Page 3 of Beautiful Dangerous

Javier told me I could be anyone I wanted to be. Do anything I wanted to do. As his widow, the only thing I’d wanted was to carry on his legacy. It was what he’d wanted, too, for me to take his place, should anything ever happen to him. I just never thought it would happen so soon, but it did. It has. He’s gone and I’m in control now. Head of the Delgado cartel. But this life, it wasn’t one I’d ever been destined to live. I used to be an ordinary woman, living an ordinary life. Until I took that holiday. Until that night…

It was fifteen years ago that I’d first met Javier Arturo Delgado. I’d had no idea who he was, not at first, and by the time I did it was too late. I was in love. And even if I’d wanted to I couldn’t have walked away because, by then, I knew too much. But that had been my decision, to know everything.

My choice.

Mine.

Would I change that now, if I could go back? Would I choose to stay ignorant of the kind of man my husband was? I don’t know. Maybe. All I really know is that the day I met Javier Delgado everything changed. Everything…

Fifteen Years Earlier…

“Here. Let me get that for you.”

I look up to see a tall, handsome man with short, dark hair and a neat beard pushing open the heavy glass door that leads out from the hotel bar back into the sprawling atrium. He’s wearing an expensive-looking gray suit and an open-necked white shirt, no tie, and he has the kind of presence that demands attention. He has mine, but only for a moment or two, before I realize I didn’t need him to open the door for me. I’m pretty much capable of doing that all by myself.

“Thank you.”

But, you know, I’m still polite. Manners matter.

“My pleasure.”

His voice is deep and smooth, his accent making every word he utters twice as sexy.

“I trust you are having a pleasant stay here in Mexico?”

“Yes, thank you, I am. It’s a lovely hotel.”

He smiles, but I keep my expression wary. I’m a woman alone, in a country I’ve never visited before, and despite his friendly demeanour I still have to be on my guard.

“Good. As the owner of this establishment I like to make sure my guests are being looked after.”

Oh. Okay, so, this guy owns the place. Fair enough. “I’ve no complaints.” And that’s the truth. This hotel is more than lovely, to be honest. It’s pretty great, actually. It’s spotlessly clean, ridiculously comfortable, and my room has a view of the pool, a complimentary mini-bar, and the kind of shower you want to spend way more than five minutes in.

“That makes me very happy. I’m Javier Delgado, by the way.”

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Mr. Delgado. But, if you don’t mind, I’m really tired. I’d like to get back to my room.”

“Of course. Good night. And if you need anything, please, don’t hesitate to contact the front desk.”

“I will. Thank you.”

Clutching my purse to my chest I collect my key-card from reception and head toward the elevators. Javier Delgado is already a distant memory as I look forward to stepping under a warm shower; sliding between cool, crisp white cotton sheets and cradling my head on pillows I never want to lift it from. But I might have one last night-cap out on the balcony first, before I bring this day to an end.

Swiping my key-card, I nudge the door open with my shoulder and flick on the light, throwing my purse down onto the bed. Unclasping my necklace, I slip it off and turn around to put it down on the dressing-table, and that’s when I see them – the bouquet of vibrant orange, green and yellow flowers. The bottle of champagne with a small envelope leaning against it. What the…?

I pick up the envelope and slide the card out.

Enjoy the rest of your stay. With compliments, Javier Delgado.

How the hell did he manage to get these to my room in the time it took me to ride up here in the elevator? And, more to the point, how did he know which room was mine? I never told him my name…

But what I didn’t know then – what I’m more than aware of now – was that Javier Delgado could find out anything, about anyone, any time he wanted…

Two

Olivia

I have two main residences – the estate here in San Diego, and another one in Rosarito, Mexico. Both are beautiful. Both have ocean views, stunning gardens, and more space than I need, inside and out. Both estates are private, gated, and guarded twenty-four seven, even when I’m not there. It’s necessary. I’m never really alone, because I can’t be. It’s too dangerous. That’s why these homes are Lucca’s, too, where I go, he goes. This is the world I live in, I have no choice, if I want to stay alive.

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