Page 31 of Desperate Justice

“Thank you for visiting my tita, but you don’t have to look after her. You’re a trauma nurse.” He didn’t want to feel obligated toward her. Hell, he didn’t want to feel anything toward her.

Tell that to the part of you that keeps wanting to kiss her every time she draws near.

“It’s no big deal. I like Elena. It’s rare I get to save someone and see them after. Usually I’m bouncing from hospital to hospital.”

“You’re so dedicated to your profession.” He punched the elevator button again.

“I was.”

For the first time he realized she wasn’t wearing scrubs, but jeans and a purple T-shirt. A visitor pass, same as his, was clipped to the shirt. Allison saw him stare and shrugged as the elevator doors opened.

A woman in pink scrubs stepped out, saw Allison and flinched. “Allison, what are you doing here?”

His companion turned as pink as the woman’s uniform. “Visiting. I’m allowed to visit patients.”

Compressing her lips, the other woman shook her head. “You should leave before the COO finds out. It’s not good for our image.”

Allison scowled. “What happened to presumed innocent until found guilty.”

“You know what I mean. You’re no longer on staff here.”

Allison stepped into the elevator. Rafe joined her. The doors closed on the woman’s grim face.

“You got fired?” he asked.

“Yes, Captain Obvious. Nursing admin said I violated the terms of my contract. The agency I work for is not happy with me, so I’m taking a break. I got yeeted out of here when admin found out you hauled me away in handcuffs for possession of fentanyl.”

“You were released and no charges brought against you.”

“Well, gee, Rafe, image is everything, isn’t it?”

“I’m sorry.”

She shrugged. “I can always find another job. I wanted to take time off for the wedding anyway, and to relax a little.”

As the elevator doors opened to the lobby, he turned to her. “Good luck with your life,” he said, meaning it.

He needed to stay far away from Allison Lexington and her troublemaking sister.

If he never saw either one of them again, it would be for the best.

CHAPTER 9

Every year for the past five years, Rafe had participated in the annual Teddy Bear Run to raise money for a well-known children’s hospital. Riders throughout the South donated five hundred dollars for the event and received a plush teddy bear to give to the young patients. The event brought together bikers across the South.

His Harley growled into the parking lot of the Happy Times Diner. Rafe cut off the engine and waited. The owner of the diner was a big supporter of bikers and police. Rafe was first to arrive.

Rafe pulled off his helmet.

Samson Hendricks, Deputy United States Marshal, was next. Rafe raised a hand in greeting and adjusted his leather gloves.

“Hey.” Sam switched off his bike and pulled off his helmet, his thick brown hair tumbling out. Rafe teased him about his girl curls. Soon, Sam would be back on duty and get a haircut.

“You back from your parents place?” he asked Sam.

Sam nodded. “Love it there, but not enough to transfer. Though the family keeps nagging me to turn in the badge and come home to the ranch.”

Rafe understood that kind of pressure.