Page 60 of Crime Lord’s Captive

“Not me.”

“So, you forgave him for... before, you know?”

“Yes.” They ate in silence and then she said, “Manny’s worried.”

“Why?”

“Because he says Gavin’s reputation keeps everyone in line and if he leaves it...”

Carmen shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. That’s Gavin’s business.”

Lyla tried to put it out of her mind. Carmen noticed her preoccupation and smacked her arm.

“Lyla, stop worrying.”

“Easy for you to say.”

“Yes, it is, because I trust Vinny to take care of me. Maybe after Gavin gives it up, you’ll feel the same and you guys can go back to the way you were before.”

“The way we were?”

“We do whatever we want and love the hell out of our men when they come home to us.”

No job? She couldn’t deny that not having to worry about bills would be nice, but would staying at home make her stir crazy?

“Girl, I can hear your wheels turning. You’re a worrier, always have been. You’re always thinking ten steps ahead and biting your nails about things that haven’t happened. I think it comes from your parents. You took care of them from a young age, got a job while you were in high school to help with the bills when things with your dad went sour.”

“You taking psychology classes?” Lyla asked with raised brows.

Carmen rearranged her nipples in her top. “Just because I’m hot doesn’t mean I can’t be smart too.”

“I guess. What are you doing today?”

“We aren’t going anywhere. You and I are going to talk, eat, cry and laugh. Nothing else.”

Carmen was as good as her word. The day passedin a blur of emotion. They migrated from the house to the pool cabana where Carmen persuaded her to get rid of the jacket. Lyla wasn’t sure why she was so self-conscious of her body, but Carmen distracted her too quickly for her to ponder it. Carmen was exhausting, entertaining and supportive. When Lyla took a nap, Carmen cuddled up with her in bed, arms holding her tight. It wasn’t as comforting as Gavin’s hold, but Lyla was grateful nonetheless. They ordered pizza for themselves and the guards and watched chick flicks while they french braided one another’s hair. Gavin’s cook arrived and asked if Lyla had any food preferences and explained that she prepared meals and delivered once a week. She showed Lyla the instructions on the meatloaf for dinner and left.

When Vinny arrived at sunset, Carmen leapt up and launched herself at him as if she hadn’t seen him in years. They shared a deep kiss before he set her down. His eyes were cautious when they shifted to Lyla. Thanks to Carmen, Lyla felt almost normal. She smiled at him and allowed him to give her a long, tight hug.

“Lyla,” Vinny began and said nothing else.

“I’m okay.”

He drew back. “Anything you need, you let us know.”

“Thanks, Vinny.”

“Gavin said maybe another hour and he’ll come home.”

“Is everything okay? At the office?”

He rubbed a hand down her arm. “Yes. He’s just catching up. Gavin’s never spent more than a day away from the office. He needs to learn how to delegate.”

“Oh.” And she kept him away from the office for days.

“This is a good thing, Lyla,” Vinny said. “Work was his life. Now he has a reason to change.”

“So you have more responsibility?” Lyla asked.

---