Pyromancist (Seven Forbidden Arts 1)

When the engines powered up at the onset of low tide to take them deeper into the Gulf, she went outside. Bono was, as always, standing on the deck, seeming unwell. His dark skin had an ashen undertone.

She gave him a sympathetic smile as she paused next to him. “It’ll get better with the movement.”

He wiped a hand over his mouth. “I can be flipped upside down and pull G’s that’ll push the average man’s gut through his throat, but I can’t stand the rocking of a boat.”

“Each person has a different biological make-up.”

“If you and Maya are anything to go by, women seem less affected.”

“Don’t forget Lann. He seems all right.”

“In my book, Lann counts for a woman.” He grinned. “Don’t tell him I said that.”

“He’s not feminine at all. In fact, he’s rather scary.”

“I’m referring to his affinity for luxury and fashion, but I guess you’re right. Women find him attractive in a geeky kind of way. He’s got steel claws under that elf-like appearance.” He winked. “Don’t tell him I said that either. He’s sensitive about his ears.”

She liked Bono. He was kinder than the others and he didn’t seem to have a hidden agenda. “How come you speak French so well?”

“Don’t take the piss out of me,” he said good-naturedly. “I know I have a terrible accent.”

“It’s kind of appealing if you ignore the harshness,” she teased.

“I grew up in Senegal. Former French colony.”

“Oh.”

“Have you ever been?”

“I’ve never traveled outside of France. I imagine you must be traveling all the time.”

“Sometimes,” he said with a wistful look, “I wish I could sprout roots somewhere.”

She studied him closer. Lann looked like dynamite that could explode at any minute, Maya was as tough as nails, Cain as frightening as unpredictable, and Joss was mercurial. Bono was, well, just sweet. Why would he would work for a task force that investigated paranormal crimes?

“May I ask you something, Bono?”

“Shoot.”

“How did you end up working for Cain?”

He chuckled. “I don’t work for Cain. I work for Joss.”

That came as a surprise. “How did it come about?”

“I’m an aircraft fanatic. I built and flew my own helicopters. Joss recruited me when we met during a mission in China. That’s why I need to be careful around you.” He grinned. “I can’t afford to piss off my boss.”

She looked at her hands. “I’m sorry about that. He’s not being mean. He’s just very protective.” Remembering Joss’s words about being kicked off the team if anyone suspected their involvement, she glanced at Bono. “We’re not an item, Joss and me. We grew up together. I suppose the fact that he’s known me for a long time must be hard for him.”

Bono laughed. “You can put as much icing sugar on it as you want. He’s in head over heels.” His smile was broad. “He’s jealous.”

Maybe not in head over heels, but definitely jealous. The observation hit too close to home. She tensed. “He’s got his reasons for reacting the way he does.”

“You don’t have to defend him. I’d probably react the same if I considered a woman mine.”

“I’m not his,” she said quickly, “and I’m sorry you had to take the brunt.”

“Forget about it.” He squeezed her shoulder. “It’s nothing.”

She forced a smile. “Feeling better?”

“The movement definitely helps.”

“I’m going to walk around the deck for a bit.”

“Good idea. It’s important to keep up some exercise.”

“Well, I wish you deep roots someday,” she said.

He frowned. Damn. Her words had sounded like a farewell. Before he had time to ponder the meaning, she walked away.

It was only lunchtime, a while still before she could put her plan into action, so she sat on a deckchair and watched the sea while she thought about her future. Her plan to hand herself over to the authorities wasn’t such a good plan any longer, not after what Joss had said about people like her being secretly eliminated. If she could hide out for a few months until it was safe to return for Erwan, they could think of something together. What she didn’t dare face was what she was going to do if the fires started again.

She sensed Joss behind her before he spoke. His presence stroked over her senses like a caress. Even now she felt his resistance. His battle to stay away from her conflicted with his reluctance to leave her. It was on ongoing war inside him.

“I have to go to the mainland after lunch,” he said. “Do you need anything? Maybe some personal things?”

She turned to look at his face, and gave him a smile. The gesture came from the same place as her love—from her heart. She wanted their last hours together to be beautiful. “No, thank you.”

He frowned. “You’re smiling, but you’re sad.”

“What will you do when you catch your firestarter?”

“My mission will be complete.” He studied her through narrowed eyes. “I’ll move on to the next one.”