
Time Thief

Anna Hackett

Time Thief

Published by Anna Hackett

Copyright 2012 by Anna Hackett

Cover by Melody Simmons of eBookindiecovers

Edits by Tanya Saari

ISBN: 978-0-9873740-0-4

This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, events or places is coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form.

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##  ******Chapter One**

She'd been a thief a long time but bank robbery was a new low.

Bay North stood in line at the Concord Downing Bank and surreptitiously scratched under her wig. The damn thing itched like crazy.

She ran a hand down the pencil skirt of her cheap, gray business suit. It was a challenge trying to blend in with the Denver lunch crowd waiting to bank checks and open new accounts.

The suit, the foreign makeup and brown wig were her attempt at a chic disguise. She swallowed a snort. She wouldn't know chic if it slammed her in the head with a pair of designer heels. Out of necessity, she usually wore clothes she could run in.

Things might have been different if she hadn't been born a freak.

Her chest constricted. She fought to keep her hands relaxed, to not curl them into tight little fists.

Things weren't different. She breathed out. Imagined the rush of emotions bleeding away like a spent wave.

Casually, Bay cast a glance around the bank. The foyer was all marble, mahogany and old-world brass fixtures. Located in an historic building in downtown Denver, Concord Downing catered to the city's wealthiest clients.

Behind the row of tellers, a door led downstairs to the vault. She didn't let her gaze linger but she noted every aspect of the heavy, reinforced entry.

A quick glance at her Rolex knockoff. In exactly one minute, two of the bank staff would open the dual combination lock. Then, another minute after that, the time lock door on the vault beyond would open.

Then she'd show that murdering bastard Gabriel Leven that she could give as good as she got. She'd steal one of his most prized treasures—the Scarlet Lady.

An antique ruby necklace of incalculable value.

_Come on, come on_. She tapped one cheap pump against the floor and watched the door out of the corner of her eye. Funny how time moved like cold honey when you were waiting. Even funnier since time was her commodity.

_Movement._ Two bank employees were heading for the door. _Show time._

She gave the room another slow scan. Everything looked as it should. White-collar workers going about their business between chicken wraps and lattes.

One big man's shoulders strained against his ill-fitting suit. He looked like he wanted to shred his too-tight jacket. Not far from him, another muscle-bound jock stood against a pillar, his jacket not even managing to hide the bulge of whatever he had holstered at his side.

A skitter of unease rippled up Bay's spine.

What the hell was muscle doing pretending to fit into the bank crowd?

Swallowing hard, she looked directly at the door. The bank staff held keycards up to the scanners. The reinforced metal swung open and beyond she had the impression of a featureless corridor.

But from a night spent plying an off-duty bank guard with Wild Turkey and Coke, she knew that inside lay an impregnable vault housing safe deposit boxes for the rich and seriously rich. Protected by four armed guards.

None of that mattered. In another forty seconds the time lock door would open and she'd be home free.

She eyed the suits again. Were they watching her? Or were her nerves just strung too tight?

It didn't matter if they were Leven's men. She wasn't leaving this bank without his strand of big, fat rubies in her hand. She planned to dig a knife deep by taking something he treasured. And destroying it.

Twenty seconds to go.

Twenty. Nineteen. Eighteen.

Her gaze swept over the spacious foyer with its gleaming marble and hushed atmosphere. Then it snagged on a man.

A tall, lean man who watched her with an intensity that made her blood freeze. Oh God, he'd found her.

Seventeen. Sixteen. Fifteen.

He stood in the middle of the cavernous space, not even pretending to blend in. His hands were by his side, but she sensed coiled readiness. Like a gunslinger waiting to draw.

Fourteen. Thirteen. Twelve.

His gray gaze locked on her. A handsome face battered by life. He'd been after her for months and he never gave up.

He was a hunter. And she was the hunted.

Eleven. Ten. Nine.

She cast a frantic glance at the doorway to the vault.

_Hurry up!_ She wanted to shout the words but she held her breath until her lungs burned. She looked back at Leven's hunter.

Eight. Seven. Six.

He launched himself at her.

God, he was fast. He pumped his arms, his movements strong and efficient. In those storm-cloud eyes, she saw the burn of something hot and scary.

Five. Four.

She stumbled out of line, but she knew she'd never outrun him. She only had one option for escape, but she needed the damn time lock open before she did it.

A powerfully muscled arm crossed the space between them. Fingers gripped her wrist.

Three. Two.

"Nowhere to go, time thief," the hunter growled.

One.

Bay stole time.

The world around her froze. People petrified, all sound silenced. Through the large plate glass windows, the cars on the street were immobile. She looked at the oversized railway clock on the wall—motionless.

She was stealing time.

And she had work to do.

She studied her hunter. Three months he'd been after her and this was the closest he'd come. He was far more intelligent than Leven's usual thugs. She pulled his hand off her wrist and looked again at that rugged face.

Tawny hair fell over his forehead and his skin was deeply tanned. He looked like he belonged outdoors, climbing a mountain or captaining a ship. Without thinking, she touched a finger to his strong jaw and the intriguing dip in his chin.

When she registered the warmth of his skin, she snatched her hand back. _Idiot._

His gray eyes still burned. She recognized what lurked there—saw the reflection of it in her own eyes every day—revenge.

"What did I ever do to you?" she wondered.

She turned her back on him and headed to the doorway where the two bank employees stood frozen. It gave the perfect line of sight to the vault and its half open door.

Excellent.

She cast one quick look back at her immobile hunter. Something told her he didn't like to lose.

***

Sean Archer blinked. His arm dropped to his side.

He stood in the middle of the bank lobby, people moving and talking around him.

She was gone.

"Damn it." He resisted the urge to hit something.

He'd had her, held her delicate wrist in his hand. He hadn't imagined such a powerful being would have wrist-bones finer than a child's.

He'd come close to her before, but it was the first time he'd touched her. He flexed his fingers, still felt her smooth skin.

_Snap out of it._ She was dangerous. She'd stolen time and he'd been vulnerable. Every person in the bank had been a perfect target. She could have slaughtered them where they stood without any of them fighting back.

Just like what had happened to his team.

A shock of hot emotion stormed through him, churning his gut. For a second he was back in the Afghan desert—the scent of blood sharp in his nose, air hissing through his punctured lung, sand hot beneath his cheek.

A flurry of motion snapped him out of his nightmare.

The bank manager—a woman in a sharp black suit—looked sick, her face pale. Another employee stood wringing his hands in front of the yawning door leading to the vault.

Gabriel Leven had just lost his prized necklace.

Spinning, Sean aimed for the front door. He nodded at the men who'd come with him, and they fell in step beside him. Outside, he headed for two black SUVs parked on the street.

He wrenched open the door. "I need the horologion. Now."

The driver grumbled then slapped a small device into Sean's hand.

Sean turned his back on the man. Leven's men were sloppy and undisciplined. Nothing like the well-trained soldiers he'd served with.

_You aren't a SEAL anymore._ As the rest of Leven's men stood idly around the cars, one lighting up a cigarette, Sean thought about just how far he'd fallen.

Working for a criminal.

_No._ He was nothing like Leven or his men. They were just a means to an end. He needed Leven's knowledge and resources to rid the world of a dangerous threat it didn't even know existed.

He focused on the horologion. It looked like a cellphone with a slightly larger screen. He activated it and waited. Cooked up by the scientists Leven had working for him, this little thing didn't measure time. It measured the residual trace of when time was stolen.

The horologion gave a discreet beep. He held it toward the bank. The beeping increased.

_Gotcha._ "Stay with the vehicles. I'll call you when I need you." He strode down the sidewalk.

He followed the trail through the city streets. Went through the atrium lobby of the Brown Palace Hotel, pushed through shoppers on the 16th Street Mall and ended up in the Lower Downtown district with its renovated warehouses.

The time thief was far from stupid. She always left a complicated trail. He'd almost caught her in New York a week back, but the trail had ended at the East River and he still didn't know if she'd risked disease by getting in the water.

She couldn't steal time again so soon after the bank. Or if she did, she could only hold it a few seconds. Thank God they didn't have endless power. But her trail was dissipating.

He glanced up. Union Station.

_Damn_. If she'd gotten on a train, he'd lost her.

Sure enough, the trail ended at one of the platforms. The light rail to Littleton had just left.

He cursed, shoving the horologion in his jacket pocket. He yanked out his cellphone and barked orders to the men. A team would be waiting at the next stop, but he knew she wouldn't be on the train.

A fine job he was doing avenging his men. He ran a hand through his hair. It had lost its military precision, now more unkempt than anything. Just the way he felt most days.

Something pinged along his senses.

He stilled. His instincts had been forged in his intense SEAL training and honed in war. They'd saved his life too many times for him to ignore them.

He turned slowly, careful to keep his shoulders slumped in failure.

She stood beside a pillar on the adjacent platform. Straight. Still. Watching him. Somewhere during their chase, she'd ditched the wig and suit for well-worn jeans and a non-descript gray sweater.

Sean really wished she looked evil. Like the thief who'd slaughtered his men. That thief had been a Taliban fighter, had looked like the enemy.

This woman looked fragile. Medium height, compact frame, honey-blonde hair that was ruler straight. Eyes the color of the palest moss green.

But she was tough. She'd evaded him for months.

He strolled toward the entrance, hands in his pockets. He hated losing sight of her, but he couldn't tip her off. The woman had sharper survival instincts than a wild animal.

In the main part of the station, the large arched windows flooded the area with natural light. He sank onto one of the old wooden benches. And waited.

It reminded him of all the missions where he'd hidden in shadows with his team. Lying in wait for their target.

She was smart. She waited ten minutes before she walked off the platform, head down, drawing no attention. A hood was pulled over her hair.

He bided his time until she was far enough ahead of him before he slipped into the flow of people.

Stripping off his jacket, he tucked it under his arm. Now she'd only see a dark blue T-shirt if she looked back.

He counted her steps, fighting the urge to spring at her.

_Wait. Wait_. _Wait._ He couldn't lose her again.

She turned left on Wynkoop Street, headed deeper into the renovated warehouses of LoDo. At one of the brick buildings, she went in the front door.

He grabbed the door before it clicked closed and eased inside. He paused in the entry, watching her.

When she stopped to unlock a door farther down the hall, he moved fast.

He grabbed her, yanking her back against him. He maneuvered them into the shadowed recess of the doorway, subduing her struggles.

He pressed his lips to her ear. "Gotcha."

##  ******Chapter Two**

Stupid!

Bay kicked at her attacker but he held her tight in muscular arms.

She'd felt a niggle of something when she'd left the station. She knew better than to ignore her instincts.

She should never have stayed and watched him. She twisted, trying to yank herself away, but the man was made of rock and far too strong.

She'd wanted to know more about him. Find his weaknesses.

_Little liar._ She knew that wasn't the reason she'd stayed to ogle the guy with the tight, muscled body and lived-in face. She'd wanted the chance to look at him a little longer.

Like she hadn't already spent precious minutes of her stolen time in the bank studying that intriguing face. Could he read the hardships of her life on her face the way she could his?

A strong hand slid down her side.

"Hey!" No one— _no one_ —touched her without her permission.

He ignored her. His hand dipped into the center pocket of her sweater, brushing against her belly. When he pulled back, a golden necklace inlaid with sunset-red rubies lay on his palm.

"I don't think this belongs to you." A silky voice in her ear.

"Why do you do that bastard's dirty work? He's a criminal. A killer." She spat the last word with all the hate and anger she felt for Gabriel Leven.

Her hunter was silent. Something told her she'd struck a nerve. Her thoughts churned. She could use that. Somehow.

Voices echoed down the hall. Bay braced herself, ready to make the mother of all commotions.

"Open the door." His fingers dug into her hip. Hard. "Scream or make a scene and you'll regret it."

A smart-ass comment balanced on her lips. But somehow she knew he meant it and she wouldn't like the consequences.

She unlocked the door, ignoring the tremble in her hands. She refused to be afraid. She'd stopped being afraid the day she'd come home from school and been forced to watch her family being butchered.

They entered the loft, shoes squeaking on the polished concrete floor. She'd rented a room for a couple of months from the owner. She hated sharing a place, putting someone else at risk, but it was the best way to cover her tracks. No leases. No paperwork.

Thankfully Mara was out.

Her captor closed the door behind them. The click of the lock sounded loud in Bay's ears. He pushed her away from him.

She spun and backed up.

Dark gray eyes took in the loft in one quick sweep. The industrial feel of the place was softened by Mara's unique style. A pile of jewel-toned cushions sat in the center of the room around a low, intricately-carved wooden table covered with candles. A large canvas splashed with paint in Pollock-inspired chaos graced the exposed brick wall near the small kitchen.

"Not your style," the man pronounced.

She cast him a sharp glance. "How the hell would you know?"

He moved with that easy, fluid walk she'd noticed before. "I've studied you for months. Bold and colorful isn't you."

The idea that he'd been watching her so closely made her uncomfortable. "Oh yeah, so what's my style?"

"Plain. Simple."

That stung. "Boring."

He faced her now. "No. Clean, uncluttered."

She shrugged. "Maybe the fact I've been on the run from Leven since my teens has something to do with that. No time to collect trinkets."

His gaze moved across her face in a way that made her want to rub her cheek. "You killed his people."

Something molten and nasty punched through her veins. "Only the ones who tried to kill me!"

She fought back the guilt. She hated taking lives. But when it came down to her life or her attacker's, she fought to survive.

"That's not what he told me."

Bay threw her arms in the air. "Oh well, take the word of the lying, thieving crime lord over an innocent woman."

He took a menacing step closer. "You're not innocent."

The words were cold. A shiver snaked through her as she dropped her arms. She might see something human in this man, but she couldn't forget he was dangerous.

"You killed his wife."

_God._ Memories poured through Bay, ripping at her with sharp claws. "Yes. I did. And I'd do it again."

His lips tightened. He grabbed her arm in an unyielding hold. "I'm taking you in."

"To the police?"

"No." He pulled out a cellphone. "Your little...ability means the police can't handle you. Leven can."

Fear was a horrible spill of bile in her mouth. But she refused to let this man see it.

She lifted her chin. "The others he sends usually try to hurt me first. Knock me around, beat me." She wrapped her other arm around her stomach. She didn't want to remember the ones who tried to touch her.

Gray eyes darkened as he lifted his phone. After a few curt instructions, he shoved it back in his pocket and towed her toward the door.

Bay cast one last glance around the loft. _Goodbye, Mara._ Bay wouldn't come back here. She'd miss the woman. The self-assured redhead had become the closest thing Bay had had to a friend in years.

It seemed she was destined to always say goodbye to those she cared about.

After checking the hall was empty, her captor dragged her back onto the street. A chill winter wind whipped along the sidewalk, tossing the ends of her hair across her face. He'd left his coat inside but appeared impervious to the cold.

She studied his hard jaw. She had to find a way to get to him. It was her only chance.

"You aren't like Leven's other goons."

Silence. He didn't take his gaze off the road.

"You're military." Wasn't hard to guess. The guy moved with trained precision.

"Was."

God, how could one word hold so much anger?

"Why are you doing this? Working for Leven?"

The man turned his head slowly. "Because he promised me the chance to hunt and kill time thieves."

Bay's rapid heartbeat thudded in her ears. She was wrong. This man wouldn't help her.

Hunching her shoulders, she stared down the street. Saw the black SUVs speeding in their direction.

"He lied to you." She lifted her face to the cold wind. "He'll let you hunt us, but he won't let you kill us."

Her hunter frowned. "Of course he will. That's what this is all about."

She gave a painful laugh. "No. The only thing Gabriel Leven wants is control of my power."

***

She was lying.

Sean tightened his grip on her as Leven's men screeched to a stop at the curb.

Leven had promised Sean revenge.

As the car doors opened, Sean combed through his conversations with Leven. The man had never actually said what he'd do with the thieves once they were captured. He'd just told Sean he'd have all the resources he needed to hunt them and bring them in.

_Damn it_. Now was not the time to let doubts creep in. He'd finally caught her. A dangerous time thief he'd been tracking for months.

_Remember the guys._ The ones he'd promised to protect, who'd been butchered without a chance to defend themselves.

Leven's men got out of the vehicles.

Sean saw them raise their guns.

He didn't stop to think. He pushed the thief sideways. As she stumbled, he followed her, pushing her to the ground.

Automatic gunfire sprayed the footpath with a roar.

The thief was already moving. She scrambled across the ground, headed for a parked car ahead of them. Sean followed.

His mind registered that the men weren't shooting to kill her.

Sean crouched with his back pressed to a late-model Chevy. He drew his SIG-Sauer and returned fire. He sent a few well-aimed bullets into the engine block of the lead SUV.

Then there was silence.

"We just want the thief, Archer."

Sean recognized the voice. One of Leven's inner circle. "Then why the hell are you shooting, Gordon?"

"You've outlived Mr. Leven's employment. Now send the thief out."

Sean looked down at the woman beside him. Her pale green eyes were wide. He saw fear buried in their depths. Something told him this woman hid her fear from everyone, even herself.

Why the hell had Leven turned on him like this? Sean studied the woman. Maybe Leven knew she'd talk. And what she had to say wouldn't match Leven's story.

"Why'd you kill Leven's wife?"

