Page 28 of Love Above Law

I want to make you happy. I think to myself. "It will all work out, beautiful," I assure her.

We've finally made it to where we can see the Seattle skyline up ahead in the distance as we weave through the busy traffic. Leyna has been quiet for some time now as she takes in all the sites we've passed so far. Seattle is a far cry from the small town of Polson, Montana. I get off at the next exit heading for downtown. "What do you think so far?" I ask her.

"So much to look at." She points to my left. "Is that the needle I read about online? I also read they have a restaurant all the way up there and you can stand on a floor made of glass where you can see the ground below you." I smile at her astonishment as she cranes her neck trying to take it in as we pass by.

"Here we are," I announce as we turn the corner past my apartment building and head toward the parking garage.

"This is so exciting. It's hard to believe I'm here—that I'm really doing this," Leyna beams with excitement. You would think for someone who has been through so much and who was plucked from everything she knew then dropped into an entirely new environment would be nervous. Not Leyna. Her face shines with all the promises her future holds for her.

Parking, I quickly climb out to help Leyna from the other side. "I'll come back down and get your things once we've gotten you settled." I tuck her into my side, and we walk to the elevator then ride it to my floor. Stopping in front of my apartment the aroma of pasta sauce permeates from behind the door.

"Oh my God, something smells good." Leyna looks from one end of the hall to the other. I hang my head. The smell is coming from my apartment. I would know that smell anywhere. Inserting the key, I unlock the deadbolt. I gave the oldest of my sisters, Fran a spare key after I moved in. It was only to be used in case of emergencies. I should never have told them I was bringing Leyna back to Seattle with me. Once more, I should never have mentioned I planned on her staying here as well.

After unlocking the second lock, I turn the handle keeping Leyna by my side as we enter the apartment. Laughter and chatter stop the moment I close the door. All four of my sisters are in my kitchen. "Hey, Lex. I hope you two are hungry. We decided to cook Nonna's famous manicotti," Lily, my youngest sister, says as she rounds the corner of the kitchen island. Her arms go around my neck, hugging me before she turns her attention to Leyna. "Leyna, it's good to finally meet you. You're as pretty as Lex says."

Leyna peers up at me raising her brow. "He talks about me?" she asks not taking her eyes off me to gauge my reaction. Grinning, I let her know with one look I talk about her. I think about her. I want her. For the first time, Leyna blushes, and fuck if it doesn't go straight my dick.

Fran clears her throat. "Lex, you plan on formally introducing us?"

Leyna is the first to look away. She smiles at my sister.

"Leyna, these are my sisters, Fran, Vi, Ari, and Lily. Everyone meet Leyna Martinez."

"It's good to meet you," they all say in unison.

"It's good to meet you too," Leyna replies, then looks from my sisters up at me. "I would love to take a bath before we eat dinner."

"Sure, I'll show you to your room." Giving my sisters a look, I walk Leyna through the living room and down the hallway to my room. "You can take my room while you're here. You'll have your own bathroom as well."

Her eyes search the room. My king-sized bed covered with a bright white comforter faces the large picture window overlooking the city. The walls are painted a deep grey, and most of my furnishing is black. " I don't want to take your bed, Lex. Where will you sleep? " Leyna stands fixed in her spot as I walk toward the master bath.

"I'll take the guest room next door." I look around the bathroom. My sisters have been in here. Feminine shampoos and bath soaps have been placed both on the tub and in the shower along with extra towels sitting on the countertop. "Looks like my sisters fixed you up. You should find everything you need in here." Walking back out into the room I find that Leyna has made her way to the window. "Tired? " I ask

She shakes her head. "No, just a little sore, and maybe feeling a little overwhelmed. I wasn't expecting to meet some of your family today."

Coming up behind her, I place my palm on the glass just above her head putting her between me and the window without touching her. "I'm sorry about that. My sisters tend to be—."

"They remind me of Gabriel and myself. Siblings are meant to take care of each other. Like Gabe, your sisters mean well." Leyna continues to look out at the city before her.

Bringing my mouth close to her ear I speak low. "Enjoy your bath, beautiful."

After leaving Leyna to relax in the tub, I go downstairs and retrieve our things from the SUV. Leyna still hasn't come out of the room by the time my sisters have finished dinner, and they start slipping on their coats. "Wait, you're not staying?" I ask them as they continue to gather their things.

"Even if she hasn't said it, Leyna looks exhausted. Everything is finished, and there's more in the refrigerator that can be reheated for the next few days." Ari steps up and wraps her arms around my middle. "Feed her and let her get some rest." Ari pulls away. One by one the other three do the same, and I watch them walk out the door.

"Where did everyone go?"

Turning, I take in Leyna who's standing by the couch. Her hair still damp from her bath and she's wearing a pair of oversized sweatpants and an FBI academy shirt.

I can't stop staring at her.

"Umm, I didn't have anything clean to wear when I got out of the bath. I hope you don't mind. I dug through your dresser and slipped these on." She pulls at the pant leg because it's too long for her short legs.

"They look good on you," I confess. Feeling the weight of the silence hanging between us I ask, "dinner on the couch with a movie?" Hoping she says yes.

"I'd like that."

"Great." Pulling a blanket from the back of the couch, I gesture for her to come sit down. "I'll be right back," and drape it across her lap. Going to the kitchen, I fix us a plate then bring it back to the couch. "I hope you like Italian." Handing her the plate, I take a seat beside her and watch her take a bite.