by Mia Knight
They went to three more stores. He was amused that unlike her old wardrobe, she was going for comfort rather than fashion. She did accept several dresses, but her choices were practical and not aimed towards seduction. He didn’t bother to tell her it didn’t matter what she wore. He was painfully aroused whether she wore lingerie or sweat pants. Although his eyes moved over her body often it was her face he was drawn to. The way her eyes lit up when she liked something, her pursed lips when she was making a decision and the smile that didn’t come often enough. He was to blame for that.
Blade and the men were relieved to make their way out of the mall and perked up when they went to a gun shop. Lyla didn’t go for something girly and cute. She chose a stainless steel semi automatic pistol that was light, small and powerful. He approved and watched as she tried out her choice in the store’s gun range. After unloading the bullets into a target, she turned to him and nodded. Lyla changed since Dad’s death. She had become solemn and wary, but he believed her light was still there, just buried. He kissed her on the lips and took care of the purchase.
When they got back to the car, he gave directions to a restaurant. He knew the owner and trusted the establishment. He put his arm around Lyla as they walked in. The hostess recognized him and directed Blade and the guys to two tables that flanked the one he and Lyla sat at. Before they opened their menus, Carlo appeared in a chef’s outfit. Gavin rose and hugged him.
“Gavin, you good?” Carlo asked.
Gavin nodded and gestured to Lyla. “This is my wife, Lyla.”
Lyla rose and was engulfed in a hug. Gavin would have been jealous to see her in another man’s arms if it wasn’t for her startled expression.
“I wasn’t invited to the wedding?” Carlo demanded.
“Shotgun wedding,” Gavin said.
Carlo winked at Lyla. “I understand. I had to get my woman pregnant before she’d marry me.”
Lyla’s eyes bugged. Carlo sobered and regarded both of them soberly.
“My condolences about Manny,” Carlo said. “He was a good man.”
Gavin’s stomach tightened with familiar rage. “He was.”
“Did you catch the bastard who did it?” Carlo asked, eyes hard.
It burned him to say, “Not yet.”
Carlo looked at Lyla and his face softened. “The Pyres are good people, which makes you good people. We protect our own.”
Lyla nodded, but shot Gavin a puzzled look before Carlo clapped his hands together.
“I will send you amazing dishes. Just you wait,” Carlo declared and noticed Blade and the others. “I will send lots of amazing dishes. I’ll get to it.”
Carlo disappeared into the kitchen as quickly as he appeared. Lyla sat and raised her brows. He enjoyed seeing her curiosity. Every day she seemed a little more animated and a little less like a woman who survived hell.
“Dad helped Carlo’s family open this restaurant. They’ve done well and expanded to other cities,” Gavin said.
A server appeared with champagne bottles and poured glasses for all three tables. Lyla sipped and nodded, clearly pleased with the taste.
“Did he really get his girlfriend pregnant so she would marry him?” Lyla asked.
Gavin’s lips twitched. “Yes.”
“Why wouldn’t she marry him?”
“She doesn’t believe in marriage. Hardcore feminist.”
“Why did getting pregnant change anything?”
“When she had the baby, her feminist ways went out the window. She demanded his help because she couldn’t do it on her own, but Carlo wouldn’t unless she married him.” He chuckled at Lyla’s dumbfounded expression. “And they lived happily ever after. Carlo has five kids. His wife is extremely trapped.”
“He did it purposely?”
Gavin didn’t answer, which made her snort. When a plate of appetizers was served, he felt a flood of warmth when she reached for it without waiting for him. She was hungry. Good. She ate most of the dish before realizing he hadn’t eaten a thing.
“Try it. It’s great,” she said and moved the plate towards him.
He took one to appease her before he pushed it back. He chewed and didn’t taste anything. “Finish it.”
Lyla shrugged and cleaned up the first appetizer as two more were brought to their table. She didn’t try to initiate conversation, which never bothered him before, but now he was unsure of her. He didn’t know what she was thinking or feeling. Lyla was an introvert and all in her head, which scared the crap out of him.
“You liked being on the road?” he asked because he needed to know.
Ice blue eyes clashed with his. His belly clenched. That face. That was all it took for him to fall for her. Lyla was innocent, but confident enough to challenge him from the beginning. She knew her worth and left when she caught him cheating on her. She didn’t care about money or status, which made her the best and worst because he couldn’t bribe her. Nothing mattered except who he was as a person and most of the time, he didn’t like the reflection of himself in her eyes.
“Being on the road gave us both what we needed, an escape,” Lyla said.
Even though he didn’t like it, he understood. “You didn’t have any trouble on the road?”
“We did,” she said, offhand. “We had trouble with some truck driver’s at a pit stop, but Carmen pulled out her gun, which put an end to it. That’s when she taught me to shoot. We had a bear visit us once when we were asleep. He rocked the RV. That was interesting.” Lyla finished her first glass of champagne and gave the server a small nod of thanks when it was refilled. “We broke down on the freeway once.”
“What happened?”
“Flat tire.” She gave him an unreadable look. “Do you know how eager men are to help a couple of blondes in short shorts?”