Her eyes closed, a spasm crossing her face. When her eyes opened, they were blank. "She was a murdering, torturing bitch. She killed my family. In front of me. She sliced up my baby sister." Her voice caught. "Lily was nine."

_God._ He'd been so stupid. Letting his burning need for revenge drive him to work with a man like Gabriel Leven.

Another spray of bullets hit the car.

Sean's focus narrowed. He scanned the street. "When I return fire, you run across the street. Through that alley."

She followed his gaze. Nodded.

"Run and don't look back."

"I'm good at that."

"Good." He lifted his gun. "Ready?"

Sean didn't wait for a response. He broke cover and picked his targets. He shot the men on the road side of the car first.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her move.

_What're you going to do now, Archer?_ He fired again. Bullets impacted near him. _How about just survive?_

A window shattered above him, showering him with lethal shards of glass. There was a sting above his eye, the warm slide of blood. He swiped at the flow then ignored it.

But after trading more gunfire, he realized he was going nowhere. He was pinned down.

There was no panic. No fear. He'd always thought he'd face his death with a roar, fighting it all the way. But those bloody moments in the desert had changed him. Now he welcomed death.

Now he wouldn't be the only survivor left to drown in his guilt.

Suddenly a small hand gripped his forearm. He jerked around.

She was back.

"I told you to run."

She heaved an aggravated sigh. "I couldn't leave you."

Then she closed her eyes.

Disorientation hit. Sean's head spun and he felt a quickening inside him. Like a surge of adrenaline.

Everything around them froze.

_Holy hell._ He stood, barely aware of her rising beside him. There was no sound. It was eerie.

In front of him, he saw multiple bullets hanging suspended in air. Leven's men were standing beside the SUVs, guns raised, looking like suit-covered statues.

"Time just stops." His men had looked like this. He'd looked like this. Lambs to the fucking slaughter.

"No. Time's still progressing, just slowly. Or we're moving quicker. I don't really know."

Her voice wavered and he looked at her. Her face was white, her lips pinched. Her hands were shaking and as he watched, she shoved them in the pockets of her jeans.

"It hurts?"

She sucked in a deep breath. "Not usually, just if I do it again too soon." That intriguing moss-green gaze linked with his. "I can't hold it long. We need to get out of here."

They took off for the alley. It was strange to see the cars in the middle of the street just stopped. As he and the woman moved between the two brick buildings, the stench of rot hit them. Then she stumbled.

Sean grabbed her before she hit the ground. She was shaking. He saw blood on his hand and cursed. "You're hit."

"Just a graze. Go. I'll be fine." Her voice was the barest whisper.

"Lady, you've run circles around me for the last three months. I'm not letting you out of my sight again." He hauled her up—there wasn't much to her—and slung her arm over his shoulders. "Now move."

##  ******Chapter Three**

Bay fought to hold time.

Every muscle in her body burned. Dizziness clamped down on her and nausea swirled in her belly.

She'd expected her captor-turned-ally—what had they called him? Archer?—to run. Instead he'd dragged her across downtown with dogged determination.

She did what she could to help but her stumbling steps were slowing them down.

Her leg muscles cramped and she dug her fingers into his shoulder to keep from crying out.

"Let it go."

"What?" She blinked up at him.

"Time. Let it go."

"Just a bit long—"

He gave her a light shake. "I'm practically carrying you. It's tearing you apart. Just let it go. We'll get out of here."

She wasn't used to taking orders. She wavered for a second, keeping her tenuous grip on her power.

Then she released her hold.

Time clicked back in.

Cars motored past them, pedestrians poured along the sidewalk, traffic lights changed red to green.

She sagged against him, her energy gone.

He hauled her up against his side. "We can't risk a cab or stealing a car. Leven'll check."

"Just leave me." She didn't know this man's story but regardless of whatever had sent him into Leven's dubious employ, he didn't deserve to lose his life because of her.

Too many people had already.

He ignored her and dragged her onward. Bay just focused on one step, then the next.

They reached Colfax and headed west. The tidy wealth of the city slowly gave way to seamy decay. Shabby storefronts housed bail bonds agencies and pawn shops. Gas stations and used car dealers with gaudy signs.

A good place to disappear.

They must have been a sight. Stumbling. Bleeding. By the time they reached a motel Archer obviously decided looked seedy enough, he was all but carrying her.

"Just a bit farther," he said.

She gave a fierce nod. She'd goddamn make it. No way she'd let Leven win.

Archer propped her against a parked car. "I'll rent a room. Stay out of sight. I want the clerk to only remember seeing a man, not a couple."

She gave him another nod. Stealing time twice in such quick succession had wiped her out. She usually needed a day or so between using her powers to recover.

As he stalked off, she probed her bleeding arm. Winced. It looked worse than it was, but now she was close to being safe, pain was creeping in like a hungry wolf for the kill.

Then Archer was there again, leading her to a room at the end of the row. He unlocked the door and flicked on the light.

_Ouch._ Even exhausted and in pain, she had sympathy for the worn, rundown room. Threadbare carpet, thin floral spread over the sagging double bed and the musty scent of old cigarette smoke.

"Let me take a look at your arm."

"I'm fine." She turned away from him, heading on shaky legs to the tiny bathroom. "You look worse than me." Blood crusted his temple and the left side of his face.

"I'm a trained field medic."

Bay tucked her bedraggled hair behind her ears. "You've been trying to kill me for three months, why the hell should I trust you?"

"I helped you escape."

"And I saved your life, so consider us even." She grabbed a thin towel off the rack. Ignoring its disturbing gray tinge, she pressed it to her arm.

"God, you're stubborn." He released a long breath. "Let me help."

She always dealt with her injuries alone. She glanced at herself in the cracked mirror above the sink. Her face was pale, her eyes underscored by dark circles.

Behind her Archer stood, a solid demanding presence.

He'd been her hunter for months, now he was helping her. She gave a mental shrug. He wouldn't be in her life long. What was the harm in letting someone else take care of things? Just for a little while.

"Fine. Do your worst." She sank onto the closed lid of the toilet and lowered the towel.

He washed his hands, then sank into a crouch and prodded her wound with gentle fingers. "Bullet just nicked you."

When he hit a tender spot, she grimaced. "Not the first time."

His jaw tightened. He stood and she watched as he wet a towel and cleaned the gash.

How often had she been holed up in some tired motel room washing off blood? She watched his strong fingers as he tended her. When was the last time someone had taken care of her?

His hand stilled. "What's your name?"

She blinked. "You don't know?"

"I didn't want to know." His tawny head bent back over her arm. "Probably a sign I knew hunting you wasn't right."

He hadn't wanted to humanize her. "My name's Bay. Bay North."

"I'm Sean."

Their gazes met for a moment. A recognition they were no longer enemies.

He rifled through one of the pockets on his cargo pants and withdrew a tiny first aid kit. He held up a small tube. "Antibiotic cream." After he'd rubbed some on, he took out a bandage, covered her wound then sat back. "Best I can do for the moment."

She swallowed the lump in her throat, fighting back aches that were refusing to be ignored. "Thanks." She studied the gash on his forehead. "Let me take a look at your cut."

He didn't argue, just perched on the edge of the cracked tub.

After wetting another towel, she moved over to him. As she washed away the dried blood and cleaned the cut, she realized how close she was to him. Standing between his thighs, feeling the heat coming off his body. He smelled of dangerous man—sweat, metal and leather.

She dabbed a little too hard and he hissed out a breath. "Sorry. Nursing's not my forte." She gentled her movements. "So, Leven turned on you?"

"Yeah."

He didn't sound happy. "I suggest you leave Denver and get as far away from Leven's organization as you can. Find a nice island, a white sand beach and a cozy beach house. Forget you ever heard of Gabriel Leven."

"Is that what you'd do?"

She sensed Archer studying her but kept her gaze on his cut. He didn't know it, but she'd confessed her deepest fantasy. Hearing the gentle wash of waves and feeling the lovely heat of the sun. Peace. "Yeah, if I knew the bastard wouldn't follow me."

"I didn't know—" Archer sucked in a breath "—I had no idea he killed your family. That he's trying to use you."

He sounded sincere. Not that she cared. "Why'd you join Leven?"

"He offered me a chance for revenge."

_Revenge._ A word she understood all too well. "Against time thieves?" What the hell had happened to him?

"Yeah."

Maybe he just thought time thieves were freaks. Aberrations of nature. Didn't she think the same in the darkest part of her sleepless nights?

The bathroom suddenly seemed too small. She shoved the towel at him. "You should put some of that cream on it."

He surged upward, pushing the towel away. For a second, they were pressed together, gazes locked.

Bay felt a traitorous curl of something she refused to name. Her life left no time for romance, and sex was a rare indulgence—a quick, anonymous release of tension when she felt safe enough.

She didn't want to feel any sort of connection with this hard, damaged man.

"You've hunted me for months. Don't you think you owe me an explanation?"

"No." He strode to the sink and gripped the edges. His muscles strained under his T-shirt. "I don't owe you anything."

She thought the ceramic might break under his hands. "You don't want to talk, fine."

"My employer tried to kill me. My life's a mess." He kicked the cabinet. There was an unforgiving crack. "I've just accepted how fucking stupid I was to ever get involved with Leven."

She swallowed, watched Sean's chin fall to his chest. His breaths sawed in and out of his lungs.

"I'm failing everyone. I don't know what to do next."

Strangely, she felt a need to reach out and smooth a hand over the taut muscles of his back. Instead, she curled her hand into a fist. "You keep putting one foot in front of the other. Keep surviving each minute, hour and day."

Bay turned, leaving him to his pain. Who was she to think she could comfort anyone when she couldn't even comfort herself?

She paced the room, trying to work out her next step. Fatigue dragged on her.

Moments later he emerged, leaning in the doorway. "You should get some sleep."

She shook her head. "I can't sleep. Leven'll have his private army looking for us. For me."

"We should be safe for a couple of hours. You take the bed and I'll keep watch."

She was tempted. Her tired body wanted to take advantage of the rare occasion of having someone to watch her back.

But the cracked heart of her, the survivor, told her to never trust. Staying alive depended on her and her alone. Revenge couldn't wait for rest or sleep.

"Hey." He gripped her shoulder.

She fought the urge to shrug off the unfamiliar touch.

"I know you aren't used to trusting and I haven't done anything to earn your trust." He scraped a hand over his hair, mussing the brown and gold strands. "Just the opposite. But I want you to get some rest."

It was like offering a thirsty man a pool of water. She wanted to close her heavy lids and let her aching body take a break for a few minutes.

_No_. He was making her forget her purpose. The mission she'd mapped out over the last fifteen years.

"First, I want the necklace."

***

Sean fingered the rubies in his pocket while he watched Bay North. She was stubborn, that was for sure.

Her chin was lifted, her green eyes flashing. All sign of the vulnerability he'd glimpsed was gone.

Jesus, he couldn't even begin to imagine what her life had been like. Seeing her family killed, on the run since her teens, coping with her ability. She'd never had a chance at a normal life. Gabriel Leven had seen to that.

The necklace was a heavy load. Should he hand it over to her?

He withdrew the strand of rubies and tossed it onto the crappy bed cover.

It bounced once then lay there amongst the creases, glinting in the light from the window.

Bay sank onto the bed. Her hand hovered over the gold-encrusted gems before she trailed one finger over the brilliant surface of one of the rubies.

"Leven boasted for months when he bought this." She hefted it, tested its weight.

"It once belonged to Aleister Crowley."

Her head shot up. "The Satanist guy?"

"English occultist is the phrase Leven used. He's obsessed by Crowley." Sean studied the blood red of the gems. "Apparently Crowley gifted his mistress and muse, Laylah with the necklace. He called her his Scarlet Woman."

"Leven said it was symbol of his power."

"And you want it?"

Bay's fingers curled around the jewels. "I want it to hurt him. Leven took everything that mattered to me." Her eyes darkened. "I plan to take everything that matters to him."

She reeked of vengeance. Seeing what had sustained Sean for so many months in another, especially in this small, pretty woman, left him uneasy. "What are you going to do with it?"

She let the necklace drop into her lap. "Destroy it."

He wanted to tell her to forget Leven. To run fast and far. Find that home on the beach. But who the hell was he to give advice? He wanted revenge for his men more than he wanted to live. "How?"

"I know a jeweler. For the right price, he'll cut it up and not ask any questions."

Sean looked again at the sparkle of the rubies. It seemed wrong to destroy something so beautiful and rare. But he knew it'd be a blow to Leven.

Sean pressed a hand to the back of his neck. Leven had turned on him, but the man wasn't Sean's target. He eyed Bay as she stared at the necklace.

Neither was this woman.

"Do you know any other time thieves?" he asked.

She looked up. "We don't have a club."

That sarcastic tongue. "I figured you'd know about each other."

"I've heard about some. I think there are only a few."

"You don't know?"

One shoulder lifted. "Not like there are books on the subject. What I know, I've pieced together from little bits of information."

"Leven has a team of scientists dedicated to learning how time thieves tick."

Her face paled. "I'm not surprised."

"They developed this." He pulled the horologion out of his pocket.

"A horologion." She angled her head. "I've never seen one up close."

"You can have it, if you answer a question for me."

She considered. "Okay."

"You know a time thief from Afghanistan? Works with the Taliban?"

Her eyes narrowed. "Maybe. Why?"

"He murdered my SEAL team." Memories threatened to break in a vicious, hungry rush and pull Sean under. His hands clenched on the device. "He stole time and killed everyone." Sean's lungs constricted. "They never had a chance to defend themselves, to fight back. They just stood there, letting this bastard spray them with bullets."

She stood, swallowing hard. "And you survived?"

To his ever-living regret. "Was in hospital recovering from my wounds for a month." Every night haunted by the grieving wives and kids of his men. Every day wondering why the hell he'd survived.

"God." She went to the window, her stride jerky.

Sean's eyes narrowed. "What do you know?"

"I don't...I..." She shook head. "I told you why Leven wants me."

Damn it, he wanted to know about the Afghan time thief, not Leven. "So he can use your skill."

A nod. She wrapped her arms around her middle. "He gets a thief, keeps them contained and forces them to steal time for his benefit. So he can kill rivals, steal, murder, make drug deliveries, traffic people...you name it."

Sean knew Leven was bad but had avoided the details.

"I heard he had a thief working for him. One he didn't need to torture or keep locked up." She turned, her face pinched. "One Leven paid a lot of money to keep his opium shipments in Afghanistan flowing."

The ground dropped away from Sean. "No."

"The thief was tasked with keeping the US forces away from Leven's drugs."

"No." Sean surged forward and gripped her arms. He lifted her off her feet.

"I'm sorry, Sean." Her moss eyes flooded with sympathy. "I'd guess you and your team got too close."

He pushed her away. Edgy energy roared through him, an angry beast ripping at his insides. He wanted to pummel his fists into someone, to yell until his throat was raw. But all the vicious feelings were stuck inside him, boiling and churning.

"I can't—" he flexed his hands, released. "I can't have ended up working for the person responsible for their deaths."

"It's not your fault."

Unable to control the rage, he slammed a fist into the wall. Again. Again. "I was their commander. I swore to look out for them."

She moved up beside him, but didn't touch him. "You can't have prepared for a time thief."

"I'm the king of having a Plan B and a Plan C. I should have protected them." They'd been his—his friends, his brothers. Helpless rage choked him. "Butler always joked I had a contingency for my contingency. McNeil said his wife was glad I was in charge because she knew I'd bring her man home." Sean sucked in a breath, fighting to keep control. He gripped the watch on his wrist. The cracked face and worn leather band was all that was left of the rugged McNeil. "She just never guessed I bring him home in a body bag."

"They were Navy SEALs. They knew the risks."

"They were fighters. And they never had a chance to fight back." He looked at her. "I failed them. Leven, the fucking bastard, smiled at me, told me he'd help me get revenge." It made sense now why Sean had never been able to track down the Taliban time thief. Not even a hint of him. Leven had blocked Sean.

"Sounds like Leven." She pressed a hand to Sean's forearm.

The heat of her fingers burned into his skin.

"He probably maneuvered for you to run into him. Wanted to keep you close and use you."

"To kill you."

She shrugged. "I've been his thorn for a long time. I've done everything I can to destroy his world."

Because he'd destroyed hers.

He'd killed Sean's men. All of them.

The bubbling pain boiled over. Sean let out a roar. Spinning, he searched for a target. He strode into the bathroom, staring at his image in the speckled surface of the mirror.

He barely recognized the contorted features as his own.

He slammed a fist into the mirror.

It shattered and he kept punching, blood splattering. He didn't care. The pain was nothing compared to what was tearing him apart inside.

Leven would pay.

Sean would take everything the man valued. Make him nothing. Leave him bleeding like Sean's team. Dead bodies in a faraway desert.

Again and again Sean punched the mirror until his knuckles were raw flesh.

"Stop."

A feminine hand gripped his wrist. She was stronger than she looked.

He turned on her.

She showed no fear. "This doesn't help them."

A rush of grief blindsided him. It mixed with the anger.

He hadn't fallen apart when he'd been rescued. Nor had he shown any emotion in the hospital, except a grim determination to get back on his feet.

When he'd run into Leven in an airport lounge and been offered his chance for vengeance, he hadn't even blinked.

Now he felt like he was being held together by the thinnest thread. That if he let what boiled inside him loose, he'd just fall apart.

