I took a deep breath, forced to hold it so I wouldn’t make any sound. Think. Think like Papa. I glanced away and had an idea. “Do you think you can locate one of these Falcons and bring him to me?”

  There wasn’t a man in the room who didn’t act surprised.

  “That is dangerous, Madame Morales. Very much so.”

  “Meaning we don’t have the skills to capture this man, or I don’t have the balls to torture him if necessary?” I threw it out casually, but the thought of being watched as I interrogated someone wasn’t on my bucket list.

  Both Antonio and Pedro had the good graces to open their mouths just enough I could tell I’d shocked them. Hell, I’d shocked myself. Who was this woman? I was pretty certain if I looked into a mirror, the bitch staring back at me would keep mum.

  Damn her.

  “Oh, we can capture him, but if we do, Fassi could bring the entire Moroccan army down on us,” Antonio answered.

  “Geography wasn’t necessarily my strongest subject in school, but isn’t Morocco something like twenty hours away?”

  They looked at each other again. I guess they hadn’t learned anything about dark humor or watched Saturday Night Live like ever.

  “The point is, gentlemen, that capturing him and trying to decipher the plan might not only buy us some time to adjust our security measures but also allow us a better understanding of their method of attack.”

  Antonio took a few seconds to look over at Emiliano.

  “The boss has a point,” he confirmed. “We can’t just sit by and do nothing. The best way of discovering information is to try and obtain even a few details from an interrogation.”

  Antonio sighed and turned toward Pedro and the others. “Find one of them. I don’t care how you do it. Just make it happen.”

  “Good.” Although at this point, I wasn’t certain there was anything good about the situation whatsoever.

  “I’ll have another security detail head to the estate,” Antonio added.

  All I could do was nod. Anything else would give away how terrified I felt.

  The men filed out, but I sensed their apprehension from where I was standing. If they only knew how close my teeth were to chattering.

  Once they were gone and only Antonio and Emiliano remained, I grabbed the file once again. “You’re sure about the numbers?” If Antonio’s documentation was on point, I’d been right about my father’s sense of business. He’d worked quietly and tirelessly under the radar for years, building additional wealth few knew about. That upped my power significantly.

  “Very sure.” Antonio walked closer. “I’ll get you up to speed.”

  “Not tonight, but later tomorrow. I need to try and figure some things out.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Antonio started to leave but stopped. “If you don’t mind me saying so, you’re doing just fine.”

  I laughed. Was it possible the sound could be any more bitter than it was? I didn’t think so.

  When it was just the two of us again, I wasn’t certain I had any energy to keep on talking. Or bantering for that matter.

  “You need to get some sleep.”

  Emiliano was right, but I wasn’t certain that was even possible. “I’ll try. I think I’m going to try and watch a show.”

  “A television show?” he grinned. He’d suffered through enough of my love of American-style movies and the binge watching I’d done over the years. “What will it be this time? CSI: Miami or Law and Order?”

  “Oh, I definitely need some tips on forensics. Especially if the Moroccan guy is brought here.”

  “You’re not required to handle every interrogation. You do know that. Right?”

  “Are you giving me a pass, Emiliano?”

  “I’m giving you a pass.”

  I laughed. “Thanks, but I’m still on probation. Remember?”

  “Not for much longer. For the record, you’re not a killer. Allow your men to do the dirty work.”

  “Oh, goody. And I get to keep my hands clean.” I rubbed them together and he lifted a single eyebrow just like he’d done every time my behavior was questionable, or I’d worn something that he thought didn’t suit me.

  Like every dress I’d ever molded my body into. Maybe because they’d been way too short.

  He studied me intently. Another thing he did far too often.

  “Just say it.”

  “I wasn’t going to say anything,” he answered.

  “I know, which is why you need to. I’m out of my mind, perhaps? I’m a crazy old lady who has no clue what she’s doing and will manage to fuck everything up. Right? Or how about that I wouldn’t have a clue how to carve up a man anyway.”

