Davin sighed. It didn't surprise him that Jen spotted his tail; the mercenary woman was talented, and her phasing abilities gave her a decided advantage over a mundane. “Did you find out anything useful before she warned you off?”
MacCarthy nodded, smiling like a cat in cream as she insolently looped a leg over the arm of her chair. “She went to the mage quarter in Elysia, talked to the owner of the magic shop, and walked out with something. That's all. Before that, she was running like she usually does.”
“Did she go to the gym?” MacCarthy shook her head. Davin didn't know if was relieved or disappointed. Was she avoiding the gym because of her tryst with the attendant or was she seeing the guy on the side? He terminated his line of thought before it could make him angry again.
“Forget about Jen. I have a new assignment for you.” He showed her the picture Rock had retrieved off the cameras. “This is Cat. She's a new hire, but she has a bad history and is hiding something. When she reports to work tomorrow, I’ll inform her of the bodyguards I’m assigning to the Integration team, but I want someone to follow her secretly. Don't approach her unless she's in danger; just report to me on her activity and learn her address. Michaels will join you in shifts.”
“Sure thing, boss.” MacCarthy examined the picture. “Plain little thing, isn't she?”
Davin refrained from commenting. The tech girl was far prettier than MacCarthy, but he wasn't about to say that. The tracker had a fearsome temper and a healthy optimism about her skills and attributes, including physical ones.
“Just keep an eye on her,” Davin repeated. MacCarthy bowed mockingly as she left the office and Davin sighed. He didn't recall deciding to enter the business of watching over wayward girls.
Chapter Seventeen
Jenira
Jenira eagerly awaited Cat's return, wearing a path across their living room floor. Her brain spun with wild ideas when her sister didn't return immediately. She strapped on her dagger, ready to leave and find Cat when the door opened.
“Cat!” Jenira launched herself into her sister's arms. She smelled of sweat and lingering fear mingled with excitement. “Tell me what happened. I was getting so worried.”
Cat sank into her chair, swiping tendrils of sweaty hair off her face. The careful bun Jenira had fashioned was now a frizzy mess at the base of her sister’s neck. Her shoes clunked to the floor as she kicked them off. “I am so out of shape,” she moaned. “The walk back and forth to the bus every day will kill me.”
“Every day? You mean you got the job?”
Cat nodded, excitement and pride gleaming in her eyes. “Not just a job, Jen. They're putting me on one of the Integration projects. Andrew wouldn't accept the fake scores I gave him. He knew they were forged, so well that I think he might be able to gauge techie intelligence like I can. He made me retake the exams, and I answered questions incorrectly on purpose, but it didn't work. They build fail-safes into the tests to decrease score inaccuracy. I wasn't looking for them.”
“So you aced the tests. That's no surprise, sis. I suspected they might make you retake the exams. Davin is careful about who he hires. He wouldn't trust a piece of paper or another testing site. What happened next?” None of this surprised Jenira.
“Something I wasn't expecting. I took a compatibility test to see how well my tech skills would perform in the presence of magic. They have a special room that’s layered with benign spells; the power was strong enough for me to sense but didn’t affect me. Anyway, we know my skills aren't limited or affected by magic, but it must be a more uncommon trait than we think. When I came out of the room, your Davin was waiting to meet me. I'm sure Andrew called him down. Andrew is his nephew; maybe he has mage blood, too.”
Jenira pieced together Cat's random ramble. “Wait a minute. So the man you met in the tech shop is Davin's nephew? And he's not my Davin, by the way.” She ignored Cat's smirk as her mind whirled. “Why did Davin want to meet you?”
“They said he meets all applicants with high aptitudes, but his eyes glowed like yours do when you sense for magic. He wanted to know if I was Magitech.”
Jenira nodded, falling back into the soft chair. Davin's interest made sense. Few techies could operate under the influence of magic, and her sister was one of the best.
