Page 64 of Arcane Entanglement

Viggo’s eyebrows drew together. “Don’t jest. That will land you in Irongate Prison for sure.”

“It doesn’t have to be a physical threat.” Evander met his concerned gaze steadily. “As an Archmage, I stand to play a key role in this country’s defence. All I have to do is convince them I will leave England and the British Empire, and the Queen will have no choice but to cave in to my demands and intervene.”

Viggo’s eyes widened. “You would really do that?!”

Evander nodded.

“But—why?” Viggo swallowed convulsively. “I don’t understand why you and nobles like Lady Hartley would go so far for thralls.”

Evander gently caressed the Brute’s face.

“Because we believe magic isn’t meant to divide us,” he said softly. “It exists to unite us.” He pressed a soft kiss to Viggo’s brow. “Your very existence is proof of this. It is Nature trying to find a way to balance the scales before this entire world tips into chaos.”

Viggo’s breath shuddered out of him.

“You truly are remarkable,” he mumbled against Evander’s throat. “Then, I will help you.” He straightened, determination hardening his voice. “I promise that I will use all the resources at my hand and do everything in my power to see your goals achieved.”

Evander smiled at his resolute expression. “Alright.”

Viggo wrapped his arms around him. Evander sighed and sank into his embrace.

The Brute drew back after a moment and tipped Evander’s chin with his knuckles. He lowered his head and claimed Evander’s mouth in a sensual kiss. Evander shivered, heat coiling through his veins.

It didn’t take long for the kiss to turn passionate.

Viggo pulled Evander onto his lap. He went willingly, desire lighting up his senses with every stroke of Viggo’s tongue. Viggo’s gaze grew hooded as he kneaded Evander’s back and dropped his hands to his backside where he straddled his thighs.

Evander shuddered when their erections bumped.

He indulged Viggo for another minute before wrenching their mouths apart and pinning him with a sharp look.

“We’re not fucking, Viggo.”

The Brute’s shoulders slumped. “Oh, come now!”

“I said no and I mean it.” Evander ignored his beleaguered stare, climbed off his lap, and rearranged his dressing gown. “Off you go.” He waved briskly towards the door. “The hour is late and I need my sleep.”

Viggo’s jaw dropped open. “Are you kicking me out?!”

Evander bit his lip and just about managed to keep a straight face at the sight of the Brute’s outraged expression.

“Yes, I am. Now, hurry up and leave.”

Viggo groused as Evander herded him into the dressing room and out the window he’d used to enter the townhouse.

“My lover has a heart of stone,” the Brute grumbled, taking hold of the trellis.

Evander couldn’t resist dropping a kiss on his nose. “Goodnight, Viggo.”

He closed the window in the glum Brute’s face and drew the curtains closed. A wide grin split Evander’s face as he made his way to the bedroom, his heart lighter than it had been in days.

Chapter27

“Did something happen?”Rufus asked curiously.

Evander gave his friend a puzzled look as they got off the carriage.

“Why do you ask?”