Page 59 of Recaptured by the Crime Lord

Carmen burst into tears.

***

When Gavin walked through the front door, Lyla was relieved. Carmen had been going Pinterest crazy for hours. Lyla was so wound up that she wanted to blurt it out the second she saw him. Instead, she ran and threw herself into his arms. Gavin gave her a deep kiss.

“You all right, baby girl?” he asked.

“I am now.”

Gavin looked past her and noticed Carmen. “What happened to you?”

“This is what you look like after you give ten dogs a bath,” Carmen said with a hand on her hip.

“How’s your mother?” Gavin asked.

Surprised and pleased that he was making the effort to be social and considerate towards Carmen, Lyla patted his chest.

“She cleans a lot,” Carmen said with a shrug, “but her friends signed her up for salsa classes so she’s been going out more.”

“Have you made any plans?”

“Like?”

“If you want to buy a house or if you’re going to stay here?”

Carmen glanced at Lyla with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “I’m not planning to leave anytime soon.”

Gavin relaxed slightly. “The RV is in a safe place. I didn’t get rid of it.”

“Good to know,” Carmen said and eyed him. “What are your plans?”

“Excuse me?”

“What’s your plan for the future?”

“To keep Lyla happy and safe,” Gavin said.

Lyla glanced between the two people she loved most and wanted to shake her head. They glared at one another as if they were adversaries.

“Bye, Carmen!” she said deliberately.

Carmen sniffed. “One of your guys is taking me home. Lyla, call me later.”

Lyla waved and looked up at Gavin. “You want to shower before we eat?”

“Yeah.” He cupped her face. “You sure you're okay?”

“Yes.” How would he react to her news? He made it clear that he wanted her pregnant but... How would he beafterhe got her pregnant? Lyla’s enthusiasm dimmed as old insecurities crept in.

“I’ll be quick,” he said and kissed her. He paused and dropped his nose to her neck and inhaled. “You smell good.”

“Pomegranate body wash.”

“Yum.”

He slapped her ass and went upstairs. Lyla paced and chewed her nails. She wouldn’t be able to calm down until Gavin knew. She felt as if there was an expanding balloon in her chest. It kept growing until she couldn’t breathe properly. She grabbed her wine glass, which held apple cider. Lyla imagined it was wine and downed it in one gulp. The dining table was set with Carmen’s flowers and candles. Because she had to do something, Lyla made both of their plates and placed them on the table. When Gavin appeared he took in the table setting.

“What’s the occasion?” he asked.

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