Page 16 of Recaptured by the Crime Lord

“I figured he had something to do with this,” Lyla said quietly and wriggled her left hand so the blue diamond shimmered.

“I had men looking for you before I cracked open his journal.” Gavin paused while she digested that and continued, “What he wrote was confirmation for me. No matter what’s happened in the past, we’re supposed to be together. That’s the only way we’re both going to get through this life intact.”

Lyla wanted to argue, but she didn’t have the energy. He continued to play with the ends of her hair as the sky darkened and night fell around them. The underwater lights from the pool illuminated their faces as they stared at one another.

“I fucked up with you so many times,” Gavin said and stroked a gentle finger down her cheek. “Can you forgive me?”

Lyla didn’t answer for a long minute before she spoke.

“I don’t know,” she said honestly. “I don’t blame you for going after Vinny’s killers or even blaming me for his death.”

“Vinny’s death is on me. I shouldn’t have blamed it on you.”

“Vinny’s death is on the man who pulled the trigger,” Lyla corrected and when he looked like he wanted to interrupt, she lifted her finger. “Vinny accepted the position. You didn’t force it on him, right?”

“No.”

“Then let it go, Gavin.”

“Have you?”

“Watching Carmen suffer everyday, it’s damn hard to convince myself all of this isn’t my fault. She doesn’t blame me, which makes me feel even worse. She doesn’t blame you either.”

Gavin didn’t reply.

Lyla looked away since it was easier to talk without staring into his dissecting gaze. While they were on the road, she wondered what she would say to Gavin. Now that she had her opportunity, the words were lost in a maelstrom of emotion. Gavin suffered because of Vinny and Manny’s deaths. She could see that for herself. His need to be around her, to touch her was genuine. After everything, he needed comfort, but she wasn’t sure she could give it to him. She was broken and bleeding herself. They were two broken and lost souls.

“Do you miss the dark stuff?” she asked.

“No.”

“You haven’t had to do anything for the criminal side of the business?”

“No. Everyone knows I’m out.”

“But you still have Blade and the other security?”

“Dad and Vinny’s killer is on the loose. I’m not taking chances.”

“Are you hunting for him?”

“No trace of him. There’s nothing to hunt.”

“He might come for me to finish the job.” She sensed his energy tinge the air with violence.

“I’d love to get my hands on him.”

Lyla snatched her hair from his hands and got to her feet. She stood over his lounge chair and glared down at him. “I’m not taking that chance again, Gavin! I won’t!”

“I won’t either.” Gavin stared at her pensively. “Carmen taught you to shoot?”

“Yes. What does that have to do with anything?”

“It doesn’t hurt to be prepared for anything. Tomorrow we’ll go to a shooting range, see how good of a shot you are.”

“You’re going to let me have a gun?”

“Whatever it takes for you to feel safe. I have guns stashed everywhere. I’ll show you. You remember how to get out of the house if there’s an attack?”

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