Page 102 of Awakened by Sin

“Right.”

“He just needs to stop being such a control freak.” She slid into the passenger seat and clapped her hands together. “Now we have two things to celebrate!”

“We do?”

“Yes, Lyla staying and your new promotion!”

He smiled as he started up the car. “What do you think about me being crime lord?”

“I think it’s fucking hot. You were born for this.”

“What do you think your dad will say?” Vinny asked as he started the car and pulled onto the highway.

“He’ll probably give you a lot of pointers and be really proud of you.”

“That’s what I think.”

“He was always happy I didn’t end up with Gavin, but I think it’s just because it’s Gavin. I don’t think it had anything to do with him being crime lord. Besides, Dad worked for Uncle Manny and … Well, you know the rest. I think this is going to work out perfect. Gavin can focus more on Lyla, and we’ll be good.”

“We will,” he said and squeezed her hand. “That’s why I love you. You take everything in stride. You’re the perfect crime lord’s wife.”

She straightened. “I need a new wardrobe.”

He laughed.

“You be careful, Vincent.”

“I will. I’m a Pyre, baby. We’re indestructible.”

“You better be.”

Vinny spent the rest of the journey going over his speech for Gavin. When they reached home, she told him to start a bubble bath while she fetched champagne. He agreed and headed upstairs. She filched her phone from her purse and tapped speed dial three for Gavin. She was climbing on her counter to reach the flutes from their wedding when Gavin answered.

“Carmen.”

“Vinny’s gonna pitch his reasons on why he’s the best candidate to be the new crime lord, and you’re going to accept his offer,” she said crisply as she jumped down.

“You want him to do this?” Gavin asked.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“He wants to do it, so I support him.”

“It’s dangerous.”

“I know that,” she snapped as she retrieved a chilled bottle of pink champagne from the fridge. She always had chilled bubbly. One never knew when there would be cause to celebrate. She tended to find at least one thing every week. “My dad was an enforcer. I know the danger, and so does Vinny. If he says he can do it, then he can.”

“No.”

“You know what’s your problem?” she asked as she pulled off the wrapper and got to work on the cork. “You’re a control freak. You need to learn how to delegate. Lyla needs you, and she wants you to give this up. Vinny’s the best man for the job. You trust him, he knows all your connections, and who the hell is going to mess with him? He’s a fucking Pyre! Come on.”

Silence on the other end.

“If he doesn’t work out, fine, but let him try. You know what it cost him even to get up the courage to approach you, and you just shut him down.”

“I was busy,” Gavin growled. “And he isn’t ready.”

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