Killer Crown

But because I did not do what I should have done, mother has punished me. Even from her grave she knows what I have done.

'You're a dirty girl Zero. Dirty girls deserve to be punished.'

You were right mother, dirty girls do deserve punishment, and i've been horrible. I except my punishment and I will make it up to you. I swear it.

[A week before the wedding]

"Ok señoras, los necesito a todos para probar sus vestidos de dama de honor. Nadie puede usar el mismo vestido, pero deben complementarse!"

(Ok ladies, I need you all to try on your bridesmaid dresses. No one can wear the same dress, but they must complement each other!)

Lina walks back and forth yelling at all the girls with a clipboard in her hand and a bluetooth in her ear.

"Lili, maybe you should calm down a little. The girls know what-"

"No Kaz! Your big day is only a week away and everything has to be perfect! I have the reception planned and the caterers have-"

"Lina, breath."

She inhales and exhales.

"Good, now lets just look at what they've decided to wear."

***

As soon as the car stops, I hurry up to my room and collapse on my bed and kick off my shoes.

"Long day mami?"

Ricky sits on the opposite side of and rubs my legs,

"Mhm, I don't think I want this."

"Hmm, explain."

"I mean we've already been to the courthouse so I don't understand why we have to spend so much money on a big wedding."

"Well, we don't have to if you don't wanna."

"But Lina's been planning this for months now and pulling out last minute would infuriate her."

"Heh, in my experience ladies like it when you pull out last minute."

I kick him,

"That was kinda funny but no more."

"I've never heard a woman say that before."

"Ricky, enough. I'm trying to serious."

"Ok ok, listen. This isn't about her, this is about what you want Kazmaria. So if you want a simple wedding then goddamnit, you'll get one."

I roll over on top of his chest,

"I love you Ricardo."

He rest his hands on the arch of my back and looks me in the face,

"I love you too Kaz, but I think you have some calls to make."

"Can't it wait till tomorrow? I just want to take a shower and go to sleep."

"Ouu, a shower sounds nice."

His mischievous smirk makes my heart flutter,

"Are you suggesting that we shower together Mr. Hernandez?"

"Oh no mami, we definitely are."

'I'm having total déjà vu right now. Have I been over his shoulder like this before?'

He puts me in the bathroom counter and locks the door,

"Eres tan hermosa."

(You're so beautiful.)

He pushes a loose curl behind my ear and steps closer until there's no space between us.

"Te amo Kazmaria, yo siempre."

(I love you Kazmaria, I always will.)

I put my hand on the back of his head, drawing his face close to mine,

"I love you too Ricardo. Today and forever more."

Our lips collide and sparks fly. I can feel my blood rush as his hands explore my curves and his tongue dances with mine in perfect harmony.

It's amazing how he still makes me feel like that 19 year old girl having her first kiss.

"Mhm, Ricky..."

We never made it into the shower. But we made it on the counter and the floor. I don't know why but I can't seem to get enough of him.

"Damn Kaz, i'm beat."

"Hmm,"

I wipe away the sweat from his brow,

"Likewise. Maybe we should actually take a shower now."

***

"Hey Lina, I know it's a little early but I don't think Ricardo and I really want a big wedding. I've been thinking about it and i'd just be more comfortable if it were a small gathering. I'm so sorry for waiting so long to tell you but I-"

*Beep beep*

"Did this bitch just die? Whatever, she'll get the idea."

I put my phone on the charger and head downstairs.

"Morning hermanita."

"Hey Carlos. You sleep down here again?"

"What can I say? Giant tv plus beer clearly equals me blacking out. You going somewhere?"

"Just going for a jog. I'll be back in a few."

"Mkay, be safe!"

I do a few stretches and start my jog. I run as fast as I can for as long as I can. Until my throat burns and my lungs feel like they're on fire.

I lean against a wall to catch my breath. I noticed that I've run too far from home I'm not quite sure how to get back.

"Shit, I left my phone."

I look for a phone booth but I can't seem to find one. I walk for what seems like hours until I end up in the rougher part of town. Several violent looking men stare at me as I pass by.

They whistle at me and start to catcall,

"Maldita niña, te ves bien como el infierno!"

(Damn girl, you look good as hell!)

"Whew, deberías venir a sentarte en mi cara mami!"

(Whew, you should come sit on my face mami!)

They horseplay and laugh amongst themselves but I try my hardest to ignore them and walk on the other side of the street. I walk a little faster but the faint sound of footsteps throws me off. I turn down an alleyway to try and get rid of them. The footsteps are gone but I decide to wait a little longer just to be sure.

"Bitch ass. I coulda killed em all right then and there."

I mumble to myself.

"Is that right?"

One of the men from earlier found me. He looks me up and down and grabs his crotch,

"I hope boss doesn't kill you,"

His friends join him,

"I'd really love to spend some quality time with you."

They move in closer and a few pull out switchblades.

'Seven against one? I like these odds.'

"Vamos entonces perras."

(Come on then bitches.)

They all charge at me at once. I snap the short ones neck and grab his blade. I cut the others throat and stab another one. One makes their way behind me and puts me in a tight headlock. I try to stab him but a bag is thrown over my head. I kick and scratch but someone punches me in the stomach.

'What the hell? It hurts?'

I touch where I was it and my hand is sticky. Blood. I'm bleeding. He got me. Damnit!

"Let me go you assholes! I'll fucking kill you all!"

The mans grip on my neck tightens and I start to feel lightheaded.

'I'm not going out like this. No way in hell.'