Page 21 of Jonathon, After All

“Perhaps the Foundation should hire him, instead of that hack who did Maximilian’s,” she mused and Jonathon threw his hands up.

“You’re both being generous but I wouldn’t want that kind of pressure. I need to go. I promised Aunt Muriel we’d play gin rummy before dinner,” he said, then offered them a bow before backing out of the room. He was just about to skip down the hallway and possibly slide down the banister when he heard Sabine click her teeth and make a worried sound.

“Dearest,” she said heavily so Jonathon pressed his back against the wall next to the door. “I am begging you—as your assistant and one of your oldest friends—to proceed with caution!”

“What are you talking about?” Leo asked, earning a knowing hum.

“I see the way you look at him,” she whispered. “You keep disappearing for an hour at a time and your mind is always someplace else when you are here. It’s obvious that something is going on with the two of you,” she said and Jonathon covered his mouth to hold back a shocked yelp.

“Nothing inappropriate has happened, Sabine,” Leo said, his voice lowering into an ominous growl that had the hairs on Jonathon’s neck standing. “I enjoy his company and watching him work. That is all.”

“Nothing has happened yet,” she replied and her tone was gently scolding. Jonathon wondered where she had found the nerve because he was quaking in his Converse as she tested Leo’s patience. “Not for lack of interest on Mr. Hawthorne’s part, mind you. But the Foundation won’t stand for it after all that’s happened with the last margrave and his archduchess. And is that really how you want to be known, as a sleazy playboy?”

There was a loud, barking cough from Leo. “I don’t recall asking for your opinion. Have I ever, when it comes to my personal affairs?”

“No! You’ve always been discerning and kept those matters very private, thank goodness,” she said with an uneasy laugh. “That’s why I felt the need to warn you, dearest. I understand why you’re tempted. There’s no denying he’s beautiful and he’s obviously willing, but he’s too young. Even if there wasn’t a terrible scandal, he would never understand the gravity of your situation and all that’s at stake.”

“You’re wrong about him,” Leo snapped at her, but Jonathon had jumped. “I don’t like what you’re implying about Mr. Hawthorne’s character and I won’t allow you to disrespect him in my presence.”

“I didn’t mean to! I just?—”

“Enough!” Leo cut her off and something was slammed. “Nothing has happened between us because he is too young and too beautiful. Mr. Hawthorne has far too much potential and I lack the time and freedom to give him the attention he deserves,” he said tightly, causing Jonathon’s eyes to grow wide and dry as he stared at the other wall.

“I see,” Sabine said with a loud sniff. “I didn’t realize you cared for him. I thought it was just a fling.”

“You know me better than that. I would have given into temptation days ago but my conscience wouldn’t let me. Not when I have nothing more than a handful of weeks to offer him.”

“I’m glad you’re being sensible. You know I don’t care, but the Foundation…”

Jonathon stuck his tongue out and shook his head as he went to find Muriel.

To hell with the Foundation.

And to hell with being sensible, Jonathon had decided. Never in his wildest, horniest dreams had he believed he’d have a chance with a man as sexy, mature, and refined as Leo von Hessen. He was leagues above the boys Jonathon had made out with in school and Leo was actually interesting and intelligent. Jonathon would have been a fool to let an opportunity like that slip through his fingers so he immediately began planning, starting with cards with Muriel.

He laid the groundwork then, complaining about an annoying headache that eventually blossomed into a full-blown migraine. Jonathon retired to his room for a “nap” and used the hour before dinner to take a long bath, shave, and cleanse. He was feeling fresh and frisky when he joined Muriel, Leo, and Sabine for cocktails, but he remained calm and acted distracted and tired throughout dinner. Particularly when Sabine was looking.

“I think I’ll turn in early. I’m still feeling a little off,” Jonathon informed everyone as their dessert plates were being cleared away.

Leo looked concerned, rising with Jonathon as he got up to leave. “I noticed that you barely ate. I can send for a doctor,” he offered but Jonathon waved quickly.

“I promise, it’s nothing serious, and I’ll be fine once I’ve slept this off.”

“If you’re sure,” Leo said as he bowed. “Goodnight, Mr. Hawthorne.”

“Mr. von Hessen,” Jonathon said evenly, then turned and smiled at Sabine. “Goodnight,” he told her before taking Muriel’s elbow. “Should I walk you to the music room for a nightcap or would you like me to help you up to your room?”

“Go on. I’ll send for Elke when I’m ready,” she said, but leaned back and cupped Jonathon’s cheek. “Are you sure you’re alright? It’s not like you to hide in your room unless you’re truly sick or upset.”

“I’m fine!” he reassured Muriel with a kiss to her cheek. “Stayed up until dawn reading,” he whispered and she chuckled fondly as she kissed him back.

“I will forgive you as long as it’s something naughty and you share,” she whispered, then gave his chest a pat. “Go rest, my boy.”

“Yes, Aunt Muriel,” he said and offered Leo and Sabine half-bows before leaving.

In his room, Jonathon giggled like a schoolboy as he shaped towels into a torso and limbs under the duvet and positioned one of Muriel’s wig heads on his pillow. He put a soothing rain forest playlist on repeat and left his phone on the bedside table, then quickly shed his suit.

Jonathon hurried down the hallway in his robe and tiptoed upstairs and down the hall to Leo’s suite. He had heard that Leo preferred to dress himself and didn’t have a valet, but Jonathon knocked and listened before carefully creeping around the double doors. His heart was in his throat as he scanned the darkened rooms and went to find the bed.

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