He dropped to his knees on the stained, white tiles splattered with his blood. He was used to being part of a well-oiled team. They'd known each other in ways others never did—they'd looked out for each other, they'd sacrificed for each other.

Now Sean had nothing.

A sob tore through his chest. He'd failed them all. Was failing them again.

"Shh." Arms wrapped around him.

His first instinct was to push her away. A small, nasty part of him crying out that if her kind didn't exist, his friends would be alive.

But Bay North hadn't killed his men.

He grabbed her, tugging her compact body close. He needed an anchor, something to hold him to his sanity.

She felt good, smelled good. Made him feel like he wasn't so alone.

##  ******Chapter Four**

Bay could barely breathe. Sean Archer was holding her so tight.

But she let him hold her, his big body shaking. He didn't make a sound but she felt his pain.

She didn't say anything. What words would make this better? She brushed a hand over his muscled back. She wasn't sure how long they knelt there on the cool tile floor. For the first time in her life, time stood still without her having to use her ability.

When he lifted his head, his stubbled cheek brushed against her jaw. She stilled, looking down at his sun-streaked hair. His hands gripped her shirt and she felt the touch through her sweater.

He shifted until they faced each other. Only a whisper of air between them. His eyes churned like storm clouds over an angry sea.

She didn't know how to comfort another but she recognized the agony in his eyes. She knew the guilt, anger, sorrow—they were old friends to her.

His hands loosened, his fingers grazing over her skin. "Bay."

Just her name. Said in a way that made her shiver. This was crazy. She didn't know this man and he'd been trying to kill her.

But she knew how he felt. Lost in a world ripped apart, and God help her, she wanted to feel something more than the urge for revenge.

For a few minutes she wanted to forget reality and be close to someone.

His lips touched her temple.

A small brush. Gentle when she'd expected a hot rush. She'd thought he'd kiss her, that they'd attack each other in a blind rush to forget their shared misery.

A skim of lips across her cheekbone.

Her eyelids fluttered closed. She couldn't remember anyone being this...tender with her. Then his lips moved over hers.

Now she felt the strength, the urgency.

His tongue pushed into her mouth. She returned the kiss. The taste of him was like a hit of a too-strong martini. Heady, flooding all the right places.

They were chest-to-chest now. Her breasts pressed against his hard muscles, sending shivers of sensation through her.

He groaned, the kiss turning more frantic. Like he couldn't get enough of her. Or like he was fighting to forget his memories.

He pulled away.

She gasped for air, reeling from what that impromptu kiss had left her feeling.

"Sorry." His voice was a harsh rasp. "I didn't mean for that to happen."

Right. He was sorry. "Forget it."

She pushed to her feet, willing her knees to steady. She looked down at the blood he'd accidently smudged on her hands. It reminded her of another time she'd been covered in blood.

He grabbed her arm. "Bay...I mean it."

"I said forget it." She pushed her mussed hair back and stomped on her memories. "You've messed up your hands. Let's get them cleaned up." She tugged at her shirt. "And I need to wash this blood off before I head out."

This time she kept a cautious distance between them as she washed his wounds.

"I'm coming with you to get rid of the necklace."

"No." Her denial was instant. Destroying the Scarlet Lady was _her_ plan.

"I need to strike at Leven."

She stared at Sean's reflection in the shattered shards of the mirror. "It won't bring your friends back."

His gaze met hers, his face a crazy, broken puzzle. A mirror image of his soul. "Will it bring your family back?"

"No." She looked at the blood washing down the sink. "Nothing will. But I can at least find some justice for them."

"Then let me help. Let me find it for my men."

"No."

"What's next? After the necklace? Cutting that strand of rubies into little pieces won't be enough."

She shrugged. "I haven't decided. But I've been hitting at Leven whenever I can. Killing him would be too quick. I'm going to destroy everything he owns. Last year I burned down one of his warehouses. Before that, a priceless painting he bought at auction went...missing."

"I've been part of his inner circle. I know something he values above all else. And where he keeps it hidden."

Her heart stuttered. She _needed_ to know. "What?"

Sean shook his head. "I'll tell you after we get rid of the Scarlet Lady."

She wanted to kick him. She didn't take on partners. Once or twice she'd made the mistake of letting someone too close.

They either betrayed her to Leven or died.

But Sean Archer burned with the same need for revenge. He hated Leven as much as Bay.

"Just for the necklace and the next job. After that, we go our own way." She didn't want this man too close for too long. Something about him called to her and she couldn't afford to care.

"Deal."

Sean's raw pain could drown them both. Even now she felt it beating at her, making her own misery rise to the surface.

If Leven thought Sean was a weakness to her, the crime boss wouldn't hesitate to use Sean to bring her to heel.

She wouldn't ever let Leven hurt her again. Even if it meant staying alone forever.

***

The sun was sinking over the jagged line of the Rocky Mountains when Bay and Sean arrived at the pawn shop.

Sean felt hollow. The mass of horrid emotion from earlier was dulled, deflated. His gaze fell on Bay walking ahead of him. Knowing she understood his pain helped.

And that kiss...

_Don't go there._ Sean turned his attention to the shabby building nestled in behind a used car dealership. The salesmen had left for the day and a chill wind swept past the collection of Fords, Chevys and Saturns.

"This jeweler agreed to take the necklace, no questions asked?"

"Yep." Bay headed for the door of Lucky's Pawn Shop.

Sean had difficulty believing any jeweler—even one who ran a grungy pawn shop—would take a stolen priceless artifact without a big payoff. "How much does he get?"

"All of it."

_Jesus._ They were talking millions of dollars. "You aren't going to keep any?"

She swung around, eyes hot. "I don't want any of Leven's blood money. Not a cent."

Sean held his hands up.

She exhaled in a long, slow rush. "Sorry. I've never taken any money from what I've stolen from him. I donate it."

Sean touched a hand to her cheek. "I understand."

Her gaze ran over his face, her shoulders sagged. "I know."

A crooked sign on the door said the shop was closed but when Bay tried the door it was unlocked. A bell jangled as they entered.

A man emerged from behind a glass counter filled with jewelry, watches and other knickknacks.

"Ah, you made it."

He was middle-aged, a little round about the belly and dressed in slacks and a wilted white dress shirt. Round wire-rims gave him the look of Harry Potter grown up. He looked like an accountant, not a pawn dealer.

He also looked nervous.

"Who the hell is he?" The man's gaze skittered away from Sean. "You said you'd come alone"

"He's my...partner." Bay pressed a hand to Sean's arm. "You're making Lucky nervous."

Sean crossed his arms over his chest. "He was already nervous."

"Not every day he deals with a multi-million dollar ruby necklace."

She had a point. "I'll watch the door."

"Thanks."

Sean stood at the door but watched Bay. She joked with Lucky—what the hell kind of name was that for a grown man?—to calm him down. Man, the guy was sweating. Large beads of it ran down his temples, soaking his collar.

"So you'll cut it into single carat rocks?" Bay set the necklace on the counter.

"Ah, yeah, that's the plan." Lucky grabbed a loupe and picked up the rubies without any fanfare. He barely blinked. Probably too jaded. "Easier to sell them that way."

Her voice hardened. "And you'll ensure no one knows where this came from."

This was the survivor talking. Sean truly looked at her. How many other teenage girls could have survived what she had? Turned themselves into a self-reliant, gutsy woman.

Not to mention staying ahead of a millionaire whose hands were very, very dirty. She'd managed to nip at Leven to the point of making herself his number one target.

Sean was so focused on her he nearly missed the movement in the car yard.

He ducked behind a cabinet and peeked through the grimy glass. Another flash of movement.

Then another.

He recognized Gordon's bulky frame. A team of Leven's men were moving in.

"Bay, he sold you out." Sean moved toward her.

She spun. "What?"

"Leven's men are here."

With a curse, she lunged across the counter and snagged Lucky's throat. The Scarlet Lady clattered back onto the counter.

Despite the fact he outweighed her by at least seventy pounds, the man quivered. Sweat stained his shirt in large circles under his arms. "I'm sorry. He threatened my family...my business."

Bay cursed again but pushed him away. He stumbled into the wall.

"You got a back entrance?" Sean snapped. He scanned the doorway through to Lucky's cluttered office.

"Yeah." Lucky swiped a hand across his mouth, refusing to meet Sean's gaze.

Sean wasn't hopeful. The back of the building was probably teeming with Leven's men. He looked at Bay. "Let's go."

As she grabbed the necklace, gunfire shattered the front window.

Lucky screamed, throwing his arms over his balding head. Bay and Sean ducked behind the counter.

He grabbed her shoulder, jerking her toward the doorway.

"Not without the necklace." She reached up.

More bullets hit in a massive volley. Splintered glass rained to the floor.

She ducked back down.

Lucky screamed again. This time in pain.

Sean risked a quick glance. The man had taken three bullets to the chest. He slumped down the wall leaving a wide trail of blood on the beige paint.

"We go. Now."

"No!" She surged upward, reaching for the Scarlet Lady.

He saw the men coming through the front, weapons raised. She was going to die for the damned rubies.

Damn it, it wasn't worth it!

Her fingers touched the necklace but Sean pulled her backward. The rubies skittered across the counter and hit the floor.

"Nooo." She struggled against him.

More gunfire. Sean felt a bullet brush past. Too close.

"Leave it! You die here, you get no revenge." He forced her to look at him. "Your family will have died for nothing."

The look she shot him was vicious. But then she pushed past him, heading into the office.

He caught up with her at the back door. One glance and he saw the narrow alleyway blocked by a black SUV.

"Fuck!" She kicked a desk.

Sean let his battle instincts take over. He scanned the room. Another door. "This way."

He yanked it open. Steps lead up.

They pounded up the stairs. At the top, he pushed open another door. They were on the flat top roof.

Lucky had a private little oasis. Albeit a crappy one. A cheap red deck chair rested on a piece of fake turf. A small, rickety table held an empty Corona bottle and a pair of binoculars.

The chair faced Candy's strip club on the other side of the car lot. And the tiny window in the side of the building.

"Creep," Bay spat.

"But he's a dead creep." Sean slammed the door closed. He jammed the chair under the door handle. It wouldn't hold for long.

He looked out over the roof top. The building backed up against a two story building fronting Colfax.

They'd have to climb.

"That way." He jerked his head.

"How the hell are we going to get up there?" Bay followed him across the roof and looked up the vertical wall.

He knelt and cupped his hands together. "Get a run up and I'll boost you."

She arched her head. "I still don't think I'll make it."

"You have to try...or die."

Her jaw clenched. "How will you get up?"

"Don't worry about that."

"Fine." She backed up, then ran at him.

She had an athletic stride. And good aim. Her boot hit his palms. He hefted her small weight upward.

Her hands scrabbled to reach the roof of the other building.

_Come on._ He willed her higher.

She gripped the rim by her fingertips. He heard her grunt as she battled for a better grip.

Bullets hit the wall beside her.

_Shit._ Someone on the ground had spotted them. He heard shouts and the roof door rattling.

Sean blocked it all out. _Come on, Bay._ Moments later she pulled her body over the edge.

Her head popped over. "Come on."

He backed up as far as he could. A heavy weight hit the door. He had seconds until Gordon and his men charged through.

Sean pulled in a deep breath. He had to do this. For his men.

He ran at the wall.

He was fit and strong. He ran every day and hit the gym. But it was high, even for him.

As he hit the wall, he used his feet to propel himself higher.

He reached upward, extending his arms as far as his joints allowed.

He was inches short. He wasn't going to make it.

A hand gripped his, taking his weight.

As he swung, he looked into Bay's pained face. Her single arm was taking his weight. Her other hand gripped the edge of the roof.

She couldn't pull him up but her help was enough for him to reach the roof edge. He grabbed on and hauled himself up and over.

They both collapsed on the roof tiles. Panting.

Bullets hit the wall below but he ignored them. He worked to slow his labored breathing. "You okay?"

"Shoulder...might be dislocated." Her words were a tortured whisper.

He rolled to a crouch and helped her sit. He touched her left shoulder. "Nope, it's in place. Probably just strained."

"Hurts like a bitch."

"I know." Unable to stop himself, he ran a hand over her hair. "Thanks for saving my ass."

"It's a nice ass."

He laughed. Surprised to hear the rusty sound. "I thought you might have let me fall since I made you leave the necklace."

"Wouldn't leave you. You...were right."

He knew how much it took for her to admit that. He frowned, searching for the best way off the roof. "We need to find somewhere to hole up. I promise a cold pack, a hot shower and some ibuprofen'll take the edge off."

"Another motel?"

He shook his head. "We won't get far enough away. Leven will have people checking the nearby motels." But Sean had an idea. "I know somewhere we can go."

She stared at him for a second before she placed her hand in his. "Then let's go. Partner."

##  ******Chapter Five**

Bay studied the unassuming home.

God, when was the last time she'd been in the suburbs? This house in Arvada, north-west of the city, was nestled in a quiet street filled with other simple homes surrounded by lawns about to turn brown for the winter.

"Your friend lives here?" She cradled her left arm and Sean was holding her upright. The pain in her shoulder had gone from biting to dull ache.

They'd walked for what had felt like an eternity before getting on a bus. They'd hopped off several miles from the house and walked again. The night was cold and it made all her aches worse.

Sean nodded, leading the way up the concrete walk. "Matt and I went through our BUD/S training together. Basic Underwater Demolition."

Sounded tough. "And he'll let us stay?" She had no one she'd go to. She wasn't sure this was a good idea. Dragging an innocent into their mess.

"He was assigned to a different team but we kept in touch, even after he left the Navy. He grew up here...so he came home."

There was an undertone to Sean's voice, but she didn't have time to wonder as he knocked on the door.

Moments later the door opened and a big man on crutches filled the doorway. Bay's gaze dropped to his missing left leg.

"Sean!"

"Hi, Matt." Sean kept hold of Bay and clapped the man on the shoulder with his free hand. "How you doing?"

"Great, man. I'm great." He shook Sean's hand. "God, how long has it been?"

"Two years since—" Sean broke off.

Matt didn't miss a beat. "Two years since that IED took my leg. It's okay." His voice lowered. "I heard about your team...I'm sorry."

Sean nodded, looked down at the watch on his wrist. "Yeah."

Then the man's questioning gaze landed on Bay. He offered her a wide smile.

He had a stunning face. Black hair, square jaw and eyes the color of cobalt. His heavily muscled arms were graced with black tribal tattoos. She avoided looking at his leg.

"Hi."

"Matt Deakin." He held out a hand. "Please tell me you're Sean's sister or cousin. If you say girlfriend, my heart'll be broken."

Her lips quirked and she shook his hand. The guy had bucket loads of charm. "None of the above."

Matt slapped a hand over his heart. "There's hope, then."

"Knock it off, Romeo." Sean gripped Bay tighter to his side. "We need somewhere to stay."

The other man's face turned serious. His gaze took in their rumpled, bloodstained clothes. "You in trouble?"

"Yep. And it could follow us."

"Well, that might make my night more interesting." Matt motioned them inside. "Mi casa, and all of that."

The house was spacious and filled with gleaming, polished wood. Matt led them to a living room that was clearly designed by a man for a man. Oversized leather couches were grouped to face a television that took up most of one wall. A wooden coffee table was covered in car and fitness magazines.

Matt dropped onto a couch and set his crutches aside. "So, you want to tell me what's going on?"

Sean faced his friend. "No. The less you know the safer you are."

Matt scowled. "I'd be better prepared if I had some intel."

"Not this time. I need you to trust me."

Matt stared out the window for a few seconds. "Okay. You need to lay low for a while, then stay as long as you need."

"Just for the night." Bay blurted the words. Both men looked at her. She locked her gaze with Sean's. "We just need to rest a bit and plan our next steps, the longer we stay in one place, the greater chance he'll find us."

"He?" Matt queried. "You on the run from a jealous ex, sugar?"

"No."

"Figured that couldn't be it. Sean would have tied him into a pretzel by now. Or just made him quietly disappear never to be found again."

She glanced at the man in question. She'd known he was well-trained and dangerous, but she hadn't realized just how much.

"Matt, you got somewhere Bay can lie down? She wrenched her shoulder. We'll take a cold pack and some ibuprofen if you have it."

"I'm fine," she protested.

"You're not fine."

"No problem." Matt winked at her. "Come on, I'll show you the guest room." He moved down the hall, his crutches making a quiet thump on the floor. "I only have one, my other spare rooms are a gym and office." He waggled his eyebrows. "So you'll have to share."

"We'll manage," Sean said.

Bay wasn't so sure. She wasn't ignorant to the attraction simmering between them. But she wasn't sure she wanted to act on it. She didn't need the distraction or the risk.

Matt left them in the bedroom. A plain blue spread covered the bed. There were no soft touches, just a framed print of an antique movie poster on the wall—The Mummy's Curse. An open door led into a small adjoining bathroom.

Sean brushed a hand over her shoulder. "Sit down."

"Look, I'll be okay. A hot shower will help."

"Bay." He waited until she looked at him. "Let me look after you. Please."

Something inside her trembled. She let him help her onto the bed and prop some pillows behind her. As she sank into the soft mattress, she almost moaned. God, it felt good to get off her feet.

