Page 61 of Crime Lord’s Captive

Vinny laughed. “Oh, yeah, but I’m looking forward to it. Gavin’s changing a lot of things. Promoting, firing and putting people through their paces.”

“Why’s he doing that?”

“I think he wants more time away from the office.” Vinny wagged his brows suggestively and she laughed.

Lyla put the meatloaf in and they chatted around the dining table, drinking wine until it was finished. Lyla was disappointed that Gavin didn’t arrive in time, but she had fun with Carmen and Vinny. They were so meant for one another. They finished each others sentences and even though they’d been together since their teens, their love hadn’t waned. Lyla felt a pang watching them. They were so open and in sync with one another. She and Gavin were... She wasn’t sure. They had a volatile relationship that was still a work in progress.

Gavin arrived as Carmen and Vinny were on their way out. It was past nine o’clock and Lyla saw the hard look Gavin and Vinny exchanged before he made his way over to her.

“Sorry I’m late,” he said and gave her a long, deep kiss. “You taste good.”

“It’s meatloaf.”

“Damn, that sounds good.” Gavin turned to kiss Carmen on the cheek. “Thanks for keeping Lyla company.”

“No problem, and thanks for keeping her here. Permanently.” Carmen winked and dashed to Vinny’s car as he revved it.

“Had a good day?” Gavin asked as they walked in.

“Yes. I’m glad she came.” She hadn’t known that she needed girl time. “How was work?”

“Busy.”

She made him a plate of meatloaf and a glass of wine and sat with him as he ate. Something was wrong. She sensed it, but didn’t press. Instead, she told him about her day and then waited until he finished eating.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“The other guy who kidnapped you is dead,” he said without inflection and drained his wine.

Lyla let out a sharp breath. “How?”

“Gunshot to the temple.”

“You?”

He gave her a very direct look. “No. Eli.”

“Eli? The angry cop from the club?”

Gavin drained his wine. “Your captor was present the night Eli’s mother was assaulted. Eli got to him before one of my men could.”

Lyla waited for him to go on. He drank another glass of wine and held the delicate stem between his fingers. She sensed his attempt to smother his emotions, but they filled the room. Lyla could taste his rage although nothing showed on his face.

“Someone’s testing me,” he said quietly.

A chill ran up her spine. He turned the glass slowly between his fingers, not looking at her.

“I’ve made some progress shifting things over to another caretaker, but it’ll take time.”

“Okay.”

“I’m rearranging things so I can spend time away from the office.” He focused on her. “I thought we could go on a trip somewhere. Get away.”

She stared at him. The last time they were together, they never traveled. Their lives revolved around The Strip. He was always working, even then. He’s trying to change, she thought and smiled. “That sounds nice.”

“Good. I’m trying to make my schedule more... flexible and normal.”

“That’s great.”

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