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“I don’t think you want me to do that.”

“Antonio. Do not argue with me. Not now. Not ever. Do you understand?” I tried to keep an authoritative voice, but I was shaking and likely visibly. The last thing I needed to do was to show any sign of weakness.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Ma’am. By birthright, I was now the drug lord, although I had no idea what you called a female plunged into this position. It was unchartered territory. Still, I should be offered the same respect as my father.

He skulked out and Emiliano immediately walked toward me. I threw my hand out, shaking my head.

While he stopped in his tracks, I could tell he was worried and annoyed.

“You don’t know what you’re doing,” Marco added, his chiding words irritating me.

“Maybe not in the way you’re thinking, Marco, but right now, I’m the one in charge.”

“Not for long.”

I controlled my emotions and my anger while turning my head toward him. With his pinched face and hate-filled eyes, I was reminded once again of his age, certainly not ready to run an organization where violence and death were constants.

“Leave, Marco,” I told my brother.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

I sighed. It was truly getting difficult controlling my anger around him. I was standing in a fancy dress and heels, our father’s blood covering me, and he wanted to argue who was better suited to run the empire.

“Go. Now.” I snapped my head in his direction.

He huffed, but thankfully, stormed from the room. Only then did I take a deep breath.

As I heard footsteps, I steeled myself. I’d need to act quickly, doling out punishment without wincing or reacting in any way. How in the hell was I going to do that? I was no fucking leader, at least not in the eyes of men who used women, tossing them away when they were finished with their fun and games.

As several of the hitmen entered and I didn’t see an enemy soldier being dragged in, I glanced at my commander who shrugged.

I’d seen many horrible things in my youth, although my father had done everything in his power to shield me from the worst of his required actions. What I didn’t expect was for one or more of the men to take my earlier command as gospel.

Antonio was watching my reaction as were all the others as the large silver platter was brought into the room.

It was a test of my willpower and strength. My stomach immediately did flip-flops, bile rising up from my throat, but I forced myself to keep from reacting. With sheer determination, I walked closer, taking my time doing so. Once standing in front of the repulsive gift, I glanced from one to another of the men in the room, locking eyes with them.

Goddamn all of them. They wanted and expected me to break.

“Make certain pictures are taken and sent out to all our enemies. I want people to know what happens to anyone who fucks with the Morales Cartel. And I want the person responsible found. That’s your main objective. Find him.” With that, I spit on the head and took a decided step away.

No one said anything.

“Did I make myself clear? You do not want me to repeat myself.”

“Yes, Madame Morales. We’ll take care of it,” Emiliano answered for all of them, but that wasn’t good enough for me.

I offered one more look at every man until they all lowered their heads out of respect.

Point one for me.

Meanwhile, I was shaking like a leaf in a heavy thunderstorm.

I stood right where I was, daring anyone to defy me.

Fortunately, no one did, but I sensed utter disappointment I hadn’t fallen apart. I was furious they were testing me, hoping to prove I was nothing but a weak little girl.