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I stared at him, trying to keep my hand from shaking. “You’re really hoping I’ll believe you didn’t have anything to do with my father’s death.”

“I didn’t.”

“Then why were you at the restaurant at the same time? I find it curious that you managed to leave just minutes before all hell broke loose.”

“A fortunate occurrence, likely because my meeting didn’t go as planned.”

“And meeting me? That was simply an accident?”

He grinned and rubbed his jaw. “A very pleasant one. I had no idea who you were.”

“So you just randomly kiss strangers.”

“I was drawn to you as you were to me. You can’t lie to me and tell me you didn’t feel the explosion we shared.”

“I felt nothing but contempt as I do right now.”

Every time he laughed, another shiver danced down the back of my legs. “You’ll need to forgive me if I don’t buy what you’re saying. I am a man, after all.”

“Yes, you are. A dangerous, arrogant man with a desire to be king of Spain.”

“I’ll just accept the prince’s position.”

He was infuriating, so much so I could easily lose my cool around him. “If you didn’t have my father killed, then who did? I have been away from my father’s world for several years. Why don’t you share your insight with me? Men talk. They can’t keep their mouths shut.”

“That’s what I’m hoping, but honestly, at this point I don’t know.”

“But you have your suspicions.”

“Yes, but I’m not ready to talk about it until I know for certain.”

I decided to crowd his space this time, but as soon as I did, I caught a strong whiff of his aftershave. Just like everything else with the man, the scent was pure power and raw animal magnetism. I licked my lips without realizing what I was doing and he caught the gesture, narrowing his eyes.

“Let’s just say I give you the benefit of the doubt; what is the offer you’re prepared to make me?”

“Such a businesswoman. I thought we could get to know each other better first.”

“This isn’t a social call.” I glanced into my glass, suddenly wondering if he had spiked it with anything. What would bethe point? Keeping me locked away so he could burn down my house? The thought brought a slight moan up from my throat.

“Relax, Genevieve. As you said, this is a meeting. It would do me no favors to hurt you.”

I took a deep breath. “Tell me what your offer is.”

“My suggestion is that I give you a fair price for your father’s business holdings. You can keep the estate, of course, as I won’t be needing the property.”

“And my men?”

“Your father’s men will be provided with exit money, but they are of no use to me.”

“No use to you. Of course not. I’m certain you discard men right and left, women too.”

“I don’t employ many women in my organization.”

Was he saying this just to get a rise out of me? I had to admit it was close to working, but I refused to be conned by a man who flaunted his murders. He had no respect for life and obviously no conscience. I laughed in spite of the tense conversation. “I get it. You can’t handle a woman being in a position to challenge you. Tiny little balls to match a minuscule dick?”

The flash returned in his dark eyes, amusement quickly following. “I have a figure for you. Would you like to hear it?”

I allowed myself to take a sip of the drink, savoring the flavor by closing my eyes. I might as well provide him with the sense he didn’t bother me. “Why not?”