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“Whywereyou having dinner with him?”

A tendril of irritation coiled through Evander at Viggo’s accusing tone.

“Because he told me he had important information to impart about our case.”

Viggo crossed his arms, his face set in mutinous lines.“So this information was so important you had to drink champagne while discussing it?”

Evander lowered his brows at the Brute’s mocking voice.

“The champagne was Leon’s idea.”He blew out a frustrated sigh.“Why are you acting like this?You know I am committed to our relationship.”

Viggo’s dark eyes flashed in the dim carriage.“It’s clear your former lover has designs on you.”

“That doesn’t mean I intend to respond to his advances!”Evander snapped.

A hurt look flashed in Viggo’s eyes.He turned his face to the window, a muscle twitching in his cheek.“When were you planning to tell me about him?”

“Tonight.When you arrived at my townhouse as requested in my message.”Evander fought to keep his voice level.“We haven’t seen each other since yesterday morning, if you recall.”

A loaded silence fell between them once more.

They didn’t speak again until they reached Evander’s townhouse.Hargrove opened the door with an expression that was far too innocent for Evander’s liking.

“My Lord,” he said, bowing slightly.His gaze drifted to Viggo.“Mr.Stonewall, I’m pleased to see you found his Grace.”

“He did indeed,” Evander said coolly.“I trust you’ve enjoyedyourevening?”

The manservant’s face remained impressively impassive.“I have, my Lord.”

Evander’s mouth pressed to a thin line.“Please ensure we’re not disturbed.”

“Of course, my Lord.”Hargrove bowed again, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes as he retreated.

Evander led Viggo to his study and closed the door firmly behind them.The lamps were already lit, their radiance casting a warm glow over the leather-bound books lining the walls and the polished oak desk in the centre of the room.

Evander moved to the sideboard where crystal decanters glinted in the lamplight.He was in need of some fortification after this evening’s debacle.

“Would you care for a drink?”

“No,” Viggo said shortly.He stood with his back to the fireplace, his broad shoulders tense beneath his formal evening attire.“I’d prefer you tell me about this case of yours.”

Evander frowned as he poured himself a measure of whisky.He took a sip before speaking.

“A professor from the Royal Institute went missing three nights ago.His name is Walter Whitley.He is a specialist in advanced Elemental Magic.”He swirled the amber liquid in his glass.“Leon came to London because Henri Chevalier, a French professor who is also a specialist in the same field and who was working with Whitley on a mutual research project, vanished five days ago.”

Viggo stared.“The Met believes dark mages are involved in their disappearances?”

“Yes,” Evander confirmed grimly.“That’s only half the story.Today we discovered that James Thornfield, one of Whitley’s most promising students, has also gone missing.”He met Viggo’s gaze steadily.“We were attacked by shadow creatures when we examined Whitley’s laboratory this afternoon.”

Viggo startled.He crossed the room and grabbed Evander’s shoulders, his eyes dark with concern and his anger about Leon all but gone.

“Are you alright?Did they hurt you?!”

Evander’s belly twisted at the fear drenching the Brute’s voice and the strength in his anxious grip.He put his glass down and clasped Viggo’s hand.“I’m alright.Leon and I managed to defeat them.”

Viggo heaved a sigh of relief and drew Evander close so he could hug him.“Thank God!”

The tightness in Evander’s chest loosened.He sank into the Brute’s embrace, his lover’s presence providing a rare moment of peace in what had been a tumultuous two days.