Resting in bed, barely at the crack of dawn, Callie was left to her own devices.
She could hear Quinn breathing beside her, and he was out for the count.
Should she let him sleep?
It was a tough decision.
When she glanced over at her slumbering husband, her heart kicked in her chest. His dirty blonde hair was a mess, and his face was completely lax.
God!
She loved looking at him.
No, she couldn’t let him sleep. One of her favorite things in life was to wake her husband from sleep with hands and mouth, which was okay since she knew he loved it.
Watching him, she couldn’t help but fall more in love with him. He was the man of her dreams, and they’d come so far since meeting. Who would have thought that a random small town would have been the path to her happy ever after?
Here was her prince charming, and while he sometimes drove her crazy, he was her all.
Running her fingers down his arm, she loved watching the hitch in his breath. When he turned his head, opening his eyes, it was Callie’s turn to get lost in that one look.
God!
She loved his eyes. They were so deep and green, and Callie couldn’t imagine going a single day without seeing them.
“Hey, baby,” he said, rolling toward her. “You’re already awake.”
She moved closer. “I am, big guy. It seems I woke up thinking about you.”
He grinned.
It devastated her.
“What were you thinking about?”
She laughed. “Well, we don’t have a kid threatening to sneak in on us, unless you count a Marine, so maybe we can make out.”
He wiggled his eyebrows. “That’s the best idea I’ve heard today.”
“Quinton, it’s the only idea you’ve heard today. You’ve been up a total of ten seconds.”
“Why not start the day off right?”
She giggled as he attacked. Callie found his mouth hot and heavy on hers. The matting of tongue and lips heated her right up. There was nothing as erotic as a scruffy cowboy having his way with her first thing in the morning.
“Callie, baby,” he murmured, finding her throat. He teased and tormented there until her entire body was covered with goose bumps.
“Quinton Gaines, you’re handsy today.”
He laughed, sliding lower down her body. When he found her breasts, he spent some time worshiping them. As Callie moaned, his heart pounded even faster.
“Oh, God,” she whispered when his hands slid down her torso to tease and stroke her to the edge. When she shook, he flicked the most sensitive part of her body, sending her over the edge.
His mouth quickly covered hers, capturing her moan of release.
“So hot,” he muttered, as he rolled, bringing his wife to the top. She loved this position, and he had to admit, so did he. What man wouldn’t?
The view was spectacular.
“Put your mouth on me,” he begged.
Callie did as he asked, teasing him unmercifully.
Quinn tracked her motion down his torso. When her hand found his erection, and she began stroking him, he wanted to lose his mind.
“More,” he whispered. “I need more.”
With his pleas, she gave him what he wanted. Callie took him in her mouth and with tongue, lips, and her hand, she worked him into a frenzy.
His body shook beneath hers, and his hips began moving, forcing himself deeper down her throat. It was like he needed to be in her.
Part of her.
Devoured by her.
“Callie, please, baby. Either finish me off, or hop on. I need to explode.”
His wish was her command.
Setting him free, she moved up his body to straddle his hips. Her breasts hung in front of him, like some pagan gift to the Gods. It was like she was trying to tempt him, and he’d admit it.
Quinn was weak when it came to her.
As she shook out her mane of black hair, he focused on the lose tendrils against her pale flesh. It was erotic, distracting, and often his downfall.
Quinn wanted to bury his hands in that silky blackness.
“Callista,” he whispered, his eyes meeting hers.
There was nothing but love there, and he knew he was a lucky man. His wife completed him.
“I love you, Quinn.”
He was just about to speak when she sheathed him. It tripped him up, and he couldn’t get the words to come out. Instead, he let her tear his control to shreds.
Reaching for her, his big rough palms cupped her full breasts, and with fingers, he tormented the woman he loved.
Callie moaned, as his hands stroked, nipped, and tormented. Quinn was deep within her body, and she couldn’t wait to give them both so much pleasure.
He stared up at her. “Hurry,” he begged.
Callie couldn’t wait any longer. She was hot, horny, and wanted him in the worst way.
So, she began the ride.
His face said it all.
This was as close to heaven as they could get on earth. The emotions swamped her as love undid him.
Callie braced her hands on his chest, and began the fast ride. She slid her husband in and out of her body, timed to her breathy gasps of pleasure.
The bed squeaked.
The heat built.
Callie and Quinn moved closer to the edge.
“Baby, I need more,” he hissed, craving that release. Not only was it to set free the tension in his body, but it was also to claim what was his.
She belonged to him.
This was his wife.
Callie ground down on his erection, pulling a moan from deep within his chest. When she didn't think she could hang on much more, Quinn rolled, placing her beneath him.
He was tired of waiting.
Now, he would take.
And take he did.
The thrusts were fast and perfectly aimed. By the fourth one, she was tumbling, his mouth swallowing her shout of release. Then, right behind her, he came—following her from the edge and right into the rush of pleasure.
It was perfect.
“Jesus, Callista,” he muttered into her hair. “You’re going to be the death of me. I’m getting old.”
