by Rachel Angel
“Mom, you were there at Keystone when all of us left. How did Mr. Keystone die?”
“Not at Keystone. He didn’t die there. He died abroad. Some construction site he was visiting for a new Keystone building. It blew up. The entire building just blew up, and he was inside. They couldn’t find him afterwards. Nothing was left intact. No body, no clothing. Nothing. They assumed he was dead. Nobody could have survived an explosion like that.”
“Why wasn’t this in the news?” I asked.
“This happened less than a month ago, and his estate was still trying to figured out what to do. They needed to find an heir to his mass fortune and to his companies before they announce anything.”
“So, the reading of the will,” I said. “That’s what this is all about…naming an heir or heirs.”
“Maybe…so could Mr. Keystone think of you as an heir?”
“Mom, I don’t know? Why would he? I’m not related to him.”
Mom was silent for a while before she spoke up. “Baby, I wanted to tell you this a long time ago, but I didn’t know how. When I was younger, I had three boyfriends, and one of them was just a fleeting one-night stand kind of thing. Turns out it was Mr. Keystone when he was younger, and just a big player. He probably didn’t even remember it. So…”
“Mom! You can’t be having a Mama Mia moment. I can’t be Mr. Keystone’s daughter, and possibly the sister to the Keystone brothers.”
“No,” Mom said laughing. “Just pulling your leg ha ha!”
“God Mom, you just nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“Just trying to get you to de-stress. It’s stressful enough being at Keystone with those boys…just be careful, Baby. I don’t want you to get hurt again. Those boys…they can be cruel can they. Just remember, you’re stronger and smarter than all of them.”
“Okay,” I said. “I’ll remember.”
“I love you, Kaley,” Mom said.
“Love you too,” I said. “I can’t wait to get this over and out of here. See you soon!”
And with that, I quickly hung up the phone and took a look outside my window of my car where I was parked in with a clear view of the local diner.
There was the police car that was supposed to be trying to find Jonah Sloane. Sutton and his partner had been in there for hours. What could they possibly be eating that could take that long to finish? A dozen boxes of a dozen donuts? A Thanksgiving feast?
I had finished my egg salad sandwich and milk an hour ago. Now I wished I had brought a fruit or some snack at the small grocery store next to the diner.
Finally, Sutton and his partner (what was his name?) went flying out the door of the diner and into the police car. I nearly choke on my milk as I had to put it back into the cupholder next to me and start up my car.
Then I was off, following Sutton at a good distance where I could still see him but wasn’t too obvious in following him.
After a while the police car pulled into an area with an old abandon warehouse.
I inwardly involuntarily shudder remembering the abandon warehouse I was lured into when Ash and Bianca almost killed me. I stopped and parked my car on the side of the road, where I had a good view of the police car and whatever action was going to take place around it.
Then I sat into my chair after placing a few go-pro cameras on the dashboard. Whatever I think was going to happen would give me something good to film.
After all, with over a billion dollars in assets and real estate, holdings, you name it that Keystone owned, it was worth fighting for. If I was to be part of the reading of the will, then there was something Mr. Keystone wanted from me or for me that goes beyond the grave. And I had better be prepared for it.
Chapter 12
Seb
I quickly changed out the envelope containing the will with another duplicate envelope and will in Sloane’s briefcase.
The forger was so good, his work was sometimes mistaken for masterpieces in some of the most prestigious and celebrated museums of the world. For him to forge the will of Dad’s, was a piece of cake. But it did cost a pretty penny, which I hope to make back.
Meanwhile, Sloane himself, tied to a rusted metal chair in the middle of the empty warehouse was still knocked out, giving us enough time to exchange the will, clean up, and get out.
Thomas still had his black ski mask on, and I still had my black face mask and baseball cap. We were dressed in all black. Nothing recognizable.
“Quick,” he said. “Cops are here. Time to go.”
I grabbed everything of ours and left, leaving Sloane in the chair, and planting some fake evidence next to his case. Then we left.
Epilogue
Kaley
I was sitting in my car when I saw Sutton walking with a disheveled Sloane to the cop car. Sloane didn’t look hurt but just disoriented.
After Sutton handed him a paper cup, which I assumed was coffee, Sloane borrowed Sutton’s phone to make a phone call. I guess whoever kidnapped Sloane had stolen his phone, too.
Soon my phone was ringing.
I picked up my phone and said, “Hello, Kaley speaking. Is this Officer Sutton Gaines?”
“Um, no, Ms. Crawford,” Sloane’s voice said.
“No?” I acted surprised.
“It’s Jonah Sloane, Mr. Keystone’s attorney. I wanted to say thank you for calling me last night. It probably saved my life.”
