Title: Shattered

Author: Crimson Coin

Rating: M for language and sexual situations

Pairing: Sawyer/Juliet

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or Lost. I make no profit on this story. My ideas are my own.

Summary: Post-Incident. Juliet detonated the bomb in order to save her friends, to save the man she loved. What if the detonation worked and sent everyone back to pivotal points in their lives? Sawyer and Juliet find themselves shattered, broken in the aftermath and without memories of the island. Will they find each other and remember the powerful love that once held them together, or will they wander lost to each other forever?

Note: I have received numerous requests to try my hand at a high rated story, and many reviews from Hydra of people wanting more heat. That is where this story comes in. It is rated M because there will be sex scenes, however, the scenes will not dominate the story. If I'm writing a sex scene, it's not just for smut sake. Just thought I'd give everyone a heads up. As always, I love reviews so send them my way.

Four days passed since Sawyer ran out on the mark. He avoided Hibbs, avoided calls, avoided anything and everything. For another consecutive night, he pulled on a leather coat. Night time in Vegas during November could be cold. He glanced at himself in the mirror and raked a comb through his hair. That morning he indulged himself, cutting his hair to a slightly shorter length than usual. He liked a little bit of length because it made him look dangerous. But too long and he felt too feminine but he still liked it long enough for a woman to tug on so he settled on a length just past his ears. Not that he could stomach the thought of anyone tugging on it lately.

Content with his appearance, he unbuttoned the top and second button of his shirt. He stalked from the room, slamming the door closed behind him.

He crossed the street, ducking into a dingy dank bar. He never frequented the same bar, choosing a different place each night. In Vegas, such a prospect fulfilled quite easily. Three men the size and stature of great apes crowded around a pool table while one leaned over a corner to line up a shot. Stale beer and sweat hung in the air, pungent, permeating the pores. Three working girls sauntered throughout the bar, flirting and testing waters, fishing for a bite in the hopes of an evening paycheck. Two men threw money down on a table near the dart board, wagering on the game as two college boys chugged beer and twirled the darts between thick fingers.

Sawyer sat on an empty stool at one end of the bar, glaring at a man to his right who lay sprawled over the counter in a drunken stupor. A buxom brunette behind the bar leaned towards him, smiling flirtatiously. "What'll ya have, Darlin'?"

"Beer," he gruffed. "And none a that piss beer either."

The bartender laughed. "I'll bring ya somethin' real good on tap."

Sawyer grunted in thanks and gulped the first quarter of the mug within seconds. He reflected on the internal turmoil's incessant raging. In just over a week, he felt a new man, unwilling to continue his life of exploitation. The thought of running a con, stealing, abusing, and running caused his stomach to rumble and knot. But he didn't know how to change. He had no skills, no real job experience, no education. Hell, he dropped out of high school.

The bartender took his empty glass and brought him a second beer. He glanced across the bar to a woman sitting at the opposite end of the counter. Her blonde head ducked, she stared into her half filled wine glass, swirling the red liquid rhythmically. She reached up to adjust the strap of her cocktail dress, sighed, and then sipped her wine.

The largest man at the pool table sauntered to the bar towards the blonde woman. Sawyer gulped the beer as the man openly flirted. The woman glanced up indifferently, brow quirked curiously at the advance then rolled her eyes dismissively. Sawyer grinned into his glass as the man bristled, insulted. He suddenly gripped the woman's arm and sneered, muttering in her ear.

A wave of protective jealousy surged through Sawyer when the woman flinched slightly then glared with well masked emotion. Sawyer put the beer down then called. "Hey, Cro-Magnon! Why don't ya piss off and leave the lady alone?"

The man squared his shoulders and turned to glare across the bar. "And who the fuck asked you, Cowboy?"

The woman glanced between both men before jerking her arm away. Sawyer slid off his stool, carrying his beer across the bar to the truck of a man. What the hell came over him! "You did. When ya started pushin' around yer lard ass like yer shit don't stink."

Two of the man's buddies approached the bar, muscles tense, ready to fight. As his friends approached, the man emboldened. "Looks like yer itchin' for an ass kickin'."

Sawyer crossed his arms over his chest, leaning back against the counter, ensuring none could sneak up behind him. "Oh I don't know. Looks like yer just itchin' to see how far I can get my boot up yer ass."

An older male bartender leaned over the counter behind Sawyer and sighed, exasperated. "Wade, if you're gonna start another bar fight, get the hell out of here. I'm not in the mood to deal with the cops again. Especially after last night. Ok?"

Wade held Sawyer's unflinching gaze. "Come on, boys, let's get outta here. We can mess up his pretty boy face another time." He laughed, purposefully bumping into Sawyer on his walk out. "Plus, she's a little on the cheap side. We can get better further down the strip."