Moments later, Matt was back with painkillers, cold pack, bottle of water and a plate of fruit and crackers. He balanced the load with practiced ease and managed with one crutch. "Sorry but you guys missed dinner. Not that my cooking's all that good." He grabbed some clothes off his shoulder. "Here are some clean clothes for you both and there are fresh towels in the bathroom. Get some rest and I'll catch you later."

Sean sat on the bed. "Thanks, Matt."

Bay managed a smile before letting her eyes close.

"Here." Sean dropped two pills in her hand and passed her the water. "Sit forward a bit."

She swallowed the pills and as he pressed the cold pack to her shoulder, she hissed out a breath.

"Just for a few minutes. It'll help with any swelling."

She could get used to him looking after her. The thought snapped through her. She couldn't afford to get used to it.

She reached back and took the pack from him. "I'll hold it."

He leaned back. "We're safe here. You can relax."

"I don't relax." She lifted her chin. "Leven never stops coming. Relaxing is a luxury that could get me killed."

Leven had the Scarlet Lady back. A heavy weight sank over Bay. God, she was tired. Bone-deep tired of always plotting, of never having anything normal in her life.

She looked at Sean. "The necklace's gone. Tell me what we're going to steal next."

He sighed and cupped her cheek, his thumb rubbing across her cheekbone. "No. You'll get some rest first—"

"What?" The hand holding the cold pack dropped. "That's not your decision—"

He pressed the pack back to her shoulder. "I know you aren't used to someone caring about you, but once you've rested, I'll tell you."

She huffed out a breath. "Fine."

He smiled. "You're a horrible patient."

"Your bedside manner isn't that flash either."

"Why don't you tell me more about that beach house you dream about?"

She sniffed. "You're trying to distract me."

"Yep."

He didn't have to be so cheerful about it. "I want something small. Open, comfy couches, lots of pillows."

"Cozy."

Bay let her imagination drift, ignoring her aches and the cold of the ice. "Bookcases bursting with paperbacks. A nice deck overlooking the ocean."

"Tell me there's a hammock."

Her lips twitched. "A red one."

"Ever had sex in a hammock?"

She choked on a laugh. "No."

"Me neither." A windy sigh. "Maybe a shower will help you relax?"

Hot water sounded like heaven. Her shoulder was sore but the ibuprofen was taking the edge off. "Shower would be good."

He helped her up and kept one hand on her arm until they reached the bathroom. He turned on the shower and steam billowed in the glass stall. "Can you get your sweater and shirt off on your own?"

Bay tried to move her shoulder. Pain shot down her arm. Crap. "No."

"Let me help." He spun her so he was at her back.

She had a perfect view of their reflection in the wide mirror above the sink. She looked so small beside him. He worked her injured arm free of her sweater. Careful, slow. He slipped her other arm out and pulled the sweater over her head.

She watched, mesmerized by his gentle, methodical movements. He was focused on his task. On taking care of her.

Next he freed her shirt and pulled it up.

She stood there in only her jeans and a plain, white bra. She'd never felt so...naked. His gaze met hers in the mirror. Her breath caught.

Desire burned in his eyes. She felt an answering punch low in her belly. He lifted one hand and smoothed it over her uninjured shoulder. He cupped the joint, stroking over her skin.

She shivered and leaned into the touch. God, this was crazy. She was hurt, they were on the run, planning to strike Leven. They didn't have time for this...

But Bay's body wasn't listening.

Sean's hand ran down her arm in a slow caress. Back up and tangled in her hair. He tugged until her head fell back against his hard chest.

His mouth came down on hers. A brief press of lips and tongue. He tasted so good. A taste she worried could become an addiction.

He pulled back, his fingers working at the closure of her bra. The fabric fell away.

Her breasts felt full, sensitive. He made a sound in his throat, like a starving man eyeing something good to eat. He pressed harder against her, his chest and belly to her back. She felt the bulge of his erection against her bottom and, helpless to fight the urge, rubbed against him.

With a groan, he cupped his hands over the curves of her breasts. "Perfect. Bigger than I expected."

She'd always been more generous than her small frame should allow. Always considered it a hindrance until now. She leaned back, arching into his caress. The sensations were electric. When his thumbs flicked at her nipples, she let out a small cry.

Thoughts of everything but the man touching her drifted away. She wanted Sean, more than she'd wanted any man before. She wanted to explore his tough body, let him touch her. She wanted to pretend for a little while that there was only the two of them. Nothing else.

He pressed a palm to her belly. She quivered. He flicked open the snap on her jeans.

"Sean." She heard the plea in her voice.

With his other hand he yanked her back against him. Pain shot through her shoulder. She couldn't stifle her cry.

He pulled back like her skin burned him. "Shit. You're hurt and here I am pawing at you..." he backed up.

She wasn't fragile. "Sean—"

"Me. You. This should never have happened." A grimace crossed his face. He reached for the door. "I won't touch you again."

A knot clogged Bay's throat. She wrapped her arms across her chest, feeling very exposed. The door closed with a final click.

She stared at her face in the slowly fogging mirror. She looked like an ordinary woman. Maybe not beautiful, but she might rate pretty.

Sean would never, ever forget that she wasn't just a woman.

She was an aberration. She was what had destroyed his life.

***

Sean tried to block out the sound of the running shower.

It didn't work. Instead, it made him imagine water sliding over naked skin. Lean limbs glistening. Honey-blonde hair darkening and slicking down over her slender back and full breasts.

He groaned. Jesus, she was injured. She needed rest. He was a bastard putting his needs before hers. Hurting her.

But he wanted her. Wanted to run his hands over her skin, cup her curves, dip questing fingers between her muscled thighs. His cock twitched and with another groan, he rose.

He could admit now that he'd been attracted to her since the first time he saw her. It had been in Miami. She'd given him the slip at the airport. She'd outsmarted him and he'd admired her calculating, quick mind. She'd also locked two of Leven's men in a janitor's closet.

Sean had learned everything about her over the last few months. Watching her from afar, studying the places she'd stayed, analyzing her moves. But he'd avoided ever finding out her name.

A part of him had been so angry that he wanted to fuck a time thief.

Now she wasn't the enemy.

And he didn't want to fuck her. He wanted more.

She was someone who understood his pain. Someone he wanted to take care of. He knew she was more than capable of caring for herself, but that made him want to look after her even more.

She was injured from saving his life and here he was trying to get her naked. He cursed himself. She'd spent her whole life having everything taken from her...he wouldn't be another bastard trying to take more.

_Damn you, Leven._ Anger licked Sean's insides. The bastard was evil. He'd destroyed Bay's family, murdered Sean's team. God, Leven must have laughed at having Sean work for him. Well, Sean would make sure Leven never laughed again. Just like his team wouldn't, either.

Sean dropped onto the bed, his head in his hands. His stomach was kinked into a thousand sharp knots. He wanted to hurt Leven, wanted to beat the guy bloody.

This damn anger was going to consume him. He clenched his hands into fists against his temples. It would burn him up from the inside out.

He didn't give a shit. If he died going after Leven, he didn't care.

The bed dipped. A brush of skin against him. "Sean?"

Her voice was like a breath of cool mist. Her wet hair framed her face and she was only wrapped in a towel.

His gaze traced her bare shoulders. Slim, but toned. Her legs were curled beneath her.

The emotion in him morphed into white-hot desire. He wanted to rip that towel away, throw her on the bed and forget everything.

_No._ He'd take care of her, even if he suffered in the process. He ripped his gaze away and stared at the wall. "Feeling better?"

"Shoulder's much better." She pressed a hand to his thigh. "You okay?"

"No." And her being so close wasn't helping. His already tense muscles turned rock hard.

"I know I'm not one to talk about letting things go, but you need to control what you're feeling."

Right. That was like asking him to stop a river in flood. He ran a hand through his hair. Jesus, she smelled so good. Clean and fresh with a hint of something...lemon maybe.

"It'll eat away at you otherwise. And you'll make a mistake that'll get you killed." Her moss-green eyes were steady. Understanding. With her hair slicked back, she looked younger, softer.

"Talking from experience?"

A quick nod. "After my family...I ran. But I burned with the need to kill Leven." She sucked in a breath. "I heard he was in Chicago. He owns a strip club there. I snuck in and surprised him while he was getting a lap dance."

Obviously Leven hadn't grieved long. "You attacked him?"

"Scared the stripper off and got my chance to choke the bastard. With my shoelace." Bay shook her head. "I was so young, and running on adrenaline and anger."

"Bad combo." He'd seen soldiers in battle do the same. They made stupid mistakes that risked not only their lives, but the lives of those around them.

"I almost killed him, but his guards stormed in. Started beating me. And Leven stood there, blood running down his neck, telling me how he was going to keep me chained up. Force me to steal time for him. Let his men have me whenever they wanted."

Sean's jaw clenched. _She'd been no more than a kid!_ Leven would pay, over and over.

"Hey." She pressed her hand to Sean's other thigh. Her fingers massaged his tense flesh. "I didn't tell you to make you angrier. I got away when they tried to stuff me in a van. After that, I knew I needed to cool off. To plan. And I realized I didn't want to just kill him, I want to make him miserable before I eventually take his life."

She was so beautiful. Her pretty, earnest face, her green eyes and her ferocious spirit. Even talking about murder, Sean wanted her so badly.

"Sean?"

Something in him was drawn to her, begged him to lose himself in her. For a few hours. Days. Hell, maybe longer.

He wanted to forget blood and death, forget revenge and feel something clean and fresh.

_She's hurt, remember?_ He jerked to his feet. "I'm going to hit the shower."

Something moved in her eyes and her cheeks flushed. She stood and her towel slipped. His heart clenched.

She tightened the towel with a quick hand. "Right. I'll just...get dressed. I'm sorry for getting too close and about before in the bathroom. I know you'd never want a time thief."

He had a painful hard-on and she thought he didn't want her? "You don't know anything."

He wanted to prove her wrong, but the need to look after her was stronger. He forced himself to head for the bathroom.

##  ******Chapter Six**

Bay stood in the middle of the bedroom waiting for her flushed cheeks to cool. Her instinct was to run. Get away from Sean Archer and his compelling gray eyes.

She grabbed the clothes Matt had left. Too big for her but they'd do for now. Sean was drowning in his guilt, anger and sorrow. One of these days it would overrun his military self-control and get him killed.

Oh, but she understood. Her hands dropped to her sides. She'd been in his shoes, was still there. Living and breathing for the chance to make Gabriel Leven pay.

They were certainly a pair.

_"You don't know anything."_ Had he meant what she thought he meant?

She let her instincts take over. The man was definitely attracted to her. Time thief or not. She fiddled with the edge of the towel. Even now her breasts felt full, her nipples hard, just from being close to him. Remembering his caresses.

_Just get dressed, Bay. Leave him to his demons._ She chewed on her lip.

She couldn't leave him. For lots of reasons, but only one mattered the most. She wanted him. For the first time in years, she wanted something just for herself.

Letting the towel drop, she headed for the bathroom.

Steam clouded the room. His strong silhouette showed through the glass of the shower stall. One hand was pressed to the tiles, his head down, hot water pounding over him.

When she opened the shower door, his head shot up.

Boiling gray eyes widened but he didn't say anything. His gaze drifted down her naked body, lingering. Where he looked, she burned for his touch.

But he didn't touch. Didn't close the distance.

So she did.

She stepped inside, the hot spray hitting her skin. She took her time studying his battle-scarred body. He was tanned skin over tight muscles. He had several older white scars and one newly healed pink one on his chest. Wide shoulders narrowed to trim hips and a heavily ridged stomach. Below that, his thick erection jutted between muscular thighs.

"You need me," she said.

"But you don't need me." His hands curled into fists. "You should be resting."

"I know my strength, Sean. I'm fine." She ran a finger down the center of his chest. Touched the ridge of his scar. "Why don't we forget for a while?"

His face contorted. "You just want to fuck? Go at it like bunnies?"

He was still trying to run her off. "No. I want to touch you, pleasure you. Remind you that there's more than anger and hatred."

The tendons in his neck strained.

"I get a regular birth control shot." No way she'd risk bringing a child into her crazy life. "And I'm healthy."

He sucked in a deep breath. "Me too."

"You have to say yes." She wouldn't make it too easy on him. "Tell me yes, Sean."

A muscle in his jaw worked and his knuckles turned white. Then fire ignited in his eyes. "Yes."

She wanted to rush. To grab at him and let the molten desire loose. She'd always admired his looks, even when he'd been hunting her. But now she knew the damaged man beneath the hard exterior.

But she wouldn't rush. She wanted to give him more. She wanted to ease his pain for a little while.

And ease her own.

She moved close to him, the hot water pouring over them both, slick skin pressed to slick skin. She slid her hands into the tawny strands of his hair.

His mouth pressed to her temple. His lips moved down her cheek, then claimed her mouth.

She moaned in pleasure and ran her hands along his side. He gripped her thigh, lifted it to wrap around his hip. His erection pressed hard into her belly.

"Shoulder okay?"

The man was too caring for his own good. "Fine."

"You feel good." His hands slid under her bottom. "I've fantasized plenty about these lithe legs of yours."

"I'm short." Her voice was breathy.

He eased her back against the tiles and the shock of cool ceramic was a stark contrast to the hot male pressed against her.

"You're just right." His mouth travelled to her ear. He nipped at her sensitive lobe before setting his teeth against the tendons of her neck.

Sensation tore through her and she tilted her head to the side to give him better access.

"I want more." His words were deep, torn from him.

When he broke contact, she made a sound of protest. "I want to touch _you_. Drive you crazy."

His callused hands closed over her breasts and all thoughts rushed from her head. He flicked a thumb over her nipple.

"You _are_ driving me crazy. And what I want is to taste you. All of you."

That was all the warning she got. He dropped to his knees. His hands weren't gentle as they nudged her legs apart.

Then his mouth was on her.

Her head rapped back against the tiles. Pleasure, hot and intense, roared through her, leaving her panting. He wasn't soft or timid. He lapped at her, driving her higher and higher.

"Sean." She gripped his shoulders to stay upright. Her knees had melted and her belly was tingling. She felt her muscles tightening, control slipping away.

She never let herself get out of control.

"Let go, Bay. I'll catch you."

She looked down into his tough face. His eyes burned. For her. He wasn't thinking of the past or the present. What she was or wasn't. Just the here and now and the desire between them.

This man had saved her today—more than once. He knew what she'd suffered. She was shocked to realize that after such a short time together, she trusted him.

She let her muscles relax and gave herself up to him.

Another bold caress of his mouth and Bay splintered. The pleasure poured through her—hot, liquid, intoxicating. When her legs gave way, Sean caught her, as promised.

***

Sean was shaking.

He'd been outnumbered in fights, jumped from planes at low altitude and fought for his life too many times to count. Never once had he lost his cool like this.

This woman brought him to his knees and left him wanting.

Water still poured over them. He stroked her good shoulder, watching until her eyes fluttered open. They were still a little unfocused, but she smiled at him.

"We aren't finished yet," he growled.

Her smile widened. "I hope not. I want you inside me."

Her words inflamed him. He grabbed her and surged upright. More than anything, he wanted to lose himself in her.

When her hand slid down his stomach, he sucked in a breath. She circled his erection, fingers brushing over the sensitive head and he groaned.

He lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around him. He took her slight weight, didn't want to risk hurting her by pressing her against the wall.

She shimmied her hips and his erection pressed against her slick opening.

He lost the last of his tenuous control. He looked at her as he thrust inside her. Watched the flare in her eyes as he filled her.

"Bay—"

Her fingers dug into his shoulders. "Stop thinking. Just love me."

He did as she asked. Because he couldn't stop himself. He thrust into her. Her small cries echoed off the tiles and she arched into him. An invitation to take all she offered.

Pleasure was a hard hit to his gut. She was so damned gorgeous—the perfect temptation. If he'd had to design his dream woman, Bay would be it. Strong, lean, compact with mesmerizing green eyes and a will of iron. The courage of the most battle-hardened SEAL.

The tight clasp of her sent hot sensation shooting through him. It knotted at the base of his spine and he knew the slippery fall into oblivion was coming.

As her nails cut into his shoulders, she thrust her hips back against him. Not just welcoming him, but needing more.

He gripped her buttocks and backed up. His back hit the wall of glass, Bay held tight against him. She knew what he wanted and started to ride him. A fast up and down drag that made every muscle in his body clench tight.

Then his release slammed into him. He roared, gripping her close, feeling her body clenching around him. She shook as her own orgasm took her over the edge.

When he could think, they were once again slumped on the shower floor. Bay was wrapped around him, her head resting on his shoulder. He liked the weight of her. Could get used to her resting on him.

The water was cooling. He reached up and shut it off.

Bay didn't move.

"Hey, sleeping beauty. Time to dry off."

"Can't move."

Her mumble made him smile. Getting a firmer grip on her, he stood. Once out of the shower, he set her on her feet and grabbed a towel off the rack. Starting at her feet, he gently dried her skin. He skimmed up trim calves, dipping behind her knees. She drew in a quick breath and pressed a hand to his arm. He travelled up her toned thighs, drying every drop of water he found. When he slipped the thick terry into the juncture of her legs, protected by a triangle of pale hair, she gripped his wrist.

"I can finish off."

He looked up into her slumberous eyes. "I know you can, but I'd like to do it."

She stared at him for a moment. She looked so young. Then her hand fell away.

He moved upward, caressing her flawless skin. As he moved over her breasts, her breath hitched.

