Free Saved by the Outlaw: Motorcycle Club / Hitman Romance by Alexis Abbott, Alex Abbott Page A

gesture. Maybe he isn’t the cold-blooded gangbanger I thought he was this morning in the warehouse. In fact, that first encounter seems to have happened so long ago, in another world. It’s hard to believe that in under twenty-four hours so much has transpired. So much for life moving slow in Bayonne.
    “Thank you, son,” Wanda says, beaming at him as she settles into a slouchy, ancient-looking armchair.
    I wonder how often Leon comes by to see them. I’m sure that the old couple sees something of their own late son in him. My heart aches for their loss. Sure, I have lost my own father, but I can’t imagine how terrible it must be to have to bury one’s own child. Especially under such suspicious circumstances.
    The men all sit down, leaving a spot on the couch beside Leon, presumably for me. So I take it, shivering just so slightly when my thigh touches against his. I force myself not to look down, not to give that minuscule touch even an ounce of my attention. After all, like Gerald said, this is serious business. I’m not here to cuddle up to some hot shot bad boy.
    Even if he did literally save me from otherwise certain death so many years ago. And despite the fact that he’s scorchingly, blindingly attractive. I can hardly fathom what those muscular arms and sensual lips could do to my body…
    Nope! I scream at myself internally. Focus!
    “So what exactly are you all here for, officers?” Leon asks, resting his elbows on his knees and leaning forward to take a sandwich from the stack.
    Samuels, between gigantic bites of his sandwich, replies plainly, “We heard over the dispatcher about the shots fired at Mickey’s earlier.”
    “Had a strong inklin’ you were involved,” Greene adds.
    “Well, you got me. I was there. I might have inadvertently caused it to happen,” Leon admits, looking crestfallen and guilty.
    “You weren’t the one holding the gun,” I interject suddenly, before I can stop myself. I can’t stand by and let Leon take the fall for what Mickey did.
    “Yeah, but I provoked him,” he counters with a shrug. “I’m just as guilty as he is.”
    “Don’t martyr yourself for him,” I reply, standing my ground.
    Greene looks back and forth between us, a little bemused, then he simply asks, “Were there any injuries?”
    Leon nods and heaves a burdened sigh. “Yes. One man outside was shot through the window when Mickey’s gun went off. He was aiming for me until one of my own men took him down and the gun misfired.”
    “Is the injured civilian at Bayonne Med?” Samuels asks, changing the topic.
    Leon shakes his head. “I’m gonna be honest with you here. The guy who was shot — he’s illegal. We didn’t wanna risk taking him to a hospital where he might get turned in or something. Besides, he just started working at that asshole’s store for less than minimum wage. I don’t think he could’ve handled the costs. Although,” he says, brightening up, “I’m fairly certain Mr. Lamar has been convinced to pay for any medical fees the guy will incur. But for now, Anya’s got him stashed away somewhere safe, stitching him up.”
    At the mention of Anya’s name, the Lawrences perk up. Wanda clasps her hands together pridefully and says, “Oh, she’s such a hero. Our Henry would be so proud of her.”
    “I knew my son picked a good one,” Gerald says, sitting up a little straighter.
    “Well, we certainly don’t have any intentions of turning him over to Immigration,” Samuels says, shaking his head. “But we would like to drop in and check on him after our shift change tonight.”
    “Just to make sure,” Greene says.
    “Oh, do tell Anya ‘hello’ for us, will you?” Wanda pleads.
    “Sure thing, Mrs. L,” Greene replies with a smile, reaching over to pat her hands.
    “So how bad is this, exactly?” Leon asks, sipping his tea with a delicateness that’s almost amusing in contrast to his tough-guy looks.
    Samuels leans back and sighs. “Well, so far it’s