by Mia Knight
Gavin wrapped her securely against him. They stayed that way for a long minute. She thought of her father’s last moments, the fallen men in the sandy pit and her mother’s uphill battle. The knowledge of what was to come weighed heavily on her shoulders.
“How are we going to do this?” she whispered.
“One day at a time.”
She looked up at her husband and saw that despite all that occurred, he didn’t look weary or uncertain. He was focused and ready to take on the world. He would never back down and would protect his own with his last breath.
“I love you,” she whispered.
His eyes heated. He cupped her jaw and kissed her long and slow. She clutched at him and felt his lips curve against her mouth. He hauled her into his arms and walked out of the ICU.
“Gavin, what—?”
“We’re exhausted and I need to hold my daughter.” Gavin’s gaze slashed down to her. “We’re spending the next week in bed. I don’t give a fuck what comes up.”
Angel snorted as he and Blade fell into step behind him.
“We’ll do what we can for your mom, but I won’t let you feel guilty for Pat’s death. I would have done him in myself and made him suffer,” Gavin continued as he stalked through the empty hospital corridors. “We’re alive and that’s all that matters. Vega’s gone, along with most of those who have been conspiring against me for years. Fuck ‘um.”
Gavin walked out into the chilly night and deposited her into the back of the SUV while Blade and Angel got into the front seats. Gavin pulled her onto his lap so she straddled him. He looked up at her, the only illumination that of passing street lights.
Gavin clasped her face between his hands and pressed his face to hers. “I love you.” The words reverberated with fierce emotion, enough to make tears fall. “We’ve been through hell, baby girl. That’s at an end. I’m going to give you the paradise I promised. Whatever you want, it’s yours.”
“And if I just want you?” she whispered.
He closed his eyes and kept her curled tight around him. “That goes without saying. God, you’re a fucking miracle.”
She brushed kisses over his face and rocked against him. She felt him harden beneath her. She didn’t give a shit about Blade and Angel.
Life was fleeting and fragile. She didn’t want to think about tomorrow. She wanted to live in the now and right now, her husband was staring at her as if she was his reason for being. She took that in and let it wash away the guilt, rage and lingering fear.
It was done.
Blade pulled up to the house and the rest of Gavin’s security surrounded them. Angel and Blade stayed outside to talk while Gavin led her inside. They made their way upstairs and went straight to the nursery.
Carmen was nowhere in sight and Nora was sleeping peacefully in her crib, arms over her head as if she were rocking out at a concert. Gavin picked her up and cradled her in his arm. They went to their bedroom. She sprawled out as Gavin sat with his back against the headboard. She rested her head on his thigh and stared at Nora. Images of the night slid through her mind and she clutched Gavin tight.
“It’s over,” she whispered.
“Yes.”
“We’re safe,” she murmured.
“Yes.”
She looked up. “And you’re out of the underworld?”
“For the most part, yes. Angel’s the crime lord.”
She nodded, but she didn’t believe him. Once a crime lord, always a crime lord.
Like Lucifer said, they would never really be out of the underworld. It would always be on the periphery of their lives. Lyla watched Gavin stroke his finger down Nora’s cheek and felt a shaft of warmth push away her dark thoughts.
Sadist was dead, her mother would live and everyone she loved was breathing. Gavin was holding Nora who had no idea what kind of world she had been born into. They would move on and live their happily ever after... right?
Author’s Note:
Hi All,
I hope you enjoyed Once A Crime Lord. I swear, I don’t think I’ve ever sweated so much over a book! Lyla and Gavin have really led me on a wild ride (mostly Gavin), but the best thing about writing this series is the fans I’ve met who make the world come alive for me.
I originally intended for this to be a two book series and now I don’t see an end in sight! I’ve had numerous requests for certain characters to have their own books, which I will be happy to oblige, all in good time, of course. A lot of people have been asking if there will be a prequel for Gavin and Lyla and I’m playing around with the idea. I promise we will see them in the books to come!
I’ve written a bonus link of Lyla and Gavin’s first encounter, from her POV! Join the newsletter and have it sent to your inbox!
Love,
Mia
Books by Mia Knight
Crime Lord’s Captive
Recaptured by the Crime Lord
Once A Crime Lord
About the Author:
Mia lives in her head and is shadowed by her dogs who don’t judge when she cries and laughs with imaginary characters. Mia comes from a big, conservative family that doesn’t know how to handle her eccentricities, but with encouragement from her fans, has found the courage to put the characters in her head on paper.
Stalk Me:
Author Website: miaknight.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authormiaknight
Twitter: @authormiaknight
Email me at: [email protected]
Cover Art by Kellie Dennis at Book Cover by Design
www.bookcoverbydesign.co.uk