She slapped him on the ass as he rested over her body. “You’re full of it, big guy. You’re far from getting old. You’re perfect.”
He grinned down at her. “What’s on our agenda for this morning?” he asked.
“Well, I was thinking a shower, coffee, and then to check in with the Blackhawks before we head out. I’m sure they’re going to want to know what’s happening here.”
“Good idea. I wonder how Suzie is doing.”
Her heart melted. “You’re a great dad,” she offered.
Quinn gave her a kiss. “That’s only because the most beautiful woman in the world gave me an opportunity.”
“You’re a mush.”
He laughed. “Yeah, I noticed. Let’s get this day started.”
She was good with that.
After showering, Quinn grabbed them coffee as she checked in with her bosses. They weren’t happy that Avalon’s grandmother had turned up dead.
In fact, that was putting it mildly. It was alarming, and something they didn't see coming.
Callie was glad that they didn't try to yank them out of there. There was a mystery to be solved, and now she was invested in it. Once Callie learned her family was in danger, there was no way she’d let this go.
One way or another, they had to get this taken care of, so they could help the other team. Nate, Maura, and Luke’s lives were on the line, so there would be no giving up.
No matter what.
After hanging up, she found her husband waiting with a mug of coffee and one hell of an intense look on his face. If he was contemplating dragging them home, this would be right about when he suggested it.
This was going to be a fine line.
“Well?”
“She said keep the Mari
ne close, and do whatever we have to do to get this done. She’s going to be here to clean up any mess that pops up.”
Quinn didn't look relaxed.
“I see.”
“She’s got our backs, and Jagger won’t let us down. We’ll be fine,” she stated, sipping her coffee. Callie crossed her fingers and prayed her husband wouldn’t lose it. With Quinn, his temper was notorious.
“Well, I’m not really sure if that reassures me or if it scares the bloody hell out of me. I don’t like the idea that she’s expecting a ‘mess’ to pop up.”
She laughed. “I’m sure she’s just covering her bases. Elizabeth Blackhawk likes to keep her teams safe. That’s generally her main priority, even over solving the case.”
He seemed to relax a little.
“It’s always nice when your boss has your back,” he stated, sipping his coffee.
“Before you start, Quinton,” she said, knowing what he was thinking, “I’m going today.”
He stared at her.
“I really hate that you know what I’m thinking.”
She laughed. “It’s not my fault. Your poker face sucks.”
It looked like he’d have to work on that. Meanwhile, for the rest of today, he was going to keep his wife close. He had that feeling brewing in his gut, and it was rarely wrong.
And that sucked.
* * * C a r t e r - G a i n e s * * *
Finding a diner, the team decided to stop in and fuel up. The Hummer was full of gas, and the four travelers had opted for some greasy faire to keep them going. Hopefully, picking a dive like this would keep them under the radar. If they were being tracked, maybe no one would expect them to show up here.
At least that was what Maura was hoping.
Once inside, Nate noticed that the other diners were watching them. He realized that it wasn’t so much them, but Avalon. Her long blonde hair and gorgeous pale eyes were pretty striking.
This was probably why the government kept her isolated. She didn't blend well.
Then it occurred to him.
The mere idea of her being a prisoner through life pissed him off. It angered him on some deep level, making him want to set her free.
Instead of getting even angrier about it, he moved closer to her side to keep her safe. Now that he was taking on that mission, he was going to change that. Silently, Nate vowed to give her a little fun and excitement in her life. He longed to see her laugh and smile.
That was going to be his long term plan. Since he was now her handler, he could bend the rules as much as he wanted. After all, she deserved it.
“We’ll sit here,” Maura said, motioning toward a booth in the back. It was the safest place, and she could see the parking lot and the front door.
She wasn’t willing to take any chances—not with Avalon’s life. The woman was more than a job. Maura genuinely liked her.
How could she not?
It was almost like she had a kid sister.
Luke slid into the booth right beside his girl, and casually placed his arm over her shoulder. “I’m starving,” he said, dropping a kiss to Maura’s cheek.
“No making out on duty,” she stated.
Avalon laughed. “Well, that’s a first. I’m pretty sure I’ve never heard her say that to anyone on the team before now.”
Luke was glad. “If you did, I’d have to get pissed off. I don’t like people kissing my Marine.”
Maura elbowed him.
He got the point.
“How far are we from the next house?” Nate asked, wondering how Avalon was going to order. Should he ask her what she wanted… or should he…?
“A couple of hours.”
As the waitress approached, Avalon spoke, “I’ll have oatmeal,” she stated, “and fresh fruit on the side if you have it.”
“Me too,” Nate stated. He wasn’t sure if she was in his head, or if she really enjoyed oatmeal. It was his breakfast of champions every day before work.
“I never thought I’d meet two people who genuinely like that stuff,” Luke stated. “When he orders it, I want to question his sanity.”
Avalon smiled up at Nate. “I pretty much eat the same things,” she offered. “If I have to cook for myself, it needs to be simple.”
