Sins Brothers [1] Forgotten Sins (3 page)

How did he know that? Sudden claustrophobia had him struggling to appear normal, even while he tilted his head to hear… something. Anything. But all sounds arrived muffled, as if his head were under water.

So he concentrated on the soft skin beneath his rough hand. Josie had a classic face, well-defined cheekbones, and delicate features. Yet her chin held a stubbornness that intrigued as much as it challenged him.

Josie’s teeth ground together. “I don’t know how badly you’re hurt, but if you don’t release me, I’m going to kick your ass.”

His quick smile felt rusty, as if the muscles hadn’t been used in far too long. Two years maybe—since she left him?

With a shrug, he let go, straightened, and stepped back. Every slight movement dug sharp needles into his skull. Lights flashed behind his eyes from the pain. “I need to know. Are you scared of me?” He didn’t know himself. Would he hurt her? The idea that he’d harm such a tiny, defenseless woman was like a punch to the gut. Who the hell was he?

She arched one delicate eyebrow. “If you’re asking if you abuse women, the answer is no. If you’re asking if you’re an asshole, the answer is yes.”

He huffed a laugh, barely holding back a wince as his eyes sparked agony. “I appreciate your honesty.”

“Anytime.” She tossed a thick blond strand over her shoulder and shoved open the exit door to the cool night air. “You might as well come on.”

He paused at her statement, taking a moment to appreciate her tight body in the soft gray pantsuit. The woman had an ass he’d love to sink his hands into. The flash of lust rolled through him followed by unease. He’d just scared her, pretty much threatened her about the boyfriend, and now he wanted her naked. After a brief marriage, he’d abandoned her. What if he hadn’t had a good reason? Was there a good reason to leave his woman unprotected? Probably not.

Following her out, he quickly caught up to her, his gaze raking the sprawling parking lot. Quiet, peaceful, and nicely lit in the cold evening. Pine and the hint of snow wafted on the breeze. “You’re taking me home, angel?” He figured he’d have to cajole to end up at her place. He needed to crawl into a hole until his head stopped pounding, and then he’d figure out who’d jumped him.

Darkness and peace seemed more important than safety right now.

She sighed, yanking keys out of a monstrous purse and striding in pointy shoes toward the center of the lot. “Like it or not, you’re my responsibility right now. At least until you sign the papers.” She halted and flipped around so abruptly he had to catch her arms to keep from running her over. Her gaze met his. “Unless you’re full of shit. Amnesia? Seriously?”

She felt good under his palms. Ignoring the migraine, he stepped into her, truly enjoying the flare of awareness and then irritation filtering across her stunning face. “Have I ever lied to you?” The question held risk, considering he had no clue if he had lied or not.

Anger slammed the irritation out of the way, narrowing her eyes. “No. You just didn’t tell me anything.”

Oh, but he’d hurt her. The set of her shoulders, the line of her lips, told him he’d caused her pain. What kind of an ass was he to hurt such a soft little thing? “I’m sorry.”

She blinked three times and took a step back. “It doesn’t matter.”

“I think it does. Whatever mistakes I’ve made, I’m sorry.” She was so tiny, her head didn’t come close to the bottom of his chin. Maybe he should take off by himself right away—leave her the life she’d built over the last two years.

But he didn’t want to. There was warmth buried in the woman, and he was so damn cold. She’d loved him once. Maybe she could explain why.

A humming set up at the base of his skull. He lifted his head to scout the parking lot, its quiet abundance of SUVs providing no answers. Someone was watching, though—of that he was sure.

The headache disappeared, shoved somewhere to be dealt with later. Awareness filtered through his brain that he shouldn’t be able to do that. His heartbeat slowed. His breathing calmed. He tucked Josie into his side, ignoring the pain of her shoulder meeting his bruised ribs, hurrying them both deeper into the lot. A cool breeze stung his face, and a van across the street caught his attention. Yep. “Where’s your car?”

The woman failed to shrug away his protective arm. “Right here.” She pointed a key fob at a black Toyota Highlander, its beep echoing through the silent area as it unlocked the doors.

Adrenaline flooded his system, somehow calming him more. That wasn’t natural. Should he be more scared of himself than his attackers? “You should’ve parked under a light.”

“Don’t lecture me.”

