Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79097 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 395(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
I let the weight of my words settle. “We have many other lucrative avenues of revenue to pursue.” Murmurs ripple through the room, some nodding in agreement, others looking uncertain.
Lev stands, his presence a silent promise of support. When his deep voice rings with authority, the men sit up straighter. “Isabella and I are united in this decision. We expect loyalty and commitment to these new directives. Anyone who disagrees is free to leave—but understand that opposition will not be tolerated.”
It’s crucial they know that Lev and I will rule together. They might try to defy me alone, though usurping my place of position would be difficult since none of them have Morales blood. But none dare defy me with the power of the Romanov Bratva at my back.
I look into Lev’s eyes with my next words. “I have secured an alliance with the Romanov Bratva. The combined forces of our families will forge us into a powerhouse.”
We hold hands in front of everyone. I stand straighter. “Any questions?”
I field a handful of questions, but thankfully, these men were loyal to me, and few were to my brother, the dictator. It’s honestly going better than I anticipated.
Over the next few days, we work tirelessly. I do my best to be firm but fair with Lev by my side. Slowly, I begrudgingly earn the respect of the remaining few who were initially skeptical, those I hadn’t won over before Javier’s demise. With Lev’s strategic mind and unyielding support, the transition is smoother than I had hoped.
Within a few days, our trafficking ring crumbles like a rickety old bridge. I take pleasure in watching those held captive set free while simultaneously working our other income streams. Solidifying the cartel’s new normal will take time, but the initial days are promising.
With the amount of work that we need to do, we stay a bit longer than planned. It doesn’t take long for us to hit our first wrinkle. I’m honestly relieved because there’s no possible way we’d skate through this transition without opposition. I’d rather bring the toxins to the surface now and cleanse them for good.
“A small faction is resisting our new direction,” Juan-Carlo tells me, scrubbing a hand across his leathery face. His warm brown eyes are wary. “Address them directly and publicly. They are too cowardly to continue.”
I nod and call a meeting.
When everyone is assembled, I take my place as their leader. I stand and address them.
“It’s come to my attention that some of you are unhappy with my decision to end what my brother began.” I sip on a glass of lemon water, hoping my nausea subsides. I need to stay strong in the face of adversity, no matter what it takes. No one here needs to know I’m pregnant yet. They might see it as a vulnerability they can exploit, and I have yet to determine who’s loyal.
Damn it, though, I’m craving a good, hearty plate of golden empanadas and an afternoon nap, but duty calls.
One of the dissenters stands, his voice laced with defiance when he addresses me. I know exactly who he is—Luis Esperanto. “You are ruining us! Your plan eliminates forty percent of our income.” He spits on the floor, eyes flashing. I open my mouth to speak when Lev gets to his feet, his hands clenched.
I put a steadying hand on his shoulder.
“Ruining us?” I scoff, my voice cutting through the tension. “Esperanto, what’s truly ruining us is clinging to the filthy, reprehensible business of human trafficking. It’s a stain on our legacy, a legacy that I will not allow to be tarnished any further. If you’re so concerned about our income, perhaps you should focus on expanding the countless other ventures we have instead of whining like a coward.” I meet his gaze squarely. He isn’t the type to take direction or a dressing down from a woman, but I give him no choice. I place both of my hands on the table in front of me.
“And let me make one thing perfectly clear,” I continue, my eyes boring into his. I put the full weight of my power as leader of the Los Sangre Dorada behind my glare. “This organization will evolve, with or without you. Adapt or get left behind. If you can’t see the value in forging a more honorable path, not to mention the potential of far more lucrative means ahead when we eliminate distractions and harness the power of our resources, then you’re not just a hindrance—you’re a liability. And liabilities, Luis, have no place in my operation.”
“Are you threatening me?” he snaps.
Lev vibrates beside me, holding himself back with concerted effort.
“Oh, love,” I say, my voice laced with condescension. “You are hardly a threat. You are so much more expendable than the women you parade so casually.” I cock my head to the side. “When was the last time you gave birth to an heir?” Some of the men snicker.