Page 29 of Once A Crime Lord

“What about Nora?”

“I’ll ask Aunt Isabel to watch her.”

“I shouldn’t let you go.”

She sensed his capitulation and kissed the hell out of him to celebrate. She had finally won a fight! “You’re the best husband!”

She rolled off him and retied her robe. He sat up and glared at her.

“What?”

“Did you just manipulate me with your pussy?”

“Yes,” she said smugly.

He tucked himself away and towered over her. She wasn’t intimidated.

“You manipulate me with your cock, so we’re even,” she said.

He brought her against him and kissed her long and slow.

“I want you to be happy,” he said.

“I am happy. I just wish Sadist was dead and you were here with us. I don’t like you being gone and...” Her hand brushed over the cut on his hand. “I worry all the time.”

“Don’t.”

Oh, like it was that easy. “This hospital event is a day of joy,” she explained. “It’s about hope. I need that. That’s why I want to go.”

He grunted. “Let’s shower.”

They walked out of the office and didn’t run into anyone on their way upstairs. They showered together, both quiet and thoughtful. Gavin dressed in another suit, which meant he wouldn’t be spending the night.

When they entered the dining room, they found Carmen with Nora and Beau. Carmen went into great detail about her gambling experience today, which Lyla was grateful for since Gavin didn’t say a word. Carmen shot her a loaded glance, and she shook her head in warning.

When he rose from the table, Nora reached for him. He picked her up and headed to his office with Beau on his heels and closed the door.

“What was that about?” Carmen demanded.

“He found out about Jonathan.”

Carmen’s eyes bugged. “And you’re still alive?”

“He didn’t take it well.”

“Of course, he didn’t. He’s Gavin.”

“I realize that.”

Carmen glanced at the closed office doors. “He’s not happy.”

She sighed. “No, he isn’t, but we’ll get past this. Maybe the hospital event will cheer him up.”

Carmen’s eyes popped. “He’s going to let you go?”

“Yup.”

“Damn, girl, you must be amazing in bed.”

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