Page 48 of Worthy Promises
Orion’s joy reminded Oliver of the days prior to the death of their parents. But Oliver hoped Orion was experiencing genuine happiness instead of giving the forced smiles he’d used to please their parents and separate himself from his boring, staid older brother. Not that Oliver felt dull in Worthington’s presence.
The Duke Argent ignited something unexpected and previously unknown to Oliver inside him. He wanted to grin for no reason in his presence—or perhaps that was the joy of knowing if Oliver committed himself fully he would have the chance to share his life with Worthington. That was something Oliver and his owl dearly wanted.
What Oliver couldn’t figure out as he tucked socks and underwear into his overnight bag was why he wasn’t scared or making any effort to protect his heart. Around Worthington, Oliver was invincible. They barely knew each other, butWorthington with his gorgeous smile, quick wit, and honesty, had already convinced Oliver that having him as his bonded mate was the most important goal in his life.
It was far too soon to question Worthington about whether he reciprocated Oliver’s feelings or belief in them as a couple, but Oliver worried he wasn’t vibrant enough to please the vivacious Duke.
“Can I bring my books?” Orion asked, patting the little pile of treasures next to him. Oliver had purchased a few dragon books for him, and Orion had requested some about the Fae too. They rested beneath the magical tome Dra’Kaedan had crafted for him that included notes from some of the most beautiful beasts on the planet. Oliver hoped Orion wasn’t disappointed that he’d shift into a snowy owl at eighteen instead of one of the dragons he dearly loved.
“Of course you can,” Oliver assured him. “We’re teleporting over thanks to Dra’Kaedan just like we did last weekend, so bring whatever you want. Are you going to be okay while I’m out with Worthington?”
Orion nodded. “I’m not scared. I was when you first told me you were going.”
“You were? Why?”
His brother’s gaze hit the plain white bedspread. “I thought you’d make me stay here with my nanny.”
“I know you’d prefer not to have a nanny, but until Worthington and I are at a point in our relationship where we move to D’Vaire, you need someone here to care for you if I’m in meetings or attending other work events.”
“Okay,” Orion said, his gaze forlorn.
Frustrated that he couldn’t please Orion, Oliver sighed. “Are you looking forward to your sleepover tonight?”
“Yes,” Orion replied, perking up instantly. “Tonight, we’re camping with Rafe, Aleksander, and their wolves. Dra’Kaedan and Brogan are coming too. So are all the Fae.”
“That sounds pretty exciting.”
“Noirin and Kendrick are going to help us make s’mores,” Orion enthused. “I’ve never had those before. Neither has Zarasha. I don’t think it’s fair that she can’t eat.”
“No, it probably isn’t.”
“Are you packed yet? Can we go to D’Vaire now? Zarasha is expecting me.”
Oliver smiled at his enthusiasm. “Almost. I need to pick out what I’m going to wear tonight and get dressed.”
To Oliver’s amusement, Orion clambered off the bed and beat him to the closet. Oliver quickly grabbed a charcoal suit. There was no question he was wearing his favored shade of pink that night, but he had a rare moment of indecision. Which was the best choice for the night?
Orion reached out and grabbed the sleeve of a pretty floral shirt Oliver had bought but had never worn. He wasn’t even sure why he’d purchased it. Patterns or anything close to flashy wasn’t his style. Oliver stuck to basics like solid colors and the occasional subtle stripe.
“I like this one,” Orion enthused. “You should wear it. It’s pink like Worth’s dragon.”
“There are quite a few shirts here in Worthington’s color. I’m not sure about that one, it’s…not my usual style.”
With a frown, Orion fixed a rather intense stare on Oliver. “Do you like it?”
“Well, yes, it’s pretty.”
“Then you should wear it.”
It was just a shirt; what was the worst thing that could happen if Oliver dared step out of his boring box for the night? “Okay, I’ll wear it.”
“Could you get dressed now so we can go to D’Vaire?”
Oliver chuckled. Like Orion, he was eager to venture to their future home. But Oliver wasn’t interested in anything at the mansion more than being with Worthington again. “Yes. But first, let’s check your bag and make sure you have everything, okay?”
Orion huffed, and his shoulders slumped as he slunk out of the closet. “Fine, but I packed everything, I swear.”
“The last time I went on a trip, I forgot my toothbrush. You never know what we could’ve accidentally forgotten to slip into your bag.”