"You're driving me crazy," she said.

"That's the plan." He rubbed the towel over her damp hair. "I think I could be a happy man finding all the ways to drive you crazy."

There was that hint of vulnerability before she looked at the floor. "No one's dried me off since I was a little girl."

He picked up a brush from beside the sink. "Turn around."

She did and he started working the brush through the long strands. He looked at the contrast of his hand against her skin. His was darker, scarred, hers was smooth and fair.

He kept his strokes steady, working through the tangles. "Thank you."

She tilted her head. "For what?"

"For pulling me back from the edge." He knew without her, he might have drowned. Leaped into the yawning abyss of his pain.

She turned, her hands pressing against his chest. "I'd say it was a great sacrifice—" she leaned closer and pressed a kiss over his heart "—but I'd be lying. I loved being with you."

He tugged her close and pressed his chin to her hair. He wished they could stay like this. Locked away together in a little world far removed from the existence they were both trying to escape.

But already he felt the tug of reality. The blood, death and hatred were seeping back in. Revenge again beat in his heart.

As though she sensed it, she sighed and pulled back. "You hungry?"

He was surprised to find he was. "I could eat."

"Why don't we attack that food our host left?" She wrapped a towel around her slim curves.

Sean fought the urge to rip the offending fabric away.

She looked over her shoulder. "And you can tell me what we're going to steal next."

He watched her leave. As soon as she was gone, he felt very alone.

He pressed his hands to the sink, staring into the mirror. The burn of retribution once again pounded inside him—twisted with wild rage and grief. Holding her had chased it away, given him respite, if only for a brief moment.

He gripped the ceramic until his fingers turned white. For a second, he was tempted to take her and run. Find that beach she dreamed about, lie on the sand and hold her tight.

With a shake of his head, he reached for a towel. What was he thinking? Giving up his chance of vengeance for a woman.

Especially when the woman would never, ever let anything get in the way of her revenge.

##  ******Chapter Seven**

"We're going to steal some old, dusty book?"

Sean found himself fascinated at the way Bay's forehead creased. He suspected it was a common expression for her. He wondered what she'd look like with a genuine smile on her face or if she ever truly laughed.

"It's more than that. It's the original manuscript of a book called The Liber Legis. The Book of the Law. It was written by Crowley."

Bay reached over to the plate resting between them on the bed and plucked up a grape. "Crowley again?"

"The occultist believed in doing what he wanted, ignoring moral constraints. Even started a religion based on the belief."

"God," she whispered. "Sounds just like Leven."

"Do you know much about Leven's past?"

She shook her head. "I've never been able to find anything on him."

Sean nodded. "He's hidden it deep, but before I...entered his employ, I had a friend with some hacking skills do a search."

Bay shifted, her gaze focused on him. "And?"

"He was born John Gabriel Brown in a small town in Kansas."

"Kansas?" She shook her head. "Wouldn't have guessed that."

Sean paused, uncertain how much he should tell her. "My friend found hospital records."

She blinked. "Hospital records?"

"From age four Leven suffered a broken arm, broken ribs, infected wounds from being chained and severe acid burns."

Bay sucked in a breath.

"When Leven was ten, his father strangled his mother to death. In front of Leven."

"God." She pressed a hand to her stomach. "I don't want to hear any more." She shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Not all abused kids turn into sadistic maniacs."

"I'm not defending him." Sean watched the conflicted emotions on her face. "After his father went to prison, John Brown disappeared...six years later, Gabriel Leven emerged on the Chicago criminal scene."

"Just stop."

"Look, I wanted to tell you so you understand his obsession with Crowley. Leven abides by no one's rules but his own."

Bay lifted her chin. "Just tell me more about the book."

"Leven paid a small fortune for it in a private sale. It's like his Bible." Sean remembered the way the guy talked about it. Quoted from it. Creepy. "Crowley claimed a being called Aiwass dictated the book to him in Egypt. It's filled with cryptic text but Leven believes that Aiwass was a time thief."

She sat up. "And the book contains information on thieves?"

"Yes."

"We have to destroy it. Where does he keep it?" She'd forgotten about the grape caught between her fingers. "Locked in a vault somewhere?"

"Nope. It's here in Colorado." Sean pressed the fruit to her mouth. "In his mountain cabin."

She chewed, her eyes shimmering. "Not even locked away?"

"Don't get too excited. The cabin's well-protected. And cabin doesn't do the sprawling mansion any justice. Cameras, dogs, high-tech security system and guards. It won't be easy to get in." Sean helped himself to a cracker.

Her smile was blinding. "It will be if you can steal time."

He smiled back and fingered her hair. "How could I have forgotten about that handy talent of yours?"

Her smile dissolved away. "I'm sure you'll never forget what I can do."

_No._ That ability had ruined his life, shattered his soul. His hand fell away. He wouldn't ever forget.

She dropped her gaze, her body stiff. "You think I'm a monster."

_Way to go, Archer._ "Bay, I don't think—"

"Sometimes I do."

Her whispered words cracked something inside him. "You've made me realize there are good and bad time thieves, just like there are good and bad people."

"If I didn't have this damn ability...curse...my family would be alive."

"Hey." He forced her chin up. "Their deaths are on Leven, no one else. Wishing you could be someone you're not...it won't change anything."

There was a wealth of pain behind her eyes. He wanted to pull her close, hold the world away from her. He doubted she'd accept comfort from anyone.

Maybe distraction would work. "When did you first learn you could steal time?"

She settled back against the pillows. "Thirteen. Seems the ability doesn't manifest until you hit puberty." She gave a little laugh. "Like teenagers don't have enough to deal with."

"Must have been a shock."

Another laugh. He was happy to see the line on her forehead melt away.

"Yeah, I was arguing with my mother when it first happened." Bay shook her head. "Shock doesn't come close to what I went through. I freaked out."

"Understandable."

"A mutated gene causes the ability."

"Yeah, that's what Leven said. You told your parents?"

"Eventually. After I stole time at Cindy Hilty's birthday party. Cindy was a perky little blonde and she was flirting with Stevie Allen. I had a major crush on ol' Stevie." A fond smile flashed. "She still doesn't know how she ended up spilling cola down her pretty party dress."

"How'd your parents react?" Sean tried to imagine his parents dealing with such a confession. They were fourth generation farmers settled happily on their land in Wisconsin. They probably wouldn't deal well with supernatural powers, but they'd come to see him in the hospital after he'd returned from Afghanistan. They'd wanted him to come home to recuperate.

Maybe he should have given them a chance to help him.

Bay shifted on the pillows. "They were great. After some initial disbelief, they dealt with it. They didn't ignore it, instead they taught me not to take advantage of my skill." She looked past Sean, lost in her memories. "Taught me responsibility."

She'd been lucky. "Bet they'd be proud of you."

She brushed her hair back. "I don't know about that. They told me never to tell anyone what I could do." Her voice cracked. "But at fifteen, I wanted to impress a boy. Because of that, Leven found me."

And she'd lost everything.

Sean pressed his hand over hers. "Leven's fault, not yours. And I think your parents would be pleased to know you haven't sold your ability to the highest bidder."

"Maybe. There've been times that would have been easier."

"Had to be tough for a teen on the run."

She lifted a shoulder. "I survived doing whatever I could. Never stayed anywhere too long, took cash jobs." A bitter smile. "I'm a hell of waitress."

"I'll bet." She struck him as someone who'd work to be the best at whatever she did.

"Once I saved enough, I became a hell of a stock trader. Now I don't have to work so much."

Smart and resourceful. His type of woman.

"Enough questions about me," she said. "What about Commander Sean Archer?"

He spread his hands wide. "What do you want to know?"

"Where are you from?"

"Wisconsin."

"How'd you end up in the Navy?"

"Didn't want to be a farmer. Fighting for my country sounded much more noble."

She paused, toyed with the edge of a pillowcase. Then her green gaze hit him hard. "Will you tell me about your team?"

Sean was on his feet before he realized. He paced across the room, feeling as though the walls were closing in on him.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

He didn't want to talk about them. It felt like ripping the scab off a poorly healed wound. He hadn't talked about any of his friends since their funerals.

But how was it honoring them to ignore their memories, their sacrifice, just because it hurt him to say their names?

"McNeil was my best friend. He was the toughest son of a bitch I knew." Sean clutched his watch.

"You miss him."

"Every day. He had the driest sense of humor and the biggest sense of honor. Chris Butler was the youngest. Still had that idealist shine. We were working on ridding him of it." Yep, it hurt. Remembering the times they'd laughed together, giving each other hell about women, work or life in general. "Rick Sanchez was a slow-talking Texan. He was a hell of a shot." Sean closed his eyes, letting the words flow. "He was always talking about his wife Tessa and their three kids. He was a great dad. And Lucas "Lucky Last" Romano always brought up the rear. Was dependable as a Swiss watch although he liked everyone to believe he left things up to Lady Luck."

But Lady Luck caught up with him in the end.

Sean continued talking, sharing stories about the guys, watching the smile on Bay's face. He moved back to the bed and sat, his thigh brushing against her slim leg. Talking about the guys hurt like hell, but he was surprised to find it was a good hurt. It was good to remember them.

She leaned her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry you lost them."

He pressed his head against hers. "Me, too. I'll make Leven pay for it."

" _We_ will. Starting with burning his precious manuscript."

Sean nodded. "We'll head up to the cabin tomorrow. Matt'll loan us his truck. It's about two hours from here. Best to go in at sunset so we can escape in the dark." The familiar burn charged through Sean's blood.

"We'll do recon first. Find out how many guards, dogs, entrances and exits." Her body tensed, preparing for battle. "Then I'll steal time."

"How long can you hold it?"

She shrugged. "It varies. Depends on how relaxed I am." She gave a rueful smile. "And you can't measure time while it's stopped."

His lips quirked in response. "I guess."

Her gaze dropped to his mouth before jerking over his shoulder. "Do you know where he keeps the book?"

"Could be in two locations. Upstairs in his private office or on display in the great room downstairs. His guards told me he changes it depending on his mood."

She tapped a hand against her thigh. "Once we get inside, we split up. I'll check the office, you take downstairs."

The idea of her being alone and unprotected didn't sit well. "We should stick together."

"Everything'll be stopped. We get in and get out. Easy."

Experience warned him missions were never easy. But she was good at looking after herself. "In and out."

"Any chance Leven'll be at the cabin?"

"Slim. He doesn't visit it often and only on weekends. His...business dealings keep him busy during the week."

"Crime takes effort." She stood and started pacing. "After I burn the damn book, I'll send him the ashes."

Bay the woman was slipping away and Bay the survivor was back. "It's late. We should get some sleep."

She lifted a shoulder. "You go to bed. I'll go and watch some TV or something."

He eyed the stiff set of her shoulders and wondered how many other nights she'd spent stewing over an upcoming attack. "Something wrong?"

"I'm fine."

"Universal phrase of a woman with something on her mind."

"My thoughts, my mind."

_Oh, no_. It was too late now for her to push him away. Screw that.

***

Bay's shoulders were rock hard and her mind raced. She never slept before executing a plan.

"Hey." Sean laid a hand on her shoulder. "You're rigid."

She wanted to lean into him, absorb some of his warmth and borrow some of his formidable strength.

Instead she shrugged his hand away. "A little wound up, that's all."

He snaked an arm around her waist. "Bay. You aren't alone this time."

As she was dragged up against him, her back to hard chest, edginess morphed into anger. "Look, despite what happened earlier, we don't know each other. So let me go."

His warm breath fanned over the side of her neck. "We _do_ know each other." He nipped at the shell of her ear. "You might want to hide from that and push me away, but I don't think that's what you really want." Another nip. "Is it?"

She sucked in a breath. Her entire body trembled. "You have no idea what I want."

"Really?" His hand opened against her belly. He slipped his palm under her shirt. "I think you ignore what you want, all in your quest to punish Leven."

She tried a scoffing laugh, but it sounded hollow. "Revenge _is_ what I want."

"Does it keep you company at night?" Sean squeezed her tighter, flush against unyielding muscle. "Does it hold you close?"

Her throat tightened. He felt so good. So solid and sexy. His fingers brushed her skin, toying with the loose waist of her borrowed shorts.

"Does it share breakfast with you? Kiss you? Smile at you?" He spun her, one hand gripping her chin. Gray eyes bored into her. "Does it love you?"

"I don't know anything about love." She stared into his chest. "I lost that ability a long time ago."

He pressed his face to her hair and breathed in. She closed her eyes and yearned.

"We're in this together." His lips moved over her temple.

Her hands gripped his sides. "I don't know how to do 'together.'"

"Let me show you." He slid his arms around her. "Lean on me. Just a little."

She was so tense. The drive for retribution was familiar, like an addiction she couldn't ever give up. He was the unknown—something wonderful she was too afraid to reach out and take.

Sean traced the seam of her mouth with his tongue before sweeping inside. She told herself to pull away but instead she leaned into him. He picked her up and laid her on the bed. His hands skimmed under her shirt.

"I wish it was my shirt touching your skin, not Matt's," he murmured.

As he cupped her breasts, she arched into his touch. Words wouldn't form.

"I love looking at you." He pushed the shirt up and with her help, pulled it over her head.

She managed a strangled moan.

"And touching you." He cupped her shoulder, kneaded. "Turn over."

She studied his tough face then rolled over. His hands skimmed her spine. Down, back up again.

A tender kiss on her back. "How's the shoulder?"

It took her a second. "Feels much better."

He shed his shirt and straddled her hips. He went to work on her neck, kneading her tight muscles. Bay swallowed a moan. He moved over her shoulder blades, exquisitely careful on her sore one.

"Skin like cream." Tracing each knob of her spine, he worked lower.

Her muscles started to relax. His fingers brushed the top curves of her buttocks. He worked the tightness there.

"Relax," he murmured.

"Easy to say..."

"You're just out of practice."

She laughed. The sound muffled by the bed cover. "Not much time to relax when you're running for your life."

His hands stilled. "I'm sorry for what Leven's done to you. Sorry that he made me a part of it."

She pressed her cheek to the bed. Trust Sean to feel guilty. "Not your fault."

He leaned forward and pressed his lips to the nape of her neck. He kissed along her shoulder, nipping with his teeth.

Before she knew what was happening, he reared back and turned her over. His hands shaped her breasts as he tasted one peak, teasing the nipple to hardness. He kissed the lower slope, then moved to the other, lavishing it with the same slow attention.

"Sean." Bay moved restlessly beneath him.

"No." The muscles in his neck strained. "No rushing this time."

As he moved down her body, trailing his lips over her, her hands gripped the blanket. Her legs shifted and when he dipped his tongue in her navel, her hands slid into his hair. Tugged hard. "I need you."

He looked up. His eyes burned hot. For her alone.

In seconds, he'd shucked his borrowed jeans, yanked off her too-large shorts and covered her body with his. Gripping her thighs, he pushed her legs up and out. Then, with his gaze glued to hers, he pushed inside her.

He moved slowly. Inch by tortuous inch. Bay's nails dug into his firm shoulders and she couldn't think of anything but him. Her eyelids fluttered closed.

"No, don't close your eyes."

The intimacy of staring deeply at each other while he filled her was a sensation she'd never shared with anyone before. Sex was quick, pleasurable. It wasn't this intense, soul-stealing experience.

She'd never felt so connected to someone before.

Sean was fully lodged inside her, long and thick, filling her up. Her lips parted. As he began to move, a slow, tantalizing slide, she sank her teeth into her bottom lip.

The delicious friction had desire twisting in her belly. She wanted to race to the finish, to find the intense pleasure of a hard orgasm. But he didn't go fast. His muscles shuddered as he reined in the urge to rush.

"Sean." Her nails scraped over his shoulders. "Please..."

He leaned down and nipped her lips. "Please what?"

She sunk her nails deeper. "Move. Now."

He did. Increasing the rhythm, driving them both closer to that jagged edge. Then he slowed again.

Bay wanted to scream. He repeated the pleasurable torture—fast, then slow, fast, then slow—until she was mindless, lost in her pleasure.

Soon his teasing drove him beyond his own control. He lost the battle and pounded into her.

"Say my name," he growled.

She struggled to focus. "What?"

"Say my name. I want to hear you say my name as you come."

He was like some primal deity, demanding, commanding. A god the foolish mortal would never forget, whose loving she'd dream of until the end of days.

Her body tensed, muscles turning rigid. She threw her head back as she plummeted and screamed his name.

Lost in the intensity, she heard Sean groan his own release, spilling himself inside her.

When Bay could finally sort out her thoughts, she was lying against the warmth of his body. He curled around her, holding her as close as he could. Like he'd never let her go.

She squeezed her eyes closed. She wanted to imagine he'd never leave her. That she could always lean on him, wake beside him. That when the brutal reality of life got to be too much, he'd be there to catch her when she stumbled.

Breathing in his scent, she imagined her little beach fantasy. That house by the white sand, the pleasant lap of the waves. For the first time in her life, she wasn't alone in her fantasy. Sean was there, his strong, scarred body emerging from the surf. A wide smile just for her and the shadows gone from his eyes. Inside, she felt at peace with her own demons.

She blinked and the dream evaporated. The wrench in her gut was painful.

It wasn't ever going to happen. Sean Archer was just a man passing through her life. A damaged man whose mission coincided with hers. For now.

