CHAPTER THREE

– VELOZ –

She’s absolutely stunning, and I enjoy the blush spreading across her cheeks as I step out of the truck after I’ve parked it in front of the clubhouse of Blennies Hitch. When I woke up this morning, I never thought to have my life take a spin the way it did.

I’m teasing a gorgeous woman, one who’s also my partner in a case we’re working on, and I more than enjoy her company. I’m cleared of the shit in my past and am a full member of Broken Deeds, legally allowed to work in law enforcement once again. All because of this stunning woman. Where others might see her scars, all I see is her inner beauty shining through.

“Have you lost your mind? Why the fuck would you let him drive?” Asher snaps as he steps out of the clubhouse. “You would never allow anyone else to get behind the wheel, Leontine.”

“Her mind is perfectly fine,” I coldly tell him.

Asher flips me off and keeps striding toward Leontine. He’s about to breach her personal space when I step in front of her. Asher stumbles back and narrows his eyes at me.

“What the fuck, Veloz? No need to protect my twin from me, she’s my own damn blood,” he growls low in his throat.

I shrug and keep standing in front of her. “I couldn’t give two shits about DNA similarities. What I do care about is the way you treat her. She can hold her own, brother.”

I give a slight curve to the last word to make sure he understands we’re on equal footing. We’re both MC members, and we might have just swapped places, but I used to be Blennies Hitch’s enforcer. I seriously don’t have a problem letting my fists do the talking if he keeps interfering, meddling, or any of the overbearing shit he’s been doing when it comes to his sister’s life.

Asher leans in and hisses in a low whisper to prevent his sister from hearing his words. “You don’t know what she’s been through. She needs to be protected ’cause she still has post-traumatic amnesia.”

“And I told you her mind is fucking fine,” I snap, getting agitated. “Now, get lost, I’m here to pick up my stuff ’cause she invited me to stay at her place.”

Okay, I might have added that last line in a wave of feeling petty, but this fucker is getting on my damn nerves.

“Say what now?” he grits.

“I offered him your room because the ones in the clubhouse are occupied. Besides, Veloz and I are working on a case together,” Leontine quips as she pushes Asher back to stand in front of me.

Asher shakes his head and reaches for his pocket. “Not happening. I’m calling my prez.”

“You mean the one standing behind you or are you talking about Archer?” I lift my chin at my former prez. “Hey, Perrin.” Directing my attention back to Asher, I taunt, “What good is Archer gonna do when you’re no longer Broken Deeds? Nice, eh? Swapping patches.”

“Motherfucking–”

“Hold your tongue, Asher,” Perrin warns. “Why the hell are your panties in a bunch? What did you do now, Veloz?”

“Me? Nothing.” I grin at my former prez. “I just came by to pick up my things. Asher’s sister was nice enough to open up her home for me.”

Perrin shakes his head. “Pack your shit, and be sure to swing by the clubhouse before you leave.”

“Leaving already?” Rox, Perrin’s sister, and Asher’s old lady quips from behind them. “Oh, hey, Leontine. Why didn’t anyone tell me you were here?”

“Because she was too busy giving Veloz here my damn room,” Asher grunts.

Rox grins at me in a “way to go, dude” manner and shoots me a thumbs-up from behind her old man’s back. I miss this bunch. I’ve been with them for years and if Broken Deeds wouldn’t have shown up here, I would still be Blennies Hitch’s enforcer.

Rox is suddenly sporting a confused look, and asks Asher, “Wait. Didn’t you just give your room to Sully when you had him on the phone this morning?”

Sully? Who the fuck is Sully? I whip my head in Leontine’s direction, but she’s staring at Asher with a confused frown on her face.

Asher nods and tells Leontine, “I was going to swing by later today to let you know Sully is coming home. I don’t know if you remember him, but–”

Annoyance strikes and I growl, “How many times have I mentioned to you that her memory is fucking fine? I’m starting to doubt your sanity, though.”

“Sully,” Leontine states, drawing my attention to her. “Sawyer Penn. His father killed his mother, he thought he killed Sully too, and then he took his own life. Sully ended up in the ER during one of Mom’s shifts. She saved him. He spent time in the hospital and as an orphan at twelve, Mom and Dad took him in as a foster kid. He joined the Navy when he was eighteen, and that’s when he moved out. Last I heard he was in LA assisting a Broken Deeds chapter over there.”

“You remember him,” Asher croaks.

“Yes, Ash. I remember,” Leontine murmurs.

“You remember,” Asher echoes and takes a step forward. “Are you okay? Do you remember everything?”

“Yes, I’m fine,” Leontine states and turns to me. “Can we speed this up? I’d like to be home before dark and get ready for that date.”

“Date?” Asher grits. “Definitely not. You and Sully should spend some time together instead.”

I have no fucking clue what this asshole’s issues are, but I dismiss him when Leontine stalks off without giving her twin so much as one word. Jumping into a run, I chase her down and slightly steer her in the other direction.

“My boat is over here,” I rumble and point at the Fountain 47 Lightning.

