Sinner Realized Read online

  Damn it!

  She was in trouble.

  Staying low, Maura wished she could get to her keys and phone, but they were by the front door in the hall. Then again, at that moment, all she wanted to do was escape with her life. She could live without a cell.

  As she heard the soft footfalls on her carpeted stairs, she crawled her way to the back door. Quietly, she turned the bolt lock, knowing it would be her only chance. When it snicked open, the sound filled the room, and the footsteps stopped.

  Oh shit!

  The intruder heard that.

  She’d just given herself away.

  Knowing that this was going to be her one shot at escape, Maura offered up a prayer that it was dark out. Grabbing her backpack from the floor by the door, she shrugged into it. It had some gear that she might need in the dark of the woods.

  Thank God the military made her do runs with heavy weight on her back in basic training. Who knew it would come in handy this many years later, as she raced from her home into the unknown?

  As she pulled open the door, she bolted out to what she hoped would be safety. Whoever was in her house was there for nefarious reasons, and that proved one thing.

  She wasn’t paranoid.

  Something was going on with her team.

  A part of her was pleased that she hadn’t been wrong, while the rest of her was sorry she wasn’t.

  Damn it!

  Maura took off across the yard, her focus on the trees ahead. All she needed to do was get to the thick overgrowth, and she would be safe. Once hidden in them, her training would kick in, and she could outmaneuver anyone who would be chasing her.

  With the trees just ahead, within reach, that’s when she heard it.

  There was the telltale popping sound of bullets, and then the burn as one tore past her arm, slicing into her skin.

  Maura didn't flinch.

  It didn't freak her out.

  Instead, it urged Maura to do one thing.

  Run for her life.

  * * * C a r t e r C h r o n i c l e s * * *

  Two Hours Later

  Dinner had only been mildly distracting.

  Luke loved his partner, but knew what he was trying to do. The man was attempting to cheer him up by pointing out all the available babes around him. He’d taken him to the place he thought would have the most eligible bachelorettes, in an attempt to tempt him.

  Only, Luke didn't care.

  He wasn’t interested in starting up something with a random woman.

  He’d learned a valuable lesson over the last few months. He’d been wrong in so many ways.

  It all mattered.

  Choices were important.

  And your heart had to lead the way.

  His was doing just that. While at the beginning, it pointed him toward Callie, now it was making a point to remind him that there was a woman out there for him.

  Yeah, and fate was taunting him with the obvious.

  They couldn’t work.

  As Nate pointed out the blondes, the redheads, and a couple of other women, he was thinking about one specific brunette. Her golden-brown hair, cut to her shoulders and that little turned up freckled nose. What wouldn’t he give to see her beside him in bed, smiling up at him?

  The world.

  Lucas Mars would sacrifice just about anything. She was the one he was focused on, and for good reason.

  From the minute he’d met her, the day Callie was nearly killed again by a serial killer, his life had never been the same. On that fateful day, he walked into the hospital and ran smack dab into Quinton Gaines’s family. The imposing brothers weren’t his concern, nor was the one pregnant sister. It was the brunette who had his attention. As she watched him with cool green eyes, he could still remember the way his heart skipped in his chest. Luke recalled allowing his eyes to trace the long, lean length of her, as she stood there in fatigues and a serious face.

  Everything about her called to him.

  She beckoned him toward her without having to utter a single word.

  He’d immediately fallen for the woman.

  Then the introductions were made. Here was the woman who Quinn had warned him about. The bad ass tough Marine was wrapped up in a really pretty package. She was lithe, beautiful, and unique.

  On that day, he began pursuing her. Little by little, he tried to get her attention as she focused on him.

  The best part of his situation was that there was a wedding coming up, and he could only hope she’d dance with him. When he arrived on Callie and Quinn’s big day, he’d been in the bridal party.

  Yeah, he had been a bridesmaid.

  It wasn’t his fault that Callie had two best friends and they were both men. Ironically enough, it gave him something to talk to Maura Gaines about.

  They’d laughed.

  Had a few beers.

  And then he’d stolen a kiss.

  It had been amazing. Unlike when he had kissed Callie that one time, this mating of mouths had been something beyond explosive. The second their lips touched, life bloomed.

  In that one moment, he was at peace.

  Ever since then, Luke was using that kiss to get him through the rough patches in life. When he would feel cold, alone, and empty, Luke would tap into that one moment to buy his soul time.

  He could still feel her against his body.

  She fit perfectly.

  The way all her curves seemed to lock against his muscles made her that missing puzzle piece. There was no doubt in his mind that she belonged in his arms. Then, when he stared into her eyes, he saw the truth.

  She had felt it too.

  There was no laughter, mocking his heart. Instead, he saw the need and desire there in her eyes, followed by the staggering shock of what was moving through them.

  Finally, there was a shot at some sort of happiness in his life. There was hope.

  In that moment, Lucas Mars realized he wasn’t going to be alone anymore.

  Afraid to scare her, Luke allowed some time to pass until he could run into her again. Callie and Quinn had a birthday party for his godchild, Susie. When he arrived, she was there, and his heart practically stopped. As soon as he could get Maura alone, he asked her out and she had said yes. That could have been the happiest day of his life.