Eventually they'd part ways. He'd heal from his grief and loss, find some All-American girl to settle down with and have two-point-four kids.

Bay would never heal. She'd never be whole.

Her family's death had broken something inside her. The years of dedication to revenge had infected her, rotting her from the inside out.

She was no good for anyone, least of all this tough, loyal man who needed someone happy and uncomplicated to help him heal.

Uncomplicated she was not.

But she snuggled in closer to Sean's warmth. Felt the answering tightening of his arms, the gentle brush of his lips on her hair.

For this one night, she'd let herself pretend. She'd let herself imagine he was hers. But tomorrow, the fantasy ended. Bay knew she'd never survive Gabriel Leven. She'd never told anyone her endgame.

When the time came to take Leven's life, Bay never planned to survive the fight.

##  ******Chapter Eight**

The next morning, Bay stepped into the sundrenched kitchen to find Matt Deakin standing at the granite counter chopping onions.

"Ah, hi." Her gaze automatically dropped to his leg.

He tapped the high-tech prosthetic with the hilt of his knife. "I can run almost as fast I did before."

"But you still use the crutches?"

"When I need a break. The prosthetic can hurt sometimes." He went back to chopping. "How's an omelet sound?" He shot her a knowing smile. "Figured you'd both be hungry."

She cleared her throat. "Sounds great." She hopped up on a stool and rotated her shoulder. It was much less stiff and the pain was down to a dull throb. When Matt shoved a coffee mug her way, she snatched it up, needing the jolt of caffeine.

After she and Sean had finally stopped touching each other, she hadn't slept.

Instead she'd watched Sean sleep.

She'd been mesmerized by the rise and fall of his sculpted chest. Loved seeing the lines of his face relax. She'd kept her palm pressed to the steady beat of his heart until the deep of night had given way to the early hours of the morning.

Then she'd left his warm embrace.

She'd showered, in cold, bracing water and dressed in her own freshly cleaned clothes. The well-worn, beaten armor of her reality.

"Thanks for washing our clothes," she said.

Matt transferred the onion to a pan. It sizzled on contact. "No problem. So, you planning to break Sean's heart?"

The change of subject made her choke on the hot coffee. "Ah—"

Matt waved a wooden spoon in her direction. "He's a good man. The best. His men loved him."

"And he cared about them. He's still trying to find justice for them."

Matt frowned. "Justice? They died in Afghanistan."

"I mean, he still thinks about them. All the time." Would give his life to avenge them.

Matt stirred the contents of the skillet, then leaned a hip against the counter. "I've seen the way he looks at you. Like you're a light in the darkness."

Bay's stomach clenched. She wasn't anyone's light. "We really don't know each other that well."

"Really?" Matt arched a brow. "That's not what it looks like. Looks like you're both leaning on each other. Connected."

Okay, maybe she felt that connection, that sense of rightness. But their lives were crazy. How they'd collided...they could never turn that into something real.

"Bay?" When she looked up, Matt set the spoon down and gripped her hand. "Just take care of him, okay?" He squeezed her fingers. "Sean's always taking care of everyone else, sacrificing for others. He deserves some happiness."

She agreed. One hundred percent. But she wasn't the woman to make him happy.

As she opened her mouth to respond, she saw Matt's eyes glaze over.

His arm slipped away, hung at his side. He looked a robot robbed of power, just standing there staring at nothing.

Bay's heart skipped a beat. She slid off the chair. "Matt?" Was he having a seizure or something?

"He can't respond."

She spun. A tall, curvy silhouette stood in the doorway from the living room. Bay recognized the voice. "Mara?"

Her roommate stepped into the kitchen. Deep red hair tumbled over her shoulders. Her long legs were encased in dark denim and an emerald shirt had enough buttons open to show off generous cleavage.

"It took me all night to find you." Mara strode forward, her boot heels clicking on the wooden floor. "We need to get out of here."

Bay's brain raced. "How'd you find me?"

"No time. Let's go."

Bay glanced at Matt. He was...empty. It was like all the charming personality had leeched away. "What did you do to him?"

Mara flicked Matt a glance. "We really don't have enough time for me to explain."

Bay backed up a step. She'd trusted Mara...to a point. But now... "I'm not budging until you tell me what you did."

The redhead thrust her hands on her hips. "You think you're the only one with power?"

The floor shifted beneath Bay. She glanced around the room. Matt was motionless but the clock on the far wall ticked, the onions sizzled in the pan. "You aren't a time thief."

"Nope. Time's not my thing."

"What is your thing?"

"You can trust me, Bay." Mara held out a hand. "I've only ever looked out for you. I'm trying to save you now."

"Mara, quit stalling."

Her friend huffed out a breath. "I'm a mind raider."

"What?" Bay gripped the counter to stay upright. "I thought time thieves were...rare, unique. A mutated gene."

"Well, the mutated gene is mostly right. So is rare. But you aren't unique. There are others with different abilities."

_Others._ Bay couldn't comprehend. "How?"

"Because of the Institute for Military Scientific Research."

Bay shook her head. "Never heard of it."

"Hitler's group of Frankensteins. They performed human medical experiments during World War II."

_God_. Bay had always thought she was a random twist of nature, not a lab experiment. "What's a mind raider?"

Mara sighed. "I can stop people's thoughts."

And she could do it without concentrating. She was carrying on a conversation, barely even looking at the man she'd neutered. "And then what?"

"Well, then they're pliant, willing to do as I ask."

"It isn't...permanent?"

"No. Once I let go, they're fine. Just like time once you stop stealing it. Some suffer a headache afterward. That's the worst of it."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Mara moved closer. "I was afraid you'd run."

Bay held her hands up. "Did you know what I was when you offered me a place to stay?"

A shadow passed through Mara's dark green eyes.

"Don't lie to me, Mara. It sounds like you've done enough of that already."

The other woman held up one long-fingered hand. "By omission only. I knew you'd run. Yes, I knew what you were. And that Gabriel Leven was hunting you."

"Jesus." Bay pressed her palms to the smooth granite. "Why?"

"Why'd I single you out? Because I'd save anyone targeted by Leven and you needed help."

It was never that simple. Bay's gaze collided with her friend's. _Ex-friend_.

"And you still need it." Mara held out a hand again. "I know somewhere safe we can go."

"She isn't going anywhere with you."

Sean stepped into the kitchen, his gun aimed at Mara's heart.

***

Sean kept his gaze and his SIG trained on the tall, flame-haired woman.

He'd seen Bay's pale face and Matt's blank stare. Something bad was going on and he wouldn't let his friend or his woman get hurt.

"Bay, back away from her."

The redhead took a step forward. Her compelling green eyes bored into him like a jackhammer and dizziness washed over him.

All the energy started draining from his body. His arm lowered, his gun clattering to the floor.

Not again.

No. _No._ He'd been helpless once before. He couldn't be helpless again.

He looked for Bay. His lungs constricted, he couldn't breathe. He thought he smelled sand, felt the heat of the desert and heard the quiet murmurs of his men. The jokes they'd made right before the time thief had killed them.

Bay's moss eyes dominated his view. She cupped his cheeks.

"It's okay, Sean. Hang on, I'll look after you." She glanced over her shoulder. "Mara, don't do this."

His vision blurred. He could just make out the clock on the wall.

The next instant, everything came into focus again. Bay was in his arms, her body pressed tight against him. She was murmuring in his ear, silly soothing phrases.

He pushed Bay behind him. "She's a time thief."

"No, Sean. She's—"

"Something else." The other woman's voice was deeper, husky.

He lunged forward. The primal part of him didn't care what she was, didn't care she was a woman. She had power and she'd left him vulnerable. Left him unable to protect Bay.

Bay blocked him. "Stop. You're okay."

His chest heaved.

Her soothing hands skimmed up his chest. "This is Mara. She owns the condo in LoDo."

Sean's gaze sharpened. If the woman had wanted to hurt Bay, she would have had plenty of easier opportunities. His mind ran through the options, not finding one that fit.

"Why are you here?" he demanded.

The woman looked at Bay. "To save Bay from you. You're the dog Leven sent after her, aren't you, Commander Archer?"

His hand flexed on Bay's arm. He didn't like the reminder of what he'd done to her. "Things have changed."

Bay's hand covered his, squeezed.

Mara's gaze didn't miss the move. "So I see."

"Leven tricked Sean, manipulated him. We're working together now."

Mara's eyebrows lifted. "To do what?"

"Make Leven pay." Sean looked away from the redhead and studied the motionless Matt. "What'd you do to my friend?"

"He's fine. Just...incapacitated."

"Let him go."

She flicked a strand of blood-red hair over her shoulder. "I assume he doesn't know of time thieves and the like, it's best he doesn't remember I was here."

"What are you?"

"A mind raider. I'd love to go into details, but we really don't have time." Mara strode closer, her gaze on Bay. "This man can't help you. He can't keep you safe. Leven, or others far worse, will keep hunting you."

Bay sucked in a breath.

"I can offer sanctuary. A place where there are others like you. A place where you don't have to run."

Something flared in Sean, burning his throat. He didn't want Bay to leave him. But what did he have to offer her? Hatred, revenge, death?

When she stepped away, the pain he felt was crazy. He'd only really had her for a day. It shouldn't hurt so much.

She gripped Mara's hand. "I can't come with you."

"Why?" Mara demanded, clutching Bay's fingers.

"I still have things I need to do." She stepped back beside Sean. "That we need to do."

"Revenge won't make you happy." Mara dropped her gaze. "I speak from experience."

Bitter experience if her tone was anything to go on. Sean kept his mouth shut. This was between Bay and her friend.

"It's all I've had for so long. And a part of me needs this." Bay squared her shoulders. "Leven took a part of my soul. I need to see him suffer to get it back."

"I'd love to see Leven dead, but killing him will just steal more of your soul." Dark green eyes flicked Sean's way, boring into him. "Both your souls."

His jaw locked. He didn't care what this stranger had to say. He could no more turn off this path than stop a Stinger missile at twenty feet.

Mara shook her head. "Fine." She withdrew a card from her pocket. "If you change your mind, I'll be waiting."

Bay took the card without looking at it. As the woman left it felt like the room itself sighed in relief.

Matt blinked. "Shit, how'd this burn so quickly?" He stirred the pan. "Sorry, breakfast will be a little singed." He glanced over his shoulder. "Hey, Sean, didn't hear you come in."

Sean studied his friend's face. "You feel okay?"

Matt frowned. "I'm fine."

"Head okay?"

The man's frown deepened. "Yeah. You okay?"

"Sure." Sean rubbed the back of his neck. He hadn't been okay for four long months. No, that wasn't true.

Holding Bay North in his arms, losing himself in her—that was the one moment he'd felt more than okay. He'd felt alive and whole.

***

With a light dusting of snow underfoot, Bay waited, crouched behind a pine tree. The scent of evergreen teased her senses as she kept her gaze trained on Leven's mountain "cabin."

The sprawling home was a mixture of natural stone and red-hued wood. It spread down the side of a hill, with acres of glass that would allow a stunning view of the snow-covered valley.

She felt the thinness of the air here in the mountains. Denver was a famed mile high, but unless you really exerted yourself or drank too many martinis you wouldn't notice. But in the mountains, you wanted to gulp in the air to relieve your lungs.

Sean crouched beside her. "There's another guard."

That made three so far. They'd been doing recon for the last half hour. The temperature was dropping with the setting sun. She kept her gaze on the building but Mara's visit reverberated around Bay's head. She was stunned the other woman had known what Bay was all along.

What if Mara had worked for Leven? Bay would be dead now. Or worse, chained to some table in one of Leven's hideouts.

She couldn't let it happen again. She knew trusting others was bad for her survival.

The redhead had offered sanctuary. For a single, shining second, Bay let herself imagine. A home of her own. A chance to breathe without having to look over her shoulder.

Her gaze unerringly went to Sean. What would it be like to simply loll in bed with this man? To spend unhurried minutes—no hours—exploring every inch of his warrior's body?

_No._ It was all pure fantasy. A fantasy too far out of her reach.

He shifted. "Three guards on rotation. Can't see any dogs but I'd bet there are at least three or four."

She focused back on the mission. "No movement from inside."

"Any staff should be gone for the day."

"If anyone's still in there, they'll be stopped, just like the guards." She rolled her shoulders, eager to get moving.

Sean pulled out his SIG, checked his ammunition then slipped the gun back into the small of his back. "Then let's go give Gabriel Leven a big 'fuck you'."

"All right." As she stood, Sean grabbed her shoulders. She shrugged out of his hold. It was time to start cutting the ties. "We don't have time."

Before she could think, he tugged her close again and kissed her.

She struggled for a second before she kissed him back.

_Weak. She was so weak._ She savored the spearmint taste of toothpaste and the unique flavor that was all Sean. Her hands flexed on the jacket he'd borrowed from Matt.

They broke apart. Stared at each other.

He gripped her chin in a none-too-gentle hold. "I know what you're doing."

She arched a brow. "Breaking and entering?"

"No, smart ass." He slid his hands into her hair, cupping her head. "Pushing me away. I thought you finally let me in last night. Trusted me."

Her heart thudded against her ribs. The man was too tempting. He pushed all the right buttons for her, made her yearn for more. "As I recall, I let you in numerous times. And we both enjoyed it."

He gave her a small shake. There was a hint of lightning in his storm-cloud eyes. "I'm keeping you, Bay."

Panic pooled in her throat. "I'm not a possession." She tried to shake him off. "Leven's been treating me like a thing for fifteen goddamn years."

Sean wound his arms around her. "That's not what I mean and you know it. I want more time with you. I want to fall in love with you."

Every cell in her body froze. As still as the snow around them.

She'd always wanted a normal life, someone to love. She traced his face with her gaze. Every rugged angle and tough line. Memorizing them all.

Then she pulled away. "We have a manuscript to steal."

His sigh cut through her. "There's no room for anything but revenge, is there?"

Turning her back on him was one of the hardest things she'd ever done.

##  ******Chapter Nine**

Sean was used to hunkering in shadows. But waiting outside Leven's mountain home rubbed on already strung nerves.

He didn't want to go in there.

_There._ He finally admitted it. He wanted to drag Bay away—from danger, from Leven, from revenge. He wanted to protect her, give her something else in her lonely life.

He wanted to cherish her.

Swallowing a snort, he stared at her back. Who was he to think he could cherish anything? He was a man of war, blunt and simple.

He fingered the leather on his watch band. He'd spent months running on his need for vengeance. Now that need was dulled. Softened by a woman who'd burrowed into his tattered soul. Somehow she'd started to fill the empty spaces.

But convincing her to give them a chance was going to be the biggest challenge of his life.

She looked over her shoulder. Moss eyes were calm, focused. "Ready?"

There'd be time after they destroyed the manuscript to hold her close and convince her to give them a chance. "Ready."

He grabbed her hand, stopped her from pulling away and studied her palm. He let his fingers graze her skin before settling his hand into hers.

"In and out, Bay. No risks. I don't want you hurt."

Her chin lifted. He expected a tart remark.

"Same to you."

Her fingers squeezed his hand then the world around them became a brief blur of green and white.

He was still working through the dizziness as they jogged toward the house. They passed a guard frozen in time, a semi-automatic snug in his holster. Two Dobermans stood in the snow nearby, still as garden statuary.

Bay and Sean paused at the double front doors. She turned the handle. The doors opened without a whisper of sound.

"I'm upstairs." She scanned the entry. It was covered in natural stone and a carved wooden chandelier hung from the ceiling. "Once we have the book, we'll meet back here."

He was the one used to giving orders, but this was her op. "Got it."

She slipped up the large staircase and he wasted no time. He veered through the entry, past a large gleaming kitchen and into the great room.

Huge wooden beams crossed the high roof space. He scanned the tables, cabinets and bookcases.

No manuscript.

He thought about searching the cupboards, but he doubted Leven would hide the manuscript away. No, he'd have the thing on blatant display.

Sean turned, hands on his hips. Massive walls of glass framed the rays of the dying sun over the snowy valley below. _Gorgeous_. He stopped for a second, caught by the beauty.

When had he last let himself enjoy such a small moment?

Only in Bay's arms.

Had she watched the sun set lately? He stared out the window. Would destroying Leven's book really make up for the loss of McNeil and the guys? Sean grabbed the back of the leather couch. When did it end? A necklace, a manuscript, a building, money, Leven's life...none of it would mean anything to the men he'd called friends.

They wouldn't want this.

They wouldn't want Sean poisoned with grief and hatred.

He felt like his world was spinning, upending him. Oh, he still felt the burn. He doubted it would ever truly disappear, the warrior in him would never rest easy knowing the man responsible for his team's slaughter lived.

But alongside the emotion was something else. Something newly born that would grow in time.

The need to let go.

He wanted to remember his friends with a smile. To celebrate their lives, their achievements, their sacrifice.

All of them had joined the Navy because they believed in something bigger than themselves. Something they'd fight for and die to protect.

Sean closed his eyes and pulled in a long breath. How could he convince Bay to abandon revenge?

Leven had stolen everything from her, but she could still have a life. She could have that place on the beach and Sean damn well wanted her to wake every morning in his arms.

He wanted that tough woman in his life, to watch her soften over time. To dismantle the walls she'd erected around herself.

An image flashed into his head. It made him stagger. An image of Bay rounded with child, her body lush and her smile serene.

