“Thanks to you, I am,” Rowan whispered back as he hugged him tight.
Chapter Eighteen
Rowan
Watching Ivor fight was like witnessing a dance of grace and skill. He’d leaped and spun, his deadly blades sweeping through the air with unerring accuracy.
Though Rowan had mostly felt fear with that draugr so close, he’d also felt this overwhelming awe and admiration. And not a little lust. To know that this skilled, powerful preternatural was interested in him frankly filled him with delight.
But he was also feeling an overwhelming sense of relief that the draugr was dead. He knew Xavier was disappointed that they wouldn’t be tracking down the lich, but he knew that he’d always be scared the draugr would somehow get to him once let loose again.
Ivor had known that. Had thought the same.
As they walked back into the building, Rowan reached out and threaded his fingers with Ivor’s. Those dark eyes turned his way, and the look they shared sent warmth streaming through him.
Now that the draugr was dead, Rowan didn’t have to stay sequestered in the office. They would finally have some privacy.Anticipation hummed in his stomach, his heart starting to race. He’d finally get to put his hands all over Ivor’s beautiful body. And from the heat in Ivor’s brown eyes, the incubus was thinking the same thing.
Everyone met in Xavier’s office, but there wasn’t much to discuss. Xavier had sent wizards to clear the body they’d left in the parking lot. Rowan was too restless to pay attention to the conversation, eating up Ivor with his gaze before glancing at Xavier to find a small smirk on his lips.
“You are safe to leave, Rowan,” Xavier said as he held up the arm ring. “I know this is a family heirloom, but?—”
“I don’t want it back,” Rowan interrupted. “I never want to touch that thing again. Do what you want with it.”
Xavier just nodded.
By the time they wrapped up, Rowan was a mass of nerves. He and Ivor walked back into the main area of the office before Ivor put a hand on his arm.
“Would you like to come to my place?”
Rowan’s nod came embarrassingly quickly. “May I use your shower?”
“Of course. I want you to feel at home there. I’ll order us in some food. I can either set you up in a hotel or if you’d like… You can stay with me.”
Rowan, conscious of all the listening ears around them, gave Ivor a pointed look. “I want to be with you,” he whispered. “Do you want that?”
“More than anything.”
“Then let’s go to your place. I need to stop by a drugstore, if that’s okay.”
“Anything. I’m just happy I’m finally going to get you alone.”
By the time they reached Ivor’s apartment, Rowan was fairly shaking with expectation and excitement.
Ivor’s place was damn nice. He was on the fourth floor, and the apartment they walked into was mainly a wide-open space. The kitchen boasted state-of-the-art appliances, warm black granite counters, and that room was open to the living room. There were an overstuffed leather couch and two burgundy chairs, along with coffee table, side tables, and a gorgeous antique display cabinet.
Still holding the bag from the drugstore, he walked to that and looked at the items inside, ones that must have been collected over so many years. There were several knives with gorgeous handles, and an ancient sword that made him smirk over that first fantasy he’d had of Ivor. A couple of goblets had a handwoven royal purple scarf draped around their stems.
Ivor stood quietly while Rowan explored, and when Rowan finally looked at him, it was to find heat blazing from his eyes as he stared. His belly tightened, and an answering flush of need sent heat up his neck. “Are you really hungry? For food, that is?’
Ivor’s lips quirked. “Not really.”
“Me neither.” Rowan held his breath as Ivor walked—no slowlyprowled—to him. “I want…”
Ivor stopped so close Rowan could feel his body heat. “What do you want, Rowan?”
“I want you to fuck me,” he said softly. “Do you want that?”
“More than anything I’ve wanted in my entire life.” Ivor stroked the back of his fingers down Rowan’s cheek and Rowan shut his eyes.
