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“What is it?”

“I don’t think Ms. Morales will be the pushover we all believed she’d be.”

“Why is that?”

“She wrote the acceptance note herself, at least according to the goon who had it delivered. He was none too happy when he shoved it personally into my hand. I almost cut the bastard.” He walked toward me, still wearing an amused if not slightly annoyed expression.

“Did you read it?”

“No, sir.”

“Then why do you believe she’ll be a ballbuster?”

“Just a feeling.”

I snatched it from his hand, turning around to read her response in private. The envelope was sealed and I’ll be damned if I didn’t detect a hint of perfume. I pulled it under my nostrils and almost immediately felt an unexpected twinge in my groin. The fragrance was familiar.

With the flap torn free, I tugged the card from inside. Her words were straightforward, even blunt. Only her use of cursive writing indicated any softness.

Mr. Torres

As you might imagine, my family is in mourning and there is much work to be done. However, I will accept your offer if my conditions are met. We will have the meeting tonight at seven sharp. I will come to your home for our discussion. I will be accompanied by several of my men. If this is acceptable, have one of your men send me an email with your address and affirmation. Please note, you will not be provided with another opportunity should this one not be acceptable.

Madame Morales

Her email address was listed underneath.

Genevieve.

I could imagine how softly the syllables would roll off my tongue when spoken.

As soon as I finished her reply, not only did I smile, but my aroused cock pressed against my trousers. There was something priceless about a woman with spunk. Perhaps because I was used to dealing with girls who fawned all over me, longing for attention and their share of fame.

“What did she say?” Navarro asked.

“You were right. She’s going to be difficult, but I’ll take pleasure in breaking her resolve. We’re having guests tonight. Have the staff ready the entertainment facility and have a discussion with our chef about preparing a special meal.”

“You’re not seriously thinking about inviting her to the estate.”

“Are you questioning my authority, Navarro?” I swung around to face him.

He threw up his hands. “No, sir.”

“Good, because it’s too early for engaging in acts of punishment. I haven’t even had my goddamned coffee.” I pulled the envelope to my nose, drinking in the scent for a second time. I would be eager to meet Morales’ daughter. With no photographs of her anywhere I could find, I hoped to find joy in the surprise.

“I’ll take care of the arrangements,” he stated.

Kruz was leaning against the doorway, grinning as he always did when he sensed my irritation.

“What do we know about Ms. Morales?” I asked. Kruz had been tasked to discover as much about her as possible, although given the lack of a social media presence or any photographs online, it would appear Mr. Morales had taken his children’s safety seriously.

“Very little other than she was offered the position as theabogada. However, I was curious why a woman of her age had simply disappeared for a few years. Even if her father had forbidden her from going on social media, she is in her twenties.”

A painful reminder that I was somewhat older than the girl. “And?”

“I called in a couple favors and learned she went to law school in New York City.”

“Really?” I was surprised a man like Julio would allow his daughter to live somewhere so far away and without his protection.