He wanted to see that. But the path she was on led nowhere near his desires. She'd survived on vengeance far longer than Sean, was honed in it.

If she kept to her plan, there'd be nothing left of the vulnerable woman under her armor. Instead, she'd turn harder, more bitter as the years passed.

It would kill her. If Leven didn't kill her first.

Sean released a breath. He knew if Bay killed Leven, she'd destroy herself.

Okay, time to go and convince a deadly lioness to abandon the only food source she'd known for fifteen years. As he turned, he noted a splash of dark out of the corner of his eye.

A long woolen coat tossed over the back of the couch.

With a frown, he moved closer and fingered the dark blue fabric. Fine, fine quality. Nothing a guard or housekeeper would wear.

An empty wineglass sat on the side table along with a half-finished bottle of Petrus merlot.

A fifteen-hundred-dollar bottle favored by Gabriel Leven.

Heart in his throat, Sean sprinted for the stairs.

***

Bay moved fast through the big house. Checking bedroom after bedroom. Palatial bathroom after palatial bathroom.

She fingered the thick brocade bedcover in one room, a bitter taste in her mouth. Nice what blood-tainted money could buy.

Toward the end of a long hall, she found Leven's office.

It was all dark wood and leather, and lined with bookcases. They were filled with books, all neatly placed. It looked like a designer showroom. The sleek laptop and empty brandy snifter on the glossy desk belied that feeling.

She strode in and ran a hand over the burgundy leather chair. Yeah, she could imagine Leven in here. Smile in place as he gave orders to ruin someone else's life. She scanned the desk. A framed photo of a woman with a small dark-haired boy sat in the corner. It looked old. Bay stared at the young boy, her stomach curdling at what he'd suffered and worse yet, what he'd become.

She glanced at the laptop screen and sucked in a breath. A document was open and the word _anomaly_ leapt out at her. She read it, her chest tightening.

He wanted to create an army of anomalies. Weapons that would belong to him and secure his power.

Then she spied the glass cabinet to the left of the desk.

The manuscript was spotlighted by warm lights under glass.

It wasn't pretty. Black ink on paper yellowed with age. There were illustrations, but they were arcane diagrams and images scratched within the text.

Still, she felt a sense of power from the book. A sense of history, no matter how dark and twisted the content. For a second, she wondered if it did hold the secrets of her kind.

With an unsteady hand, she opened the cabinet. There was quiet whoosh of air.

She lifted the manuscript. Felt the roughness of the old paper under her fingers. She didn't care what was in it, she'd still destroy it.

_Fireplace._ She turned then stopped. The manuscript dropped to the floor.

Leven stood beside the fireplace.

Frozen in time and at her mercy.

The roaring in her head was so loud she couldn't think.

He'd not long showered, his dark hair—with the slightest hint of gray at the temples—was still damp. Dark trousers and a white silk shirt draped his lean frame. That handsome face was smooth and relaxed. Like he didn't have a care in the world.

Blood surged through her veins, propelled by her wildly beating heart. She scooped up a letter opener off the desk. She felt the sharp bite of its edge on her palm.

She stopped in front of the man who'd taken everything from her. The man who'd shattered her life with his rabid drive for power.

"Bastard." A savage whisper.

This man had left a gaping hole inside her. Now she was going to ruin him.

She lifted the blade. He was just standing there. Unmoving. It was too easy. Too...clean.

This wasn't how she'd imagined it.

_Just do it._ She pressed the point to his chest. Bile rose, burning her throat.

Her hand shook. She wanted to see pain and despair in his eyes. She wanted him to know she was exacting her revenge. She wanted to taste his fear.

The thought made her stomach turn.

_She could do this._ A sob escaped her tight throat. Anger followed, hot and scalding. How could she hesitate?

With renewed purpose, she forced the point of the opener into his skin. Just a fraction of an inch. A tiny patch of blood welled on the pristine white.

She caught the sob this time, swallowing it down with the force of her will. She made herself think of her mother, her father, Lily. They deserved justice. She had to find it for them.

Because it was her fault they were dead. Because she'd been born a goddamn time thief.

She forced herself to push the blade deeper. She looked into Leven's face, but of course there was no reaction. No pain, no shock. It was like cutting a piece of wood.

Bay felt something on her face and realized she was crying.

"Bay."

Sean's quiet voice made her tremble. She didn't—couldn't—look at him. "I have to do this."

"Will it bring them back?"

His voice was so steady, so calm. Nothing in her was calm at the moment. "Of course not. But it'll help."

"How?"

She turned her head, incredulous. "This is the man who ordered your team killed! You want him dead."

"I thought I did."

Righteous fury stormed through her. "You hunted me for _months_. Wanted to kill all time thieves. Now you know _he's_ behind it—" she stabbed a finger toward Leven "—you've changed your mind?"

Sean sighed, his eyes solemn. "Killing him won't help, Bay. It'll damage something inside you. Obliterate any chance of having your own life, away from this."

Her vision blurred, the fury leaving as quickly as it had come. Tears turned into a steady stream down her cheeks. "I've already lost that chance."

"No, you haven't." Sean moved now, one hand outstretched. "Together we can have more than revenge and blood and killing."

Oh, he tempted her with her deepest, darkest desires. But the part of her born in the blood of her sister railed against it. Demanded Leven's blood.

She lifted the blade again. Held it to the crime lord's bloodstained shirt.

She felt Sean behind her. That big, solid presence she'd grown to need so quickly. He didn't try to stop her or help her. He just stood there, silent support whatever her decision.

Staring into Leven's hated face, she willed herself to plunge it through his black heart.

"What would Lily think if she were here now?"

Sean's quiet words wrenched at Bay's heart. She wouldn't let her baby sister anywhere near a killer like Leven.

_Are you any better?_ The cutting voice was sly and cunning. It whispered in Bay's head with the power of a shout. _Would you want Lily anywhere near the woman you've become?_

With a cry, the blade fell from Bay's hands. Her knees gave way.

Sean caught her. Hauling her back against his strength. He pressed warm lips to her temple. "It's okay. I've got you."

She turned into him and shed the tears she'd never allowed. For her parents, for her sister and for herself. For the girl with simple dreams who'd been damaged so long ago. Her body shook and the tears scalded her cheeks.

The wrenching sobs slowly died away. Bay felt empty. Purged.

She looked into Sean's face. The one person who'd ever battled past her defenses. Who'd reached the outer barriers of her withered heart.

He looked at her with such hope. Such longing. It frightened her.

She wanted to be the woman she saw reflected in his eyes, but she didn't know if she had it in her. Wasn't sure there was enough left inside her.

Tearing pain rippled through her and she grimaced.

"Bay?" His arms tightened. "What's wrong?"

Another spasm. _Stupid_. All the emotional upheaval. "I'm...losing control of time."

Sean cursed. He hauled her up and dragged her to the door.

They stumbled through the hall and down the stairs. She worked to hold her ability. Perspiration broke out on her forehead.

_Just a little farther._ They needed to get past the guards and their guns.

"Hang on a bit longer, Bay."

At the front door, she lost her grip. "I'm sorry."

He hitched her closer. "Bay—"

Time snapped back into place.

Upstairs, they heard Leven bellow for his guards.

##  ******Chapter Ten**

Sean drew his SIG and kept Bay close to his side.

"Get to the truck." He waited until she nodded. "I'll keep the guards off us until we make it to the trees."

"Okay." Her face was pale but her red-rimmed eyes determined.

They had no time, but Sean pressed his lips to hers. It was too quick. He suspected he'd never get enough of this woman.

He yanked open the door. Night had fallen like a cold, thick blanket.

As Bay darted out into the yard, Sean fired. One guard went down. No sign of the other two. Sean sprinted after Bay.

He heard her cry out.

Ahead, a Doberman had latched onto the bottom of her jeans. He didn't want to hurt the dog, but raised his gun.

Bay kicked the dog off and ran. Another snarling Doberman darted in front of her but she leaped over him, arms windmilling, in a breathtaking display of athleticism.

Sean followed. He fired a shot into the ground near the dog. It shocked the animal enough for Sean to get past.

He and Bay raced through the trees. The truck appeared from the shadows, nestled in the stand of trees where they'd left it.

As Bay yanked open the passenger side door, Sean shoved his gun back in his jeans and skirted the hood.

He started the vehicle, headlights spearing into the night. He shoved the Ford into gear.

A flash of white in the darkness. He stomped on the brakes.

Gabriel Leven stood in front of the truck.

A shotgun aimed at the windshield.

Directly at Sean.

The crime boss looked disheveled. His normally perfect hair was tousled, his white shirt creased and stained with his blood.

"Get out of the truck, Ms. North."

Sean rapidly weighed the options. He could floor the truck, but Leven might get a shot off. Hit him or Bay. Keeping his gaze on Leven, Sean slowly reached for his gun.

"Now, Ms. North, or I'll splatter Archer's brain all over the cab."

She opened her door.

"Bay, no." Sean grabbed her wrist.

"I'm not letting him take anyone else." Her eyes were steady. "I won't lose someone else I care about."

His gut clenched. God, he wanted her. All of her. "I don't want to lose you either."

"I'll be fine." A smile so brief it was gone in a second. "Remember, I've been taking care of myself a long time."

"You aren't alone anymore."

"I know." She pulled away and mouthed something at him.

Her too-quiet words registered. It took all his willpower not to leap from the truck and unload his gun into the bastard outside.

In the gleam of the headlights, he watched her stride up to Leven.

"Good decision." Leven's smile was wide. "I've been waiting a very long time to pay you back for all the trouble you've caused me." He shook his head. "You should have killed me when you had the chance."

Bay just stared at him. Sean's fingers curled into tight fists, praying she'd be all right.

"I've wanted you dead for a long time," Bay said. "Dreamed of it."

"But you didn't have the guts to do it."

She shook her head. "No, Sean helped me realize I'm not like you."

"You're afraid." Those white teeth flashed again and Sean wanted to punch the bastard.

"I'm not afraid of you anymore." She struck. Fast and silent. She wrenched the shotgun from Leven. Then swung it like a baseball bat, without hesitation.

Leven went down. He groaned, clutching his head. Blood poured from his broken nose.

"You always underestimated me. You're nothing, Leven. I'm done letting you rule my life." She smacked him again. Hard.

She opened the gun, emptied out the shells and shoved them in her pocket. She dropped the empty weapon on Leven's writhing body.

Sean gunned the truck.

"I'll never stop searching for you," Leven yelled, his voice thick, choked. " _I want your power_."

As soon as she was inside, Sean put his foot down. The truck roared out of the trees and soon they were headed down the winding mountain road.

Bay sat in silence, her arms wrapped around her middle. She stared straight ahead but Sean knew she wasn't seeing the road.

"You did good back there," he said.

She didn't look at him, just curled in tighter on herself. "I wanted to kill him. I wanted to press that gun to his chest and pull the trigger."

"No one blames you for that. I felt the same way." A part of him still did.

"But I thought of Lily. What would she have thought of me?"

"I bet she'd have loved her big sister."

Bay's smile was heartbreaking. Then it disappeared. "He'll never stop."

"You're smart. Resourceful. Put all you've learned the last fifteen years into staying out of Leven's reach." Sean would make sure Leven never came near her ever again.

"He'll just keep coming." She closed her eyes, her head against the headrest. "He wants to learn how to create anomalies, to build an army."

"Bay—" Sean gripped her arm. For all her toughness, she was still that traumatized teenager underneath. "I'll never let him get near you."

She turned her head, her gaze roving over him. "He'll use everything he can to hurt me. Control me."

"Hey." A trickle of unease wound through Sean. Ahead he saw a sign for a lookout. "We'll find a way to make him stop."

"There is no 'we,' Sean."

***

Bay knew Sean wouldn't let her go.

She pressed a hand to the door as he yanked the wheel and pulled into a scenic lookout. He was out of the car in an instant. He opened her door and pulled her out. God, he was going to make this hard for her.

"How many times do I need to repeat the word 'together' until you get the picture?" He yanked her close to his chest.

How this man made her want. Want things she'd always known would never be hers. The cool late-night darkness wrapped around them, made her feel like they were the only people in existence.

For a little while, she'd hoped they could find a way to be together. But Leven had reminded her why she'd never have that. She couldn't bear to ever see Sean hurt. At someone's mercy the way he had been in that desert.

She pressed a hand to his cheek. "You're a good man."

He scowled and she couldn't stop the urge to run a finger over the groove in his forehead. Then she leaned up and kissed him.

It started out soft, a teasing caress, but she wasn't sure who deepened it. Didn't care. It turned into a wild, ravaging exploration. She wanted more, all he had to give her.

Because it would have to be enough to hold her.

She pulled back. "Be happy, Sean. Be safe."

Something hot flashed in his eyes. "Don't you dare."

"I'm sorry."

"No." He grabbed her arms, his fingers biting. "You can't do it to me."

She felt her heart shatter as she stole time.

It hurt. It was far too soon to use her ability again. She'd only have seconds.

She stared at Sean's frozen frame, his beloved face. God, she hated putting him in the situation of his nightmares.

Cupping his stubbled cheeks, she again pressed her mouth to his. When his lips remained motionless under hers, piercing pain slashed through her chest.

"I could have loved you." Maybe she already did.

She managed to hold back her tears. She wouldn't be able to steal time long and she needed to get as far away as possible.

To keep him safe.

He deserved the normal life she'd never have. He deserved a family. She drank in Sean's form one last time. It reminded her of the bank, when she'd stared into his eyes and wondered when he'd catch her.

_Oh, he'd caught her._ Heart and soul.

She walked away and didn't look back.

***

Sean blinked.

The crisp mountain air was cold in his nose. The night shrouded a view he knew would be stunning mountain peaks.

He knew she was gone.

He could scout for her. She couldn't have gone far, especially since she'd left him the truck. But Bay was nothing if not resourceful and she clearly didn't want to be with him.

He spun and slammed a fist against the hood. The muscles in his jaw strained. _No._ She felt something for him.

She was running for another reason. Fear? Habit? No, she wasn't a coward.

_"Be happy, Sean. Be safe."_ Sean sagged against the truck. _She was protecting him._

The stupid, courageous woman was protecting him.

He wanted to run until he found her and kissed some sense into her. He pulled in a long breath, released it. She wouldn't listen to him right now. The confrontation with Leven was too fresh.

Sean slammed a fist against the truck again. It might be the hardest thing he'd ever done, but he had to give her time. Let her miss him and see that they were better off together.

He slipped into the truck and started the engine. Resting his hands on the wheel, he stared across the sea of trees lit by the headlights.

"Nowhere to go, time thief." He set the vehicle in motion. "Nowhere you can run that I won't find you."

***

Bay lifted her face to the bright Australian sun. But she didn't feel the warmth.

She'd been cold ever since she'd left Sean standing still and alone in the Colorado Rockies.

The speedboat throttled back as it moved closer to the island. She glanced at the barefoot driver.

"Welcome to Haven," he called against the wind.

It should have made her laugh that Mara's sanctuary was a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef. A beautiful curve of white sand beach and a dense spread of bright green palm trees. An image plucked right from her dreams.

She should have felt excitement. Relief. Happiness.

Instead she felt empty. Like part of her was missing.

She pressed a hand to her thigh, dug her fingers in. She missed Sean. She sucked in the refreshing salt air. God, she was tired. Down to the marrow. She'd been running every hour of the last week. Hadn't slept more than a catnap here and there. Leven's men had almost caught her in LA and again in Sydney.

There'd been no sign of Sean.

_Damn it._ That was what she wanted. Him far away from her and her cursed ability.

She caught a flash of red on the beach. As the boat entered the cove and approached the dock, she saw Mara leaning against a palm tree.

Bay thanked the man and stepped out into ankle deep water. Her canvas shoes, purchased that morning, filled with water. She had no bag, no things. Nothing.

"I'm glad you came." Mara held out one elegant hand.

Bay stared at it for a second before she gripped it. After a week of avoiding Leven's men, Bay had decided there was only one place where she could disappear.

Mara squeezed her fingers. Nothing more, but Bay felt the contact all the way to her lonely soul.

"There's a place for you here," the redhead said.

Bay didn't know how to deal with the kindness or the sympathy she saw in Mara's eyes. "With all the other freaks?"

Mara tsked. "We prefer the term _anomaly_."

Right, because that sounded so much better. Bay managed a nod.

"Come on." Mara waved a hand. "I'll show you your place."

As they walked along the beach, Bay kicked off her shoes. She hoped the sand under her feet might make her feel something.

"I've been coming to Haven almost six months now. All the people here have homes spread across the island. Everyone has their privacy."

"You live here?"

Mara lifted a shoulder. "Not permanently. I keep a small residence, but I like my freedom. It is a good place, Bay."

"And security?" Bay scanned the blue water. Lots of directions for an attack to come from.

"Leven can't get you here. Callahan ensures everyone's security."

"Callahan?"

"He's the leader of our merry little band. Another mind raider. He can help you learn more about your ability. He's been studying anomalies for years."

Bay was about to respond when she saw the house. Air clogged in her throat.

It was newly built. The surrounding ground and trees showed signs of disturbance. The gleaming wood was fresh. Windows sparkled in the sun and the small deck faced the ocean. A bright red hammock swung in the breeze.

Mara was talking but Bay just heard a muffled buzz. She stepped onto the deck. Accordion doors were pushed open, letting the outside in.

