Chapter One

Maura Isles didn't suffer fools gladly, mainly because she didn't quite understand them. She liked logic, and logic meant knowing when to walk away. Logic she could understand.

She was new to the city, barely moved in and about to start her dream job. She found herself with little to do, and logic suggested that she find something to do. So, she found this perfect little bistro with a bar. She had dined alone before moving to the bar.

As the night had worn on, the bar had filled. Her seat at the bar had gradually been surrounded by men and women all vying for the bartender's attention. Maura had been smart; she had bought the bottle on arrival and hadn't required the attention of the bartender again.

Her eyes flitted around her. She acknowledged the handsome man to her left as he leant in to kiss the cheek of his lover, another handsome man. As she lifted her glass to her mouth to take a sip of her Malbec, she noticed her. How anyone could miss her, she didn't know. She was an Aphrodite of the 21st century.

The Goddess had strolled into the establishment as though she were on a catwalk, and yet, she didn't look as though she wanted to be here. She was tall and sinewy, the bare shoulders exhibiting a rather fine musculature that had Maura licking her lips as her eyes followed her around the room. The Goddess was searching, her eyes flitting from one face to another with an intentness that Maura was sure would be her undoing if it were ever placed upon her.

Dark curls hung loosely, swaying gently in rhythm with her hips as she sauntered forwards. The dress she wore was simple. She didn't need anything more than that, just a black dress that wrapped around her torso, hips and thighs.

Her glass drained, Maura picked up the bottle and poured the last of it into her glass. When she looked up again, just for a second, dark, intense eyes fell upon her. They lingered. She felt herself clench at the unexpected arousal that assaulted her senses in an instant. Her blood pumped so hot and fast that she had to fidget in her seat to gain some relief, and then the eyes were gone. With a slight upturn of lips, a knowing smile, her gaze moved across to the next face as her search continued.

Finally, The Goddess found who she was looking for. Disappointment washed over Maura as a tall man in uniform with sandy blonde hair stood to greet her. His smile was that of a man who assumed respect. Maura wasn't so sure he had earnt it, however. The Goddess looked at him with disdain and turned her cheek to the kiss he had aimed at her lips.

She took the seat opposite him rather than the one next to him. He seemed disappointed, his smile faltering just a little. There was a brief conversation before he stood and walked to the bar, an air of confidence about him. Her eyes swept the room once more, only this time they knew where to look: straight into hazel eyes that would hold before looking away with a slight flush to pale alabaster cheeks.

Maura Isles was unsettled. On the whole in life, she was a confident go-getter. She set her sights on something and made it her mission to achieve it. Every class, every exam, every job, every potential bed partner. She had had a plan, a logical way to circumnavigate her way through, and yet, here she felt unknowing. She felt as though something beyond her control was taking place. The universe was moving with a mission of its own. The intense stare never wavered.

Her bottle was empty, her glass one mouthful away from being drained. There was no work in the morning, and she hadn't driven, so there was no reason to leave so early, but she had the urge to up and run. She chanced another look across the room and found Soldier Boy back in his seat and The Goddess seemingly unimpressed with his conversation. She took the opportunity and ordered another glass as she surveyed the room and surreptitiously looked for her. Another bottle would be too much, but a glass would extend her time people watching. Watching her.

Brown eyes looked over once more and locked on. This time, Maura didn't look away. Determined to assert herself, she held the gaze; ten, twenty seconds, and then he said something that finally took her attention. Something she wasn't happy about, because her face changed in an instant from impassive to aggrieved. She stared; no, she glared at him, and he became uncomfortable. Clearly, he had angered her. He tried to sit up straighter, commanding, but she was having none of it. She stood abruptly and lifted her glass. When she spoke next, he braced himself. What was once an almost full glass was then emptied over his head. Maura gasped and waited for a reaction, but it didn't come. She stomped away from him, no longer the epitome of elegance.

Maura sipped her wine as The Goddess moved quickly towards the bathroom. Slowly, she turned her attention back to him. He was standing now. From somewhere he had found a napkin and was dabbing at the liquid soaking into his pressed jacket and pants. He looked around, embarrassed. Anger bubbled silently beneath his cool exterior. A waitress tried to help, but he shrugged her off, a little of that anger seeping out.

"This seat taken?" The voice was husky like she had smoked a pack of Marlboro every day for the last twenty-five years or more. It was sexy and aimed at Maura Isles.

The Goddess waited. Maura inclined her head and smiled. "No, please."

AN: So, I am back! I'll try and upload often, but ya know, life! Writing and editing books takes up time. I know you'll let me know what you think! haha Oh and many thanks for all the previous reviews and messages.. esp from the guests who I am unable to reply to!