  Emiliano continued to stare at me. “You have good instincts. That’s what I was going to remind you of and I’ll do it again and again until you begin to believe in yourself. Go have some wine. If you’d like, I’ll find some donuts.”

  “Oh, would you please? Pretty please with sugar on top?” I even clasped my hands together as if begging him.

  “Are you serious?”

  It was my turn to roll my eyes. “No amount of sugar-coated goodness is going to make any of this any easier. Go find a nice porn movie to watch.”

  He growled and waved his hand at me.

  When I was finally alone, I stepped back and almost fell before managing to catch myself by grabbing the edge of the desk. I had to laugh at myself, wondering if my father was rolling over in his grave.

  A few seconds later I decided wine was the best choice for the evening. Whiskey would be too heavy. But I definitely needed something to calm my nerves and Papa had never allowed wine to be kept in his office. He’d called it pedestrian liquor. I used to laugh at that, but maybe he was right. Still, cabernet had been my go-to.

  The donut of choice? Chocolate-covered gooey goodness with sprinkles. A perfect combination.

  I pulled the ponytail holder from my hair, tossing my head from side to side as I headed for the kitchen. I’d opened a bottle earlier, taking a few sips before the meeting. My father used to tell me that liquid courage wasn’t always a bad thing, but drowning in wanton unruliness was an affront to God.

  His statement had been made as if he’d heard it from the big man above himself. Maybe he had. My father had truly been a powerful man. I paled in comparison.

  There I went downplaying all my amazing traits again. I listed them in my mind as I pulled down a new wineglass.

  I’d once breezed through an entire mall finding six items in six stores in six minutes flat. Of course that had been when they still had malls.

  I’d managed to order an entire Thanksgiving dinner while taking a test in criminal psychology because I sucked at cooking and the holiday was so not me.

  And I could eat six donuts in less than five minutes.

  Six was evidently my number.

  With the wine in hand, I allowed myself a little laugh. What was life without being able to laugh at yourself? Right?

  The house was strangely quiet. While I knew areas had been soundproofed before, there were men everywhere. Bella was upstairs in her room, likely chatting with friends. If she had any. God. I was a terrible sister. I had no idea if she’d finally been allowed to develop relationships with anyone. I hoped not any boys.

  A single intense rumble of thunder was followed by the brightest flash of lightning going sideways across the sky I’d ever seen. I jumped, sloshing the wine and immediately placing my hand over my heart. I hated thunderstorms. They were dark and demonic, inviting unwanted memories that would forever haunt me.

  I took shallow breaths and licked the drops of wine from my hand as I reminded myself that I was safe. Everything was okay. The family was fine. I was fine.

  Nothing was going to hurt us inside this house.

  Ugh. I couldn’t stay locked inside forever. I’d go stir crazy. After taking another sip of wine, I heard the pitter-patter of rain against the windows. The storm had blasted into the area and I hadn’t realized one had been on the way.

  I took another sip and refreshed my glass. CSI: Miami was the choice. I’d throw on a robe and hide behind my locked bedroom door for the night. Maybe when I woke up, I’d find myself in a different body or at least involved in a different life.

  As I started to head for the door, I had my hand under the range top’s hood to turn off the light when Mother Nature did it for me. I was suddenly pitched into complete darkness.

  “Shit.” Even more than storms, I hated the blackness that came with night. Since I could remember, I’d slept with a nightlight on, even during college. I’d never been able to fall asleep without one.

  What now? I had no idea where or if there were any flashlights. And why hadn’t Papa installed a generator? I was making a mental note to make that happen when I heard a commotion.

  Footsteps. The cavalry was here.

  Pop! Pop! Pop!

  The eruption of gunfire almost gutted me. I froze, uncertain what to do. My instinct kicked in and I moved to an area in the kitchen away from the windows.

  “Breach!” I heard one of the men call.