“Anyway,” Cat continued, “we met in his office and he questioned me. I gave him the story we agreed on, and I think he bought it. He's assigning me to one of the Integration projects! I should have access to the files and information about the mages the killers are targeting.”
“Do you think he can connect us?”
Cat scrunched her nose. “No, I don't think so. There's no way he could. Why?”
“He sent me a message a half hour ago to meet him tonight, with no explanation.”
“It might be a date. He misses you.”
Jenira scowled, the idea sending an irritating shiver of anticipation down her spine. “It’s not a date. If he didn't connect us, then it's about the tail I warned off a couple days ago.”
“Oh, I forgot about her. I better sleep so I can work in the morning!” The happiness in Cat's voice was infectious. Jenira couldn't remember the last time Cat was excited about something that didn't arrive in a box. “After work tomorrow, I’m going to stop at the center and buy some clothes so I will be late coming home. I only own two outfits unless casual dress happens to include sweatpants.”
“Just be careful, sis, I'll keep my communicator on me. I suppose I should go see what the boss wants.” She rolled her eyes dramatically.
“It's a date,” Cat sang. Jenira laughed but swapped her workout clothes for jeans and a t-shirt. Her heavy hair hung loosely down her back, but she grabbed an elastic band in case Davin expected her to work. Her daggers strapped to her thigh, she executed a series of light sparring exercises while waiting for their scheduled meeting.
She phased to the rooftop as the sun hit the horizon, and the sunset painted the sky in reds and oranges, awing her with its beauty. The skies of the Washington Quarter didn't allow anyone to see such elegance; the smog and smoky emissions hid the colors. An unexpected pang of homesickness for the vast, starry expanse of the West surprised her.
“Beautiful, isn't it?” Davin's voice behind her caused her to whirl, a dagger in her hand by reflex. He sat among the fronds of a tropical palm, his lips quirking at her sudden weapon. He usually waited for her with his back to her, so she wasn’t expecting him there. Black jeans and a light cotton shirt emphasized every taut muscle in his body and left little to the imagination. Jenira swallowed against the dryness in her throat and forced her eyes away, realizing she was staring. She re-sheathed her dagger reluctantly; it made her feel better to hold it. He rose from the bench and approached her with the grace of a prowling jungle cat.
“Come.” His large hand enfolded hers gently, permitting her to pull away, but she didn't. His skin was hot, and his touch sent shivers across her skin. Her magic jumped eagerly in response to his nearness. Food and place settings decorated the usually empty table, and candles added a dim halo to the seating area. Jenira's brows rose. Her sister had been right; either this was a date, or he wanted something.
“I was hoping we could talk.” He held a chair out for her. She sat, and his hands lingered, stroking a lock of her hair so lightly she might have imagined it. Too soon, he pulled away and sat across from her. His eyes reflected the golden glow of the sunset and the candles, the color enhanced by his magic.
“What did you want to talk about?” she asked as he poured her a glass of wine. She filled her plate more out of nervousness than hunger; although the bowl of fresh fruit beckoned her.
“You held a dagger to one of my employee's throats,” he began conversationally, sipping his wine. Jenira sampled her glass, enjoying the rich flavor. He didn't seem upset, just interested.
“You told someone to follow me. More than one, I would imagine.” She bit into the fruit, her eyes closing as the juice blossomed across her tongue. The last
time she'd tasted anything so delicious had been the strawberries they grew in their garden as a child. When she opened her eyes, Davin was staring at her, his head cocked to the side. She couldn’t even begin to guess what he was thinking.
“The tails were for your safety. I worried you might attract attention while working on the case.”
His words held truth, but Jenira guessed her safety wasn’t the only reason. She sampled the tender beef simmered in a red wine sauce, chewing slowly to savor the flavor. Mercenary work didn't leave them penniless, but their money bought new equipment or paid for travel expenses. They rarely indulged in expensive food.
“We like our privacy,” she replied, distracted by the food. After the words left her mouth, she froze. Davin's golden eyes bore into her, ignoring his own plate.
