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“No, my guess is what’s been heard is correct.” I eased my head against the headrest, swiveling the chair as much as the edges of the desk would allow. “I’m certain Mr. Torres wasn’t happy when I left his office last night.”

He walked closer. Instead of wearing a suit, as I’d become accustomed to during his security detail over the past few years, he was wearing black cargo pants and a matching tee shirt. At least the form-fitting material perfectly highlighted my commander’s sculpted muscles.

For a brief few seconds, my mind faltered, allowing me to return to the night before. Jago was most definitely what most women would call the perfect male specimen. It was too bad he was such an arrogant prick.

“I mean no disrespect, Madame Morales, but what actually happened with the two of you? You looked like you’d been in a physical fight.”

My most trusted soldier was sporting a swollen lip from his attempt to break into Jago’s office. The two enemy soldiers holding court at the door had looked much worse.

I rubbed my finger across my lips. They were still slightly swollen from Jago’s rough kiss. “Let’s just say I helped him understand some women aren’t instant pushovers. Plus, I was able to highlight a few MMA moves of my own.”

He laughed. It wasn’t often his eyes lit up with amusement. At least today was one of them.

“You very much remind me of your father. He would be proud of how you’re handling this.”

Proud. I wasn’t certain how to respond to his sentiment. “I’m acting on instinct.”

“A damn good one but be careful of Jago. He has a short fuse.”

“At this point, so do I. Do me a favor, Emiliano, watch my brother. Marco is determined to become a soldier. I don’t want that life for him.”

“If I may say, just remember your brother is as distraught as you are, likely more so since he hasn’t been given a purpose. All men need a purpose in their lives.”

“But he’s still a boy.”

“In your eyes, maybe, but he was forced to grow up much faster than most children. Plus, he’s almost eighteen.”

Groaning, I rose to my feet. “Don’t remind me, but I suppose you’re right. As much as I hate to admit it. Allow him to train, but by no means do I want him assisting in whatever war we’re facing.”

“Understood.”

My commander had an uncanny ability to push me without uttering a single word.

“I’ll need to handle this head on. Won’t I?” I wasn’t certain if I was asking or just making noise.

“You know what to do, Madame Morales. What I said before I meant. You have the best instincts for this job I’ve ever seen.”

I laughed, thoughts drifting to Jago. He was brutal. There was no doubt he would do what it took to undermine me. “I don’t know about that, my friend. But it’s what I need to do. It’s time I entrench myself in my new life.”

“Just do me a favor, Madame Morales. Don’t lose the woman I’ve grown to care about very much.”

While I understood what Emiliano was saying, what he hadn’t completely realized or accepted was that I’d tried my best to prepare for such a horrible event for several years. I wasn’t the sweet girl who’d left Barcelona for a better life. I’d been forced to become a soldier battling a war I hated.

One thing was certain.

Every aspect of my life, my faith, and even my trust in humanity was about to be challenged.

“What do you want to do?” Emiliano asked.

“Work with Antonio to establish a list of possible Torres targets. I’ll make a determination once provided. We strike together.”

He cocked his head. “You’re not going.”

“Oh, yes, I am. It’s obvious I have no respect with the hitmen or anyone else involved with my father’s organization. That needs to cease, or we’ll be destroyed. The only way of doing that is to show a sign of force.”

I sensed Emiliano wanted to caution me. What he’d likely tell me wasn’t something I hadn’t bludgeoned my mind to death with over the last few hours. Few men appreciated or wanted change.Few women held their respect. I had a tough mountain to climb with sharp drop-offs, but what choice did I have?

“Yes, ma’am.”