Page 64 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

Even more shocking than the timbre of his voice was his physical presence. He was by far the largest person she’d ever seen, solid arms and legs framing a massive chest. Before Vita could react, the man wrapped his arms around her, physically lifting her into the air in a crushing hug. He laughed as he placed her back on the ground, cupping her cheek with an enormous hand.

“I’m so glad to meet you.”

CHAPTER 27

Verian

“LATE NIGHT, HUH?”

Verian groaned at Drusus’ smug voice, exhausted from sleeping on the cold, hard floor of the temple.

“What? I saw you leave with Vita after dinner and your bunkmates said you never returned.” Drusus eyed him with a smirk. “I’m glad you finally did something about it. It was so obvious she was interested in you.”

“Please, stop,” Verian begged.

He had missed breakfast, his stomach rumbling and eyes bleary. He really didn’t need to be pestered by Drusus on top of suffering through this shift.

Besides, last night with Vita, well, it had been perfect. In its own way. But Drusus didn’t need to know that.

Of course, he would have preferred to have lasted longer, given her a better gauge of his skills, but hopefully he would get another chance.

When she pressed her lips to his, the spark that had been dancing between them for years had ignited. Every memory of her had flashed before him, all the sweet glances and flirtations, the warm hugs and kind words. His sweet little Vita, not letting him hold her at a distance any longer.

Slipping inside her for the first time as the goddess watched had been purely divine. The way her mouth gaped, her plump lips gasping with pleasure… Gods, she was beautiful. Her hazel eyes hooded with lust, the warmth of her thighs as he pressed in between them, all images and sensations he wanted to commit to memory.

Verian only hoped he’d see more of her, and soon, because the clothed and speedy affair did little to quell the desire that burned through him. Holding her in his arms as they slept had been as perfect as he’d imagined it would be, though hopefully they’d find their way to a bed next time. He tried to push aside thoughts of the future, thoughts of Vita’s expectations that he certainly could not commit to.

Perhaps he had been wrong about her. Was a casual affair what she wanted, intimacy shared with a friend turned lover? Or, should he say,lovers…

“Oh, come on, you’re not going to tell me any details? I’m practically the one who got you two together. I’m still available for group activities, you know, if both of you are so inclined.”

Verian just shook his head, not enough energy to even muster up a glare. Besides, the thought of sharing Vita with someone… Well, he still needed another chance with her on his own, but the idea wasn’t an unpleasant one.

Not with Drusus, of course, not in a million years.

But therewassomeone he had his eye on, especially knowing her feelings for that… someone. Though it was difficult to admit, there had been many men in the past that hadintriguedhim. Of course, he’d never acted on those thoughts, thoughts that frightened him if he wasbeing honest, thoughts he pushed into the deep recesses of his mind and tried to ignore.

The High Consul, well, he was certainly one of those men. Mysterious and alluring, his presence so powerful that it pulled you in and refused to let go. Verian wondered what it would be like, kissing another man, being intimate with one. Vita was soft and sensual. But the High Consul? Sharp, severe, commanding. Unlike anyone he had been with before.

How would he even fit into the dynamic?

Not that the High Consul was an option, of course not. He probably didn’t even remember that Verian existed. Still, that quiet desperation he’d tried to resist for so long had bloomed, come to life overnight. And after the intimacy they had shared, he was ready.

Ready to reveal his true self to Vita, his best and oldest friend, the woman he loved more than any in the world. Surely she’d be understanding about thefeelingshe had for other men.

Regardless, he wasn’t sure it was possible for him to hide his truth any longer. He wanted to be open with her in the same way she had been with him. The thought of telling her made him buzz with excitement, though he couldn’t ignore the knot tightening in his stomach.

The day passed as slow as the changing of seasons, Drusus needling him about Vita during every spare moment. When his shift was over, Verian was ready to go straight to bed, dinner be damned.

Instead, the bunk complex was humming with news.

“Promotion ceremony,” he heard someone say, and he glanced at Drusus.

“No one told me.” Drusus shrugged, and they followed the crowd to the campus.

The buzz of the cornu signaled formation, a rarity, and Verian nodded to his friend before making his way to his position. It took many minutes for the entire group to arrange themselves properly, his eyes shutting unconsciously as weariness overtook him.

Finally, the Prefect stepped forward, letting his voice carry across the crowd.

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