“How?” I asked.
“Well, I got jumped and then kidnapped,” he said. “The police concluded it was your testimony and statement that helped them find me. So thank you for that Ms. Crawford.”
“How horrible,” I said. “I hope you’re alright.”
“I’m shaken up and sore from sitting in an uncomfortable chair all night, but I’m fine. So…I know you’ve been waiting eagerly for this to take place, and with the help of Officer Sutton, they’ll drop me off at the Keystone Manor for the reading of the will. Will you be there?”
“Of course I will be,” I said.
“Good, good,” Mr. Sloane said. “I’m calling each of the boys now. See you in a bit.”
“See you later,” I said. “And please give my regards to Sutton. I’d love to see him again.”
Sloane chuckled as he relayed my message to him.
I heard Sutton’s voice chuckling too in the background.
“He said he’ll love to invite you to dinner soon and maybe a movie,” Sloane said.
Then another voice said, “Hi Kaley, told you we’d find him. Now sit back and relax, darling. And let me handle some things from now on.”
“That’s sweet, Officer Sutton,” I said. “I’d love to have you handle me, um, my things but first, let’s see how all this goes, and dinner with the movie.”
“Sure thing, sweet thing,” Officer Sutton said. I could hear the desire in his voice as he said good-bye.
Just as I could hear the anticipated disappointment in the Keystone brothers’ voice later at the reading of the will.
They think they can change out the original will and fool everyone especially me? Guess again.
I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve myself, boys. Until next time…
*****
Kaley, Seb, Thomas, and Ash’s story will continue in Book 2 of The House Series.
Haven (Book 2)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087BFJWK5
A Note from Kailin Gow
Thank you for reading HOUSE.
If you enjoyed it, please let others know by leaving a review.
Reviews are the lifeblood of authors like me. It helps keep the books you enjoy reading stay alive, much like supporting your local restaurant and shops.
That’s the best support any author can ask for!
THANK YOU!
RACHEL ANGEL
Bio and Book Series
An international bestselling author, Rachel Angel writes stories about Strong Feisty Women and the men they tame in RH, Bully Romances, Dark Romances, Fantasy, PNR, and sexy billionaire
Romances. Rachel Angel is a pen name for a million-selling author who worked as an executive at Fortune 50 corporations, in legal and production at cable television channels and at the Walt Disney Corporation. Beside being a full time author with various pen names, she appears in front of the camera as a television host, voiceover artist, and is a frequent guest on top 15 National Radio as an authority on women’s issues, the entertainment industry, and women empowerment. Her non-fiction books have been number one bestsellers, used by organizations such as the US Mental Health Association. Pushing the edge of romance, books published under Rachel Angel explores the hidden, dark, and even deepest desires of human romances, while featuring strong female leads.
BOOK SERIES
BAD BOY ROYALS OF KINGSBURY PREP (Complete)
RH New Adult/High School Bully Dark Contemporary Romance – HEAT 4 out of 5
Tempest and The Black Envelope (Books 1 and 2) with Bonus and Clue on the Treasure
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z44T1PF
Revenge
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SQP3HL3
Secret Princess
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YLHJ38K
Fallen Royals
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XXC625K
Reign of Rebels
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XM3FKW6
Link to Kingsbury Prep Series
https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B07S7ZVZWQ
Complete Series Box Set
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08781CS94
Kingmakers of Kingsbury Series
RH Bully Fantasy Paranormal Shifter Fae Romance – HEAT 4 out of 5
Long before there was an All-Royals Academy called Kingsbury Prep, there was the Kingmaker and her kings.
As Violet Kingsbury, I was born to be a kingmaker. In a time when wars were common and thrones were fought after, the only name that could bring about peace...the only man that could trump the decrees of kings was Kingsbury. The Kingmaker. But when the legendary Kingmaker is disposed, and the time of the Choosing has come, can I, the daughter of The Kingmaker rise to take the place of my father? I am about to find out as the strongest, most capable, and most legendary princes across the lands come to challenge me for the Choosing including 4 of the most handsome princes who not only wants to win, but to want to win me, too:
Avery
Axel
Reggie
Ollie
Becoming Kingmaker, even as The Kingmaker's daughter, will not be easy in a male world where ladies were supposed to be damsels who needed saving. To become Kingmaker, I will prove to all, especially the princes, that I am here to stay, and will be the one doing the saving. **Kingmakers of Kingsbury Series, is a Reverse Harem Bully Romance with mixed genres elements, action, and mature scenes recommended for age 17 and up.
