Page 100 of Worthy Promises
“She has a future now,” Oliver said. “There’s no way we’re getting either her or Orion back to sleep tonight.”
Worth laughed. “Maybe we can talk them into watching a movie in an hour or so in the living room. They may nod off for a nap.”
“As long as we don’t separate Zarasha from Xakiok anytime soon, I think that’s a brilliant plan.”
“What do you say we get something to eat and see if we can calm our heartbeats down to a near-normal level?”
Oliver brushed his lips against Worth’s chin. “I love the way you think.”
Chapter 34
After taking a goblet of wine from Worthington, Oliver smiled at his other half. The Duke Argent was delectable in a silk tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and a pink paisley tie that matched his dragonskin vest. His glossy hair glowed under the bright lights of Their Majesties’ ballroom. Oliver wondered if he would ever get used to how handsome Worthington was or if he’d forever be blown away by the man he loved.
Like the man, Oliver’s beast reveled in the joy of having the other half of his soul. He’d grown addicted to the satisfied hoots of his owl.
“You’re having charming thoughts of me,” Worthington said with a smirk. He kissed Oliver’s cheek. “Tell me everything. Are you undressing me?”
“No, but I will later.”
“Be more specific, Owliver. Where will you start?”
“Not with the tie,” Oliver decided. “It’s far too handy for gently yanking you close for kisses.”
“What makes you think I’d put any distance between us if you’re intent on ravishing me?”
“Well, you are standing here with me in this gorgeous room fully dressed, and now I can’t think of anything but how incredible you look naked.”
Worthington grinned. “I’m not one for an audience. Not with you, Owliver. Especially when it irritates Chrys and Elf. They are already put out with us for refusing to allow them to throw us a party solely to celebrate our matebond.”
“This is a better idea. They can toast to our future, and we get a Fated D’Vaire event featuring incomparable art like Jeremiah’s.”
“Oh, I agree, but I didn’t appreciate the lecture on the duties and expectations of being the Duke Argent. Very dull.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for it,” Oliver said. The call to Worthington from Chrys had come through while Oliver was in a virtual meeting. He’d escaped to have the meeting in their bedroom since he didn’t want to irritate anyone in the High Kings’ office with the noise.
“Are you though?”
“Not really.”
“So cruel,” Worthington drawled.
Oliver lifted slightly on his toes and pressed his mouth to Worthington’s. It felt so damn good he did it a second, then a third time. “I hope I haven’t lowered your respect for me,” Oliver whispered.
“As if such a thing is possible.”
Mindful of the half-full glass in his hand, Oliver pulled Worthington close and kissed him again. Instead of a gentle caress, Oliver stroked his tongue with Worthington’s and wished away the milling crowd surrounding them.
“Hey, guys,” Jeremiah called out.
Reluctantly, Oliver took a step away from Worthington and shifted positions so he was at his side and faced a blushing Magister Duke.
“Whoops, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Jeremiah said with a grimace.
“Have no fear, I’m keeping a tally of your faux pas, and the moment you meet your mate, be prepared for revenge,” Worthington quipped, lacing his fingers with Oliver’s.
Oliver took a deep drink of his wine and willed his blood to cool. It was so easy for him to forget where he was or that a world existed beyond him and Worthington whenever they touched.
“It’s a genuine pleasure to finally be working with you,” Oliver told Jeremiah.
