife at the ready.

If I hadn’t already checked my own weapons, I probably would have done the same. “Mother dearest! Could you come on down here, please? The fruits of your loins—well, two of them anyway—are here to visit you.”

Vincent wrinkled his nose at my word choice but didn’t comment.

My mother popped her head over the upstairs railing. “My babies! I’ve been waiting for you!”

Despite the fact she was getting on in years, her hair graying and skin weathering from too much sun, she still moved well with soft, graceful steps. She hurried down the elegant staircase, trailing one perfectly manicured set of nails along the polished banister.

She went straight for Vincent, which was hardly surprising, since he’d always been her favorite. Couldn’t blame her really. When all you valued about your children was their ability to take care of business, Vincent had always outshone me and Fawn. Not that I was a slouch in the contract killing department. I liked a good neck snap as much as the next guy. But Vincent had a darkness I’d never quite mastered.

One my mother adored because it set our family apart from others like us.

Vincent stiffened when Mom wrapped her arms around him, swaying back and forth like he was a toddler who needed comforting. She pulled back, gripping his arms to look him in the eye.

Even I saw her expression droop when she realized her affection wasn’t returned. “Oh. Vincent.”

One of my brother’s alter egos was her favorite. Just not this one.

She turned to me, her dark eyes taking in my outfit choice and then her nose wrinkling. “Have you put on weight?” Her gaze swept over me, head to toe, lingering on my thighs and hips. “You’re getting lazy.”

I rolled my eyes. “So lovely to see you again too, Mother.”

I was used to her constant criticisms, and even more familiar with pretending they didn’t hurt. Turning away, I strode into her spacious kitchen, sucking in a breath to calm the little girl inside of me who still craved her approval.

I hated that little girl. She was so stupid. Craving something from a woman who was never going to give it.

Vincent followed me but froze the moment he stepped foot in the room. “What is that?”

Mom shoved the dark-colored gym bag in my brother’s direction. “Take a peek and see. I think you’ll like it.”

His jaw clenched, and through gritted teeth he barked out a single syllable. “No.”

But he stared at the bag like it might open and spew evil into the room at any time.

Or like he might actually want to open it.

A spiteful smile flickered at the edge of my mother’s lips.

I glared at her, shoving the bag off the edge of the counter and away from my brother. It hit the kitchen tiles with a solid thump. “Don’t do that. We’ve already had this conversation. He’s not interested in your job bags. He’s out and he’s staying out.” I glared at him. “Don’t let her drag you back into her bullshit, V. You’ve got a family to think of.”

He gave me a tiny nod, his knuckles going white from how hard he gripped the marble countertop.

“Fawn is missing,” I told my mother, changing the subject and drawing her attention away from Vincent.

She squinted at me. “Fawn who?”

I gaped at her. The fact she could even say that about her own daughter was astonishing. “What is wrong with you?”

She lifted a shoulder. “Why would I care what Fawn is or isn’t? That girl decided her own fate when she walked out on her family.” Her gaze strayed to my brother again, a warning in her tone. “You don’t do that and expect people to still care about you.”

I stepped in front of him, trying to protect him from her poison.

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