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Lou stands. “Everything settled?”
He nods. “It’s done.”
“Does that mean you’re staying?”
Gavin glances at me. “For a bit, at least.”
“Good. I like her.” She throws her chin my way. “Besides, I think Mom wants a bit more Lola time. She misses having a little girl.”
“Thank you, Lou,” I say.
“Of course. I’ll leave you two alone.” She looks over her shoulder at me and winks before she leaves.
Gavin lets out a breath as he plops back onto the mattress, pinching his nose. Then he lifts his tired gaze to mine. “How’s Lola?”
“Happy. Lou’s mother gave her ice cream and let her play with a new litter of kittens. Turns out a stray cat liked the garden and made it home. She’s been in heaven.”
“Were they guarded well?”
“They have their own secret service here. Maybe not a good as the casino, but pretty tight.”
“Yeah. So good I can’t get in now.”
I lay beside him and run my palm down his chest. “Who were you meeting with downstairs?”
He gives me a side glance. “Gideon Black.”
Shaking my head, I say, “I’m sorry. I thought you just said?—”
“I did. He’s Rowan’s brother. And as it turns out, he’s not the one that attacked the casino.”
“Who was it then?”
Gavin reaches to smooth the frown that’s formed between my brows. “We’re assuming Marco Tadesco.”
I process that. “I’m speechless.”
He chuckles as he brings his arm around me. “Me too. Gideon has been the enemy for a long time. Now suddenly he’s my only hope.”
“He’s going to help you?”
“Yes,” he replies with a bit of hesitation. “But at a price that may cost me more in the end.”
“What is it?”
“Gideon took Luca’s sister. Luca’s come really close to finding her, but Gideon is a smart man. Smart enough to hide her where he’ll never think to look.”
“What does that have to do with you?”
He lets out a long breath and taps his forehead with his fist. “I’m going to be the next hiding place.”
* * *
Two nights later, I watch as Gavin gets ready to fight for what belongs to him. It’s so strange to see him in black jeans and a T-shirt instead of a suit. I can get used to it though, just like I did those gray sweatpants.
The sound of him moving around the room stirred me awake a few minutes ago. I hadn’t wanted to fall asleep. I wanted to enjoy his presence as long as I could before he left. Because I know that no matter what happens, everything will change after this.
If he returns unscathed, his casino back in his hands, he’ll be busy with repairing both the building and the relationships. There will be no more need for me.
