Page 11 of Dangerous Seduction

The reality of the situation hit me. For the unforeseeable future, I would be Eva Morales, a glamorous enigma wrapped in designer threads, rubbing elbows with the crème de la crème.

“How did you pull this off so quickly? I mean, I literally just signed on for this gig.”

Morrow took a step back, a cryptic smile on his face. “Let’s just say I’ve got some ‘business associates’ eager to watch Ricardo Reyes and his cartel crash and burn. We’ve been biding our time, waiting for the perfect person to infiltrate their ranks.”

“And who exactly are these mysterious business associates of yours?”

“Sorry, sweetheart. That’s classified information at this point. But trust me, we wear the white hats in this scenario.”

A chuckle escaped me. “You know, that’s exactly the kind of line the villains always use.”

Morrow laughed, heading for the door. “You’ve got a shitload of homework to do, Ramirez. I’ll check back in a couple of days. Don’t let me down.”

For the next seventy-two hours, I barely left my apartment. I was drowning in the files Morrow had dumped on me, obsessively memorizing every goddamn detail. Names, faces, the tangled web of alliances and feuds that held the cartel together - I devoured it all, determined to become Eva Morales inside and out.

I practiced walking in high heels, experimented with different makeup looks, and watched countless hours of Spanish-language television to fine-tune my accent. Morrow even brought a stylist to teach me the fashion terminology and how to coordinate my outfits to reflect a woman of Eva’s stature.

As the days turned into weeks, I felt myself slipping into Eva Morales’s persona. She was bold and vibrant, a woman who commanded attention whenever she entered a room with her confidence and ability to navigate the treacherous waters of high society with grace and poise.

Morrow checked in regularly, offering guidance and feedback on my progress. He was a harsh critic, but his insights were invaluable, helping me refine my portrayal of Eva until it was second nature. One afternoon, after a particularly grueling training session, he pulled me aside, his expression serious.

“Luckily, you were wearing tactical gear during the raid, so Dante couldn’t get a proper look at you, but your eyes could still give you away,” Morrow said, handing me a box of blue contacts. “Start wearing these so you’ll get used to them.”

I took the box, nodding. “Got it. Thanks, Morrow.”

After the final week of preparation and training, I was ready. My six-week leave of absence was over. Tonight, Eva Morales would enter Dante Reyes’s world.

I sank into the bed, my mind wandering to the man who was my primary target—the cartel prince with piercing blue eyes and a voice like velvet sin.

I shivered at the memory of his intense gaze raking over me in that warehouse, the way his full lips had transformed into a wolfish smirk as he’d uttered those fateful words: “I’ve got a better idea. I’ll let you live. Consider it a nod to your... dedication.”

Even six weeks later, the recollection of that encounter sent a delicious shiver racing through me. Something about Dante, raw and primal, called to my soul’s darkest corners: the intoxicating thrill of dancing with danger.

But I couldn’t afford to lose myself in those kinds of thoughts. Dante Reyes was the enemy, the kingpin I had sworn to take down, no matter the cost. Any lingering attraction I felt towards him was nothing more than a fleeting distraction, one I would have to bury deep within me if I hoped to succeed in my mission.

A soft chime from my purse snapped me out of my reverie. I reached for it, my heart skipping a beat, when I saw the name flashing across the screen: Val.

A rush of warmth flooded me as I swiped to open the message, my best friend’s words lighting up the screen.

Hey, girl. I know you’re gonna kill it as Eva Morales, but please, for the love of God, be careful out there. These cartel assholes are no joke, and I can’t lose you too. Remember our code: if shit hits the fan, text me ‘red velvet,’ and I’ll be at our usual spot with backup. Stay safe, Nat. I’ve got your back, always.

As I read the message, a lump formed in my throat. Val’s unwavering support and concern shined through every word of her message. She was more than just my partner and confidante; she was my sister in arms, the one person I could trust implicitly in this dangerous game we were all playing.

I quickly tapped out a response, my fingers flying across the screen. Thanks, Val. I’ll be careful, I promise. And don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten our code. If shit goes sideways, you’ll be the first to know. Love you, girl. Wish me luck.

With a heavy breath, I set my phone aside and rose from the bed, padding across the plush carpet to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The city stretched before me, a glittering tapestry of lights and life, pulsing with the energy only Miami could offer.

This was it, I thought, pressing my palm against the cool glass. No turning back now. From this moment on, I was Eva Morales, a woman of mystery and desire, a creature crafted to lure one of the most dangerous men in the world into my web.

SIX

DANTE

I tapped my nails against the town car’s side window irritably, cursing under my breath as Pedro whipped around yet another corner. This detour was burning daylight, and the hairs on my neck told me we had unwanted company.

That sleek black Cadillac had been trailing us since we left the mansion, maintaining a discreet but unmistakable distance. At first, I’d chalked it up to a coincidence, but my instincts kicked into high gear after a few strategic turns failed to shake our pursuer.

“What do you think, Mr. Reyes?” Pedro’s gruff voice crackled through the intercom, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror.

---