“He’s in his room, waiting for dinner. But let’s talk first. Join me for a drink?” Eddie and Victor head outside on a veranda that overlooks the agave fields. The sun is setting behind the mountains in the distance. “Please, have a seat. I had some margaritas made.”
“If you’re trying to capture my heart with tequila, you might want to add some chips and salsa to the mix,” Victor jokes.
Eddie laughs as he sits and hands Victor a glass. “I’m sure my husbands wouldn’t mind adding a fifth into the mix.”
“Three husbands,” Victor asks, shockingly. “Where do you find the time for them?”
“I’ve had many, many years of practice.” Eddie taps his glass against Victor’s. “Tell me, why did Leo mention you’re upset with him?”
Victor raises an eyebrow and takes a sip. “I see he is asking his chancellor to find out for him?”
“Well, as his chancellor, I always have concern over anyone in my coven who is upset,” Eddie replies as he sits and crosses his legs.
“But I’m not in your coven,” Victor says as he takes another drink while looking out to the field.
“Not yet.” Eddie sips his drink before he continues. “He mentioned that you’re mad at him. He feels that it’s all because of Derek.”
“I really don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss this,” Victor remarks, still looking out in the field.
“I’ve noticed how you two look at each other. And I don’t like Derek any more than you do. But whatever Derek did shouldn’t allow you to stay mad at Leo.”
Victor stands up abruptly. “Chancellor Eduardo, please don’t take this the wrong way, but what is happening between Leo and me is none of your concern.” Victor turns and heads back inside. “If you don’t mind, I would like dinner sent to my room. I’ll see you in the morning for training.”
As Victor walks back inside, Eddie leans back in his seat, stroking his chin.
Chapter Thirty-Two
The next morning, Leo knocks on Victor’s door. “Victor, are you awake?”
“Come in,” Victor says softly through the door.
Leo walks into Victor’s room and sees Victor standing in his robe on his balcony. “You’re not dressed yet,” Leo comments.
“I’ll be ready in five minutes,” Victor informs.
Leo looks around the room and notices two garment bags. “I see you got your shirt back.”
As Leo walks over to the garment bags, Victor snaps, “Is there anything else? I told you I’ll be ready in five minutes.”
Leo looks over at Victor with an angered expression. “Nothing. I’ll see you downstairs.” Leo is about to walk out when he turns around hastily. “What the fuck, Vic? What is wrong with you right now?”
Victor walks over to the bathroom. When he walks in, he drops his robe, showing off his bare backside to Leo. “I honestly don’twant to discuss this right now. I need to get ready.” Leo balls his hands into fists, trying to hold back his anger.
Victor pokes his head out. “I can sense you’re angry. Maybe you should leave before you rub that onto me.” Leo sneers and storms out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Victor’s expression goes somber. “Leo, I wish I could tell you.”
Victor walks down the stairs, dressed in his suit and repaired blue shirt. Leo and Eddie are standing beside a truck outside in the agave field. Leo keeps a neutral expression, while Eddie’s face is curious.
Eddie notices a necklace around Victor’s neck. “That’s new,” he comments.
“I got it yesterday,” Victor responds as he stops beside them. “I take it we’re going out to the far end of the property?”
Eddie is impressed. “Very good. We’ll be far enough away so as not to harm the workers.” Eddie hops in the back of the truck and holds out his hand. Leo jumps in first, and then Victor. Victor sits across from them, looking down the trail in the field. Eddie pats the side of the truck, letting the driver know they’re ready.
“I was expecting we’d be taking broomsticks,” Victor says. Eddie laughs, and Leo rolls his eyes.
A short drive later, they come to an empty field at the edge of the property. There’s a small ramada with a couple of chairs and a small fridge in the corner. As the truck drives off, Eddie steps a few feet away and takes a deep breath. “Smell that fresh soil. Perfect for a young warlock to learn how to control.”
Eddie takes another deep breath and then turns around, placing his hands on his hips. “I know we’re in our suits, but we can have them cleaned later. Leo, I had the fridge stocked up for you. Victor,ven.” Eddie takes Victor to a distant spot in the empty field and then sits on the ground, crisscrossing his legs.“Siéntate,”Eddie commands, gesturing to a spot in front of him. Victor hesitates before taking a seat in the dirt.