“Then you should be more careful.” He had a feeling he’d said those words to her before. Shoving speculation away, he opened the driver’s door, and she climbed inside. He followed, grasping her slender waist and lifting her over the center console, setting his own butt in the seat. Doubt tried to crowd his instincts, but his movements were graceful and trained—his muscles worked quickly as if separate from his brain. Pain began to well behind his eyes, and he shoved it away.

Josie tried to bound out of her seat. “Hey—”

“I’m driving.” He pressed on the brake pedal and pushed the keyless ignition button. Panic swirled in his abdomen, so he focused hard and fast, surrounding himself with calmness. Interesting trick, that. “Fasten your seat belt.”

“No—”

“Now.” He lowered his voice to pure command, cutting a gaze at her that even
felt
hard.

She arched her brows in surprise. With a huff, she rolled her eyes and yanked on the belt. Nope. Definitely not afraid of him.

For the first time since he’d regained consciousness, his body felt familiar. Calm, purposeful, alert. A threat existed in the blue van. He chose not to question his certainty of the fact. Not right now anyway. The vehicle sat across from the parking lot’s one exit as if waiting patiently, away from any lights. He glanced in the rearview mirror to the entrance on the opposite side. Perfect.

Sure movements had the SUV backed out and maneuvered around the rows of cars toward the exit. Pressing hard against the accelerator, he hit reverse through the entrance with a screech of tires.

“What the—” Josie hissed, clutching both hands at the dash as the attendant at the entrance jumped out of his booth, arms waving in the air.

Shane whipped the Toyota around and into traffic, pressing on the accelerator and zipping around several cars before yanking the wheel and shooting the car into an alley he followed for several blocks.

“What the hell are you doing?” Josie yelled.

He raised an eyebrow, sliding into a one-way street heading away from the hospital. “You have quite the mouth on you, don’t you, angel?”

“Oh God, you’re crazy. You’re concussed. No way should you be driving.”

He glanced in the rearview mirror. All clear. Doubt choked in his throat. Maybe he was crazy. Regardless, he didn’t feel the threat any longer. “Sorry. I just wanted to play a bit.” Realization dawned. He had no intention of telling her about the threat. Interesting. Either he didn’t trust her—or instinct dictated he protect her. Regardless, he chose to experiment, to judge her reaction. He cleared his throat. “There were men in a van across from the hospital waiting for one of us. I sensed danger.”

Her head turned in slow motion toward him. “What?”

“You heard me.” He kept his gaze on the road as they passed quiet storefronts, studying her out of his peripheral vision. The vein in her neck fluttered as her heartbeat sped up. Her breath hitched, and the scent of wild berries wafted from her. What kind of a soldier was he to have this kind of training? Such overdeveloped senses? Dread settled in his gut.

She shook her head. “You’re crazy. What van? There was no van.”

So, two options there. Either he hadn’t let her into his world, or she was lying. The desire for her trust caught him unaware. Well damn. He needed to stick with her until his memory returned.

A voice in the back of his head whispered that was as good of an excuse as any to stay with her. He swung onto a main road, passing a long line of car dealerships. “Which way do I go?”

Her sigh filled the quiet car. She eyed the glove box. “Get on the interstate going east.”

Interesting—he could easily read the thoughts scattering across her face. “Is there a weapon in your jockey box, sweetheart?”

She jumped, gaze slashing to him. “Um, yes?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Gun?”

“Yes. Lady Smith. You taught me how to shoot and to always keep a weapon near.”

Good. Though he’d appreciate it if she didn’t grab a weapon while in his vicinity… at least for now. “Let’s leave it there, all right?”

“Fine.” She crossed her arms.

He merged onto the interstate, following the signs toward Idaho. “I appreciate you taking me home, angel.” The nickname. It affected her if her pinkening cheeks were any indication. His peripheral vision was excellent, as was his night vision—too good. Who or what was he? The world began to close in on him. “I’m not sure what happened to me, but I promise I’ll figure it out.”

“I’m sure your memory will come back—you’re the strongest guy I’ve ever met.” She didn’t sound happy about that fact, and her hand trembled as she ran her fingers through silky strands of blond. One small tooth bit into her lip. “Listen. You don’t know anybody in town. What happened must’ve been a mugging.” She turned toward him, those soft blue eyes illuminated by outside streetlights. “You can stay with me a few days until your memory returns. Or until we find your brothers.”

