The Sinner Read Online Free PDF

mesmeric eyes for only a split second before shifting my gaze to the talisman that hung around his throat. It was made of some thin metal, intricately engraved with hieroglyphics. I stared at it for a very long time. So long, in fact, that I lost track of the moments ticking by. I suddenly felt very disoriented, as if I had become lost once more in a dream of Darius Goodwine’s making.
    I didn’t try to empty my thoughts to allow his emotions to enter. I was too afraid to trifle with such a cunning mind. So instead I focused on strengthening my defenses and on keeping him out of my head. I visualized a door slamming shut as I chanced another glance at his arresting visage. His lips curled in amusement, but I saw something that might have been surprise—or annoyance—flicker in his eyes, leaving me with a momentary triumph.
    Boldly, I lifted my chin and met his gaze. “The last I heard, you were in Africa. What brings you to Seven Gates Cemetery?”
    â€œI’ve come to see you, naturally.”
    There was nothing natural about his presence or his timing, I felt certain. “Why?”
    â€œAll in good time. We have some catching up to do first.”
    I scowled up at him. “How did you know where to find me?”
    â€œYour powers have grown stronger since our last encounter. They leave a trail.”
    Was that admiration I heard in his voice? A touch of wonder, even?
    I drew myself up short as I recognized another of his tactics. I wouldn’t allow myself to be seduced into a false sense of security by the likes of Darius Goodwine.
    â€œWhat kind of trail?” I asked.
    â€œThey create a disturbance that might best be compared to the wake of a ship or the contrail of a jet. Easy to follow if one knows how and where to look.”
    I resisted the urge to glance over my shoulder. The notion that the changes inside me had left an astral pathway that could lead a dangerous witch doctor straight to my door was more than a little troubling. “Do the police know you’re back in the country?”
    The dark eyes glinted. “If by police you mean John Devlin, does it matter? Now that you’re no longer together, he’s of no consequence to either of us.”
    â€œHow did...” I cut myself off before admitting my estrangement from Devlin. The last thing I wanted was to divulge my innermost pain to a predator in search of a weakness. “How did you come to that conclusion?”
    â€œI’ve known about it ever since it happened. Word travels fast, even in deepest, darkest Africa.” Another of those mocking pauses. “Was the separation your idea or his? I’m assuming it was his.”
    My chin came up once more. “That’s none of your concern.”
    â€œIsn’t it?”
    The intensity of his stare drew a deep shiver, and despite my considerable resistance, my own gaze slid back and locked on to his. A breeze drifted across the graves, bringing another draft of ozone and something spicy and exotic, like the perfume of a rare flower. I had a sudden vision of a moonlit garden filled with orchids and songbirds. A seductive oasis where untold dangers lurked in the shadowy recesses. That was what I saw when I looked into Darius Goodwine’s eyes.
    I quickly glanced away. “I’m not going to discuss Devlin with you, of all people.”
    He laughed softly. “I admire your loyalty, displaced though it may be.”
    â€œMeaning?”
    â€œYou don’t know the man you’ve put on a pedestal as well as you think. Few people know the real John Devlin.”
    â€œAnd you’re one of them, I suppose.”
    â€œI know him better than most. We’re far more alike than he would ever dare acknowledge.”
    â€œThat’s not true,” I said coolly. “The two of you are nothing alike.”
    Another flash of those white, white teeth. “To the contrary, I would suggest that the only real difference