The open living area was exactly what she'd envisioned. Comfy couches piled with pillows, a bookcase filled with used paperbacks, a small but perfect kitchen.

"How?" she breathed.

"I wanted you to have a home."

Everything stilled. Like another time thief had stopped time and her with it. She turned.

Sean leaned in the doorway, the sun casting his big frame in silhouette. Mara was gone.

Bay drank him in. Only a week, but she felt like she was starving for a look at him. Her mind whirled. "Home's not a place." Her breath hitched, watching as he walked forward with slow steps. "It's the people you share your life with."

He stopped in front of her. Not touching but close enough that she smelled him, felt his comforting heat.

"Will you let me be your home, Bay?"

"You did this for me?" She looked around again. Feared she was caught in the most delicious dream and if she blinked, it'd all be gone. He'd be gone.

He raised a hand, fingered a strand of her hair. "All for you."

"You didn't chase me," she whispered.

"No, Leven's done enough of that." His knuckles skimmed her cheek. "I waited for you instead."

"How'd you know I'd come here?" She hadn't been sure she'd come, even after she'd called Mara. She hadn't been sure until she'd stepped onto the boat.

"Told you, I know you."

She pressed her hands to his chest. He wore a loose white shirt, the top buttons undone, showing tanned skin.

"I'll probably push you away sometimes. Be prickly. Want my own way. Shout at you."

He smiled. "Promise? Seems I've acquired a taste for difficult women."

Her own smile chased away her tiredness. "And seems I've acquired a taste for a tough, amazing, protective man."

His mouth crashed down on hers. Bay threw her arms around his neck and returned the kiss with every ounce of how much she'd missed him. When he boosted her up, she wrapped her legs around his waist and laughed.

She felt light and happy for the first time since she'd lost her family. "I think I'm falling in love with you."

"Good." He pressed his forehead against hers. "You can pull me over the edge with you." He headed for the deck. "So, how about we test out that hammock?"

\---

I hope you enjoyed Bay and Sean's story!

The Anomaly Series continues with MIND RAIDER, the story of the mysterious Callahan and fiery redhead, Mara Ross. Read on for a preview of the first chapter.

**Don't miss out!** For updates about new releases, action romance info, free books, and other fun stuff, sign up for my VIP mailing list and get your _free box set_ containing three action-packed romances _._

Click here to get started: www.annahackettbooks.com

## **  
**

##  ******Preview: Mind Raider**

She hated waiting.

Mara Ross forced herself to stay still, nestled amongst the shadows on the deserted London street. She hated the dark, too. The way it crept in around you and whispered terrible things.

Taking a long, deep breath, she trained her gaze on the building across the road. Somewhere in there, a woman was being held prisoner.

The eighteenth-century façade in the exclusive Bank area housed offices for various finance companies. Bank was busy during the week, but—she glanced down the empty street—on the weekend this part of the city was a ghost town.

Perfect for a clandestine rescue.

Her gaze scanned the darkened windows. _Hang in there, Cate._

There was a flash of movement at the front door.

Two men exited the building. They were big, armed. Ex-military. A third man followed.

Gabriel fucking Leven.

Under the streetlight, she watched the crime boss's loose-limbed stride. He was clad in some designer suit and crisp blue shirt. He looked like any other wealthy businessman. Mara ground her teeth together. You couldn't tell from his distinguished face that he made his money from the drug trade, human trafficking and a thousand other criminal activities.

You couldn't tell he was a murdering, torturing bastard.

She wanted to run across the street, tear into his mind and leave him a drooling mess. Her gut clenched into a hard tangle and she shoved her hands into her pockets. She'd killed the bastard a thousand times in her dreams. The temptation to do it now was overwhelming.

All too easily, she imagined the atrocities he was putting Cate Hartmann through. God, it had been over three months since he'd snatched the schoolteacher off the street.

If only Mara had pushed Cate harder. Convinced her to move to Haven. Then she'd be safe on the island filled with people like them, not chained up doing Leven's dirty work. Mara shook her head. No point in wishing, the present was what mattered now.

A sleek, black sedan pulled to a stop at the curb and Leven slid into the back.

Mara watched the taillights disappear down the street, her throat tight. Her focus was Cate, not Leven. Releasing a long breath, she searched for calm. Leven had been here, so that meant there was a good chance Mara's intel was right. After months of being too late and searching the wrong locations, it seemed she was finally in the right place.

And she wasn't leaving Cate in there one more minute. Mara moved out of the shadows.

She headed for the front door, tugging up the sheepskin collar of her leather aviator jacket. Head held high, she injected some swagger into her step. Sneaking in was always better accomplished brazenly.

She withdrew a swipe card she'd snatched from a building employee earlier in the day, slid it through the reader on the door.

Then she was in.

Her boots clicked on the marble tiles of the lobby. She entered a small elevator and hit the button for the offices of Equinox Capital, Leven's financial advisors. When the doors opened, it was to a long front desk lit by a single lamp and empty except for a vase full of wilting lilies. The air was filled with their overripe scent.

She turned left and worked systematically, searching each of office. They were all decorated in what she thought of as old English style—dark wood, leather and lots of books. And other than that they were empty. _Empty, empty, empty._

She cursed. Maybe her information was wrong. She stalked through one last office and headed for the conference room marked by an engraved brass plate.

After pushing the doors open, she flicked on the light. Hissed in a breath.

The long conference table was made from a dark wood. Chains dangled from its side and the surface was now stained with deep red blood that dripped onto the plush carpet.

Her gaze stayed on the chains, distant horrors lurking, threatening to rise.

Swallowing hard, she looked beyond the table. The body of a middle-aged man sat slumped in one corner. His eyes stared ahead sightlessly from a swollen face, his mouth twisted into the shape of a scream.

Bile rose in Mara's throat. She was too late.

A noise from the doorway startled her.

She spun. Just in time, she blocked an arm coming at her. She punched out, aiming for the gut.

The tall guard grunted and stepped back, eyeing her warily. He drew the gun holstered at his side. "Get on your knees."

Mara cocked a hip. "I don't think so."

His gaze slid down her fitted trousers before jerking back to her face. _Got you_. She held his gaze and let her ability take over.

His mouth went lax and his arms dropped to his sides, his gun making a muffled thump on the carpet. His eyes were blank.

She clucked her tongue. "Didn't your employer warn you to never look a mind raider in the eye?" She sauntered closer. "Was Cate Hartmann here?"

"Yes." The word came out slowly. "She was used to kill the Equinox CEO."

Mara glanced at the body. Wondered what the poor bastard had done to piss Leven off. "Where is she now?"

"They moved her."

"Where?"

His brow creased. "I don't know."

Mara swore. "You're going to find an empty room and take a nap."

A slow nod. He wandered into the hall and disappeared.

Fighting the sharp sting of frustration, she turned to leave. Then she heard multiple voices moving in her direction. Quickly growing louder.

_Shit._ The damned building was supposed to be empty. Body tense, she ran through her options. No time to run. Hiding would be no good in the confines of the offices, and that really wasn't her style anyway. Her skill was almost useless since she couldn't raid more than one mind at a time.

She spread her feet. That only left one choice.

A woman and a man barreled through the door. From behind them, a broad-shouldered, blonde man stepped forward. "Mr. Leven thought you might pay a visit, Ms. Ross."

_A trap._ Damn, how had Leven known?

Mara kicked out, aiming for Blondie's gut. He cursed and stumbled back. She spun and landed a kick on a second man.

But she underestimated the woman.

The muscular brunette moved in with a powerful kick. Mara staggered, fighting to block the lethal blows raining down. A strike to the head, a chop to the back. The woman's fists were unforgiving.

Mara tasted blood in her mouth. She fell backward, her hip hitting the table. Blondie moved in and grabbed her arms. He spun her, shoving her against the wall. Her head rapped back against the plaster.

Looking up, she focused her attention on the other man. He was younger with hazel eyes set a little too close together. _Come on, look at me._

His gaze met hers straight on and she opened her mind, reaching out. She couldn't describe how her ability worked, it was just something she knew how to do. Like it was imprinted on her bones.

She saw the flash of panicked realization in his face but it was too late. His eyes emptied of thought and his face went slack.

"Collins, you idiot." Blondie backhanded her across the face and broke her raid on the younger man's mind.

A piece of cloth was wrapped over her eyes cutting out all light. Her pulse spiked. _So dark._

She was dragged across the floor. Something solid hit the back of her thighs. Then she felt cool metal at her wrists.

Fear punched through her. "No."

"You know how it feels to be locked up, don't you?" An edge of dark glee underscored his tone. He pushed her flat against the tabletop.

Her gut spasmed. God, he reminded her of a man she'd once trusted. The man who'd sold her out to Leven. He'd taken pleasure in hurting her. "Fuck you." She struggled like a mad woman.

She wouldn't be chained.

Not again.

Suddenly the hands on her fell away. There was a thud and a grunt.

"What the hell?" The woman's voice.

Another thud and then silence.

Mara held her breath until her chest hurt. There was someone else was in the room. She yanked on her chained wrists.

"Easy." A hard masculine voice that rasped over her senses.

She stilled. _Callahan_.

Mind Raider. Leader of Haven. Enigma.

His big body brushed against her and strong hands steadied her. He touched one wrist, then the other and the chains fell away.

Warm lips brushed her ear. "Breathe."

She did, sweet air rushing into her lungs. When he pulled back, she sat up and tugged the blindfold away.

Clad all in black, Callahan's lean frame was dressed to blend into the shadows. But he was the kind of man no woman missed.

Wide shoulders, lean hips and the long legs of a swimmer. She'd seen him in the ocean every morning when she was on Haven. Her gaze went to a face too sharp to be handsome and midnight-blue eyes so dark they looked as black as his inky hair.

Speculating about the leader of Haven was a favorite pastime of the residents of the island. He was their protector, but he never let anyone close. He ensured their well-being but he rarely showed any emotion.

Power radiated from every inch him. Just like the others, Mara spent far too much time studying him. He reminded her of a blade honed to the sharpest edge.

One that could leave you bleeding without you realizing you'd been cut.

***

Cal watched Mara Ross slide off the table. She was all vibrant red hair against the palest skin. With a strong, curvy body designed to leave a man begging.

But she wasn't just beautiful. The first time he'd seen her, she'd been dragging an unconscious mind raider—a man far taller and heavier than her—from one of Leven's warehouses in New York.

Everything about Mara Ross stirred something in Cal long gone cold.

A luxury he couldn't afford.

Mara looked past him to Leven's motionless guards. They kneeled on the ground staring ahead like robots.

Her mouth dropped open. "You're raiding all three of them." Her gaze swung to his face. "That's...impossible."

Not something he intended to discuss. An ugly bruise was forming on her cheek. "Who hit you?" He lifted a hand and skimmed his fingers down her cheekbone.

Her eyelids fluttered. "It's nothing."

"Who?" Heated fury punched through his veins although he let none of it bleed into his face. He'd had years of practice at keeping his feelings hidden.

She angled her head. "Blondie over there enjoys hurting people."

The man in question clutched his head and let out an agonized scream. He slumped to the floor and was silent.

"My God." She took a shaky step forward.

"He's not dead." Cal stared dispassionately at the man. "But he'll be unconscious a long time."

She looked up. "What are you?"

A nightmare. He looked away. He didn't want to see fear in her emerald-green eyes. "Did you find the soul stealer?"

She released an impatient breath. "Her name's Cate. And no." Mara turned, eyeing the bloodstained table. "She was here but they moved her."

Cal's gaze ran over the corpse in the corner. The man showed the classic hallmarks of having had his soul ripped from his body. They said it was the most excruciating way to die.

"How'd you know I was going to be here?" Mara asked.

He kept tabs on her. Had ever since she'd made Haven her home. Not that he'd ever tell her. "An informant mentioned Leven was here. Figured you wouldn't be far behind."

She kicked a chair at the table, sending it skidding across the floor. "I can't breathe knowing that bastard has an innocent. Is forcing her to kill." Mara's gaze fell to the blood pooling on the floor.

Cal knew she'd once been at Leven's tender mercy. He didn't know what the crime boss had done to her, but he saw the terrible shadows in her eyes. They matched the ones staining his own soul.

"I'd almost convinced Cate to come to Haven. I was this close." Mara held her fingers a whisper apart. "If only..." her voice drifted off.

"You aren't to blame."

She tossed her head back. "I know. I'm more than happy to heap the blame at Leven's feet."

"We need to go." Cal headed for the door.

She matched his stride. "If we're quick enough, we can find them before they leave London."

He stopped and held out his arm. She ran into it. "We have no idea where they're headed. We need to plan, tap our informants—"

Her jaw clenched. "You're too cautious."

Callahan was used to people—especially women—being afraid of him. But Mara was too stubborn to let anything or anyone scare her. She was one of the few people who dared to question—or outright ignore—him.

"And you're always leaping."

Her chin lifted. "If we sit around planning, Cate will die."

Cal backed Mara into the wall, watched surprise skitter over her face. Their bodies brushed and damn it, his responded to the feminine feel of her. It made his tone harsh. "You need to learn to follow orders."

Fire sprinted through her eyes. "You certainly love issuing them."

Her lips were so close. "Haven provides sanctuary and protection for anomalies. It only functions because we have rules."

"Your rules," she spat.

He leaned closer and their chests pressed together. He loved that she was tall and almost looked him in the eyes. "Yes."

"Let me go." There was a barely detectable tremor in her voice.

"Not before you listen to me." Jesus, she made him want things he couldn't have. "Most of the people at Haven can't survive outside of the island. They're hunted by governments, criminals and anyone else who knows about their abilities. They're shunned by their families and friends. Freaks of nature who can stop time, control minds and kill with a touch."

She swallowed. "I know."

"If we don't follow the rules, men like Leven will overrun us and turn us into unwilling slaves. Is that what you want?"

She struggled against his grip. "I refuse to leave a woman in that man's grasp—"

"We won't leave her. But we won't take unnecessary risks either."

"I want—"

Cal leaned in and pressed his mouth to her ear. Her scent hit him. No delicate flowers for Mara, instead something darker, more sensual. "I don't care what you want. If you race in without planning, you'll end up in Leven's chains just like Cate Hartmann. Do you want to be tortured again?"

She trembled and remorse tore at him. Sometimes he had to be tough, had to make hard choices, but he hated making her relive what haunted her.

He released one shoulder and cupped her jaw. "Mara—"

She jerked away from him. "You're a bastard."

He sighed. "I know."

A lone groan from behind them had them both tensing. Cal spun, pushing Mara behind him. When she stepped back up beside him, he cursed.

The dead body in the corner moved.

They both froze, gazes glued to the corpse.

The man's eyes were still clouded with death, but his head turned, his mouth opening. " _Celebes_."

The Anomaly Series

Time Thief

Mind Raider

Soul Stealer

Salvation

In the aftermath of a deadly alien invasion, a band of survivors fights on...

In a world gone to hell, Elle Milton—once the darling of the Sydney social scene—has carved a role for herself as the communications officer for the toughest commando team fighting for humanity's survival—Hell Squad. It's her chance to make a difference and make up for horrible past mistakes...despite the fact that its battle-hardened commander never wanted her on his team.

When Hell Squad is tasked with destroying a strategic alien facility, Elle knows they need her skills in the field. But first she must go head to head with Marcus Steele and convince him she won't be a liability.

Marcus Steele is a warrior through and through. He fights to protect the innocent and give the human race a chance to survive. And that includes the beautiful, gutsy Elle who twists him up inside with a single look. The last thing he wants is to take her into a warzone, but soon they are thrown together battling both the alien invaders and their overwhelming attraction. And Marcus will learn just how much he'll sacrifice to keep her safe.

Hell Squad

Marcus

Cruz

Gabe

Reed

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##  ******Also by Anna Hackett**

Hell Squad

Marcus

Cruz

Gabe

Reed

The Anomaly Series

Time Thief

Mind Raider

Soul Stealer

Salvation

**The Phoenix Adventures**

Among Galactic Ruins

At Star's End

In the Devil's Nebula

On a Rogue Planet

Beneath a Trojan Moon

Beyond Galaxy's Edge

On a Cyborg Planet

Return to Dark Earth

Perma Series

Winter Fusion

**The WindKeepers Series**

Wind Kissed, Fire Bound

Taken by the South Wind

Tempting the West Wind

Defying the North Wind

Claiming the East Wind

**Standalone Titles**

Savage Dragon

Hunter's Surrender

One Night with the Wolf

**Anthologies**

A Galactic Holiday

Moonlight (UK only)

Vampire Hunter (UK only)

Awakening the Dragon (UK Only)

For more information visit AnnaHackettBooks.com

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##  ******Dedication**

This book is for Karl. Thank you for always believing in me.

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##  ******About the Author**

I'm a USA Today bestselling author and I'm passionate about action romance. I love stories that combine the thrill of falling in love with the excitement of action, danger and adventure. I'm a sucker for that moment when the team is walking in slow motion, shoulder-to-shoulder heading off into battle. I write about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it's possible for all of us to do the same.

My books are mixture of action, adventure and sexy romance and they're recommended for anyone who enjoys fast-paced stories where the boy wins the girl at the end (or sometimes the girl wins the boy!)

For release dates, action romance info, free books, and other fun stuff, sign up for the latest news here:

Website: AnnaHackettBooks.com
