Page 21 of Love Above Law

When we make it to the hospital, Bella rushes inside and up to my brother, eager for any news on her sister. While Gabriel updates us on her condition, which is not much, just that she's with the doctors now, I silently stand off to the side and listen. A minute later, Jake, the clubs President rushes through the E.R entrance. I listen as he begins dishing out orders to his men; telling them to get Alba's truck back to the shop so they can inspect it for tampering. If I had to guess, I'd say they are thinking the man who has been stalking Alba had something to do with her accident.

After sitting in the waiting room for a couple of hours along with the rest of the club, we get word Alba is going to be okay. Since Gabriel is staying with her, I'm able to catch a ride back to the clubhouse with Logan and Bella. When we get there, I feel completely overwhelmed, so once I've bid everyone a goodnight, I head straight to my room.

Plopping down on my bed, I rest my elbows on my thighs and place my face in the palms of my hands. I let my thoughts drift back to the conversation I had with Lex the night he brought me home after being questioned at the police station. He asked me did I really know who my brother was. I told him it didn't matter what Gabriel has done in his past or his present; that he was my brother and none of that mattered, only I'm beginning to think it does. I'm starting to feel this life; the life of an MC is more than I can handle. I'll never blame my brother for what happened to me, or for what's happening to Alba, but the truth is, it's all too much.

* * *

A couple of weeks later I'm getting ready to go to Gabriel and Alba's house. Gabriel called and said he had some things to take care of and wanted me to sit with Alba while he's gone. I'm wondering what the hell kind of business would involve him getting out in a snowstorm, but that's his business, not mine.

I'm finishing getting dressed when my eyes cut over to the envelope peeking out from my purse sitting on my dresser. The same envelope I haven't had the guts to open for two days; the one marked Seattle University. Biting the bullet, I snag the letter from my bag and tear it open. "Quit being a chicken shit, Leyna."

Taking a deep breath, I unfold the paper. The first word I read is Congratulations. "Dios mios." On unsteady legs, I slump down in the chair beside my bed. I'm stunned. A part of me didn't believe I would get accepted. Not only did I get accepted, but the grant will cover the entire cost of my tuition.

Smiling, the first person I think of is Lex. If not for his help this wouldn't have been possible. Picking up my phone, I shoot him a quick text before I rush downstairs to catch a ride to my brother's house.

"Okay girl, spill it," Alba hedges taking a seat on the sofa beside me.

"What?" I feign innocence as I slide my phone into my back pocket.

"Don't what me. I'm not blind. Now tell me who he is. And before you try denying it again, I know it has to be a guy. Only a man could put a smile like that on your face. Not to mention you're blushing," Alba adds.

I roll my eyes. "It's nothing really. It can never be anything because my brother would hate me and kill him."

Alba scrunches her brow. "What does Gabriel have to do with anything? He just wants you to be happy. As long as this guy is good to you, that's all that matters."

I shake my head. "No. I know my brother would not approve. It would never work, Alba," I insist.

"Who is it, Leyna?"

Sighing, I throw my body against the back of the sofa. Feeling Alba clutch my hand, I turn toward her and groan. "Lex." At her confused expression, I clarify. "As in Agent Alexander Taylor." Alba's mouth falls open as recognition falls on her.

"You mean the FBI agent who rescued you?"

"Si, the one and only."

"Holy shit," she says.

"You see why I can't tell my brother? The club and the feds do not mix. You should have seen them the day Lex rescued me and brought me to Gabriel. If looks could kill, they both would have dropped dead on the spot." Waving my hand in dismissal, I continue. "It doesn't matter anyway. We're just friends."

Alba continues to push. "Just friends?" When I don't answer, she keeps on. "Friends don't make you smile the way you've been smiling every time you pick up your phone." Alba places her hand on my shoulder. "I don't want to overstep but may I give you some advice?"

"Yes. I think I could use all the advice I can get."

"I say go for it with this Lex guy. Life is too short to worry about what other people think, Leyna. The most important thing I have learned over the past eight months is if you spend all your time worrying about what others think and trying to please everyone around you, then you are wasting the precious life you have been given. Will Gabriel be upset? Probably. You know I love your brother more than anything, but who cares what he thinks. As long as you are happy, and Lex is good to you, then Gabriel will eventually have to come to terms and except that. Please, Leyna never be afraid to go after what is going to make you happy. I will stand behind you when it comes to your brother."

I let Alba's words sink in for a minute, and I know she speaks the truth. "I know you're right, Alba. But I also know it's going to be easier said than done."

"No," Alba says. "Giving up is easier. Standing up for what you want is going to be hard, but worth it in the end."

"You're very smart in the ways of the world for someone so young," I laugh.

"Trust me I'm not that smart," she chuckles. "I just had to live and learn the hard way and suffer some consequences along the way. I don't want to see you do the same."

I'm just about to respond when my phone chimes with another incoming text. "He's relentless," I smirk. Once I reply to Lex, I go on to tell Alba about how we have become friends. I tell her how we talk on the phone and text almost daily. That's a partial lie. I don't want to tell Alba the full truth before I tell my brother.

After my talk with Alba, I'm feeling like a small portion of the weight I've been carrying around has been lifted off my shoulders. Alba goes about ordering us pizza for dinner as we settle on the sofa, she picks up the remote. "Want to watch a movie?"

"Yeah. Something funny though." When the doorbell rings Alba and I both look at the clock.