Hesitation. It wrinkled her forehead. The woman didn’t want him staying with her. His heart thumped hard. His wife was kind. Soft. He glanced at her, letting her know his gaze was on her. This time. “I may not know myself right now, sweetheart. But I know I wouldn’t have let you go.” No way was he that fucking stupid.

Fire flashed in those dangerous eyes. “You left me,
sweetheart.
”

He raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

Her gaze wavered. She shifted in her seat, looking away from him. “Take the next exit.”

Doubt pouted her pretty lips. What did she know that she wasn’t telling him? Somehow he knew how to get answers from people—no matter the cost. A chill swept down his spine. He wouldn’t hurt somebody like Josie, would he? Shaking his head, he signaled and exited, following the road to a quiet street.

She pointed. “Go right and up the hill, and take a left on Newcomer. My house is the fourth on the right.” The gentle timbre of her voice caressed his skin, providing comfort and a sense of belonging.

Something told him he hadn’t belonged many places. He kept a close watch on the well-kept houses on either side of the street, many of them decorated with huge pumpkins, orange lights, and paper ghosts billowing from trees. He also watched the car lights behind him. More important, he tuned in to his senses. Nothing. No warnings, no fear. Though something was still off with his hearing—almost as if he expected to hear something else. Something beyond the norm. What was he missing?

He pulled into her driveway to eye the white ranch house with cheerful shrubs along the front. The trim was a perfect navy blue. Unease filtered through his mind. He’d seen the place before. Welcoming. Sweet. Pure. “Your house is pretty.”

She started, her gaze cutting to him.

What? Had he never said anything nice to her? With a growl, he pressed the garage door button on the sun visor and drove into the empty space. Neat and tidy, the walls held rakes, shovels, and an assortment of tools with pink handles. The color made something in his chest ache. She shouldn’t have to swing a hammer. Ever. “You’re going to tell me whatever it is you’re keeping from me.” He jumped from the vehicle.

Her feet hit the concrete, and her car door slammed shut before she responded. “I’m not telling you squat.” She tried to stomp past him.

He shifted his weight, blocking her path. “I didn’t give you the option.” Not by one inch did he want to intimidate her. But he took a step, forcing the woman to tilt her head to glare at him.

Fury flashed bright red across high cheekbones as her hands went to her hips. “If you think you can show up after two years, with freaking
amnesia
and order me around, you have another think coming.”

Okay. Not intimidated. The ball of unease uncoiled in his gut as he relaxed. He bit back the grin that wanted loose. “I’m not leaving until I remember everything.”

She inhaled deeply. “Either get out of my way or prepare to be a eunuch.”

The woman was something. Indecision filtered through his brain. Surprise filled him with how much he wanted her cooperation. Her willing trust. He stepped to the side, allowing her to open the door and enter a cheerful kitchen with sparkling stainless steel appliances.

He shut the door behind him and locked it. Was he the good guy or the bad? “Did I teach you to fight?” Instinct whispered that if she was his, even for a little while, he’d have taught her.

“Maybe I taught you,” she muttered, shaking off her jacket to drop over an antique carved chair that matched a round table.

He sighed. The warmth of the room caught him by surprise, making him feel like an overgrown bully. Pretty vases and glasses lined the top of the cupboards, the mix eclectic and somehow calming. Girly magnets of flowers and quotations adorned the refrigerator. The house was a home. “Your place is nice.”

“Thanks.” She eyed the message machine on the uncluttered counter. It blinked with two messages.

“Check your messages, Josie.” He kept the command soft while he wanted to push the button himself. Had the boyfriend called? Anger swept through him at the thought. The muscles at the base of his neck began to ache. That headache was coming back and soon. Who the hell would date a married woman? His woman?

* * *

Josie whirled around, unease skittering down her spine. As a husband, Shane had been both possessive and protective. She hadn’t minded—had even felt sheltered and safe. Well, until he’d deserted her. Then she’d missed the sense of belonging. “This isn’t going to work.”

Three steps took her to the antique writing desk tucked into the corner. She’d found it at a garage sale the previous spring and had spent hours sanding and staining the piece after refinishing the kitchen table. From day one, she’d determined to create her own family heirlooms. Even if she stayed alone.