Page 71 of Crime Lord’s Captive

“Remember what I said, Lyla!” she called.

Lyla rushed out of there as fast as she could and got into the SUV, feeling worse than she had this morning. How could she have forgotten that her parents had no income? Yes, it was her father’s fault, but how would they survive? She wouldn’t let them live on the street. They were the only parents she had. She could get a job and help until Dad was on his feet again.

“You shouldn’t let your father talk to you like that,” Blade said.

“I don’t let him, he just does.”

“Gavin won’t stand for it.”

Gavin might cuss her out himself when she saw him.

“You have no idea what you mean to him,” Blade said impatiently.

Lyla glanced at the guards in the front seat who could hear every word and huddled against the door, wishing Blade would shut up and leave her alone.

“I heard what your mom said about hooking Gavin and him cheating on you again,” Blade said.

“Will you shut up?” Lyla snapped, finally losing her temper. What was going on in her own head was bad enough. She didn’t need everyone voicing their opinions. “I’m not going to trap him so you don’t need to report that to him! God!” What would Gavin think if he heard what her mother said? He would—

“You’re different from the others,” Blade said.

So there were still others... Lyla beat back the tears. “Blade, please, shut up.”

He finally shut it while her mind raced with ways to pay Gavin back for his generosity towards her family. She would never be able to pay him back for the five hundred thousand her father stole. She possessed nothing of value that she could exchange for even a fraction of the cost. Not only had Gavin paid for groceries, she had to ask him for a loan until she could get a job.

When the SUV pulled up to Gavin’s mansion, she had to force herself to move. She put her hands in her pockets and walked slowly towards the door. She felt as if she were walking towards a firing squad. Her fingers closed around the pack of condoms as she pushed the door open. She closed the door and stood there, listening. She jumped when Blade came in behind her.

“You’re supposed to stay outside,” she said.

“I have to give my report.”

When he tried to step around her, she blocked his way. “What report? About me?”

“Yes.”

“What is there to report?” she demanded. “Nothing happened.”

Blade walked around her. In a desperate move, she leapt on his back to stop him.

“Please don’t tell him,” she whispered, mortified.

“Tell me what?”

Lyla froze as Gavin came out of his office. She could feel his energy and it didn’t bode well for her. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep and he looked pissed. Blade shrugged her off as if she were a flea. She dropped behind him and waited for the explosion.

“We need to talk,” Blade said.

Lyla bit back another plea as he walked into the office. Gavin beckoned her with one finger. Slowly, Lyla went to him and wasn’t prepared for the hand that shot out to cup her face. She couldn’t stop her reflexive jerk backwards. His eyes began to blaze.

“We’re back to this?” he hissed.

Lyla said nothing.

“Don’t go anywhere,” Gavin snapped before he slammed the office door.

Chapter Thirteen

Lyla sat on the couch for what seemed like an eternity, hands clasped between her knees. She would tell Gavin that she had no intention of trying to trap him with a baby. She had proof! She made an appointment with the doctor last night. As for her parents... that was harder. Why would he give money to help someone who stole from him? Her parents were her responsibility. She would get a job and help until Dad healed.

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