Geomancist (Seven Forbidden Arts 5)

At Jerry’s, he showered and changed before borrowing his bike to ride out to the small graveyard on the hill. He parked and removed the helmet, hesitating as he took in the scene.

Asia and Matt stood next to an open grave, a coffin resting on the side. A priest read from a Bible. At the edge of the raw heap of earth, Asia seemed utterly vulnerable. Yet, she stood with squared shoulders and a supportive arm around Matthew.

Sean cut the engine and hooked the helmet over the handle bar. He didn’t know if he’d be welcome, so he stayed on the periphery until the coffin was lowered and a graveyard official threw the first spade of soil into the grave.

As Asia turned to lead Matthew away, she looked up. He knew the exact moment she noticed him. Her features tightened as she pursed her lips and stopped in her tracks. Matthew glanced at her questioningly before following her gaze. Two pairs of eyes tracked his progress across the lawn until he stood in front of them.

“Hey, kitten,” he said softly.

She didn’t reply. Her eyes were dry but red and puffy with dark rings underneath. The hollowness of her cheeks hit him straight in the gut. She looked a mess—a beautiful one, but a mess none the less.

Unable to help himself, he took her into a hug and whispered in her hair, “I’m sorry.”

She stiffened before pulling away.

He shook Matthew’s hand. “How are you keeping up?”

“We’re okay,” Matthew said, his tone resigned.

Sean’s gaze was drawn to the scar on Asia’s shoulder that was visible from under the strap of her dress.

“Thank you for coming,” Asia said in a detached manner, addressing him like a distant acquaintance. “That was very considerate.”

“Sorry I missed the service,” he said. “My flight only landed an hour ago.”

She frowned. “Your flight?”

“From Scotland.”

“You came all the way from Scotland?”

Of course she didn’t know. He never told her he’d gone back. It also meant she hadn’t asked. Lann would’ve told her if she had.

He cupped her cheek. “I wouldn’t let you go through this alone.”

Averting her eyes, she stepped back to escape his touch. “You shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble.”

He wasn’t going to validate that with a reply. Maybe she hated him, but he still cared. Nothing would ever change that.

She nodded at the taxi pulling up in the road. “Our car is here. We better go.”

“Do you want to come over for lunch?” Matthew asked.

Asia gave Sean a pointed look. He should decline, but he wanted to make sure she was doing all right, or that was what he told himself.

“Thanks,” Sean said. “I’d like that.”

Asia stared daggers at him.

“Cool.” Matthew shoved his hands in his pockets. “Do you need a ride?”

Sean threw a thumb over his shoulder to where the bike was parked. “I’ll follow you.”

Sean looked around the cramped living space when Asia let him into her apartment. Her gaze was both scornful and wary as she measured his reaction from under her lashes while locking the door.

“Want a beer?” Matthew asked. “There’s a cold one in the fridge.”

“Thanks,” he said, ignoring the way Asia clenched her jaw.

Matthew exited into a narrow hallway. “Cool. It’s through here.”

With the money she had at her disposal, she could afford something a lot more comfortable in a better area. It wasn’t safe here. He didn’t like it.

She turned for the door and said in a clipped tone, “I’ll start lunch.”

“Asia.” He wrapped his fingers around her wrist. “Why don’t you take a break? I’ll cook.”

She pulled her arm from his hold. “It’s good for me to keep busy.” Giving him her back, she disappeared in the same direction as Matthew.

Sean scrubbed a hand over his jaw. What had he expected? A happy reunion? That she’d welcome his support with open arms? Blowing out the air trapped in his chest, he followed her to the kitchen.

Matthew put a beer on the small kitchen table and pulled out a chair. “Grab a seat.”

Sean sat down opposite Matthew as Asia took beans and steaks from the fridge. While Matthew told him about his courses and his school, Sean lifted the beer to his lips and studied her from over the rim of the bottle. Her body swayed as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other in front of the stove. When she turned on the gas, he caught a profile of her curves. If he’d thought he’d get over her, he’d been wrong. There wasn’t a chance. She’d haunt him forever.

He helped Matthew set the table when she grilled the meat. Matthew did most of the talking during lunch while Asia pushed her food around on the plate. When Matthew asked if he wanted coffee, he declined. Asia barely looked at him when she carried their plates to the sink. She didn’t object when Sean filled the sink with water, so he grabbed the opportunity to do something useful and washed the dishes. Matthew dried and she wiped down the counters and cleaned the stove. From the way she flittered around, unable to keep still, it was clear that she was uneasy. His presence put her on edge.