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Heat rose to Evander’s cheeks.“I was just thinking that despite everything, I’m glad we met.”

Viggo’s gaze softened.“Even with all the danger and mayhem it’s entailed so far?”

“Even with that.”Evander set his glass down on the mantelpiece and cupped Viggo’s face with a hand.“It brought you into my life, after all.And had it not been for that fateful meeting, we might not have been able to save all those people.”

The Brute’s expression turned tender.He put his glass down and covered Evander’s hand with his own before pressing a kiss to his palm that ignited his nerve endings.

“You know, for a man of your standing, you say the most remarkably sentimental things at times,” he said gravely.

“Only to you,” Evander murmured, aware he was baring his heart and not caring.

A banked heat ignited in Viggo’s eyes at his vulnerable tone.He lowered his head and claimed Evander’s mouth, his lips warm and insistent.The kiss began gently before deepening into something more urgent.Evander’s arms wound around Viggo’s neck, drawing him closer as the Brute’s hands moved to his waist.

Both of them were breathing heavily when they finally broke apart.

A discreet cough made them jump.

Hargrove stood in the doorway with a serving cart and a salacious smile.

“My apologies,” the man servant said in a syrupy voice.“I did not want to interrupt.”

Evander sighed.“Jasper?”

“Yes, my Lord?”

“Get out.”

“Yes, my Lord.”Hargrove wheeled the cart inside the room before departing, still grinning.

Viggo’s stomach grumbled loudly in the silence.

“Sorry,” he said sheepishly.

Evander’s expression softened.“Let’s eat.”

They spoke of trivial things while they partook of the food, both avoiding the grave matters that would have them busy again come morning.

Viggo sat back in his armchair after they finished their meal.

“That hit the spot,” he groaned.“Your cook is the best.”

Evander chuckled and took a sip of his wine.

Viggo watched him broodingly over his glass.

“What is it?”Evander said quizzically.

“I just realised I’m missing something.”

Evander frowned.“You are?”

“Yes,” Viggo said with a solemn nod.“My daily dose of the Duke.”

Evander blinked.He flushed.“We just kissed.Rather spectacularly I must add, judging from Jasper’s expression of delight.”

Viggo arched an eyebrow.“That’s not what I meant.”

Lust started a siren song inside Evander, quickening his pulse and sending a shiver of anticipation dancing down his spine.