  Until the date.

  Everything had been going so well. Luke had worn a suit, picked her up, and taken Maura to a really nice restaurant. They laughed, joked, and he believed connected.

  It was epic.

  Then, he drove her home. After kissing her one more time and staring deep into her eyes, he saw something there.

  Of course he asked what was wrong because he was an idiot. Sometimes, it was better to not know the truth.

  In that moment, the unthinkable happened. His hopes and dreams fell away as Maura stared right into his eyes and told him she couldn’t see him anymore.

  It crushed his soul.

  Broke his heart.

  Killed a piece of him.

  She wouldn’t give him a reason, and instead kissed him on the cheek before closing her door. How he got home, he didn't know. All Luke could feel was hurt.

  Over all the time that had passed, he’d never forgotten her. It didn't take long for the pain to ease as she lingered in his psyche. She remained with him, haunting his dreams. Every night, he would relive that moment. She’d smile up at him, and then blow him off.

  Every time he woke, he was filled with that horrifying feeling of knowing his heart was taken that night.

  Maura owned it, and he’d never get it back.

  Granted, he should get back out into the field and get back on the horse, but Luke didn't feel up to it. Each time he was hurt, it seemed to chip away at his soul.

  While he didn't blame Callie for not feeling what he felt when they kissed, but her reaction scarred him. Then, when Maura walked away, it added to the festering wound.

  Maybe he wasn’t worthy of love.

  Flawed.

  Broken.


  A long time ago, he was left alone in the world, and always dreaded that would never change. This was his greatest secret fear. Maybe Lucas Mars was unlovable after all.

  What did it matter?

  The love boat had sailed without him.

  Getting out of his Hummer, he hit the door locks before crossing the parking lot. It was too nice a night to park in the garage. Instead, he wanted to feel the cool air on his flesh. What he needed now was a shower and bed. He might even skip the first part just to get lost in sleep.

  Who was he kidding?

  Maybe he would see her again in his dreams. At least then he could pretend that she wanted him, like he desired her.

  At the door, he placed his key in the lock. Once inside, Luke dropped his gear by the front door. He was going to look forward to taking the next couple of days off to do nothing but sleep.

  Inside, he kicked off his shoes and picked up the mail lying on the floor. There was enough of it to keep him busy for the next few days.

  Dropping it and his keys on the little table, he headed toward his kitchen. Once there, he grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and leaned against the counter. Maybe he would go see Callie and Quinn. While they were at work, he could hang out with little Susie. She was going to be two soon, and it was a fun age.

  At least she loved him.

  He wanted to laugh. His pity party was pathetic. When the only woman in your life was a toddler, you needed to get a grip on reality.

  Maybe he did need to see a shrink.

  Finishing the water, Luke dropped the bottle in the recycling chute. He’d head to his room and call it a day. Looking around his condo, he noticed nothing had changed. It still looked cold and empty.

  Great.

  He might need medication soon for depression or a therapy session with Callie. Maybe she could tell him if he was nuts.

  Climbing the stairs, he pulled off his tie and suit jacket. Today, he felt like he was crypt keeper old. Maybe he did need a vacation. A few days on a beach might cheer him up. Immediately, he wondered what Maura would look like in a bikini.

  He forced himself to stop.

  Yeah, not likely. She was already dancing around in his brain, as usual.

  Luke pulled his harness off before dropping it and his Ruger on the dresser. While he should take the time to put it away, he didn't see the point. It was safe where it was.

  Stripping down to his boxers, he headed to his closet to hang up his suit jacket and tie. When he pulled the door open, he was faced with the unthinkable.

  There was the snub nose of his back-up piece pointed at his head.

  He swallowed before allowing his gaze to slide up the arm and to the owner now holding him at gunpoint in his own home.

  “Maura?” he asked, unable to believe his eyes. Luke wasn’t quite sure what was more shocking.

  Here was the woman he was crazy about, hiding out in his closet.

  Honestly, he didn't mind at all.

  Now, if he could understand why, he’d be all set.

  “Luke, I have a problem,” she said, lowering his gun right before she rushed him.

  He barely had time to open his arms, before she crashed into him.

  “Maura, honey, what’s going on?” he asked, wrapping his arms protectively around her body. It was hard to not notice how good she felt, despite her obvious fear.

  “Oh, God, Luke! Someone is trying to kill me.”

  “What?” he demanded, refusing to let her go.

  Maura glanced down at the grazing wound on her arm. Her motion drew his focus.

  “Oh, shit! Honey!”

  Okay, his problems definitely seemed silly.

  The woman of his dreams had bigger issues.

  It didn't take him long to get her settled down. A part of him couldn’t believe this was happening. After holding her, he was reminded of her scent and feel.

  Luke couldn’t believe that she was there with him. The second Maura was against him, his body reacted to her. Yeah, it was a really bad time to be in nothing more than a pair of boxers.

  If she noticed he was aroused by her being against him, she didn't mention it.

  It was probably for the best.

