He thought about waking Alec up and suggesting they go into the bedroom. He could kiss that full, soft mouth, mess up that silky hair even further. He brushed his lips over Alec’s cheek, closing his eyes . . .

He opened them to late-afternoon sun shining through a floor-to-ceiling window and cursed his own exhaustion. Who knew how many hours had passed, and Alec was no longer on the couch with him.

He found Alec on the balcony with a spread on the table of charcuterie, cheeses, breads, and fruits. Alec lifted a champagne flute toward him.

“Alexander Lightwood,” said Magnus in admiration. “Well played.”

Alec swirled the glass, his silly grin the only crack in his debonair attitude. “Prosecco?”

The balcony was like a cup of warm sunlight. They sat there and Magnus sent messages to everyone he could think of, asking if anyone had seen Barnabas Hale around. He also ate maybe a pound and a half of cured meat. Taking an early light dinner with Alec, even though they had to hurry, felt almost domestic.

He should move in with me, he thought. No, no, too soon, maybe when it’s been a year.

Magnus was in the shower when he heard Alec’s raised voice in the living room. He hastily snatched a vast, cloudlike towel and swathed it around his hips, hurrying into the suite’s drawing room in case Alec was being attacked by another demon.

Alec and Shinyun, seated on opposite ends of the couch, both froze. Shinyun quickly looked away; Alec stared. Magnus realized he had burst into the middle of the living room wearing only a towel, his wet hair dripping onto his bare torso.

Awkward.

Magnus waved, snapped his fingers, and was instantly wearing a burgundy T-shirt with a plunging V-neck, a jaunty silk scarf, and a pair of skinny jeans. He padded barefoot over to Alec’s side and pressed a light kiss against Alec’s burning cheek. Only then did he turn to acknowledge Shinyun. “Good afternoon. Prosecco?”

“I’m leaving,” said Shinyun.

“Like, forever?” said Alec hopefully.

“Most people don’t find the sight of me half-nude that alarming,” said Magnus. “Several heads of state have deemed it ‘a privilege.’?”

Alec rolled his eyes. He seemed more than a little tense. Maybe he should book them some massages, Magnus thought.

“I have some contacts in Rome who won’t want to talk to a Shadowhunter,” Shinyun said. “Also, I’ve been trapped in a car with you for the better part of two days. I need a break. No offense.”

“None taken,” said Alec. “Off you go.”

“Do you want coffee?” asked Magnus, feeling a little bad.

“I can’t stay,” said Shinyun.

“She can’t stay,” said Alec. “You heard her. She has to go.”

Shinyun gave Magnus what he recognized as a sarcastic imitation of his own wave of greeting and left.

Magnus turned his head toward Alec, and into a kiss.

Alec had moved as only a Shadowhunter could move, swift and silent. He was in front of Magnus now, pulling off his own shirt, then sliding his hands up Magnus’s arms, kissing him, deep and desperate, and oh, he’d gotten really good at this in a short amount of time. He broke the kiss only to unknot Magnus’s scarf and pull Magnus’s T-shirt up and over his head. He threw the shirt in the direction of the window. Magnus dropped kisses on Alec’s face, on his hands, urging him along in every way he could. It was like being in the center of a wonderful whirlwind. Alec’s hands skimmed up the muscles of Magnus’s back, along his sides, over his shoulders, in restless, avid motion. Magnus staggered back, needing something to keep him upright. His back hit the wall.

“Sorry!” Alec said, looking suddenly worried. “I—everything’s all right, Magnus?”

Alec hovered, eyes wild, and Magnus reached out, lacing his fingers through Alec’s hair and tugging him back into the embrace.

“It is all right, yes,” he murmured. “I love it. I love you. Come here.”

Alec flung himself back into the embrace, kissing and sucking at Magnus’s lower lip, the intoxication of bare skin against bare skin making them both dizzy. Magnus slid his palm down Alec’s stomach, the ridges of muscle hard and clear under his hand. Alec made a low, desperate sound against Magnus’s mouth as Magnus started to undo his jeans. “Magnus, yes,” he whispered. “Please, yes.”

Magnus realized his hand was shaking even as the zipper came down and Alec’s head went back. His eyes were closed as they had been the night before, his beautiful lashes fluttering, this time in pleasure. His lips parted.

He whispered, “Wait.”

Magnus pulled back instantly, his heart pounding. He held up both hands and then put them behind his back.

“Of course,” he said. “We can wait as long as you want.”

Alec reached to have Magnus back, as if by instinct. Then his hands fell by his side, and he clenched them into fists. His eyes traveled over Magnus, before he wrenched his gaze away. Magnus looked at the severe lines of his face and thought of the relentlessness of angels.

“I want this,” said Alec, his voice despairing. “I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. But—we’re in this together. You’re worried about the cult, and I don’t want to just be grabbing some time when Shinyun isn’t around, when you’re unhappy.”