Geomancist (Seven Forbidden Arts 5)

She nodded, even if she didn’t. She wasn’t up for a repeat performance. He was a damn psychopath.

“Good.” He kissed the top of her head. “Now we can go back to the party.”

She got to her feet so fast she almost knocked over the chair. “I’m tired. I’d like to turn in early.”

“Don’t mind my wife,” he said, wrapping an arm around her waist. “You’ll be my guest.”

“I’d really like to go to bed.” She freed herself gently. “I have an early morning tomorrow.”

“Very well. If that’s your wish, I’ll walk you back to your room.”

Crap. Now she’d created an even bigger problem for herself. Frightened of what other, and maybe worse, ways of inflicting pain he would come up with, she didn’t protest. Instead, she swallowed back her revulsion, took the arm he offered, and allowed him to walk her to her hut, praying with every step he wasn’t going to take advantage and force her to hit him with a rock on the head.

In front of her door, he held her at arm’s length. “You see? I’m rewarding you for your good behavior.”

Seriously? What was her reward? The fact that he didn’t come inside with her? That he allowed her to escape the party? A hug? Eager to be rid of him, she said goodnight, went inside, and shut the door with a click. With her heart in her throat, she held her breath until his footsteps disappeared from the veranda and the sand swallowed them.

Exhaling with relief, she sagged against the wall and wiped a trembling hand over her face. She hated to admit it, but Sean was right. Why her? Why was Juan interested in her when there were more than twenty much prettier women to choose from on the island?

After what had happened, she couldn’t stay. Leaving not only meant the spa was going down the drain, it also meant she wouldn’t get paid for the week. In order to come here, she’d taken a week’s unpaid leave. Not only would Matt not be going to art school, but also, short with one week’s pay, she couldn’t meet the month’s bills. What was she going to do?

When Mr. Jones had told her about the premises, she’d been so excited. She’d believed the cards were finally in her favor. She should’ve known it was too good to be true. Her luck had always been bad. It was her own fault for taking a job with a drug lord. Maybe the universe was teaching her a lesson. Maybe only successful and confident people like Sean Rivers got away with it.

She flopped down on her bed in the dark. What was she going to tell Matt? How was she going to break the news to Emily? There had to be another way. If the spa didn’t work out, she had to find a better paying job. What if she stood up to Juan and kept him at arm’s length? Then again, how could she play a mind game if she didn’t even understand the rules? Hot tears welled up in her eyes. She took her mobile phone from the nightstand drawer and switched it on. She needed to hear the voices of people she loved.

Matt answered her granny’s phone.

“Hey, Sis,” he said in his usual, chirpy tone. “How’s the island holiday?”

She cleared her throat to get rid of the lump stuck there. “It’s like a postcard.”

“I got a B in math.”

“You had a math test? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I knew you’d worry, like you’re doing now.”

“You mustn’t hide important things from me.”

“I did well, didn’t I?”

“Yes, I’m proud of you, but I know you could’ve gotten an A.”

He scoffed. “How are the parties? Is the barman as good as they say?”

“He’s amazing.”

“Maybe when you’re back we can go down to the bar to see his show.”

“Maybe.” She avoided making a promise she had no intention of keeping. “Can I speak to Granny?”

“She’s sleeping. Want me to wake her?”

“No, just tell her I called and that I love her.”

“Yuk. You really want me to say that?”

She laughed. “You can do it.”

“I’ve got to go. I’m prepping for a presentation tomorrow.”

“Don’t stay up too late. I love you.”

“I know. Me, too.”

She cut the line and rested her head in her hands.

Chapter 4

As fate would have it, the minute Juan disappeared downstairs with Tammy and Asia, a crowd descended on the bar. Sean gritted his teeth and served the drinks as fast as he could—no frills and no show. Some people complained about the lack of enthusiasm, but he didn’t give a damn. He needed to check on Asia.

Seeing that the constant stream of customers wasn’t going to ease up anytime soon, he abandoned his post and headed toward the stairs.

Leona, who was overseeing the cocktail dinner set-up, rushed over and cut off his path. “Where do you think you’re going?”