“Is that what you want?” Arthur said quietly. “To be far away from me?”
“No,” Rory said immediately. “Hellno, Ace, but it’s not about what I want.” He ran a hand through his tangled curls. “My magic hitched itself to yourauraand I didn’t even ask.”
“But I’m the one who invited it in,” Arthur said. “I told you to hold on to me, because I wouldn’t let go. I’m as much responsible for the link as you.”
“Not hardly,” Rory said, fast and firm. “You don’t have magic and mine’s using you. Just ’cause it’s good for me doesn’t mean I get to keep it.”
“But it doesn’t mean you’re required to give it up either,” Arthur said, just as firm. “If the link is good for you, and it doesn’t hurt me, why not leave it for now? Let me protect your mind from its visions while things are so uncertain.”
“Because you’re more than just a protector to me—”
“That’s right, I’m yourlifeline, and I said you can’t make me take it back. Let your magic stay.”
“But—”
“Let it stay for now,” Arthur said again, “because I invited it in—andI’mnot ready to give this up.”
The words hung in the air between them.
“Okay,” Rory finally said, a little light-headed, as his heart began to pound. “We don’t have to givethisup.”
He got to keep the link for now.
He got to keepArthur.
“Speaking of invitations.” Arthur leaned back against the settee. “You told Mrs. Brodigan that you weren’t going to Hyde Park anymore.”
Rory scowled. Arthur had to go and remind him of what he’d missed. “I couldn’t run and hide before, and the relic’s sorted for the moment. You don’t got any more reasons to let me use your family’s house.”
“Actually I was thinking I’d get the car fixed and drive up and get the Ivanovs myself. Maybe stay for a bit, spend some time with the children, enjoy the mountains and the river.”
Now he was losing Arthur for weeks. Rory tried not to let the sting show. “Sounds real great.”
Arthur cleared his throat. “There’s still plenty of space for another helping hand or two. And Harry owns a lot of antiques.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Theodore.” Arthur rolled his eyes fondly. “I’m inviting you.”
Rory stared. “Sorry?”
“Come to Hyde Park with me,” said Arthur. “You and Mrs. Brodigan both. I’m inviting you to leave Hell’s Kitchen, have an adventure with me—it’s your call.”
Rory covered his mouth with his hand to find he was smiling so big he couldn’t hide it. “Then I call it good,” he said breathlessly. He might have kissed Arthur again, but Arthur pointed to the paper bag on the coffee table.
“I had something delivered for you this morning.” He sounded uncharacteristically nervous. “Although it’s really a present for myself, if I’m honest,” he continued, as Rory came forward and reached into the bag. “I sent for it from Little Italy, and Jade and Zhang promised it was authentic, but if I got the wrong kind or you hate it then of course I’ll take it back—”
Rory held up the beautiful silvercaffettierain wonder.
“—but I thought I could learn to make coffee, your coffee.” Arthur had clasped his hands, the only sign of his nerves. “Maybe give you a reason besides the link to come around?”
Rory stared at the ItaliancaffettieraArthur had bought them. “There’s just one problem,” he said hoarsely, his heart too big for his chest.
“Oh.” Arthur swallowed hard. “What?”
“I can’t show you how to make coffee until I kiss you—” Rory launched himself at Arthur “—and that’s gonna take all morning.”
