Page 1 of The Killer Who Kept Me

CHAPTER ONE

“Power doesn’t corrupt people; people corrupt power.”

~ William Gaddis

Saros

It was a beautiful November morning.The sun was out, the air was crisp, my coffee was perfect, and most of all, I was enjoying it in silence. That was, until a door slamming from somewhere in my estate echoed off the walls, followed by stomping feet…That must be Cosmo.

I sighed and readied myself.

Three, two, one.

“Were you even going to tell me you were meeting Frazee tonight at The Sky?”

“Good morning, Cosmo. How are you this morning?”

He rolled his eyes and shot me a strained smile. “Morning, Boss. I’m actually irritated this fine fucking morning, if you must know.”

In this situation, if someone were to walk in on us, they’d likely think it was Cosmo who was the head of this family, feared by many, more powerful than anyone that sat behind the desk in a house made of white. But they’d be wrong. Cosmo was my second in command and my brother-in-law. The fact that he was married to my sister was why he wasn’t choking on his own tongue right about now…and he knew it.

“I’m sorry you’re upset—do sit and have some coffee.” I narrowed my gaze and sneered. “I insist.”

Cosmo sat across from me and poured himself coffee from the carafe. I let him have a moment to collect himself before I spoke once more.

“When you married my sister, you became my brother. It gives you more leeway than anyone else, but if you storm into my house like that again, making a scene, you’ll be walking with a limp for the rest of your life. Do I make myself clear?”

Cosmo swallowed loudly and placed the mug on the table. “My apologies; you’re right.”

“I know I’m right. What if I had someone here? I’d have had to explain to Dafni why you had two black eyes and then when she found out the reason, she’d break your nose.”

Dafni wasn’t violent, but she was tough. She understood this life and how everything we said and did mattered. I loved Cosmo, trusted him like no other, and I knew Dafni did too. So if he forced my hand, she’d know her husband had fucked up.

“It won’t happen again.”

“I know.”

We sat in silence for a beat, and after a breath, Cosmo started over. “Are you going to The Sky tonight to meet Frazee?”

“I am.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

I huffed. “Because you have to be at your daughter’s recital tonight. Marco is going with me.”

“This is Frazee, Saros. You can’t just take Marco. He’s a snake.”

I rose from my seat and buttoned my jacket. “We’re all snakes, Cosmo. Frazee isn’t going to try anything seven hundred feet from the ground, in a public place. Marco will be just fine.”

“I’m going.”

I pointed my finger at him. “You’re in more danger if you miss Maeve’s recital.”

“Saros, she’s three. It’s not even going to be dancing—more like little piglets jumping in a circle, smashing into each other. She won’t remember if I’m there or not.”

“Idiot.” I grinned. “Dafni will know, and she’ll serve your balls to you if you’re not there. I’ll be fine. Video the dance for me…but only my niece. I don’t give a shit about all the other little fucklings.”

“Fine, but I’m talking to Marco before you go.”

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