Eduard did as well. “You’re ridiculous. And I love you both. Thank you for keeping me from getting lost in my head once more.”
“Always,” Andvari promised. “And thank you in advance for keeping us both from losing our minds at the prospect of our guests arriving.”
“Speaking of which, we should go decide what to wear this evening.”
Both of his mates stiffened in his hold. And not in a good way.
“I, um, should, um, go update the guards. Security. Very important.” Andvari kissed his neck and before Eduard could draw a breath, he was out the door.
Draco scowled after him. “I’m not making up a lame excuse. I could give a shit what I wear. Pick something out and I’ll put it on. I’m going to go swim with the boys.”
Draco also kissed him, but it was deeper and took Eduard’s breath away.
Eduard sighed as Draco pulled back with a smile. “You’re the best kisser.”
“Damn straight I am. Now, don’t pick out something fancy. Cookout. Sawyer wants casual.”
“Got it. I won’t make you wear a tie.”
“Good. I should kiss you again just for that.”
Draco leaned in again, but this time pressed a gentle kiss against his lips. “We’re going to figure all of this out. And we’re going to come through it stronger than ever. Believe in that. Things may heat up, but you and I don’t mind a little fire, do we?”
“No. We don’t.”
“Remember that.”
Draco wandered away and Eduard turned to his thoughts once more. The answers were right there on the tip of his tongue. He just couldn’t quite get to them. It was frustrating and infuriating at the same time.
“Excuse me, Master Eduard.”
Eduard turned to find Cecil standing at the door. “I’m pretty sure you shouldn’t be calling me Master, Cecil. We’ve discussed this.”
“Habit, sir. And I don’t mind. I find I’m quite good at providing service to others. It is something I enjoy. What I was born to do, if you will.”
“I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you, Cecil.”
“As it should be, sir. I have something I would like to speak to you about, if you have a moment.”
“Of course.”
Cecil closed the door behind him before moving to the window. The office overlooked the backyard. Eduard joined Cecil and they looked out at his mates, swimming in the pool. It appeared that Saeward was taking turns dunking both Henry and Sawyer as they attempted to… honestly, Eduard had no idea what they were trying to do. Unless they were hoping to become experts at half-drowning.
“I am honored to be in your service,” Cecil said. “Although, I must confess that my true loyalties rest with him.”
Sawyer. Of course.
“As it should be,” Eduard said.
“I hoped you would understand. It was never meant as a betrayal to you. I knew he would return. It was all I could think to do to find him.”
“So you knew his plan from the beginning?”
“No, not from the beginning. He tends to think things through before he takes action, but once a decision is made, he commits. He follows his heart. I’ve often warned him that heart and logic must combine.”
“If it helps, he has eight guardians to help him with the logic part.”
“True. I am very grateful for these days. Seeing him so happy, so filled with love. It is all I have ever wanted. He is truly my best friend. My brother, if not by blood.”