Sawyer narrowed his eyes, glaring as they walked away. He turned with them then sat in the chair beside the woman in a blatant display of victory. Eyes on the door, he focused on the retreating men. "Don't listen to 'em. It's plain as day yer not a street girl."

"Thank you. You shouldn't have though. They could have hurt you."

He turned at the gentle melodic lilt and offered a small smile. "Yeah, well I make it a habit of picking fights in a bar."

She smirked at the words and glanced to him. "Thanks either way."

Sawyer met the most stunning blue eyes and his breath hitched in his throat. Damn she was gorgeous. He ignored the feeling of a punched gut and chuckled casually. "Looks like you need a refill." He motioned to the bartender with a finger. " 'Nother wine for the lady. Beer for me."

The blonde woman quirked a brow as her empty glass filled. "And how do you know I didn't reach my limit?"

He grinned, flirtatious and leaned closer to whisper. "Cuz you looked like you need as much to drink as me. And I ain't reached my limit yet."

"Hmm," she looked away and sipped her wine, evasive. "And how much do you need to drink?"

He shrugged. "Depends on how long we can extend this conversation. And if you want to move to one of those tables behind ya?"

Brow furrowed, she glanced back over her shoulder at the few tables, all abandoned. She laughed, facing him. "Well you certainly don't waste time, do you?"

"Never been accused a daudlin'." He teased then stepped back to motion with his hand to a nearby empty table for two.

She eyed him, calmly appraising before her lips tweaked in amusement. "Alright, Tex, you win. It's the least I can do after you faced down that … admirer."

"You don't need to pull any punches." He responded, following her to the table. "Call him a pretentious prick. That's ok." He grinned into his beer mug, taking a seat. He watched her, appreciatively. She wasn't the typical woman he usually drooled for, though he found himself entranced. Her classical beauty hardened by stress though at times offered glimpses of calm, tenderness and gentleness. And then there were those piercing blue eyes. What was it about those eyes!

"Some might say it's rude to stare," she teased and hid the smirk behind her wine glass. Unperturbed by his obvious attraction, she tilted her head curiously, a faint flush tingeing her pale cheeks pink.

"Yer quite a sight for my eyes, Sweetheart," he drawled then eased closer, leaning into the table. "What's a class act like yerself doing here? Yer on the wrong side of the tracks."

Internally, she winced though her expression gave nothing away. "That obvious?" At his slow nod, she sighed, raking a hand through her hair to fluff the back. She averted her eyes. "Had to get away. Guess I should have paid more attention where I stalked off to."

"Maybe. Even this bit away from the strip ain't exactly the safest place to be."

"You're here."

He nodded again, answering simply. "I belong here." She looked back at him at the answer but he looked away and took a slow drink of his beer. "So what did ya run from?" What came over him? Why did he care? And he genuinely cared. Maybe it just felt nice to talk to someone with no strings attached. No mark, no purpose. Just talk.

She eyed him skeptically. "Don't you think that's a bit personal?"

"Maybe," he easily agreed. "But when I'm two seconds from getting' my ass kicked over you, think I'd like to know why."

She held his eyes for endless seconds before finally offering a curt nod. "Fair enough." She tilted her head and searched his eyes, pondering the precise words. "I'm in town on a conference and let's just say, there's only so much I can stand."

Sawyer chuckled. "Ah, so the whole get away thing kinda makes sense. What do you do?"

"I'm in research." She said casually, sipping her wine. "Your turn. Question for a question. So I get two."

"Two, huh?" He took a deep drink of his beer. "Alright. Shoot."

She leaned forwards, curious, challenging. "Why do you think you belong here?"

His expression clouded and he averted his eyes in thought. When he answered, he refused to look at her. "Remember when you were growin' up and yer mama warned ya about a certain kinda guy. And to stay away from him?" When she nodded, his eyes sought hers, matching her challenge. "I make him look like a catch."

She watched him in reflection as she rested her forearms on the table. No uncertainly or uneasiness settled on her expression. "By force or by choice?"

A response of force quickly rose to his tongue but when he opened his mouth to answer, no words escaped. He raked the hair from his eyes, unsettled at her perceptive piercing gaze. "I don't know."

She inhaled slowly, debating the acceptability of the answer. "Alright." Then smirked. "It was probably the most honest answer you could give."

He shifted, discomforted and leaned back in his chair in an attempt to appear casual and at ease. "So ya came here to drink alone and pick up skeezeballs in a dive bar. Tsk Tsk, ya got a strange idea of a good time."

