Page 23 of Crime Lord’s Captive

“You came into my life at a time when I wasn't sure I could go on without her.”

That penetrated through her numb fog. She frowned.

“I felt that Gavin knew enough about the business to take over. He was reckless, but I figured he would learn from his mistakes. I went into the office on the weekend to take care of some odds and ends and you peeked into my office.” Manny's mouth quirked. “You were waiting for your dad to finish work and you asked if I needed help with something. No one dared to disturb me and here you were, a slip of a girl, coming into my office and plopping down in a chair as if I was Santa Claus instead of the big bad wolf.”

It was strange to think that that moment changed the course of her life. If she had kept to herself, she never would have gotten involved with the Pyres and she wouldn't be here right now.

“I knew as soon as I met you that you were special.”

Manny’s words were an echo of what Carmen said earlier in the day. What the fuck was so special about her? No one, including herself, wanted to be where she was right now. If she was special, why did she have bruises on her body? If she was special, why was her life being dictated by other people? If she was special, why was she so afraid?

Almost as if Manny sensed her distress, he turned her hand over and pressed a kiss on her palm.

“You’re special,” he said again and searched her eyes. “Your father did a number on you, that worthless asshole. The only good thing he did in his life was bring you into this world. If he wasn't so selfish, he would realize that. Your mother isn't much better, that airhead.”

He shook his head. She saw a flicker of anger, which he instantly controlled.

“The day you came into my office, you changed my life,” he said solemnly. “I couldn't believe you were Pat’s daughter, that he managed to create something so beautiful and pure. You have so much of my wife in you, originally I suspected you were a reincarnation of her.”

Lyla stared at him. She wasn't sure how she felt about reincarnation, but she remembered being drawn to Manny, compelled even. As soon as they met, it felt as if they’d known each other all their lives. Manny felt like the safe haven she never had with her parents.

As she stared at Manny, she saw hope, loneliness and a plea for understanding. Something inside of her shifted. Lyla leaned forward and rested her forehead against Manny’s. His tears fell silently. She wrapped her arms around him and tried to offer him even a moment of respite from his grief.

“I wanted to tell you so many times, but I didn't know what you’d think. Now, I have to tell you or lose you like Gavin and I can't allow that. I love you, baby girl,” he whispered.

His words reverberated with truth and emotion. Lyla's heart split in two. She mourned with him—for what he lost and what she had never experienced. She wasn't sure how long they stayed that way, embracing and comforting one another before he moved. He sat with his back against the pillows and pulled her down so her head rested on his knee. His hand sifted through her hair. She had never felt more loved and cherished than she did at that moment. There was nothing sexual in his touch, it was a pure need for human contact.

“Meeting you, it gave me life again and hope, not only for myself, but for Gavin as well.” When she stiffened, he made a cooing sound and stroked her hair and face until she relaxed again. “Since Gavin and I are so similar, I knew he would recognize in you what I did and I was right. He's never committed to anyone the way he did to you. I knew he had other women on the side. I knew he would get rid of them once he made you his wife, but he kept putting it off and then it was too late. I saw you once after you found out he cheated. Your light, it was gone. I saw it had a profound effect on Gavin. I thought he would be able to change your mind. Before he could, you left.”

Silent tears ran from the corners of her eyes and were absorbed by his pajamas. It hadn't been an easy decision to leave.

“I knew within two weeks where you were.”

Lyla jerked and stared at him with wide eyes. He sniffed and wagged his pointer finger at her.

“Gavin still has a lot to learn, but I have my contacts.”

“You knew and didn't tell Gavin?”

“Gavin fucked up and because of that, I thought you deserved time to do what you wanted. I had a man check on you at least once a week in the beginning and then once you got established, once a month. One time Gavin’s investigator got close to discovering where you were so I derailed him with false information. That was kind of fun.”

Lyla laughed weakly. How could she be laughing after the hell she’d been put through? But, miracle of miracles, she was. She also felt calm and safe, two things she shouldn’t feel unless she was away from the Pyres. “Why did you do that?”

“Because you deserve to live your own life. You were content and Gavin fucked up. Sometimes you only get one chance and I wanted him to learn that lesson.”

Lyla hesitated and then asked as gently as she could, “So, are you going to let me leave?”

“No.”

Lyla closed her eyes as disappointment flared. She made a movement to get away from him, but his hand, gentle but firm, kept her in place.

“Let me tell you why.”

Lyla gave a curt nod and waited.

“Gavin changed when you left. He's relentless and merciless. That's why, when the investigator located you this time, I didn't interfere. Gavin needs you.”

“Manny, I can’t—” she began brokenly.

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