  After he got her to the bed, he noticed she was shaking. While he wanted to tend to her injury, he knew better. Soon, she would crash from the adrenaline rush. If he wanted information on what had happened, it had to be then.

  In all honesty, he didn't know what to say first. Maura sat on his bed looking was quite disheveled.

  “Honey, you need to tell me what the hell is going on,” he demanded, once she had calmed down.

  Finally, Maura was able to speak. “I’m sorry, Luke. I didn't know where else to go,” she said, feeling sick to her stomach. “I couldn’t go to Quinn and Callie’s, or anywhere else.”

  He still didn't understand. “What happened to your arm?” Luke asked, running his fingers across the tear in her sweater. He could tell it wasn’t a horrible injury, but more like a grazing wound.

  “I was shot.”

  “That I could tell, but who shot at you?”

  She told him about the intruder in her house, and how she’d been forced to run for it.

  “Once I got into the woods, I was able to stay ahead of whoever was chasing me. It wasn’t easy, but I managed to blend in.”

  His heart was thumping in his chest. “Okay, but you’re shot.”

  She told him how it happened, walking him through it, step by step.

  There was only one thing to do. First, he needed to see how bad her arm was, and then he needed to figure out what the hell was going on.

  Oh yeah, then he needed to call Quinton Gaines. He’d want to know why his baby sister was shot and at his place.

  “Take off your shirt.”

  She stared at him. “I’m okay.”

  He wasn’t buying it. “Maura, honey, I need to see your arm. Please take off your sweater so I can see what we need to do to fix you up.”

  Well, why not make more of a spectacle of herself? After all, she’d broken into an FBI agent’s house and practically held him naked at gun point. Why not add more embarrassment to the mix?

  Sure, she’d stand there in her bra.

  Jesus! When had she lost control of her well-ordered life?

  Pulling her now ruined sweater over her head, Maura let it drop to the floor. Immediately, she fought not to cover herself. She was a Marine, and it wasn’t like nudity should freak her out. Yet, with this man, it did.

  Luke tried desperately not to react, but it was so damn hard. Here stood a woman he was crazy about, and now she was practically naked in his bedroom.

  If he didn't get a medal for sainthood, it would be shocking as hell.

  Focusing on her arm, he let the soft swells of her breasts housed in the sexy black bra go. If he didn't, Luke knew he’d go mad.

  Taking her arm in his hands, he gently touched the wound. It wasn’t as bad as the blood had looked. “It’s minor,” he said, releasing her to head into his bathroom. “Let me clean it, and then we can get you dressed.”

  Yeah, or she could stay half-naked in his bedroom for the rest of eternity. He wouldn’t mind at all. In fact, he’d crawl on his knees to have it happen.

  “Okay,” she replied, watching him walk away. Maura was having a hard time concentrating. Yeah, part of it was because of the man in the other room, but the rest was because she’d learned something new.

  Lucas Mars had some interesting tattoos. Across his shoulders and back were some ornate designs, and she found herself fascinated. Had she not seen it herself, she never would have believed it.

  He seemed so… straight-laced.

  Now, she had a peek into the real man.

  When she found herself running through the woods, trying to plan out her strategy, he had popped into her mind. She couldn’t run to her brother, despite him being her first choice. Quinn was always the cop in the family, and certainly he could help her out.

&nb
sp; Then, she thought about Callie and Susie. While her sister-in-law worked for the FBI, she wasn’t a field agent. She was a profiler. Quinn had nearly lost her once, and she couldn’t risk him or his family.

  The rest of her siblings fell into the same category. Maura was the only one who wasn’t married with children.

  She was on her own.

  It seemed hopeless. Then, she recalled something that Luke had told her at the wedding after kissing her. He mentioned where he lived, and it wasn’t far from her. Plus, after sharing that lip lock, Maura knew one thing.

  She wanted him.

  In the worst way.

  After their date, that became crystal clear. That was why she had to tell him goodbye. Special Agent Lucas Mars was a distraction, and she couldn’t let it happen.

  She had a duty to her country.

  Maura was already married-- to her job.

  So, she pushed him away. Yet, in that fear filled moment in the forest, he was the one she thought about. On instinct, she headed to his place.

  Hoping.

  Praying.

  Wanting.

  For the first time, she needed someone. At that moment, she wouldn’t think about her mind betraying her, as it led her straight to him.

  For weeks, she’d thought about Luke.

  Their kiss.

  That date.

  The entire time apart, she’d suffered. The minute she’d seen him at the hospital, a part of her soul knew. From his beach bum good looks, to his baby blue eyes, she’d fallen for him, hard.

  Luke was handsome and more importantly, sweet. He’d never been anything but a gentleman, and that she appreciated. While she was accustomed to the harshness of men, she valued when one came along who was gentle.

  As he came out of the bathroom, carrying a first aid kit, she tried not to gawk. It was damn hard. Someone worked out a great deal, and his body showed it.

  “Okay, let’s get your arm taken care of,” Luke offered, trying not to ogle her. It wasn’t easy when before him was the woman of his dreams, and she was partially naked. What he wanted to do was trace his fingers across her well-defined abs, leaving his imprint on her flesh.

  God, he wanted her.