When we finally returned, Tye and Forde went over our selections. My team had a very clear vision of how the grieving widow should dress. The pieces coordinated with one another"plenty of navy and black skirts in conservative cuts and a new pair of black pumps with a lower heel. I hated those shoes.

As tired as I was, the last two nights Id had nightmares. I know Forde was concerned, and I was too. I had been short with him earlier over something stupid. I guess all this talk about Brian and our marriage was making me wonder what would happen with Forde, once all of this was over.

He grabbed his phone. Forde.

He always sounded aware when he answered the phone, like he hadnt been asleep a few seconds earlier.

Say that again.

I leaned over and turned on the new lamp on my nightstand. There was something about his tone that rattled me.

When? he barked and ran his hand through his hair. Then he looked at me, and I felt a chill run through my body.

My heart started to pound, and I pulled the covers up high to my shoulders.

Keep me updated. He ended the call and exhaled.

I braced because I knew whatever he was about to say was going to be bad. Forde? I whispered.

He was still holding his phone. He looked down at his hand, and then took a deep breath. That was a guy I know who works at county.

I didnt know what that meant. County?

He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close. Lock up, the jail. Juan Moreno was found dead in his cell about two hours ago.

Dead? How? I couldnt seem to make my mouth and brain connect.

Dont know, and I really dont care. My guy said it wasnt natural, so I imagine that it was a hit.

I started shaking, and he pulled me against his chest. I started to cry. I dont know why. I just felt the tears start to fall.

When I calmed down, I asked, Did you"

He cut me off immediately. No, dammit, I didnt order the hit. G.o.d, Lay, what kind of man do you think I am?

I stared at him for a second, because he was that powerful, and people all over the city owed him favors. I shook my head to clear out that thought. Um, that wasnt what I was going to ask.

Thats good, he grunted.

I felt my temper spark. Hed been the one whod jumped to that conclusion, and now he was mad? I cleared my throat and shifted away from him a little. I wanted to know if you had any idea that this could happen?

His brow furrowed. Theres always a chance of something like this happening when youre locked up. Juan wasnt smart, and he might have said something to the wrong person, or another gang might have settled a score. Then again, it could be Vador taking care of a problem and using this. .h.i.t as an example for the rest.

So, I guess this means that the trial is off? The first thing I was going to do was return those ugly shoes.

Yeah, so thats good, right? His phone vibrated with an incoming text. He glanced at the screen.

Right, its really good. I tried to pump enthusiasm into my answer. I felt like something was off-kilter.

Ricks got news; hes going to be here in ten. Forde threw back the covers and climbed out of bed.

I scrambled to my feet. Ill make coffee. I moved to the dresser to grab something to put on.

Thanks, thatd be good. Forde pulled up his jeans. He checked his screen again. Make enough for Osi, too.

I quickly racked my brain for a recipe to make a quick coffee cake. Since it looked like there was a great deal to discuss, I didnt want the guys to go hungry.

I say we give it a day or two, and then make contact with the Cancerberos to reiterate our stance on Layla. Rick nodded at me as I held the coffee pot.

Id said little as the men gathered around the dining room table. Theyd consumed the coffee cake in what seemed like seconds, along with the fresh fruit I had cut up and served with an endless pot of coffee. Word had spread about Juans death. All the guys were getting reports, so the meeting had to pause for incoming calls and texts.

After I completed a pa.s.s refilling cups, and was walking back to the table, Forde scooted his chair back and pulled me onto his lap. I smiled up at him. I needed to feel our connection after the rocky start to the morning. We keep up the escorts and safety protocols for a few more days. Understood? He looked around the table.

It hasnt been that bad. I mean she only got away once. Osi flashed a grin in my direction. Found a hole and wiggled through it.

Forde ran his hand up and down my arm. Just a few more days. I want to make sure things have died down, and I want to talk to Eames about the other cases.

I shrugged. You guys know whats best.

Forde gave me a squeeze.

Youre still going to work at Limited, right? Rick asked casually.

That was another thing Forde and I needed to discuss. The deal had been that Id work through the trial, and then wed see. I like it. So, if the boss says that I can, then yeah, Id like to stay on. I felt Forde chuckle against my side.

Rick and Osi both smiled.

Lay, you should have waited a little, Forde said, giving me a squeeze, and made me offer you a raise.

I figure if I want a raise, Ill get creative and convince you. I winked at him.

When the s.e.xy talk starts, its time to go. Osi pushed back from the table.

Yeah, I dont want to be here for the convincin part, Rick said, using his hand to shield his eyes.

Especially the creative ways. Osi teased. Who knew he could?

I hopped off of Fordes lap and put my hands on my hips. Guys, I didnt mean that Id do it right now.

