Page 55 of Recaptured by the Crime Lord

“No, I’m fine. Too much sun,” Lyla said.

“You’re going home?”

“I want to get something to eat first, but after that, yeah.”

“Okay. I’ll see you tonight.”

“Okay. Love you,” Lyla said and hung up. She handed the phone back to Blade. “I’m fine.”

He shook his head, but didn’t push it. Lyla apologized to Alice who told her to get some rest. Her first “job” and she passed out within a couple hours. What the hell? If Gavin heard that she fainted, he would see it as a sign that she shouldn't volunteer, which was bullshit. Maybe she shouldn’t have volunteered after her episode this morning.

Blade wouldn’t let her drive, which was probably a good thing. He gave the keys to the Aston Martin to one of the guards who was going to stay to finish their tasks. Carmen was unusually quiet as they climbed into the SUV. Lyla belted herself in, leaned back and closed her eyes. She told Blade which supermarket to go to and rolled down the windows since they were all pretty smelly.

“Before I ruined everything, how did you do bathing the dogs?” Lyla asked.

“I don't think some of those dogs have ever had baths. They fought me like crazy but they looked fab afterwards. One of the dogs howled when I tried to blow dry him. I want to go back. They need a lot of help.”

“I’m sure Phil will enjoy that,” Lyla said and patted Blade’s shoulder. “Thanks for helping.”

Blade shrugged and didn’t reply. He parked and they walked into the store. Carmen grabbed a hand basket and disappeared while Lyla went to the deli and found a pasta salad. She grabbed fresh bread and some spreads while Blade grabbed something for himself. Carmen appeared and insisted on paying for everything. Lyla grabbed one of three shopping bags.

“What did you buy?” she asked.

“Odds and ends. I’ll eat at your place and one of the guys can take me home later,” Carmen said.

Lyla was too busy eating her salad and ripping off a chunk of bread to care. Carmen handed her chilled green tea. Lyla was puzzled, but obliged and enjoyed the cool refreshment. They carried everything into the house and ate at the table.

“Come on, you have to finish your drink,” Carmen said. “You’re dehydrated.”

Lyla finished the drink to satisfy her cousin so she would stop fussing. Carmen chatted about the different dogs she met and their needs. Lyla was happy that Carmen enjoyed herself and wanted to go back. Lyla agreed, Beau on her mind. Pit bulls had such a bad rep, but Beau was a sweetheart. While Blade and Carmen chatted, Lyla went upstairs to pee. She was startled when Carmen pounded on the door.

“What are you doing?” Carmen shouted.

Lyla stared at the door. “Um, I'm using the bathroom.”

“Number one or number two?”

Seriously? “Why do you care?”

“Because I have to pee too.”

“Go to another bathroom!”

“Why? You said you're doing number one. Just don't flush.”

“What?”

“You’re wasting water and we live in the desert!” Carmen slapped her hand on the door for emphasis. “We need to conserve as much water as possible!”

Lyla was used to Carmen’s outbursts and eccentricities. She opened the door to her cousin who clapped her on the back like a bro and shut the door in her face. Lyla went downstairs and found the cook in the kitchen.

“How are you today, Mrs. Pyre?” she asked.

“I’m okay,” Lyla said and backed away when she caught a whiff of steamed broccoli.

“Is something wrong?”

Lyla waved a hand in front of her face. “I don't know.”

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