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Shaw didn’t take offence at his words, too absorbed it seemed by what was eating at her.“About this French investigator.I should warn you, he’s rather— well, you’ll see soon enough.”

Before Evander could question her cryptic statement, footsteps came from the passage Shaw had just emerged from.An eerie premonition raised the hairs on the back of his neck as he listened to their familiar cadence.

No.It cannot be, surely?!

A tall figure turned the corner and strode into the room with the confidence of one who knew precisely the effect his entrance would create.

Evander would have cursed out loud had his breath not caught in his throat.

Hell and damnation!

The crowded reception grew quiet as everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at the flamboyant newcomer.

“Who the devil is this peacock?!”Rufus hissed to Shaw out of the corner of his mouth.

“I tried to warn you, sir,” Shaw said laconically.

The stranger had eyes only for Evander.

“Mon dieu!Evander Ravenwood, as I live and breathe.”

The man standing across from them was striking in every sense of the word.Tall and lithe, with wavy blond hair that caught the light like spun gold and sparkling grey eyes that danced with mischief, his tailored royal blue-and-purple suit was cut in the latest Parisian fashion and accentuated his athletic build, the silver aiguillette on his shoulder that marked him as the French equivalent of a Special Arcane Investigator matching his many accessories.

“Leon,” Evander managed, his voice sounding strangely tight even to his own ears.

He glimpsed Rufus and Shaw’s startled glances.

Leon Beaulieu’s handsome face split into a dazzling smile as he closed the distance between them in three long strides.Before Evander could react, the Frenchman clasped his shoulders and pressed a warm kiss to each of his cheeks in the Continental manner.

There were gasps all around the reception, though none louder than Shaw’s delightfully shocked one and Rufus’s outraged inhale.Sergeant Griffiths looked like he was about to pop a clog behind the main desk.

Evander bit back a groan.This was going to make the Met’s infamous grapevine by lunchtime.

“Mon cher ami, it has been far too long,” Leon declared, his English perfect but for the musical lilt of his French accent.He held Evander at arm’s length, his gaze sweeping appreciatively over him.“The years have been most kind to you, I see.Though perhaps you work too hard, non?There are shadows beneath those magnificent eyes of yours.”

Evander felt heat creep up his neck.“It’s good to see you too, Leon,” he said stiffly, acutely aware of Rufus and Shaw watching this exchange with undisguised disgust and fascination respectively.

Leon turned his attention to his companions, his smile full of charm.“Ah.You must be Inspector Grayson,” he said, extending his hand to Rufus.“I have heard much about your excellent work.”

Rufus shook his proffered hand like it might be contagious, his expression a mixture of disapproval and wariness.“A pleasure to meet you…?”

“Please, you can call me Leon.My official title is Comte Beaulieu, but we shall be working closely together, after all.”The Frenchman’s gaze shifted to Shaw, his eyes twinkling.“And who is this enchanting creature?”

To Evander’s astonishment and Rufus’s displeasure, Shaw actually blushed.

“Lyra Shaw, Forensic Mage, Arcane Forensics Division, my Lord,” she simpered with a short curtsey, her usual brisk manner melting in the face of the Frenchman’s charms.

“Enchanté, Mademoiselle Shaw.”Leon took her hand and brushed his lips across her knuckles.“I look forward to witnessing your expertise firsthand.”

The colour in Shaw’s cheeks deepened until they resembled apples.

Evander clamped down on his growing irritation and cleared his throat.“Perhaps we should continue this discussion in my office,” he said coolly.

“Of course.”Leon released Shaw’s hand.“Lead the way, mon cher duc.”

The familiar endearment had Evander narrowing his eyes fractionally.

His former lover seemed intent on ignoring the fact that their breakup had been less than amicable when they’d parted ways over half a decade ago.Still, Evander felt the weight of Leon’s presence behind him like a physical force as they navigated the corridors of Scotland Yard to his office.