Page 14 of Love Above Law

Sitting up in bed, I allow myself to take in Gabriel's room. Last night; or I should say early this morning; I was so exhausted I didn't pay attention. I've heard my brother refer to the place he lives as a clubhouse. Over the years I've learned a few things about the MC. For instance, those men I saw last night, Gabriel refers to them as his brothers—his family. He says the clubhouse is home to many of the brothers and is also where they conduct business, family parties, things like that. When Gabriel stepped inside the clubhouse last night with me tucked into his side, he didn't stop to introduce me to anyone. I could see the curious faces of several men and a couple of women, but none of them had made any attempts to approach myself or Gabriel.

With a deep sigh, I clear my thoughts and climb out of bed, then make my way to the bathroom. Stepping in front of the sink, I see an unopened toothbrush, a bottle of shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, a few hair accessories and a folded stack of women's clothing. Wanting nothing more than to get out of the clothes that were given to me by Santino and take a hot shower, I shut the bathroom door and strip. Once I've removed my clothes, I toss them in the trash bin next to the toilet. Stepping into the shower, I stand under the spray of hot water, close my eyes and allow my muscles to relax. It doesn't take long for my mind to drift and I begin to replay the events that have led me to this point.

Since the day I was taken from my home, I haven't allowed myself to cry. I never cry. But at this moment, I can no longer hold back. My will to fight my emotions has vanished and I lose the battle. Sinking to my knees, I wrap my arms around my body and allow the tears to break free. My body begins to shake, and sobs take over my entire being. I don't know how long I lay in the bottom of the tub, but the next thing I hear is the low rumble of Gabriel's voice through the door just before the water is cut off. Next, I feel someone place a towel over the top of my body, followed by a warm, feminine voice I don't recognize.

"Leyna."

Lifting my head, I look through my tear-filled eyes at the woman sitting next to the bathtub. This woman is small like me, has brown wavy hair and kind hazel eyes. She offers me a warm smile. "My name is Bella. Gabriel sent me in here to check on you. Will you let me help you out? You're freezing, and I'd like to get you dried off and dressed. Then maybe we can have some hot tea, she says in a smooth, calm voice. "Thank you," I croak and allow her to help me out of the tub.

No words are spoken as Bella steps out of the bathroom allowing me to dry myself off and get dressed in private. I take a few extra minutes alone in the bathroom to compose myself before I walk back out into the bedroom. Waiting for me is Bella. She is sitting at a small table with two cups of hot tea. Sitting down across from her, I take a small sip and close my eyes while allowing the hot liquid to warm my body. After several beats, I set the mug down. Bella has remained quiet. She patiently waits for me to break the silence. "Thank you. I'm sorry we had to meet this way."

"You have nothing to apologize for," Bella assures. "Considering the circumstances, I'd say you are doing pretty damn good." Bella is quiet for a moment before she asks. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"No," is my swift reply. "It's just I had to retell everything when the FBI questioned me. I don't want to go through that again. I want to forget and move on."

"I understand. My offer stands though. If at any time you need someone to talk to, I'm here."

I nod then ask, "do you live here at the clubhouse? Are you related to one of Gabriel's brothers?"

"No," she smiles. "I'm not related to any of the guys. I'm married to Logan. He's the VP of the club," she says with pride. "And we don't live here. Logan and I live out by the lake."

Remembering what Gabriel has told me in the past, I know VP stands for Vice President. "The whole family is anxious to meet you," she continues, "but big guy has demanded they let you rest."

"Who's big guy?"

"Sorry," Bella chuckles. "I call Gabriel big guy."

"Oh," I smile. "Mi hermano is pretty big." Taking another sip of tea, I sigh. "I really should go out there and meet everyone. I can't stay held up in this room forever. Honestly, I could use the distraction. This is all so new and a little scary. When I thought about being reunited with my brother, I never imagined it would go like this."

"I'm sorry, Leyna," Gabriel's deep voice cuts through the room as he stands at the doorway of the bedroom. Without a word Bella stands and excuses herself, leaving Gabriel and me alone.

"None of this is your fault, Gabe," I say as he strides across the room and drops to his knee in front of me. Using his finger Gabriel lifts my chin, leveling my eyes with his. The tortured look in his dark eyes saddens me.

"Every single thing you went through is on me. My shit past caused your nightmare. So, yeah Leyna, it most definitely is my fault. Can you forgive me?"

"You can't control the actions of other people, Gabriel. There is nothing to forgive. I'm here with you, and I'm safe. You kept your promise. Just as I knew you would. My big brother has never let me down," I say reaching up and tugging on his bushy beard hoping to lighten the mood. His slight grin lets me know it has worked. "I don't know if I can ever get use to you looking like this. I mean we've both grown up, but in my head, all I remember is the child version of you."

"Si. I know what you mean. Mi hermana has grown into a beautiful woman. You look just like mamá," he tells me, and I throw myself into his embrace. I don't think I could ever grow tired of my brother's hugs. "I've missed you so much. I didn't think this day would ever come. Now I want to forget about the past and focus on today. So, no more feeling guilty, okay?"

Letting go, Gabriel stands and holds out his hand. "Alright, Leyna. Today we move forward. But know this, I won't let any more of my shit touch you, and I'll put down any mother fucker who dares to lay a hand on you."

"Okay, big brother. Now let's go and introduce me to your family," I say placing my hand in his and following him out of the room.

Stopping, Gabriel turns back, "they are your family now too, Leyna. You'll see."

Following my brother down the stairs, and through a large room with a sofa, bar, and a pool table, he leads me through a set of double doors and into a large kitchen. The moment we step in the low murmured voices I heard seconds ago halts. And looking at us is are seven sets of eyes. Nobody says a thing for a few awkward moments.

Finally, a man with dirty blond hair and a goofy grin speaks. "Damn, brother. You didn't say your sister was a knockout. Hey, there darlin'. My name is—."

"Dipshit," my brother growls, cutting the blond-haired guy off mid-sentence the same time the man sitting next to Bella slaps him upside his head. I can't help but giggle because I've only been in the presence of these people a minute and I can already tell they act like a family.

"Hey!" the blond says rubbing his head. "That shit wasn't necessary. I was trying to be friendly."

"Friendly my ass," Gabriel gruffs. Pointing toward the blond, then turning to me, Gabriel makes the introductions. "That asshole is Quinn. Just ignore him." My brother continues down the line at all the people seated at the table. "Sitting next to Quinn is Logan, and his wife Bella, which you met earlier. Then we have Reid, Bennett and his old lady, Lisa. Next to Lisa is our Prez, Jake." There is a chorus of "hi's" and "nice to meet ya's" around the table, and everyone's friendliness helps with easing my nerves.

"It's nice to meet all of you. Thank you for welcoming me into your home."

The man Gabriel introduced as Jake, his Prez; the same man that came with my brother to Santino's house, stands. "We all want you to know you are now a part of The Kings family. Anything you need, anything you want don't hesitate to come to me or any one of my brothers." Once Jake has finished welcoming me to the family, I peer up at my brother and see him looking at the man he calls Prez with gratitude and respect. At this moment surrounded by these people and seeing how they have accepted me into their fold without hesitation, I understand why Gabriel chose them as his family.