Page 86 of Crime Lord’s Captive

“So you killed more than one.”

Gavin said nothing.

“I called Armand. He said we’re postponing the wedding,” she said gently. She wasn’t opposed to it, but he could have told her himself.

“I have to take back the reins for both businesses. I don’t have time to get married right now.”

His dismissive tone scraped her raw. Lyla ignored the pain and asked, “What do you want, Gavin?”

“Control.”

“Of?”

“Everything. And until I get it, I’m not going to stop.”

“Does that apply to me as well?” she asked.

He eyed her impassively. “I won’t allow you to sway my decisions anymore.”

Lyla beat back the anger. “Meaning you’re going to stay in the business and risk all our lives?”

“No onewill cross me now.”

She shook her head. “There will always be someone that wants to topple you. You’re in more danger than ever. Within a week I was kidnapped and Vinny murdered. You don’t think that means something?”

“It means I never should have let myself be distracted by you!”

Lyla stepped back from the force of his shout. In the house, the remaining guests quieted. Gavin panted as he tried to reel in his emotions, but he was unraveling in front of her. Guilt and rage ripped across his features.

“Just leave me be, Lyla,” he said and walked away from her.

Lyla walked back into the house and began to clean up along with the staff they hired. She couldn’t stop moving. If she did, she’d break down. When the last guest left, she and Carmen collapsed in her bed.

“Its over,” Carmen whispered.

“Yes,” Lyla agreed.

“What did Gavin say?”

Lyla swallowed hard. “He postponed the wedding indefinitely and told me that he won’t allow me to sway his decisions anymore.”

“Dumb fuck,” Carmen said and wrapped her arms around Lyla. “What are you going to do?”

“I don’t know. He blames me for Vinny’s death.”

“It’s no one’s fault but the man who pulled the trigger,” Carmen said and let out a long sigh. “I’m not going to lie. I’m glad Gavin killed him.”

“I know.” She slept better knowing that Pervert and his partner were dead too, but the price Gavin paid was dear. He morphed from a man looking forward to his future back to a man who thought he had nothing to lose. All hope, excitement and love extinguished. Hate and rage took precedence over everything, including her. Where did they stand now? Another curveball in her life, another bump in their relationship. Did she bide her time until Gavin calmed down and try to coax him out of the darkness? Or, should she cut her losses and leave? Lyla hugged Carmen. She couldn’t leave, not when her cousin needed her. Plus, she wasn’t capable of making any decisions right now, not when grief weighed her down.

“I know I’ve been difficult. I’m glad you’re here,” Carmen said.

“Of course.” Silently, Lyla added, it’s the least I can do.

“You and Gavin will figure it out.”

“He’s human just like everyone else. He can be killed.”

“If I knew what would happen, I would’ve told Vinny not to take it, to get out of the business altogether.”

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