Kingmaker’s Kings (Book 1)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082QMNCW4
Kingmaker's Kiss (Book 2) (May 18, 2020)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084BZYW28
Kingmaker's Kill (Book 3) (July 28, 2020)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084BT8154
HEARTBREAK FALLS
RH Bully Dark New Adult/High School Romance Mystery – HEAT 4 out of 5
With a name like Heartbreak Falls, one didn't expect to find love at the new town I had moved to courtesy of my new stepfamily aka Mom's new husband and his sons.
Something was up with my new rich stepfather, his sons, and what happened to their last stepmother. Something was up with the entire town, which my stepfamily seem to run. Along with the school where my stepbrothers reigned as cruel princes. All 3 of them were known as The Heartbreakers. Two were twins and my age, and then there was Tristan, the oldest. Gorgeous but god-awful hateful to me. What was up?
I was about to find out...if I lived long enough.
**Heartbreak Falls is a RH Dark Bully Romance and mystery for 18 and up. It is YA/NA and has themes of bullying and sex. If that's fine with you, then dig in! Bully Me Not is book 1 of 5 and contains a cliffhanger.
Bully Me Not
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XNQV36Q
Break Me Not
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XX7HZZZ
Dare Me Not
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z4369V7
Destroy Me Not (June 29, 2020)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084C143VR
Love Me Not (September 28, 2020)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084BTRVYN
Link to All Series
https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B07Y6PZ57G
UNSAFE HAVEN (In Sinful Secrets Box set) – To Be Released Separately in November or December 2020
My name is Haven Hillshire. They say that what doesn't kill you will make you stronger. During the last semester of my junior year at an elite academy in New York City, I was almost killed as a result of a bet. Three of the most gorgeous and popular boys at the Academy was suddenly interested in me. Now I know why, and I will get my revenge...as long as I don't lose my heart. **Unsafe Haven is part of the Heartbreak Falls Series, a Reverse Harem New Adult Dark Romance for age 18 and up.
HOUSE
RH Dark College New Adult Romance – HEAT 5 out of 5
It was his last will and testament.
For one week, four of us was to live together. Play nice to each other like we used to when we were kids.
Seb, Thomas, Ashford and me.
Three of Mr. Keystone's sons and me, the maid's daughter.
All those years, the three sons bullied and ridiculed me because I was the maid's daughter.
So, why was I back? Why did I cared to be in the same house as those three tormentors?
Because I was in Mr. Keystone's will.
He had always been kind to me, even if his sons weren't, so I could only honor his wishes. And he was like a father to me, and didn't treat me like the maid's daughter. But as soon as I could, I left to go to college. Two years ago. Meanwhile, the boys went their separate ways, too. Estranged from each other.
So why was I here having to live in the same house with his sons for a week?
I don't know, but I'm about to find out, even if it meant my old adolescent feelings for all three of them might surface again. And if being in the mansion we called a house together might jog some memories of the wild nights we've had here.
It's just one week. I could survive that. Or could I?
**House is the first book in The House Series, which is a Reverse Harem Dark College Romance recommended for age 18+ due to mature themes.
House (The House Series, Book #1) (May 26, 2020)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0863Z36S5
Haven (The House Series, Book #2) (August 25, 2020)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087BFJWK5
Habit (The House Series, Book #3) (Nov. 2, 2020)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087B6MZDM
HEIRS (The House Series, Book #4) (Feb. 8, 2021)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087BCKS27
Haunt (The House Series, Book #5) (April 6, 2021)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087BGL27P
Home (The House Series, Book #6) (Nov, 2021)
FALLEN FAE ACADEMY
RH Bully Romance Fantasy Paranormal Fae – HEAT 4 out of 5
"At Fallen Fae Academy, the magic will either complete you or kill you."
My name is Harley, as in Harlequin. Plucked from my home from Las Vegas, NV, and placed into an University on an arts scholarship, suddenly I am the girl the four hottest and most popular boys have decided to "initiate".
This is no ordinary "hazing" ritual, and these boys are no ordinary boys.
This mysterious University looks like any ivy league campus, but it isn't. Step in and you are transported beyond your wildest imagination. I should be ecstatic being here. Except surviving "Initiation" is going to take everything I've got.
Don't let the beauty of the four fae boys fool you. They are as dangerous
as they are beautiful. And underneath everything, runs a deep secret. One I need to find out before Initiation kills me.
They think a human is weak. They think I shouldn't be at this university. I'm about to prove them wrong.
**The Fallen Fae Series is a 6-book RH Academy College Bully Romance Series featuring a badass heroine, four deadly, striking fae princes, heart-pounding action, super steamy love scenes, and great romance.