Luke opened his mouth, but Maura shook her head, telling him not to go there. The men on this mission were hell bent on getting to know their job, and that was always a bad idea.
Then when the time came, you couldn’t be objective.
“It’s good for you,” Nate stated. “I’m far from insane. I just want my body to hold out past forty five, and bacon isn't the way to do that.”
“Bacon is a food group, and for the record, my body is fine. You don’t hear the Marine complaining, do you?”
“Lucas, don’t make me hurt you.”
Nate snorted.
Avalon loved listening to the three of them. They were definitely like a family. She wondered what it would be like to have people love her, like they cared for each other.
It was so foreign.
After the food was ordered, Avalon sipped her tea. “So, are you planning the wedding?” she asked.
Luke immediately picked up the personal conversation again, and Maura knew she couldn’t stop him. Her fiancé was a good natured man, who liked to be friendly.
Yeah, they were going to have a talk later.
In private.
“Yeah, we are. I’m having a good time doing it too. I didn't think I’d like it, but it’s not too bad,” he offered. “It’s going to be epic.”
Maura sipped her coffee. “It’s going to be a small affair, Lucas,” she stated, “not a circus.”
He wiggled his eyebrows. “Yes, Mom. I’ll cancel the clowns and fire jugglers when we get home.”
Avalon giggled.
Maura sighed in exasperation. “I give up.”
“I bet it’s going to be beautiful,” Avalon offered. “I hope you have a really amazing day because you deserve it, Maura.”
None of them missed the sadness in her voice. It was this ache and emptiness. It was reminiscent of someone who longed to have just a taste of what others around her were able to enjoy.
It was hopelessness.
Luke immediately went there. “You should come. I bet you’d have fun dancing. You could dance with Nate. He’s boring at a wedding. Someone needs to help him lighten up.”
Maura gave him a look.
In fact, so did Nate, but for totally different reasons. He’d love to dance with Avalon. It would be an amazing dream—only he didn't think she’d have him. He couldn’t possibly be her type.
There was an uncomfortable silence.
Finally, Avalon opted to be honest with them. Reaching across the table, she patted Luke’s hand. “That was really sweet of you, Luke, but we both know that’s not an option. What Maura isn't saying is that this cage won’t open, even for one day. I’m not allowed at social functions. Out in the open, I’m a danger to myself and everyone around me. I’m sure she’d like a day where there’s no armed men babysitting me.”
Nate saw the pain in her empty gaze. It made his heart ache for her. He took many things for granted, and this was one. He could come and go as he wanted, and Avalon couldn’t even attend a wedding.
It was sad.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be there in spirit, wishing you the best day of your lives. Maura is incredibly special, and I couldn’t be happier for her.”
Neither man knew what to say. They glanced over at Maura, and her eyes were filled with so much emotion. Despite what she kept trying to do, she cared about Avalon.
It was crystal clear.
She was more than a job.
Nate didn't know what to say or do. How did you make it better for someone who was essentially a prisoner—all because she did something good?
It sucked.
“Tell us about you, Avalon,” Luke said, changing the subject. It was ruining his appetite.
“I’m not sure there
’s a lot to tell,” she admitted. “Everything is probably well documented.”
It didn't matter. Nate wanted to hear it from her. “How did you become Oracle?” he asked. Yes, he’d read the file, but he loved hearing her voice. It was so cathartic and gentle, almost like a spring breeze.
Besides, as of late, he didn't trust Big Brother.
“If that’s what you want to know, then I’ll have to start at the very beginning,” she began.
They waited.
“When I was born, I was different. As you can see, I was born blind. At first, my mother took care of me, most likely out of obligation. What monster hates an innocent child born blind?”
They listened.
“My mother was young when she had me. My father wasn’t in the picture, and to this day, I don’t know who he is. The few times I was able to talk to her, she’d never give me a name. Once, when I brought it up, she slapped me. After that, I figured it was a bad topic.”
Nate wanted to be sick as he watched her fingertips touch her cheek, like she was reliving it.
The waitress brought their breakfast, and they began eating.
“When my mother couldn’t deal with me anymore, she sent me to live with my grandmother. She raised me from the time I was two until the day I started all this.”
They looked around the table.
“What was she like?” Nate asked, praying that there was some gentleness in Avalon’s life. There had to be someone who would care for her.
She laughed. “My grandmother was a hard woman. I wasn’t allowed outside. I wasn’t permitted to play with my siblings or family. I lived in a very small room most of my days. The only time I was allowed to leave was on Sundays. Then I was shuffled off to church were everyone could stare at the poor blind freak.”
Nate put down his spoon.
He wanted to be sick.
“Right now, I can read your auras. You’re all feeling sorry for me, but don’t. This was my path in life. I was meant to be right here and in this moment. In order to get here, I had to live though that misery. My path was predestined as was all of yours. Even as a small child, I saw this moment. I saw the three of you here, with me.”
Sinner Reborn Page 9