She chuckled and settled into her chair, calm and controlled. "More like I was so pissed, I just started walking and now that I'm here, it wasn't my best idea."

He nodded, relaxed at her casual demeanor. "Well ya know what they say about brainiacs. Ace the book stuff but …" he trailed off and grinned playfully. "Plus you're still sittin' here with me."

She matched his playfulness. "After the walk to get here, I don't think I have to worry about you doing anything to me."

"Really? How do you know that?"

"Because you didn't walk in that door with any indication of interest in me."

"Maybe that's part of my game."

"Is it?"

Sawyer turned his head slightly, engaging in her blatant challenge. Maybe for one time in his life, he could be honest with someone. Maybe just maybe, it could be this gorgeous nameless stranger in a bar. "It was. I'm kinda sick of the game."

A warm smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Then maybe you should change the game. Or at least the rules."

"Easier said than done, Sweetheart," He motioned to the bartender to refill his beer. "And I do believe it's my turn for a question."

She smiled into her glass, took a sip then placed the glass down, waiting patiently.

"You seein' anyone?"

"Hmm, no. I'm not." She answered simply. "Why do you ask?"

"That's your question?" Sawyer chuckled, fisting the mug of beer. "I wanna know if I should be lookin' over my shoulder for a pissed off boyfriend."

A flicker of unidentified emotion surfaced then disappeared. "You won't have any more bar fights because of me."

For decades, Sawyer made a living by understanding woman, reading them. This one mystified him however some fundamentals remained the same, though she hid the vulnerability well. A suave smile in place, he murmured. "Shame, I was really itchin' for a fight tonight. Smart girl like you … knock out. You'd be worth dodgin' a few punches."

Quietly, she smiled for him, a hint of sadness in her eyes. She waited patiently while the bartender brought her another glass of wine. The two she drank offered a delightful buzz, loosening her tongue. "My question. Why are you still here with a 'good girl' like me when you're a self admitted bad boy?"

"Honestly?" he asked and at her stern nod and defensive gaze, he felt compelled to answer truthfully. "Maybe because I can't remember the last time I told the truth. And that sitting here tonight with a gorgeous stranger totally outta my league … maybe I can be honest for once in my miserable god damn life. And just maybe … I'll know if that's how I wanna be. But I know why yer still here." He leaned forward to whisper. "Because somethin' about sittin' in this hell hole with a guy you have no business knowin' thrills you."

Her shoulders tensed. "Is that so?"

He nodded slowly. "Yep. And I'll tell ya why." His eyes slowly scanned down every visible inch of her body. "Cuz no man … has ever looked at ya like I am now. And yer still not quite sure what to do about it."

"And you're so sure of yourself." Her voice laced with agitation, trembling minutely on the last word.

"I am," he responded simply then boldly stared at her lips. "Yer completely unaware how damn gorgeous you are which makes ya even sexier. Plus, ya flinched when I mentioned a jealous boyfriend but in a way that said ya wished for one. Both add up to you bein' hurt and trampled on probably by some big wig douche that didn't know how fuckin' great his life coulda been and pissed it all away for whatever pair a legs that crossed his path."

She choked out a laugh, eyes focused over his shoulder at the far wall. "Jesus, is it that obvious?"

"No. But I'm a bit more observant than most. Actually ya hid it all pretty well til about five minutes ago. Plus ya need to realize whoever this guy is? He's a total douche rocket. I never had a constant committed relationship before but if I had a girl like you? I'd consider it. And that should tell ya something comin' from a total ass like me."

She sighed, rubbing her eyes then took a long gulp of her wine. Disarmed, she met his gaze but at a loss for words, remained silent.

He smirked. "I make a living exploiting people. Once yer internal walls cracked, I saw it all." Reaching out, he took her hand and squeezed. "For what it's worth, whoever this guy is, is a jerk off."

Emotions and walls reinforced, she smiled. "If that's all he was, I wouldn't mind. So you exploit people? Are you an insurance salesman?"

He laughed. "Not really, but we can call it that. Let's just say, I wanna get out of the business."

"So why don't you?"

"It ain't that easy," he said, fiddling with the damp coaster on which his beer rested. "Boss is a bit controlling."

She pulled her hand back and amusement flashed in her eyes. "I know exactly what that's like."

He offered an agreeing nod and pressed his thumb into the table. "Got me right under his thumb. And I can't exactly bite the hand, if ya catch my drift. So I'm stuck."

"You're not stuck. You're stuck because you want to be." As the words left her mouth, she frowned. Realization overwhelmed her and she sipped her wine, pondering the irony.

"Cuz I ain't got nothin' else to be." He interrupted her train of thought. "I can't do anything else. This is all I've ever done. Plus, who'd hire me? I don't exactly got the best resume."

