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A hitman, the Spanish Cartel’s moniker for soldiers within my father’s army. They were tough, highly skilled, and willing to die for the cause.

He placed the folders on my desk, daring to look me directly in the eyes. If I were a man, that would be considered a sign of disrespect, even punishable by death in certain cases.

I decided to let it slide.

There was no sense in getting blood all over me before my big coming-out party. That wouldn’t add to the supposedly festive mood.

When he remained right where he was, I rose to my full height. Fortunately, I was tall enough that in my chunky-heeled boots, I was able to look him square in the eyes.

“Puedes irte ahora.”

You can go now.

I’d purposely decided to use Spanish so he’d realize from day one he couldn’t talk behind my back. While I also knew Catalan, the second language used by Barcelonans, I’d rarely spoken it over the last five years. Besides, almost everyone in Barcelona considered themselves bilingual.

His eyes opened appropriately wide. He nodded and headed out of the office. The slight slam of the door was a clear indication he wasn’t thrilled at being forced to wait hand and foot on the firstborn child and princess of the Morales Cartel.

To hell with him. As a teenager, I’d been forced to deal with the snide remarks and lewd comments. No longer.

I was an accomplished woman who’d returned on one condition.

I’d handle my father’s business affairs my way.

Period.

How I missed my beloved donuts.

CHAPTER 2

Genevieve

Put a smile on your face. Pretend you’re happy.

Sighing, I did my best, the pretense something I used to be successful at.

The restaurant was full of people, several waiting by the door for a table. As soon as I walked in with my entourage, there wasn’t a single head that hadn’t turned in our direction. While I was used to the notoriety, I instantly felt claustrophobic. It had been a long time since I’d been paraded like royalty. I sucked in my breath, held my head high, and walked through the crowd as I was led toward the back of the building.

Only a few steps later, I suddenly felt as if I was being watched. A slight hitch in my step forced my bodyguard, Emiliano, to bristle. I threw out my hand and turned my head, shifting my gaze from one side of the room to the other. When I finally found the source of the prickles now adorning my arms and neck as if priceless jewelry, I was shocked at the intense sensations flowing through me when our eyes met.

Even from across the room, I was able to capture the stranger’s dangerous beauty. He was breathtakingly handsome with a strong chiseled jaw. The man was emitting carnal vibes while remaining polished and very much in control.

Emiliano flanked my side, following my gaze.

“You were let out of your cage for the evening,” I teased as I felt the heat cresting along my jaw.

He issued a growl, something he’d started doing the first time I’d tried to leave him behind in New York. “I need to keep my eye on you. Obviously. This isn’t a social event.”

“Ha. I’m a big girl now and I thought that’s exactly what this party was all about.” I took another deep breath. Why did the dress need to be so low cut? Of course, Papa was using my return as both a business-making venture and a warning. He enjoyed putting the fear of God into people.

“Let’s not keep your father waiting.”

Sighing, I gave the attractive man a nod and he lifted his glass in return. It had been a very long time since I’d felt even a small amount of attraction for any man, no matter how gorgeous.

As I was guided away, an overabundance of heat coiled in my system.

“Why the pomp and circumstance, Emiliano? My father knows I hate it.” I was whining, but after a long flight the day before, a room full of people was the last thing I wanted to face.

Emiliano stepped in front of me, immediately motioning to the other man who’d ridden in one of the two vehicles flanking the SUV he and I had ridden in.