  “Where is she?” someone else called out. I didn’t recognize the voice, but that didn’t mean anything.

  “Find her. Find the drug lord.”

  The drug lord. I was shaking like a leaf, the sense of reality hitting me like a freight train. I was caught in a terrible reality.

  Bella. I had to get to Bella.

  More gunfire and it sounded close. Something heavy was knocked over. Oh, God. Were they inside the house?

  I managed to shove my wine onto a counter and struggled to know what to do. “I’m in here. My sister.”

  Someone bolted into the kitchen. “Ma’am. I need to take you to safety.”

  “My sister. Go get my sister.”

  The asshole hesitated.

  “Go get her!”

  “Stay right here.” His command was another reminder I was living in la-la-land.

  I slunk down on the floor next to the counter, my nerves completely raw. Fear, unlike anything I’d ever experienced tore through me like wildfire. Jago’s name came into my mind. What was I thinking? Was he doing this?

  No. I couldn’t believe it.

  My hands were shaking, but I finally managed to jerk my phone from the back pocket of my jeans. As I dialed his number, I prayed to every heavenly being I could think of that I was doing the right thing.

  When I got his voicemail, I moaned, but there was no turning back.

  “Jago. I need your help. The house has been compromised. I’m in danger.”

  Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!

  CHAPTER 18

  Jago

  Storms.

  They intrigued the hell out of me.

  I enjoyed them, the more vicious the better.

  Lightning flashed across the horizon, rain already coming down. Soon, the sky would open up and we’d be deluged.

  The fucker actually believed he was going to get away.

  From me.

  “If he hits the autovias, we’ll lose him,” Kruz growled from beside me.

  “Tell me something I don’t know.” The main thoroughfare was heavily trafficked and would prevent me from jackknifing his vehicle, which was what I intended on doing. I pressed down on the accelerator, now going over a hundred miles per hour in a residential area.

  The Maserati I’d chosen to drive could easily handle the curves and should easily outrun the Mercedes. However, whoever was driving knew the roads too damn well.

  I spun around another curve, barely avoiding hitting another vehicle head on. The beep of my phone indicated a message, but I didn’t care. The fucker was going down. I glanced into the rearview mirror. Both Navarro and at least two other vehicles were following. When Navarro took a side road, I knew he’d read my mind.

  We would cut the bastard off.

  Another curve.

  Another push on the accelerator.

  The engine purred like a lion as I shifted gears, spinning around another group of cars.

  “Fuck. Where the hell did you learn to drive like this?” Kruz groaned.

  “There are a lot of things you have no clue I’m good at.” I laughed softly even as the anger kept my full concentration.

  No one fucked with my business and lived to tell about it.

  One more corner and the asshole was forced to take a turn. He would head straight toward Navarro.

  The driver realized his mistake at the last minute, slamming on his brakes as Navarro headed straight for him.

  I swerved to the right, pushing the car once again until I managed to get in front of the jerk. The wipers were going full blast, but I was able to see clearly.

  Navarro yanked his vehicle to the left just as I turned the wheel.

  The driver had two choices. One was to crash into me and the other was to veer off. He chose the latter, slamming into a tree.

  I skidded to a stop, barely putting the gear into park before I jumped out. So did all the other men.

  The car was already smoking, someone inside the passenger seat attempting to climb out. Kruz got to him first, managing to throw open the door while I went for the driver.

  As soon as I opened the door, I hissed. A tree limb had impaled him. He stared up at me with lifeless eyes.

  Fuck.

  The stench of gasoline caught my senses. With any luck, the car would blow.

  Kruz yanked the other man free, tossing him onto the ground.

  I planted my foot on his neck, staring down at him. “Who the fuck are you?”

  He fought with me, grabbing my leg and trying to throw me off. I kicked him instead, lunging down and slamming his head on the pavement. “I asked you a goddamn question.”

  In his dazed state, he mumbled some shit in Turkish. At least I knew what I was dealing with.