“You and your partner?” A trace of darkness colored his voice. She nodded, swallowing hard. “Is your partner watching or listening now?”
Jenira set down her fork. She had decided against outfitting herself with the usual surveillance equipment. Cat had agreed, much to her surprise. She tucked her hair behind her ears, revealing the lack of earpieces. “No.”
Davin's eyes speared her with heat. “Was he watching and listening when you jumped the guy in the gym?” Jenira's gaze hardened, inexplicably pleased she wasn't prone to blushing. It didn't surprise her that he knew of her dalliance, but it did anger her. What else did he know? She didn't think he knew about Cat or he wouldn't sound so jealous when he referenced her partner.
“Who I jump,” she replied, emphasizing the word, “is none of your concern. And no, my partner wasn't watching.” Her icy tone rivaled his.
“I imagine he would be jealous. Does he disapprove of our meetings?”
Jenira glared at him and stood. Magic shivered in the air and Davin was by her side before she could blink. She didn't see or hear him move, hinting that his magic aided him in speed, and possibly strength. She forced her eyes to meet his, refusing to let the rippling muscles of his chest distract her. Her nose filled with the unique scent that belonged to him alone, a mixture of cinnamon and sandalwood. His magic nudged hers, questing and playful despite his tone.
“That is none of your business,” she repeated.
“What if I want it to be my business?” He reached for her hand deliberately, his thumb caressing the delicate skin on her wrist. He didn't hold her tightly, and she cursed that she didn't have more desire to pull away. “Would your partner care?”
Tired of their game, Jenira rolled her eyes. “No, she wouldn't.” She enjoyed the surprised light that entered his eyes. Men were so predictable.
“She...” he murmured, and Jenira regretted her words immediately. She had forgotten that her sister was fresh in his mind. Hopefully, he wouldn't connect the two of them, but his nearness impaired her ability to think. Golden eyes fixated on her parted lips, and she utilized all her willpower to keep her magic contained. It wanted his. Damn it all, she wanted him.
His mouth descended to hers, his kiss firm and demanding while also soft. His magic simmered like fiery spice on her tongue. She moaned and leaned into him, his touch robbing her of common sense. The hard planes of his chest met her womanly curves, provoking a growl from his throat. Large hands pulled her closer, tangling in her hair. He kissed her like a starving man, raw passion stroking her tongue. His erection pressed into her belly, and her lower body clenched with longing need. Her bones threatened to melt under the heat of her skin, and her magic unfurled without her permission, intertwining with his.
The caress of his magic on her skin returned her to reality. She yanked on her power, wincing with physical pain as it protested her command. Their magic had merged momentarily, and it didn't want to be alone again. Her chest ached with the loss; her nipples and sex throbbed with more anticipation and longing than she’d felt in a long time. His eyes glowed with hunger, but he let her retreat. The absence of his heat made her shiver with a sudden chill.
“This isn't a good idea,” she whispered. She clenched her thighs, trying to quell the desire singing through her body. “I work for you.”
“You want me.” The words were not a question.
Jenira turned away, unable to bear the fire in his gaze and not return to its promise. Sex with Davin would be incredible. Her power and her body knew it, but she was worried her magic would never release him. “It doesn't matter,” she breathed with a sigh. “Being involved with you is a bad idea. One, I work for you. Two, I don't do relationships. Three, my magic likes yours far too much. And four, once you pay me, I'm leaving this city.” She admired the lights of the financial district as she listed her excuses. He stepped closer, enfolding her in his arms, and her eyes closed. Her magic was purring with content, and she knew it would hurt to pull away again. The pain wouldn’t stop her, but she used it as a ready excuse anyway.
“Your magic likes mine?”
She laughed, but the sound held no mirth. “Was that the only thing you heard in what I just said?”
He shrugged, his muscles bunching against her cheek. “No, but it's the only thing that made sense. Why can you jump a stranger in the gym but not kiss me?”
