Page 18 of Blinding Light

Heading for the park, Moargan followed the journey planner on his multi-slate. Warmth spread in his chest at the knowledge of what was to come.

Xander was a runner. But would he also be a screamer? The thought excited him.

Around him, people rushed by. They’d left work and were either on their way home or going to the many restaurants that were situated on the busy streets just outside the park. Those who recognized him made themselves scarce. Moargan knew the reputation he and his family had. The Imperial family was loved as much as they were feared, and the people had every right to be. After all, they lived up to their reputation, and that proof sounded like a percussion concert in his chest. Ruffling heartbeats surrounded him, led by fear.

Moargan exited the park and crossed the street, his violet gaze on the three-story apartment building that stood at the foot of the park.

He called Yure through his multi-slate.

“What’s up, bro? I’m at your place. Where are you?”

Moargan heard noises in the background. “Are Helianth and Vandor with you?”

“Yeah.” He visualized his friend letting out a circle of smoke from the red cinder cigarette his mouth seemed to be glued to. “You aren’t here, and I seemed to recall that you needed me for something?”

True. He had wanted to go over the list of biofarms his father wanted him to do a credit check on. All that appeared very boring with what he had in mind now. “I need you for something else.” Movement on the third floor had Moargan flick his gaze back to the window. He narrowed his eyes at the slight silhouette frame in the glass. He imagined it was Xander watching him. “I want you to purchase the apartment owned by the Lyre family,” he said, keeping his eyes on the shape.

“Come again? Who?”

“We don’t care who they are. We want the apartment.”

“Why?”

When he heard his brother snicker in the background, Moargan spat, “Tell my brother that if he wants me to defend his cause, he’ll change his behavior.”

“Chill,” Yure muttered, but the background chatter dimmed. “Where are you?”

“Right now? Outside the Lyre residence.”

“Alright, I just moved outside for some privacy. I suppose you want me to do that right now?”

“Yep,” Moargan popped the p, watching as the figure disappeared out of view. It was getting darker outside, and soon the streets would quiet down, giving space to those who were looking for adventure.

Moargan gestured to one of Vandor’s men, who had discreetly followed him from campus, and he got into the hover car.

“I got it,” Yure started. “The apartment was inherited by Archer Lyre, a student at the Helion Academy. Twenty-two years of age. Never been in trouble with law enforcement. He lives there by himself—” He corrected himself before Moargan could do so. “No, hang on. He has a roommate. Xander Devers, twenty years of age. He doesn’t seem to be from here.”

“I need all the information you have on this guy.”

Yure paused. “Which one, Lyre or his new friend?”

“Xander Devers.”

“Why do I get the feeling that this is all about him?”

Moargan stretched his long legs in front of him, crossing them at the ankle as he got himself comfortable in the passenger seat. “Because it is. Can you do me a solid and keep this between us for now?”

Yure hummed in appreciation. “You mean, between me, you, your brother, and Vandor? Sure. Oooh… I see what this is about. I got a photo of your little friend here. It’s the eyes, right? So bright and blue.”

“Blue?” The word left Moargan’s mouth before he could catch himself. Something fluttered through his chest.

“Uhm, yeah? Black hair, blue eyes, sweet smile. Does he even know you exist?”

“Oh yeah, I made sure of that.”

Moargan thought of the way Xander had run from him. How he had tried to escape, only to be caught right between Moargan’s arms, back pressed against the door. Hand on Xander’s cock. How he had made the other man come. How he had hunted him down on campus, only to sneak up on him in the canteen.

Why had Xander been hiding the true colour of his eyes?

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