Page 101 of Unruly

Catherine knew this because she was one.

Because she lived with a boss.

Because two bosses had raised her.

Her entire family was made up of leaders, and this man was not one of them.

“Samuel,” Catherine said quietly, “please don’t take offense to me saying this, but I came here to speak with someone who I assumed would be able to give me, and the Three Families in New York, a supply of cocaine. I was told outside that the boss would be waiting inside for me here. You are not that person.”

The man smiled faintly, and his gaze darted over her shoulder.

Catherine dared not turn around to see what he had looked at.

Apparently, she didn’t need to.

“You’re right, Catherine, he certainly isn’t. Brother, would you mind stepping out?”

The feminine drawl slid to Catherine’s spot with a detached tone, yet still firm with authority.

Catherine almost nodded to herself.

That was the tone of a boss ready to do business.

Samuel stood from his seat as Catherine got up from hers. Turning, she faced a tall, dark-eyed, black-haired Hispanic woman who was exceptionally beautiful. For a second, Catherine simply stared at the woman.

She barely passed Samuel a look as he moved beyond her, and disappeared into the hallway. In fact, the woman didn’t take her eyes off Catherine as she sipped from a cup of what smelled like coffee.

“Abril Gomez,” the woman said, and held out a dainty hand with gold rings on each finger. “Pleasure to meet you, Catherine.”

Catherine took the woman’s hand, shook it, and then let it drop. “And you, Abril.”

“Good catch on the boss thing.”

Was it?

“I’m actually not surprised,” Catherine said.

“Why is that?”

“You’ve put a lot of effort into layering who you are, Abril. A lot of protection goes into hiding who runs the cartel.”

Abril smiled coldly. “It used to be my father. Then, another one of my older brothers. Now, it is me.”

Catherine thought of Haven, and young Maria. She stayed quiet, though.

“Men still have their issues with women in power, especially men who have not seen me cut a man’s balls off for trying to betray or disrespect me.”

“I bet.”

“Mmm. Makes it difficult when buyers intend to meet with a man, but instead, find a beautiful woman standing in front of them. Sometimes, they like to push a little too much. I find it easier to layer my identity through my men. I make more money that way. It’s not good for business to kill your associates, after all.”

Catherine couldn’t help herself.

She laughed.

Abril smiled, too. “Haven said I would like you.”

Catherine stilled. “You talk to her?”