In Her Sights by Robin Perini Page B

tonight,” Paretti said under his breath.
    Luke caught Jasmine’s expression and knew she’d heard at least part of the exchange. She carefully cradled Hero in her arms, stood, and, with her shoulders hunched, walked out of the room without saying a word to anyone.
    “Shoot,” Paretti muttered, “Maybe I—”
    Luke stopped him with a glance. “Don’t bother. If you want to do any good, talk some sense into your so-called team. I’ll go.”
    He sent a quick glance from Joy to his mother. She nodded her understanding. Joy would be okay. His mother would see to that.
    Luke stalked out of the waiting room and didn’t pause for the elevator. He plowed down the stairs two-by-two until he reached the lower floor just in time to see her exit the glass revolving doors at the hospital entrance. Luke broke into a run, ignoring the censure of the white-haired gargoyle guarding the information booth.
    When he finally shoved outside, the woman he’d raced after had already crossed the parking lot.
    “Jasmine!” he yelled.
    She didn’t slow down, and he sprinted after her. When he caught up to her, he spun her into his arms and pulled her close. She shoved against his chest, but he wouldn’t let her go. He pinned her to him, unwilling to release her.
    “Let me go, Luke. Your family needs you.”
    “You didn’t have to leave.”
    “How could I stay?” She sagged in his embrace and ducked her face against his chest. “Don’t you get it? It was my fault. I lay on that hill tonight, far above the action, with just one job. One friggin’ job. Take out the bad guy. Well, I screwed up, and Gabe paid the price. I know it. The team knows it.”
    “That’s bull. In one night your car got vandalized, a sniper took a shot at you, and you missed a shot. There are no coincidences. If you blame anyone, it should be me. Everything started with my investigation and the article I wrote about you.”
    She shrugged him off, shaking her head. “Protecting them was my responsibility. You asked me if I was ready. I honestly thought I could handle it.” She lifted her chin and met his gaze. “I made a mistake. I was wrong. Now Gabe might die.”
    “He won’t die. You said it yourself, he’s strong. He’s a fighter. So come inside with the family.”
    “I can’t.” She clutched at his shirt. “I want you to know I’d trade everything to have Gabe safe and well. For you and your family. I’m so sorry.”
    She was so set on being alone, so determined to take all the blame. He framed her face with his hands and stared into her tired eyes. “You belong in there. With the people who care about Gabe.”
    “A sniper who misses can’t be part of the team. They can’t be counted on.”
    “I don’t think you made a mistake. I think someone sabotaged your weapon.”
    “It doesn’t matter. The weak link gets you killed. It’s my job to be perfect.”
    “No one is perfect. And a team is supposed to watch each other’s back.” He kneaded her shoulders and rubbed the knotted muscles. “No one can do it alone. No one expects perfection. Gabe didn’t expect it. He told me not to let you blame yourself.”
    “Well, I do. My team does. I’ve failed them.”
    “Are you telling me none of them ever came up short?”
    “It’s not the same. I have one responsibility. How can they ever trust me again?” She bowed her head. “It’s over, Luke. My career, my place on the team. My whole identity.”
    He lifted one hand and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I can’t tell you there won’t be fallout with your team, but don’t give in. Where’s that fighter I know is in you?”
    “You don’t know me.” She shoved against him to escape his embrace.
    “You’re wrong about that.”
    His lips swooped down and fastened to hers, hard and demanding. Butter rum burst between them. The taste flooded him with memories of Saturday mornings nestled in warm covers, losing himself in Jasmine’s passionate touch, making the world