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Viggo’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.A chuckle rumbled in his chest as he pressed a kiss to Evander’s temple.

“I would love to do that.”He tightened his arms around the mage.“But for now, we both need to sleep.”

Evander nodded, his eyes already closing.His breathing deepened within moments as sleep claimed him.

Viggo remained awake a while longer.He watched the rise and fall of Evander’s chest and his captivating face until he finally drifted off, his heart brimming with a multitude of emotions for the man in his arms.

Chapter24

It was rainingwhen they arrived at Scotland Yard the next morning.

Viggo had accompanied Evander in his official capacity asNightshade’s representative and leader.They planned to talk to Winterbourne about the thralls who had quietly vanished from the city and make the case for the Brute’s information guild and the Met to combine their efforts to find the culprits behind the disappeared magicless and the missing professors.

Tension knotted Evander’s shoulders as they crossed the courtyard under his umbrella, his wind magic protecting them from the worst of the late autumnal shower.Time was now of the essence, especially with Viggo andNightshadehaving already set a trap in motion that involved Solomon.He frowned.

There was also the matter of James Harker, the dead thrall whose autopsy had now become a matter of utmost priority.

Evander cast a sidelong glance at Viggo when they entered the imposing edifice of the Met.He was impeccably dressed in a dark, tailored suit that complemented his powerful frame.To the mage’s complete lack of surprise, the Brute’s figure drew countless gazes as they crossed the busy foyer.

Although many had gotten used to seeing Viggo in the hallowed halls of the Met during the Renwick affair, the physical impact of his presence had not waned, especially after tales of his incredible feat in Charing Cross, witnessed by many a police officer, had gotten around.

Evander had convinced Viggo to wear the suit while they lay in bed two hours ago, still breathless from their passionate, morning lovemaking session.

“Winterbourne is a stickler for presentation,” he’d told the Brute when the latter had protested.“Consider it armour for the battle to come.”

Viggo had reluctantly acquiesced to his demand.

Despite the polished exterior the Brute presented as they navigated the corridors of Scotland Yard, there was no mistaking the tension radiating from him.

“It will be alright,” Evander said quietly.He brushed his knuckles against the back of Viggo’s hand.“I’ll be by your side.”

Viggo glanced at him, his face softening a little.“I know.Still, I hope he does not refuse my request.”

“He won’t.”Evander glanced at the rain pounding the windows they passed and lowered his brows.“Not if he knows what’s good for this city.”

A low chuckle had him giving the Brute a startled look.

“I hope you don’t intend to tell him to put it where the sun does not shine if we get into an argument.”Viggo’s dark eyes twinkled despite the gravity of the situation.

Evander flushed as he recalled saying exactly those words to Winterbourne a few weeks ago.

“I hardly think now is the time to be teasing me about that,” he chided.

Viggo leaned closer.“On the contrary.”

Evander shivered at the feel of the Brute’s hot breath on his ear.

“I’m sure you will admit that I did, in fact, put it pretty magnificently where the sun does not—” Viggo whispered in an amused tone.

Evander stamped on his foot.“Will you please behave?!”he hissed, scowling.

“You two should stop flirting in public,” someone said sharply behind them.

They stopped and turned.

Leon was coming down the passageway, his hair and his coat drenched.Judging from the faint circles under his eyes, he had not had a restful night.

“Look what the weather dragged in,” Viggo said darkly.