Page 21 of Recaptured by the Crime Lord

The main course, perfectly prepared steaks, was placed in front of them. Once again, he felt a hum of pleasure as Lyla cut into hers with gusto.

“How are my parents?” she asked without looking at him.

“They’re still receiving the allowance you granted them.” He hesitated and then said, “It’s very modest.”

“Even when my dad was making good money, my mom cut coupons. Plus, my dad doesn’t need extra money to gamble with. I know exactly how much they need to survive.” She looked up from her steak. “And even that my father doesn’t deserve. Thank you.”

“My pleasure.” And it was. He could care less about Lyla’s father, but whatever made him look less like a monster, he would do. Gladly. “Do you want to see them?” He knew for a fact that Lyla hadn’t made contact with her parents. He monitored them closely and discovered that they were clueless as to Lyla’s whereabouts. Like his father, Gavin couldn’t believe how little Lyla’s parents cared for their only child.

“I expect I’ll see them at the funeral since Mom is Aunt Isabel’s cousin,” Lyla said.

He didn’t want her near Carmen, but he wouldn’t stop her from attending her uncle’s funeral. “When is it?”

“Day after tomorrow. Starts at noon and then there’s a get together at Carmen’s mom’s house afterwards.”

“I’ll go with you.”

She didn’t argue. The steak nearly melted on his tongue. They ate in silence. When she was finished, she sat back and folded her hands over her stomach.

“I need a nap,” she said.

She was sleeping a lot. Not that he minded. He had become an insomniac. Having her home allowed him to sleep longer than three hours at a stretch.

Gavin signaled to Blade before he grabbed Lyla’s hand. They went into the kitchen to thank Carlo and say goodbye. It was late afternoon when they drove home. Lyla staggered into the house and collapsed on the couch. When Gavin offered to carry her upstairs, she gave him a long look and turned on the TV. She stretched out on the sofa and cuddled into a pillow as she flipped through channels. Blade and the guys dropped her shopping bags in the foyer. The maid would put her clothes away tomorrow.

Gavin settled on the sofa and watched her out of the corner of his eye. She didn’t look as if she wanted to bolt, but then again he wasn’t the best at reading her. He retrieved his laptop and worked while she dozed and eventually drifted to sleep.

Gavin wanted to touch and stroke, but wouldn’t jeopardize the progress he made. He wanted her more than anything in the world, but couldn’t rush this. He had to be patient, a virtue he didn’t possess. At least she was here with him. In Montana, he bullied and coerced her. Now, he would woo his wife into spending a lifetime with him and giving him all the things he needed from her. If she knew the depth of his obsession, she would run again. He had to keep it in check. Lyla already thought the worst of him and he gave her good cause. What good he possessed, he hoped it would be enough for Lyla to stay with him because he wasn’t capable of letting her go.

CHAPTER SIX

Lyla

They pulled up to a humble church bursting at the seams with people. Lyla wore a new sleeveless dress with a high neck collar and black pumps. She was glad Gavin insisted on a new wardrobe, though she would never tell him. Her old wardrobe was for arm candy—a woman who showed off her assets at every opportunity and didn’t have a care in the world. Lyla felt decades older than the woman who wore expensive labels with such carelessness.

Lyla wasn’t surprised when Gavin grabbed her hand as they walked towards the church. Over the past two days, Gavin was never far away. She would have called it stalking if she didn’t see that he was only completely relaxed when he was touching her. They slept in the same bed and although she always fell asleep without touching him, she woke in his arms. Neither of them said much. She mulled over the things he said and gauged his actions. He seemed content to work on his laptop and be as close as possible without making any sexual moves, which made her feel safe yet frustrated. She wasn’t ready even though her body had a different opinion. She couldn’t deny that his constant presence and touch had an effect on her. When he came for her in Montana he had been the merciless crime lord. Since they arrived in Las Vegas, he changed. He was affectionate, honest, considerate and eager to please. He was the Gavin she always knew he could be. Over the past couple of days, she realized one thing. He took their marriage seriously, never mind the fact that he forced her into it. There was no out this time. Gavin wouldn’t allow it. She had no idea what he envisioned for their future, but he was determined to make this work.

When they entered the church, people turned to look at their entourage and quickly averted their eyes when they recognized Gavin. The chatter dimmed and people made way for them. It never occurred to Lyla to wonder what the media reported. The facts were that Gavin went to jail for money laundering and both Vinny and Manny were murdered. She had no clue if her injuries had been reported or what her parents had been told. She spotted her mother standing with Carmen and Aunt Isabel. Mom rushed forward and gave her a tight hug. Lyla felt absolutely nothing. She was aware that Gavin hadn’t released her. Her mother drew back and gave Gavin an over-bright smile.

“I heard you got married!” Mom said.

“Yes.” Gavin didn’t elaborate.

“Finally,” Mom said playfully and held up Lyla’s left hand to examine the ring. Her mouth fell open. “It’s gorgeous!”

“I want to give my condolences to Aunt Isabel,” Lyla said, aware that all eyes were on them and her mother was making a scene.

“Oh, of course, dear,” Mom chirped.

Her mother didn’t ask where she’d been for the past year and a half or if she was happily married. Her mother only saw what she wanted to because she lived off Gavin’s good will. Lyla tried to brush away bitchy thoughts as she hugged Aunt Isabel who looked skeletal and wan. Aunt Isabel and Carmen stood side by side. It struck Lyla that the last time she’d been in this church had been for Vinny’s funeral. Mother and daughter were widows long before they should have been. Gavin released her so she could embrace her aunt who was trembling and barely keeping it together.

“He was a good man,” Lyla whispered into her ear. Uncle Louie was a superb uncle. She had fond memories of sleepovers at their house. Aunt Isabel and Uncle Louie were down to earth, practical and loving. Lyla’s heart ached for simpler times.

“He was.” Aunt Isabel cupped Lyla’s chin and gave her a watery smile. “He loved you and Carmen so much.”

Lyla blinked back tears. So much loss in so little time. She released Aunt Isabel and hugged Carmen who sagged against her.

“Are you okay?” Carmen whispered in her ear.

---