Geomancist (Seven Forbidden Arts 5)

“When I take over the lease, what are you going to tell her? That you fucked her over?”

“There’s more at stake than a pretty young lady’s aspirations, Sean. She’ll get over it.”

Stabbing his fingers into his hair, Sean said, “I can’t believe you’re making me do this.”

“I’m not making you do anything.” Cain raised a brow. “You have a choice.”

“Like hell.” He couldn’t fail Maddy. There was no choice, and he hated it. “You’re a piece of shit, Cain.”

Bono cleared his throat. “Watch your language in front of the ladies, Sean.”

“I knew you’d come around,” Cain said, looking too damn satisfied with himself.

Desperate, Sean grabbed at straws. “You have enough power to squash Juan. You don’t need my help.”

“We are going to squash him,” Lann said with an indifferent smile, his Russian accent strong, “but we need information first.”

This was one big fucking mess. He’d been so careful about staying in hiding and keeping his gift a secret. “How did you find me?”

All heads turned to the ambassador.

“Government connections,” Tim said with an Australian drawl. “A friend of a friend of your father.” He glanced at Kat. “I had help with research, also.”

Kat’s expression was friendly. “It wasn’t too hard. Natural disasters don’t occur every day.”

Sean held up a hand. “Do not mention that event.” The disaster that had claimed his sister’s life was the one subject that was off-limits.

“Think of it as saving mankind,” Clelia said, her voice soft and clear and her French accent less prominent than her husband’s.

“What do you need me to do?” Sean asked through tight lips, looking from one member to the next. They had him by the balls. He hated admitting defeat.

“Juan is connected to a man called Godfrey,” Cain said. “His surname is unknown, but he’s previously gone by the false name of Reid. Juan is investing money from his drug operation in Godfrey’s business.” Cain paused for his words to sink in. “Do you understand the implications of what I’m telling you?”

“Yes,” Sean bit out. “Godfrey’s the bad guy, and Juan’s drug money is helping to build his business, which must be either illegal, dangerous, or both.”

“Get me info on Godfrey’s whereabouts,” Cain said. “I’ll pay you double what Juan offered you.”

Sean laughed again. “How am I supposed to do that?”

“You’re a clever guy,” Cain said. “You’ll figure it out once you’re on the island.”

Sean wiped a hand over his jaw. “What if I don’t succeed?”

“If you fail to get the information, our deal is off, and you’re looking at Cartagena’s new spa,” Cain said, motioning around the room.

When Cain lifted his hand, Joss took a mini tablet from his pocket and placed it on the leader’s palm.

“This will be your communication link to us,” Cain said. “Maya will show you how it works.” He stood and offered Sean a hand. “I’m looking forward to working with you, Mr. Rivers.”

What choice did he have but to shake on the deal? There was nothing else he could do.

Maya got to her feet. “Is there a private place where we can work?”

“Jerry’s office.” Sean couldn’t look at the team members a minute longer. He hated being played, and Cain had manipulated him like a damn puppet, using his guilt over Maddy’s death and the only reason he had left for living in the dirtiest way possible.

As he turned to cross the floor, a small hand gripped his upper arm. Sean looked down into Asia’s flashing eyes.

“You could’ve told me this morning,” she said.

The atmosphere immediately turned several degrees hotter. Despite her anger, or maybe because of it, she was a sight for sore eyes with her flushed cheeks and heated eyes, not to mention the tight white dress that stretched over her curves.

“Tell you what, pussycat?”

“Don’t play dumb with me,” she said, narrowing her green gaze. “That we’ll be competing for the premises.” She nodded in the direction of the office. “I just spoke to Jerry. You thought withholding the information from me was going to somehow give you the upper hand? Or did you just enjoy making me look stupid?”

“We won’t be competing for anything,” he said. “The lease is mine. I’m sorry, pussycat. If it were anything else, I would’ve given it to you gladly. I would’ve even wrapped it in fancy paper and tied it with a pretty bow.” Regret for the way in which Cain had manipulated her to get to him made him say, “Let me get you that complimentary drink I promised you.”

She tightened her fingers where they rested on his tattoo, sending bolts of electricity to his bones.

“You take your victory prematurely, Sean. Jerry told me you refused a job offer from Juan Hernandez.” She lifted her chin. “Well, I’ve accepted.”

He gaped at her. “You’ve what?”

“Your skills are not the only ones that are sought after.” She let go of his arm. “He needed a masseuse for a week’s treatments. Guess what? He’s just found her.” She gave him a sweet smile. “The bet is on.”