“I didn't jump him; I fucked him, and it was precisely because he was a stranger. I don’t get physically involved with people I know. He was also non-magical.”
He held her at arm's length to meet her eyes. “Why does that matter?”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. “You really don't know? Have you ever had sex with a mage, a strong one with considerable power?”
“No.” His defensive tone almost made her laugh, but she was worried his male ego wouldn't survive her amusement.
“It's very different,” she explained with a shrug. “The attraction between us is mainly between our magic. Tech-mage pairings don't happen as often as they might because the stronger the magic, the more powerful the experience. If my magic merges with yours, it won't want to let go. I don't live that way.”
“Is it my magic or any strong magic?” He sounded genuinely curious, and the yearning in his eyes threatened to break her thin thread of self-control. She nestled her face against his neck and breathed in his scent. If she didn't release him soon, she would kiss him again despite her better judgment.
“My magic will respond to any strong magic, but yours is especially magnetic.”
“My tech doesn't affect you?”
Jenira's brow furrowed. “No, but I handle tech better than most mages. Your magic feels stronger than your tech to me, maybe because you don't surround yourself with electronic devices.”
“That's why I keep the plants around me; it balances me. But, we were talking about us before you sidetracked me.” She stepped out of the circle of his arms, put the chair between them, and sipped her wine as she waited for him to continue. His features were rough and angular in the low light, enhancing his attractiveness. Magic glowed in his eyes, back-lit by a lingering current of passion. “Why do you feel the need to run away after this job?”
“I'm not running away,” she lied. “I'm leaving. It's safer that way.”
“Half a million dollars could buy your way out of the trouble you're in.”
He was too perceptive. Jenira avoided his gaze, popping another piece of pineapple into her mouth. “I don't like buying my way out of things.” The similarity of his words to the visions of the old crone disturbed her. Money wouldn't prevent Marcus from seeking his revenge. His pride and the lure of her power were far more important to him than money; his family didn't lack for money.
“I'd like to ask you a favor.” His serious tone caught her attention.
“What favor?”
“Once we catch the murderers, I want a chance to help you with the problem you are escaping. At the least, I want to see you and talk to you before you run away.” His actions and words challenged her preconceptions of him; he wasn't as hard or ruthless as he appeared.
Jenira fiddled with her fork, considering his request. “I'll talk to you becau
se I'll need to get my money. As for whether you can help, this problem is bigger than me. It’s not a choice I can make alone, and so I can't agree.”
He nodded. “Very well, I will accept your concession. Now sit and finish your food. I know you like the fruit.”
Jenira sat, relieved when the table again formed a barrier between them. Despite his moments of compassion, he loved to order people around. “Poor people don't receive fresh fruit very often.”
“Hmm. I hired a woman today who had a similar reaction to the fruit I offered her.”
“She must be poor,” Jenira quipped, wiping any expression from her face.
“Yes, I suppose she is. She won't be for long; she's amazingly talented.”
“Perhaps you can ask her to stay instead of me.” Hopefully, feigned jealousy would distract him.
“I want her to stay, but not for the same reason I want you to stay.”
“I almost forgot,” she said, changing the subject before it again veered into dangerous territory. “I spoke with a woman in the mage quarter who claimed the gift of foresight. She believes the killer used tech to paralyze the victims and break the wards.”
Davin leaned forward, setting his elbows on the table. “Interesting. I sensed no tech when we entered the house or passed the barrier. If this is true, the killer is shielding the tech somehow.”
“With magic? Could he be a Magitech?”
“It makes little sense. Why target registered mages? It could be more than one person; I originally thought an organization was responsible.”
“I only sensed one person at the crime scene.”
Davin nodded, accepting her observation as truth. “Someone could have produced the tech and sent it with a mage.”
“He would have to shield his power from the tech, so it would require someone who can use technology even with magical interference. Those people are few.”
Worlds Collide (Magitech Book 1) Page 16
