Page 7 of Ruthless King

I was here to murder a man.

When the car arrived to take us to Nico, my nerves increased tenfold. We were all silent on the drive, and after a long while, we pulled up to a large mansion. It resembled more of a compound than a beautiful home. Armed guards walked around the perimeter. Nico wasn’t messing around.

I still had no idea how I would kill him or get out. Beatrice was still iffy on those details.

She told me to stay in contact with her, but if Nico chose me for his bride, I wasn’t sure how I would manage that.

We were led inside the house, which at least was more beautiful inside than out. Marbel floor. Chandelier overhead. A large staircase leading to a second floor.

And in walked a man who was so handsome, I almost felt my head spin.

It was obvious he was Nico. Just the way he held himself made it clear he owned this place. A shorter, awkward-looking man stood behind Nico, seemingly disgruntled about the situation, given how he glared at us.

When Nico asked for my name, I almost stumbled. I almost said “Aurora Costa,” but I said “Keller.” I did it.

And now, as Nico slides his gaze away and speaks to the blonde woman beside me, I can’t help but feel like I’ve already failed before I’ve even begun.

Chapter

Two

AURORA

Nico approaches the blonde woman next to me. He’s so close, I can smell his cologne – a mix of sandalwood and peppermint. His dark hair is perfectly styled and doesn’t move an inch as he leans in closer to the woman.

“Your name?” he asks her.

“Sarah,” she whispers, not looking confident any longer like she did back at the hotel. I feel for her. This place is terrifying. Nico is terrifying. His mansion is surrounded by guards. Even within the foyer, two guards are stationed at the doors, keeping an eye on us.

How am I supposed to kill him with this many guards around? Even if I managed to succeed, I’d be dead within seconds. How can I kill him and survive?

Beatrice didn’t prepare me. She just threw me in the deep end and expected me to figure it out. She’s probably lounging around the pool at the hotel, living her best life, while I’m heretrying not to sweat through my dress as Nico stands so close to me.

He barely gave me a second glance when he asked for my name. I’m not sure what that means. Does he not like what he sees? All the women here are beautiful, meaning I don’t stand out any more than they do. How can I get his attention so he chooses me to marry?

“Sarah what?” Nico asks the woman.

“Sarah Williams. I come from a long line of Williams who?—”

“I don’t care,” Nico snaps, cutting her off. Finally, he steps away from her, and I can breathe again. “I already said it. Who your family is doesn’t matter. I’m looking for a woman who can impress me. One who’s worthy of being my wife. All of you come from money, that much is obvious. So, you’ve learned to not ask questions. You’ve learned to do as your told. And what I’m telling you is to impress me. Not cower before me.”

Easier said than done, I think. Nico is an intimidating figure in his navy suit and brown hair and piercing eyes. He looks like he walked off the cover of a magazine; he’sthathandsome. That also makes him more dangerous.

“Next,” he says, nodding at a brunette beside Sarah.

“Amanda Sharon,” she says, flipping her hair over her shoulder. Unlike Sarah, Amanda doesn’t seem scared at all. The goal is to impress Nico, and I can already tell he likes her confidence.

Nico smirks at her before looking to the next woman. Once we’ve all said our names, Nico invites us into the living room. The guards follow. I can feel their eyes piercing into my back like they know what I’m here to do.

Beatrice was able to get me into this room, but the rest is up to me. However, I don’t feel brave and strong. I feel like a lamb being led to slaughter.

My mind flashes back to the one time my father was served lamb at a party. I was there with him and my mother. It was for some charity he was involved in. The details don’t matter now.

My father pushed the plate of lamb away and said he couldn’t eat that. It was horrible to eat a baby animal. Even as a man in a dark, dangerous world, he still had good morals.

That’s what made him so safe to be around. I knew if he fought hard to protect baby animals, he’d protect me.

Now, he’s dead, and he can’t protect me from anything.

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