“That thing is huge,” Leontine mutters under her breath.

“Wait till you see my–”

She rolls her eyes. “If you say cock I’m shoving you into the water to cool off.”

“I’d like to see you try.” Directing my gaze back to my boat I add, “Besides, it’s not much of a threat when I enjoy swimming as much as walking. Sure gonna miss having the ocean within reach.”

Her voice carries warmth when she says, “Blennies Hitch’s clubhouse isn’t far from ours, and just because you’re Broken Deeds doesn’t mean you have to cut them out. Hell, you and my twin switched places. I know damn sure he won’t stop coming around my house, or visiting the clubhouse for that matter.”

“He won’t stop meddling,” I correct her.

I might have not been around the both of them for long, but it’s not hard to imagine how the rivalry’s been weighing down on her. All of it makes it damn rough to grow into the person she wants to be. No fucking wonder she kept it to herself that her memory was back in full force, it was kinda like a fresh start. Yet, it doesn’t work that way mentally, and it showed with the panic attack she had.

She’s staring off into the distance and I hate to be the one to let her drift off on stuff she doesn’t need to be reminded of.

I feel the need to address something Asher mentioned before she ran off toward my boat. “Why would Asher suggest for you and Sully to spend time together? Did you two have some kind of connection or relationship in the past?”

She blinks a few times and murmurs, “What?”

“Sully,” I grunt. “Why did your twin suggest for the two of you to hang out? What’s the deal between you and this Sully?”

Leontine steps onto my boat and I follow, a bit agitated ’cause she’s not answering my damn question. I grit my teeth and decide to ignore her as well as I grab a bag and start to throw some clothes and other stuff into it.

I’m caught up in my rambling thoughts–the woman has my mind going a hundred miles an hour–when I turn and bump into her. Barely I manage to wrap my arm around her waist to keep her from falling on her ass.

“Sorry,” I grumble and make sure she’s steady on her feet before stepping away to grab more things.

She wraps her fingers around my wrist and halts my actions. “There is no deal between me and Sully. We all grew up together and I consider him my brother. Asher, though? He always joked about how Sully and I should make a pact. If neither of us were involved when we hit thirty, we’d hook up. Like I said, it was Asher’s craziness, not mine or Sully’s for that matter.”

“He’s not getting the guestroom,” I grit, not liking any of what she just told me.

Leontine lets her fingers glide over the leather of the booth. “Sully’s a friend. I’m not going to shut my door on him.”

“Fine. Then he can have the guestroom and I’ll sleep in your bed. It’ll give everyone the right impression.”

Her head whips my way. “And what impression would that be?”

“That we’re dating. We have a deal, remember?” I lean forward and grab my old hunting knife.

She wrinkles her nose. “Don’t you have a new one strapped to your leg? Why do you need another one?”

I don’t mind her shift of topic and simply tell her, “It used to belong to my grandfather. I don’t use it, but it’s an item I’m fond of so if I’m not living on my boat I’d like to have it with me where I’ll be staying now.”

“Okay.” She glances at my bag. “That’s everything you’re taking with you?”

“I’m a simple man, Lea.” I give her a sly grin.

“Whatever,” she mutters. “Let’s go. I want to swing by the tattoo shop.”

I let my gaze travel over her body and wonder if she has some ink on her or if she’s getting something new.

“Are you getting a tattoo?” I question.

Her shoulders sag. “Sadly, no. The scars need to heal for months before I can have Hadley tattoo over them. She’s working on a design, though. We’re going grocery shopping anyway and it’s near the tattoo shop. I’ve always wanted a tattoo of Saint Michael, and when I told her about it she started signing about some design she had in her head. I liked her enthusiasm and am curious what she came up with. Even if it’s still months away.”

“Signing?” I question.

She gives me a tight nod along with the words, “Hadley is deaf. She was six years old when Depay, her father, became aware of her existence. Depay never even knew he was a father because the woman he had a friend-with-benefits relationship with decades ago never told him. The woman died in an accident. When Depay discovered he had a daughter, he fought for her when the grandparents didn’t think he would be able to. You know, her being deaf and not knowing him. Broke’s old lady helped, she knows ASL and taught him. The first generation all learned how to sign to make her feel at home, but she’s flawless at lip reading as well. The second generation grew up with her, so we all learned how to sign. Others might think she’s different, or treat her differently because she’s deaf, but to us, she’s just like everyone else. Vachs, her old man, he keeps on talking to her as well, even if she’s not facing him. He’s very aware she can’t hear him, it”s the vibration she feels and he damn well knows. Vachs and Hadley are amazing together.”

Her gaze drifts away for a few breaths, longing overtakes her eyes as if she’s craving something they have.

That is until she chuckles and says, “Oh, and I should give you a heads-up about Austin. He also once belonged to another MC. Areion Fury to be precise.”

“Why the heads-up?” I ask, intrigued and also pleased she’s giving me a little insight into some of the members.

