Page 32 of Blinding Light

The door closed with their father’s barking laughter. Once outside, Moargan accompanied Helianth to his ride.

“I can’t believe he’s making me do this,” his brother stammered as he opened the door. “An Aureate. He knows how much I hate that. Is that what I truly deserve for all the work I’m putting in?”

“It’s to remind you not to lose yourself in this case.” Moargan clasped a firm hand on Helianth’s shoulder. “You won’t promise?”

He got a chuckle and a pat on his nose for that. Moargan grumbled.Family. He didn’t mind though. The message was clear.

Watching the hover car leave with Helianth inside, he let outa long, tense breath. Whoever was out there disrespecting their family, would regret it soon.

The ride home was long and tedious, and Moargan spent it between tapping his knee and eying his multi-slate impatiently. Over half an hour ago Xander was having dinner.

When a Luminary guard opened his front door, Moargan ignored him, heading inside and straight toward the sounds of laughter that came from the kitchen. Enzo, some junior guard, sat on a stool at the kitchen island, sipping from a beer and chatting with Aviel, who was cleaning the dishes. Both looked up when Moargan came bursting through.

“Where’s Xander?”

“He escaped.” Aviel picked up another pan and started drying it.

“We got him chained and locked in a cage.” The Luminary guard wiggled his brows, laughter spilling through his lips.

“Cut it out, both of you.” Yure headed for the fridge. “Your boy’s in the bathroom.” He grabbed two bottles of beer, popped off the lid, and handed them to Moargan. “By the way, we found you a little present back in Archer’s apartment. Caught stealing.”

Moargan’s multi-slate lit up with an image that made his lips curl up wickedly. “Nice. I’ll call you later to show off our gift. First things first.” Flipping off Aviel’s chuckles, he headed for his bathroom.

The corridor felt way too long as Moargan made his way through, and his chest clenched as anticipation built.

When he found the bathroom door closed, Moargan tightened his lips in annoyance. Xander better not have locked that door. He tried the nob, releasing a breath when the door opened.

Inside stood Xander, a towel curled around his slender waist, his raven hair wet and shiny and curling at the tips. He glanced at him through the mirror, yellow eyes widening.

He turned around, startled. “Moargan.”

Moargan pinched the bridge of his nose. “I see. One night together and this is what I get? I liked it when you called me sir,” Moargan smirked.

Xander paled. “Sir, it is.”

“I’m just kidding, littleaeon.”

Xander’s hand descended to the knot around his waist to keep the towel in place, while the other blindly reached for the shirt that was placed on the heating.

Well, Moargan’s shirt.

Moargan pointed his chin toward the piece of garment. “Stealing from the Imperial family can cost you your hand.” It was a low blow, he knew, though the deepening blush on Xander’s face was priceless.

His hand froze mid-air. He shook his head and opened his mouth to speak, then slammed it shut again. His gaze peered up to Moargan’s mouth, and his pupils dilated.

“You tore mine apart,” he finally mumbled, the comment void of any snark.

”That’s right. And why did I do that?”

“I don’t want to fight you.” Tugging on his shirt, which wasn’t easy with one hand, Xander pressed the sides together in front of his chest. His sculpted, pale chest. “If you let me go, you won’t even notice my presence at the academy.”

“You have no idea what you’re saying,” Moargan smirked. “I’d haul you right back here before you could take your next breath.” Desire burned in his gut and his cock hardened, begging to be relieved and taken care of. How he’d loved their little chase last night. “How old are you anyway?”

Xander blinked in surprise. “Why?”

“Because I’m curious.”

“T-twenty?” Xander stammered.

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