Page 70 of Arcane Entanglement

“This is not just about the Met.” Viggo’s gaze found the church once more. “It’s about Magnus and the others like him who might have fallen under those mages’ control.” He clenched his jaw. “You heard what those bastards did to him. How they made him do their bidding with that damn gem. We can’t let that stand."

Finn bobbed his head. “The boss is right, Sly. Magnus is one of us. And if someone messes with one of us, he messes withallof us.”

“That’s rich coming from the bloke who just stood there and watched me get slugged in that pub fight a month ago,” Solomon said darkly.

“A wise man knows when to choose his battles,” Finn quipped.

“It’s thanks to Evander and the Met that Magnus is alive and a free man right now.” Viggo remembered the relief he’d felt yesterday when Magnus had finally awakened, confused and shaken but himself again. “We owe them for that, at least.”

“Fair point,” Solomon admitted grudgingly. “But still, working with mages…All I’m saying is it’s a slippery slope, Viggo.”

“I know,” the Brute admitted reluctantly. “But Evander is different.”

The mage’s name felt warm on his tongue, bringing with it memories of their encounter in the townhouse in Mayfair the night before.

The aching vulnerability in the mage’s ice-blue eyes when Viggo had made him confront his own feelings. The passion in his touch and kisses when he’d finally surrendered to the desire burning between them and responded to Viggo’s lovemaking. His sincerity as he’d spoken of his dreams of a better world for thralls.

Viggo’s belly tightened as he relieved all of it for the umpteenth time.

Time and distance had not diminished his feelings for Evander. If anything, they had strengthened the attraction he felt for the mage, to the extent he was fairly certain he would embarrass himself the next time they met.

A scowl spread across Finn’s face.

“I knew it! You have a thing for the Ice Mage!” He huffed. “Who would’ve thought you’d want to play hide the ol' bag of mystery with that—ouch!”

Solomon had smacked him on the back of the head.

Finn rubbed his skull and gave Solomon a hurt look. “What was that for?”

“You’re being loud.”

Viggo swallowed a sigh. “How about we focus on the task at hand? Whatever’s happening in that church, it’s hurting our people. The magicless. That’s why we’re here.”

A low mumble left Finn.

“And because you want to have your little bit of fun with that smarmy—ouch!”He glared at Solomon. “Hey, go easy on the noggin! I can’t afford to lose my charming wit!”

Solomon ignored him and studied the building across the street with a frown.

“What’s our next move? Should we sneak in there and see what they’re up to?”

The clatter of hooves and wheels on cobblestone drew their attention before Viggo could respond. The Brute stiffened when a sturdy police wagon appeared at the end of the road. It pulled up in front of the church a moment later.

A sleek black carriage materialised behind the wagon.

Viggo’s stomach plummeted when he saw the man who stepped out of it.

“Speak of the devil,” Solomon muttered.

The sight of Evander in his formal uniform sent an illicit jolt through Viggo. He could not help but revisit the vision that had been the mage half-naked in his bathroom last night, his beautiful face flushed and his eyes a vivid indigo as he’d writhed and panted with pleasure in Viggo’s arms.

“What’s the Ice Duke doing here?” Finn grunted.

Viggo curbed his errant thoughts. “I’m not sure.”

Did the Met get a lead onNoctis Bloomtoo?

Evander was joined by Inspector Grayson.