"It will get harder before it gets easier. A lot harder. So don't get discouraged."

A bitter scoff slipped passed his lips and he chugged the rest of his beer. "I didn't even finish high school. Christ ya can't even pump gas without that."

"Then that's what you do. Your first step is to get your GED. Well first is to get away from this boss. You might have to work at the bottom. Prove yourself. Don't give up."

Sawyer watched her finish the wine, eyes on her mouth. "One condition. You don't give up either."

She smiled, genuine. "I won't." She stood, straightening her dress. "I should head back before my colleagues start to freak out."

He stood as well. "I'll walk ya back." Plucking his wallet from his back pocket, he paid for both their drinks, offering a maddening grin at her disapproving frown. "My treat."

"I can pay for my own wine." She approached him and opened the snap clasp of her purse.

"Ain't doubtin' it." He leaned closer to her, ducked down to whisper in her ear, his voice a husky lull. "Man always treats the girl on the first date. So put that money away, Darlin'." He stood tall and winked flirtatiously. "No strings. Promise. Just wanna make sure you get back to the strip."

She appraised him, searchingly, her mind obviously spinning in thought. "I suppose that does seem wise though why should I trust you to get me there."

"Maybe you shouldn't," he challenged with a slight shrug. "But your choices are me or go alone." He extended a hand to her in invitation.

After a moment's hesitation, she slipped her hand into his. Tucking her purse close, she walked with him from the bar. "I don't even know your name."

"Is that right?" He glanced to his side, and grinned a sexy irresistible grin. "And which name would you like? My real name or the name I use for work."

Her penetrating intense stare met and held his. "Whichever you'd like to give me."

The name 'Sawyer' rested on the tip of his tongue but with quick realization, he bit back the response. For the first time in decades, he didn't feel like 'Sawyer.' The grey area between Sawyer and James blurred even further. At this point, he knew they were one in the same man. That evening was he Sawyer? He nervously licked his lips, guiding her around a drunken couple. "James. My name is James." He wondered if she believed it was his real name.

A slight smiled tugged the corner of her lips. "Hello, James. I'm Juliet."

The street brightened, more crowded as they neared the main strip. "Well, Juliet, we had a fantastic evening and I think we should do it again tomorrow. Only some place less … uh … shitty."

Her smile broadened. "Are you asking me out on a date?"

"Second date. Tonight's been the first."

"I'd like to, but my flight home is first thing in the morning." She said, sadly.

"Ah," he nodded slowly. "Doesn't happen to be L.A.?"

She chuckled and shook her head. "No opposite direction. Still warm with beaches. Miami."

"Figures. My luck yer all the way across the damn country."

"This is my hotel here."

He paused outside the ritzy casino and let out a slow whistle. "Nice digs."

She released his hand and turned to face him. "Thank you. For tonight."

He smiled softly, inclining his head in a slight bow. "My pleasure. I do have one more question before the night's up."

"One more, huh?"

He grinned at the amusement reflected in her eyes. "Yep," then took her hand again. "Let me walk you to your room."

Curious, she quirked a brow, gauging his motivations. "Is that your question?"

"Yes," he smiled, flashing the dimples. "Cuz I fully intend on kissing you and ya deserve better than a back alley feel up."

She laughed. "I suppose I should be flattered you think that way." She eyed him skeptically in thought. "No promises. Maybe a night cap."

He held up his hands submissively. "No pressure. But you're not foolin' me, Sweetheart. You want this kiss as much as I do."

Her cheeks blushed a faint shade of pink. "You've been the one thinking about it all night, trying to act like you weren't staring at my mouth."

"I don't deny it." He responded with a saucy grin. "Can't blame a man for lookin' at what he wants."

With masked disbelief, she searched his eyes. "Why would you want that?"

"Better question is … why wouldn't I?"

"Please, answer me."

He easily read the hint of desperation, an internal yearning for something too long missed. He knew that look well and here this woman exposed the insecurity, though well masked. The old Sawyer would pounce on it, exploit it, then run. But what about this new Sawyer? All he knew was that something changed within him. Something he didn't understand or even completely accept. One thing, however, was certain. He could not do to this woman what he'd done to countless others.

"Answer's simple," he said. "Cuz I'm attracted to ya."

Her head tilted in pensive though, searching for a hint of truth to his words. Pleased with what she found, she led him inside and through the elaborate marble foyer to the elevators. "I must be out of my mind."

"Must be," he jested with a teasing grin as they waited on the elevator, riding up to her floor. He watched her from the corner of his eye, thrilled at her nerves. With a ping, the elevator announced their floor and he held the door open for her before following her out onto the plush carpet of the hall.