  “He’s not going to share anything with us,” Navarro huffed.

  A bright orange flame caught my attention. “He doesn’t need to.” I pulled out my weapon, shooting him in the head.

  “What now?” Kruz asked.

  “Toss him inside. Let the fire take care of it.” I backed away, thoroughly disgusted. Whether this was a retaliation move or not didn’t matter. The capture and kill had allowed me to know my gut had been right.

  As my two men dragged the asshole back to the vehicle, I pulled out my phone, surprised to see Genevieve had left a message at this time. I turned away from the carnage and played the message.

  “Jago. I need your help. The house has been compromised. I’m in danger.”

  There was tremendous terror in her voice and when I heard the explosion of gunfire, my anger turned to rage. But she managed to rattle off her address as if I didn’t know where she lived.

  Fuck. Fuck.

  I turned and rushed toward my vehicle.

  “What is it?” Kruz asked as he jogged toward me.

  “The Morales estate has been attacked. That can’t happen. She’s going to be my wife.”

  Once in my life, I’d felt the need to protect someone that didn’t include my family. One time. In doing so, I’d almost lost my life while being unable to save another. The brutal action had taught me a valuable lesson.

  Evidently, I hadn’t learned very well. I was flying through the streets of Barcelona, completely lost in a vicious haze.

  “We’ll get there,” Kruz threw out. “If this damn storm doesn’t kill us.”

  Wind knocked the vehicle from side to side, but nothing was going to stop me from getting to her.

  “Yeah, we will and I’m going to kill every last motherfucker.”

  “You don’t know who it is.”

  “Not yet. But I will.” I’d tried to call her back and it had gone straight to voicemail.

  We were close, but given the time of her call, too much time had gone by.

  As soon as I made a turn, I slammed my hand onto the steering wheel. The traffic was completely backed up. I was forced to slow to a crawl.

  This just wouldn’t do.

  I glanced out the windshield and skirted into the oncoming lane.

  “Ah, fuck. You’re nuts,” Kruz snapped.

  “You have no idea.” I was forced to shift back and forth. Horns blasted, cars jerking to the side to avoid hitting me.

  I blasted through a light and made a quick right turn.

  “I think my life just flashed in front of my eyes.”

  “Yeah. Just wait.” I floored it again, finally reaching the street where her house was.

  I jerked the car to a stop a full block away. When I climbed out, I grabbed one of the assault rifles, throwing the strap over my shoulder.

  “The lights are off,” Kruz noted. The rain was pouring down and within seconds, we were soaked.

  I didn’t need to order anyone. They all knew exactly how to handle this.

  We rushed on both sides and I moved toward the front door, kicking it in with ease. There were bodies on the front lawn. I suspected most belonged to Genevieve’s men. The stench of gunfire lingered in the air. A shadow caught my eye and I didn’t hesitate to fire.

  All sound stopped as I stormed into the house, swinging the rifle from side to side. The lightning provided a neon backdrop as I tore through her house.

  “Jago!” Kruz yelled and I dropped and rolled, firing off several rounds.

  The fucker went down and I jerked to my feet. The lights suddenly flickered, flashing on and off before remaining on.

  “No!”

  A rumble of thunder suffocated the sound, but I heard it.

  I rushed toward the noise.

  A soldier had Genevieve down, his hand wrapped around her throat. Before I could get to her, she managed to jerk out from under him, issuing a primal roar as she managed to climb on top. She had the knife she’d used on me in her hand and just before she drove the blade into his neck, the asshole grabbed her wrist, twisting her arm and shoving the blade back in her direction.

  I reacted instantly, lunging toward her, as gently as possible pitching her off. I grabbed my handgun and fired off four shots in rapid succession.

  When I was certain the assailant was dead, I turned my head to the side.

  Her mouth was twisted in terror, her face covered in blood. She stared up at me with wide eyes as she gasped for air.