Too bad for you boss, Rick said, as he made his way to the door. Since were leaving and youre awake, seemed like a good time to start. He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

All three men looked back at me and continued chuckling.

I sent them a scowl but spoiled it by giggling. It hit me I was having fun. I was comfortable with these people. This life made me happy, and Forde had given me that. My gaze swung to him. He was throwing the deadbolt. When he turned, our eyes met.

It was like a bolt of lightning hit me, I got it. I loved him. I was madly, deeply in love with Lucien Forde. My body froze as I scrambled to think of what I wanted to say. How to say it? This was really important. I think I made a sound deep in my throat, because I was straining to find the right words. I could feel my chest rising and falling like I had just run a race. I kept staring at my man, hoping that he could see it in my eyes or use his superpowers to read my thoughts and what was in my heart.

He moved to me, kissing me lightly on the lips. When he pulled away, all that he said was, Me too, babe.

My man got it.

Chapter Twenty.

You should have a party. Zoe looked around the condo as though she was making plans in her head.

Yeah, a Laylas Free party, Tony chimed in as he took a drink from his beer.

Four days had pa.s.sed and things had been quiet.

I glanced at Forde to see what he was making of this after dinner talk.

He shrugged. I like it.

Just our close friends? I asked. I liked the idea of entertaining, but I didnt want to be the center of attention.

Forde answered immediately, like he knew what I was feeling. Just people from work, you two, he pointed at Zoe and Tony, plus Tye, and maybe a few from his office.

The food would have to be easy to serve. I started planning in my head.

I could help, Zoe said.

We all looked at her and her belly that I swear had grown since last week.

She wrinkled her nose. Well, I could offer moral support.

How about we bring the drinks? Tony offered smoothly. Zoe hated to cook, and Tony did most of the kitchen work.

That include the booze? Forde teased.

Sure. Tony told us.

If we have it Sat.u.r.day night that gives us four days to prepare. I wanted to jump up and grab a notepad to start jotting down ideas.

Ill send out a text. What time babe? Forde was holding his phone.

I dont know, uhm, seven? I offered.

Forde nodded and started typing.

Come on, Layla. Lets check out Food.com for some ideas. Tony stood.

Hey, I can help, Zoe whined.

Honey, I love you, but lets be honest"the kitchen is not your thing. Tony moved to Zoe and helped her out of her chair.

She stretched her back and gave him a sweet look. Well, I can help make the lists of supplies youll need, like plates and cups plus ice. People always run out of ice.

We moved to the living room and got down to business.

The next morning at work, Id just sent an email to Tony with some more ideas about the food, when the buzzer at the door sounded. I checked my computer screen. We didnt have any morning appointments. I saw a teenage boy at the door.

Id asked Building Services to make up a sign asking visitors to use the speaker. That way, we could keep the door locked at all times. I lifted the receiver and dialed the code to the speaker box. Forde Limited, can I help you?

I watched him shuffle his feet for a moment. Yes, please. He paused to clear his throat. Id like to speak with Mr. Forde. He looked at the camera directly, and my heart skipped a beat.

I hurried to the door and opened it. Please come in. I knew my voice shook a little.

Thank you, maam. He had a drawl, slow and sweet.

Im Layla, I told him as I led him to the chair across from my desk.

Oh, uhm, sorry. Im Ryan McReynolds, and I think that Lucas Forde works here. He looked around before taking a seat. Can I see him for a minute? His voice cracked on the last word, signifying how nervous he was.

He does, Mr. McReynolds. Since you dont have an appointment, could I tell him what this pertains to? I asked, as I stared into eyes so similar to those I saw every night before I fell asleep.

He looked down at his feet, and his cheeks grew pink. Well, its aa little personal. Then he looked back at me.

I read so much in that look. He was trying to be brave but was scared. I gave him a rea.s.suring smile. Ill go check to see if hes available.

Thank you, maam. He told my back as I punched in the code to the interior office suite.

After I heard the door close behind me, I paused for a second and leaned my back against the wall. When my heart calmed, I took a deep breath and headed to Fordes office.

After I knocked, Forde motioned for me to come in. He was on the phone. I closed the door behind me. Forde shot me a puzzled look. I rarely closed the door behind me unless we were going to fool around.

I tried not to bounce from foot to foot as I listened to Forde wind up his call.

Finally, he said his goodbye, and then looked at me with a questioning look. Lay?

How long ago were you married? I asked.

What? His eyes narrowed in confusion.

How long ago? I pressed.

Why do you want to know? He started to stand. Im sure he thought Id lost my mind.

Im asking because theres a boy who looks to be about sixteen in reception, and hes asking to talk to you about personal business.

He paused and stared at me. His mouth was hanging open just a little bit.