Page 32 of Recaptured by the Crime Lord

“Just because you love each other doesn’t mean you’re meant to be together. You must have some reservations. I mean, he hasn’t changed much. He forced you to marry him.”

“Yes,” she said and blew out a breath. “He won’t allow any distance between us.”

“His love is toxic.”

“Carmen,” Lyla snapped and glared at her cousin, “I love you. Please, just, don’t. I know what I’m doing.” She didn’t know how to explain the need in Gavin’s eyes, the way he held her almost desperately close. She owed Carmen so much and yet, she couldn’t let her cousin derail her relationship with Gavin.

Carmen looked away. They finished their manicures in silence while Aunt Isabel’s manicurist told raunchy jokes. Lyla felt like a million dollars by the time they left the salon. She called Gavin on their way to a restaurant.

“Hey, you,” she said.

“Hey. What color is your hair?”

“Still blonde.”

“Good. Length?”

“Long enough.”

“Lyla?”

“Yes?” she teased.

“I miss you.”

“I miss you too. Can you call in tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

He didn’t even hesitate. She’d had a hell of a day so far and she didn’t want to leave her bed tomorrow.

“Is Marcus gonna hate me?” she asked.

“Doesn’t matter.”

“It does, Gavin. I know you need to work. No, you should go in tomorrow. I’m just going to sleep all day.”

“And I can keep you company.”

Even while that appealed to her she said, “How about you go in for a half day so I don’t feel so selfish?”

“Deal. Where are you now?”

“We’re going to have a late lunch.”

“Okay. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

They had a nice lunch. Aunt Isabel had color in her cheeks and although she had an unexpected breakdown during the meal, she was in good spirits. Lyla couldn’t take her eyes off of Carmen who was drawing just as much attention with black hair as she had as a blonde. She looked edgy and a tad dangerous. Was she doing it on purpose? Lyla didn’t know what to make of her transformation. Carmen sneered when Lyla excused herself to call Gavin again. By the time they arrived back at Aunt Isabel’s house, Lyla was satisfied but exhausted. She hugged Aunt Isabel and told her if she needed anything to call her. Lyla wasn’t surprised when Carmen saw her to the door.

“I can see you’re happy,” Carmen said and shrugged. “I’m just... scared for you.”

“I know.”

Carmen swallowed hard. “I miss Vinny and my dad.”

Lyla hugged her. “I know. I miss them too.”

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