"I've been expecting you," Reyes said, not looking up from his paperwork.Alejandro closed the door to the office firmly behind him. They'd known each other for over twelve years, the boss knew his knock by now. Reyes had lured Alejandro away from his Venezuelan commando unit with the promise of riches and a life-saving health treatment for his mother. He'd gone to work for the Bolivian mobster and never looked back. They didn't stand on ceremony with each other. Now he stood in front of the same desk he'd been in front of thousands of time – dispensing advice, giving his valued opinion and taking orders."Permission to take a helicopter."Reyes didn't look up. "Denied."Alejandro was pissed by the immediate denial of his request but unsurprised. There were multiple helicopters for a reason – so the family wouldn't become stranded in the valley in case of emergency. He gritted his teeth. He considered this an emergency and so would the doctor if he laid so much as one single finger

Alejandro wrapped an arm around her waist and held her tight as they walked across the tarmac toward the waiting vehicles. True to his word Reyes had sent four men with two armoured vehicles to meet them at the airport. The men would act as Alejandro's security while he was in La Paz wooing and wedding his woman. He wasn't entirely pleased with the interference, but he knew better than to question it.He held the door open and slid in next to her. Something in his chest seemed to relax and release slightly as he was finally able to look his fill. Soon he would touch and taste as well. No more waiting and watching, creating rules, corralling her; narrowing her world as he jealously watched over her from a distance. He'd known he wasn't being exactly reasonable in his commands. He hadn't cared. He'd wanted her to himself, yet he'd forced himself to wait. Gave the woman time to come to terms with her life in the mountains, come to terms with the brutal enforcer that would one day become

In the hour since he'd left Gina to prepare for their evening out darkness had fallen and the city of La Paz was beginning to come alive. Alejandro stood on the balcony of his hotel suite leaning against the railing and watching the street five stories below as lamps twinkled to life and people waved down their rides to wherever they were going; restaurants perhaps, clubs, bars, wherever the evening took them. He squinted against the pungent smoke of his cigar, inhaled and then tapped it against the railing, watching disinterestedly as the ash drifted lazily. He wondered if this particular habit bothered Gina. He'd tried quitting many times. It never worked for long and his men always bore the brunt of his bad temper with each attempt. He shook his head and smiled sardonically. If the lovely blond asked, he'd quit in a heartbeat and he had no doubt he'd be successful this time. He took another quick puff before knocking the cherry off on the iron railing and tossing what was left of

Gina knew she shouldn't be outside at that time of night. It was one of Alejandro's many rules. The women, especially family, were never to walk alone after dark. But damn it, she needed air. She was used to independence. After Sosa had helped her escape from America, ensuring she wasn't caught up in the senseless slaughter of her's and Casey's entire family, he'd placed her in his country home in Venezuela. But she'd mourned terribly for her family; her dead parents, her beloved older brother, missing and murdered. Beckett had been only a few years older than her, protective and loving, set to take over the family business, killed in his prime. When Gina couldn't find happiness in Venezuela, Sosa moved her to London where he had connections and she could easily disappear in the massive metropolitan centre. In Britain she'd grown up, grown independent and learned to relax and enjoy life. Upon learning that her cousin was alive and thriving, Gina had returned to South America. She put

She watched him through lowered lashes as he circled her slowly and then stopped in front of her not touching physically but holding her enthralled with the warmth of his gaze, his domination, his determination and his love. The music started, and she immediately recognized Goten Project's popular Santa Maria from La Revancha del Tango. She stepped around Alejandro and gave him her hand indicating she was allowing the dance to proceed. He whirled her into his arms and proved to her quickly that he knew exactly what he was doing. That hands soaked in blood were equally capable of caressing and dominating a woman in dance.Within moments, exhilaration replaced trepidation as they flew across the floor together. Gina had no time to worry about counting steps as she followed Alejandro's every step, snapping into place beside and in front of him as he led their dance. She kicked her leg over his and then back over, twirling away from him and then gasping when he gripped her hard and turned