Hydromancist (Seven Forbidden Arts 4)

“I’m sorry.” She’d never meant those words more.

He gave her hand a squeeze. “I want you to know that you never have to tell me anything. Even if you refuse to tell me who you are forever, this will always be enough.”

Her heart slowed to a dull thud. “What is enough?”

“I know all I need to know. I know what matters.”

“And what’s that?”

“That we’re perfect for each other.”

Maybe in a different world or a different life. You’re letting him in, Maya.

She looked away. “I’m not perfect, Tim.”

“I didn’t say you were. I know you’re not. Neither am I, but you’re perfect for me.”

She glanced back at him quickly. There was determination in the set of his jaw. Tim didn’t know jack. When he found out the truth, he wasn’t only going to hate her, but he’d also want to kill her.

Carlos walked up to their table. His expression was pleased when he looked down at Maya’s empty plate. “How was your dinner?”

“Delicious, thank you,” she said. “My compliments to Lidia.”

“She’ll be happy. Dessert?”

“No, thank you. Maybe you can twist Tim’s arm.”

“I’ve over-indulged, I’m afraid.” Instead of asking for the bill, Tim left a ridiculously huge amount of money on the table.

Carlos shook his head. “Dinner’s on the house, Tim.”

Tim got up and offered Maya his hand. “Donate it to a charity then.”

“Hard-headed mule.” Carlos kissed Maya’s cheek. “Come by anytime. You don’t have to wait for Tim to bring you here.”

Tim pulled Maya close. “I prefer she waits. I don’t like the idea of her going anywhere without me.”

“Possessive bastard,” Carlos said good-naturedly.

She was still hoping for an opportunity to speak to Gabriela without making it obvious. As luck would have it, one presented itself as they walked back inside. Gabriela was clearing Lee’s table.

Maya touched her arm. “Can you please show me where the bathroom is?”

“Follow me.” Gabriela smiled over her shoulder at Maya. It was a genuine, warm gesture.

“Excuse me,” Maya said to Tim before hurrying after Gabriela.

Lee got up and walked to the door, presumably to keep an eye on them. The girl led her through the backdoor and across the yard.

“Have you been working here long?” Maya asked in the walk.

“Just started. My aunt owns Mango, the pub by the jetty, but she doesn’t like me hanging around the bar because of the kind of people who go there.” She grinned. “It gets a bit raucous.”

The bathroom was in a separate, outside building.

Gabriela took a key from her pocket and unlocked the door. “We have to keep it locked or else everyone coming to the beach will abuse the facility.” She walked ahead and flipped on the light switch. “There you go. Just switch off the light when you’re done.”

Before Gabriela could turn, Maya asked, “For how long have you known Tim?”

Gabriela frowned. “Who?”

Maya threw her thumb in the direction of the main building. “Tim.”

“Your date?”

“I guess you could call it a date.”

“Never seen him before in my life.”

Maya did a double take. Gabriela had spoken with sincerity. Maya was trained to look for non-verbal giveaways of deceit, and Gabriela displayed none.

“Why would you think I know him?” Gabriela asked.

“I’m just starting to date him, and I wanted to know what he’s like, from one girl to another. I thought since he’s a regular here and around town…”

“That I’d know him?”

“Yes.”

“Sorry.” Gabriela shook her head. “Can’t say I do, but he seems nice, if that helps. I noticed he pulled out the chair for you, and he let you through the door first when you arrived. I like that in a guy, and he’s not a bad looker.”

“No, he’s not a bad looker.”

Gabriela glanced at the restaurant. “I’ve got to go. Got to finish up in there. Lidia wants to lock up.”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

“Anytime.” Gabriela gave Maya a thoughtful look. “If you’re not sure, he’s not the right guy for you. Got to trust your gut.”

“Okay. Thanks,” Maya said again.

Gabriela winked and closed the door.

Maya took a moment to analyze Gabriela’s comment. The girl wasn’t lying. Unless she had a twin, this was the girl she’d seen leaving Mango with Tim, the same one who’d later whimpered in the wooden house under his body. Catching a glimpse of her frown in the mirror, she plastered a smile on her face, washed her hands, and stepped outside. Lee was waiting so close to the bathroom door, she almost stepped on his feet.

“I thought Tim was the one who needed a bodyguard,” Maya said, not liking the fact that Lee and Cesar were constantly on her heels like tracker dogs.

Lee only shrugged and lit a cigarette, following her progress back to the restaurant with his gaze.

Tim took her arm and kissed her shoulder. “Ready?”

She nodded.

Lee flicked his butt into a trashcan and opened the door of the buggy for them. He was about to pull off when Gabriela rushed through the door with a roll of bills clutched in her hand.