Gavin’s hands fisted. He could damn well imagine men pulling on the side of the road to help Lyla and Carmen. Both of them were stunning. Together, they were trouble. Lyla was ice, Carmen was fire. They were opposites that complimented one another. He had been jealous of their close bond on more than one occasion, but having Carmen take Lyla from him when he didn’t know the location of his father’s killer made her an enemy in his book. Lyla watched him steadily. She knew that he was a jealous, possessive bastard. Was she teasing or punishing him?
“We handled life on the road rather well,” Lyla finished.
He didn’t like that answer. He didn’t want her to be able to live without him and she knew it. “Well, now you can have a normal life.”
“Normal?” she echoed as if she didn’t know the definition of the word.
He didn’t blame her. His life was anything but normal and because of him, hers went haywire. “Well, our kind of normal. As mundane as you want it to be.”
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 tomorro
w. 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.
“Yes. Are you?”
“I’m going to be glad when this is over. You’re coming to the house after, right?”
Lyla nodded and kissed her cheek. “I’ll save you a seat.”
Lyla turned and was surprised to see that Gavin had Aunt Isabel’s hand clasped in both of his. Her aunt looked a bit shell-shocked, but she nodded as he spoke.
“Thank you so much,” Aunt Isabel said.
Gavin turned and though his eyes hardened when they landed on Carmen, he inclined his head respectfully.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Gavin said.
Carmen said nothing. Gavin followed Lyla to the front pew while Blade and the other guards stood on the sidelines, guarding the exits. They didn’t stand out as much in this crowd since they were in black suits like most of the people gathered. Lyla spotted her father before she took her seat. The last time she saw him he had been bedridden from Gavin’s beating. She hoped he wasn’t stupid enough to say or do anything today. Gavin wouldn’t stand for it and neither would she. Watching a sadist beat Manny to death changed her. Manny had been her father in every way but blood. She was honored to have him in her life for so short a time and wouldn’t take any bullshit from her biological father. Not anymore.
Gavin sat on her left. He placed his arm on the back of the pew and drew her against him. “You okay?”
She let out a shuddering breath. “I don’t think I can take another funeral.”
His hand clamped around the back of her neck and squeezed.
She looked up at him. “What did you do about your dad?”
His jaw clenched. She felt awful for bringing it up, but suddenly had to know.
“He didn’t have a funeral. I couldn’t with his killer on the loose. His ashes are at the house.”
“They are? Where?”
“In my office.” His eyes raked her face. “Is that fucked up?”
She shook her head. “No. I’m glad he’s still with us.”
She thought she saw a glimmer of wetness in his eyes before he leaned down and kissed her. It was a soft, gentle kiss and over with before she could react.
Carmen sat on her right as the pastor took the stage. Carmen took Lyla's hand and held it on her lap as people took the stage to share memories and stories. Lyla laughed and cried with the congregation.
“I have to go up. Will you come with me?” Carmen whispered.
Lyla hesitated for a moment and then said, “Of course.”
They rose, hand in hand and walked to th
e podium. Lyla felt clammy and cold as she looked out over the church. They had been anonymous wanderers for over a year. If it weren’t for Carmen, she would have walked off stage. Would they see beneath the carefully applied makeup to the broken being she was inside? Carmen’s stifled sob got Lyla’s attention. Carmen gave her a pleading look. Her cousin had done so much for her. Now, it was time to forget her personal shit and step up. Lyla approached the mic. Her eyes fell on Gavin in the front row, watching her with steady amber eyes. The force of his personality made most people edge away, but she absorbed his strength.
“Uncle Louie was a great man,” she said and was proud that her voice didn’t shake. “He convinced my parents to leave California and come to Sin City where he guaranteed that we’d fit in.”
Carmen let out a broken laugh and Lyla managed a small smile.
“He was right.” Lyla’s eyes moved to her parents and then to Aunt Isabel who had a hand over her mouth as she wept. “He welcomed me in as if I was his daughter and made Vegas feel like home. I’ll never forget him.” Another father figure lost. A lance of pain struck her heart. She wanted to cry and rage. “He raised one of the best women in the world.” Lyla raised Carmen’s hand in hers. “My cousin lost her father and husband, but she’s still here.”
A smattering of claps filled the church.
“Aunt Isabel, we’re going to get through this,” Lyla said, speaking directly to her. “We’ll all get through this and remember his jokes and laughter. Our lives are better because he was in it. That’s how we go on, remembering the good times.”
Aunt Isabel gave her a watery smile and nodded. Lyla stepped back and Carmen took the mic. Her voice was shaky, but strong.
“My father was a good man. He taught me to love with all my heart and to support and protect our family.” Carmen looked at her mother. “We’re going to get through this, Mom. He taught us how. Thank you all so much for coming here today, to celebrate his life with us. He’s in a better place now. That’s what matters.”
There were hums of agreement through the church as they took their seats. Carmen’s uncle closed the funeral with an acoustic guitar playing in the background. Carmen and Lyla sat with their hands clasped to comfort one another. They said death came in three’s. Lyla closed her eyes and prayed this would be the last one for a long time. She wouldn’t be able to handle the death of another person so close to her.