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Why was it every time Genevieve reared her head like a lioness, I became aroused? “And the note said?”

“‘This is what happens to anyone who fucks with my family.’”

I burst into laughter. “The girl has balls.” I thought about how best to handle her. “When is the funeral?”

“I’ve yet to see it announced,” Kruz said, his eyebrows lifted.

“When it is, let me know. I’ll need to have my best suit cleaned for the event.”

There was little I hated more than wearing a traditional suit.

Or funerals.

Perhaps my hatred for certain attire was because while spending a portion of my youth in boarding schools, I’d been forced to wear a uniform. Zero personality and an even worse fit. Since I’d been a gangly kid yet to grow into my height, I’d always looked like I was wearing my father’s suits, which had been four sizes too large.

As I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the cobalt blue tie, I had to give credit to the Italian tailor. On little more than a day’s notice, he’d crafted an exceptional piece, the fit as close to perfect as I’d had.

I yanked down my shirtsleeves, grabbing one of the onyx and diamond cufflinks. At least I’d look the part of a mourning friend for Julio’s funeral. I didn’t enjoy wasting time with methods of pomp and circumstance under the guise of giving a shit. Weddings. Funerals. Birthdays. Graduations. They were all a ridiculous attempt at garnering attention or gifts.

However, today was a special event.

This was the day a new chapter in my life would begin.

It was difficult not to think about Genevieve. I’d even allowed myself a fantasy or two about stripping her free of clothes, exploring every inch of her voluptuous body.

I would do that and much more.

And if she disobeyed, I’d spank her bottom until it was the shade of her rosy lips.

The filthy thoughts always brought my cock to full attention. Today was no different. I wondered what she was thinking since she’d heard nothing from me. No phone call. No attempt at retaliation.

Just utter silence.

It must be killing her.

Granted, from what I’d heard, she’d had her hands full in dealing with other inquiries about selling the business. After a few days she must be exhausted. Perhaps she didn’t understand what they were really doing was acting like true predators, sharks circling the water as blood continued to drip from her wounds.

And she had them whether she knew that or not.

Soon she’d realize that news of her leadership had been disseminated not only throughout Spain, but in other countries as well. It wouldn’t be long before many of her solid verbal contracts would disappear. She believed in honor, yet there was none in the world of crime.

That would make her even more nervous and hungry. She’d be much more amicable to my upcoming… suggestions. Little did she know this time I wouldn’t take no for an answer.

As I was just fixing the second cufflink, I heard a knock on the door. One of my housekeepers opened the door, which I could see from where I stood in the bathroom.

“Excuse me,señor.SeñorBlanco andSeñorDelgado are waiting for you in the study.”

“Thank you, Christine. I’ll be right down.” I checked my watch. They were early. That meant there was either some news or a possible problem with completing the task that would unfold during the funeral.

I grabbed my jacket and headed to the door. Nothing was going to stop me from succeeding today. If someone tried, heads would roll or worse. I wasn’t in any mood for a single challenge. I heard them talking as I jogged down the stairs. When I walked inside, they both stopped in mid conversation.

“Please. Don’t allow me to interrupt.”

They looked at each other, each jockeying for the right to discuss it with me.

“Are you certain you want to do this?” Navarro finally asked.

“This? As in head to the funeral?” I threw on my jacket, remaining right where I was.