“Austin’s mind works differently than others. Which basically means he says what’s on his mind, and it’s a lot. He and his father have what some might call a photographic memory. They remember an abnormal amount, and all of it in vivid detail.”

“The man is a know-it-all, got it,” I grunt.

The corner of her lips twitch. “Some really don’t like being put in their place or be called out on certain actions.”

“I prefer a straight shooter over a backstabbing sonofabitch any day.” I shrug. “It’s nice to know beforehand that someone is giving it to you straight, though. So, thanks for giving me a heads-up.”

The grin she gives me makes her eyes twinkle. “Okay, are you done packing? If so, we could swing by the tattoo shop and then get some groceries. I’d like to make us dinner instead of going out. Do you like chicken burgers? Buns, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, pickles, and ketchup.”

“That’s very precise.” It takes effort not to chuckle and I find myself saying, “Sounds delicious.”

My phone rings and I fish the thing out of my pocket and rumble, “Veloz.”

“Leontine with you?” I recognize Archer’s voice. “You guys still at the Blennies Hitch compound?”

“She is, and we are,” I grunt.

He releases a deep sigh. “I’ve just been made aware of a crime scene a few blocks from there. I’m caught up in a load of shit myself and no one else is available. I need you to check it out. I’m not sure if you should take Leontine with you, though. Ask Asher or his old lady to keep her company while you head to the crime scene. Check the information I forwarded to you. It’s a statement from the officer at the scene. Get back to me once you’ve handled it.”

“Will do,” I grunt and end the call.

Thumbing through my phone I check the information he gave me. Leontine stays quiet through it all. I instantly know why Archer doesn’t want Leontine there. The first responder’s notes are very detailed and what he described is more in the lines of a woman carved to death with a knife.

The severity of it gives him the suspicion this is not the first time for the assailant which instantly jumps to the thought of a serial killer. Leontine being taken, injured, and traumatized by one gives Archer all the reasons to keep her out of it.

However, the strong woman standing in front of me has been hiding her trauma in plain sight because of those closest to her shielding her from everything. It’s why I hand her my phone and let her thumb through the information.

When she hands me back my phone I tell her, “Archer wants me to check it out and leave you with Asher or Rox.”

Her mouth turns into a flat line and I’m not liking it one damn bit.

I drop my bag and step into her personal space to tell her, “I hope you’re okay with defying his order because I want you to come along. We’re partners, right?”

She tips her head back to stare up at me with a grateful look in her eyes.

“We are,” she states wholeheartedly.

It would be so damn easy to close the distance and taste her. She licks her lips, her pupils dilate, and the way her breathing picks up? I just know she’s craving my mouth just as much. Fuck it. Leaning forward, I crash my mouth over hers and she instantly parts her lips to allow my tongue to swoop inside.

The groan ripping from me is vibrating through my chest. Leontine is fisting my leather cut, pulling me closer as we stare at one another in full lust. Both of us are aware we’re crossing a line that cannot be uncrossed ever again. Not with the way she tastes or how her body molds perfectly against mine.

Shit. It takes everything inside me to slow down the kiss before I break our connection.

“Fuck, that was nice,” I rumble.

A careless giggle flows from her and I grin down at her.

Sadly, her happiness is fleeting when her face turns serious. “We should head to the crime scene.”

“Yeah,” I grunt and step away to snatch my bag from the floor and throw it over my shoulder.

I quickly make another round to make sure my boat is good for the upcoming few days so we can hit the road. Around twenty minutes later we arrive at the crime scene. The coroner is leaning against his car and local authorities are standing on the porch.

We stalk toward them and a man steps forward, offering me his hand. “I’m Sheriff Munson. I assume you’re the one Archer sent?”

I nod. “Veloz. This here is my partner, Leontine. Mind walking us through the scene?”

He ushers us inside while he starts to rattle about everything that happened from the moment he got the call up to when he arrived at the place and discovered the scene. He explains how he’s been the only one who has entered the house. The neighbor hadn’t seen the woman living here in two days and glanced through the window.

That’s how the body was discovered and how the authorities were alerted. Good thing the sheriff himself was the one who went to the house and contacted Archer. At least now we’re able to take in the scene as it was found instead of receiving the photographs and reports.

The body is still on the living room floor. A puddle of dried blood underneath her naked body. I’m about to step closer when I hear Leontine inhale sharply. I turn to face her and I get the impression the horror and fear on her face isn’t due to the dead body. She’s an ER doctor for fuck’s sake and has probably seen more gory shit than any other Broken Deeds member.

“Mind waiting outside?” I ask the sheriff.

He nods and leaves and it’s then I reach out to gently take Leontine’s hand in mine. Her gaze is still locked on the murdered woman, her body frozen in place.

“Lea,” I rumble.

Still nothing. Fuck.

I give her hand a squeeze. “Tell me what’s going on, darlin’.”

She shakes her head, still staring at the woman’s body, and when I follow her gaze I suddenly see what she’s seeing.

“Motherfucker,” I growl. “How the hell is that possible? I thought you said the one who hurt you was dead.”