Page 54 of Worthy Promises
“Did you miss me, Owliver?” Worthington asked after a single ring.
“Of course,” Oliver replied. It wasn’t instinctive for him to be so candid, but he was taking the lesson he’d learned about Orion to heart. Like Oliver, Worthington had known loneliness—they hadn’t spoken of it in depth yet, but being confined to an isolated home for a century was far worse than being raised by the neglectful parents Oliver had seen daily. The last thing Oliver wanted was to deny Worthington any affection or kindness. “But I also had a quick question for you.”
“I miss you too, and I’m here for you. What is your query?”
“I don’t want to impose on anyone at D’Vaire, but Orion loves it there. Also, he’s not the biggest fan of being alone here with his nanny. Do you think it’s possible Orion could come to D’Vaire on the rare occasions when I can’t be at the house here with him?”
“I insist he come here. Not only am I fond of Orion, but Zarasha has declared him her best friend. What kind of ogre would I be if I deprived these children of time together?”
“Thanks.”
“Now, answer my question.”
“You didn’t mention you had one.”
“Surely it must be obvious.”
Dumbfounded, Oliver tossed clothes into his hamper and grabbed toiletries from his bag with his free hand. “Maybe I’m obtuse, because I don’t have a clue.”
Worthington sighed heavily into Oliver’s ear. “Owlie, when are we going to share a bed again?”
“Oh, right.”
“What kind of answer is that? Of course I wish to know when I’ll next share the most incredible snuggles,” Worthington replied. His voice dropped a little lower. “Maybe a little—or a lot—more if I’m lucky.”
“I assume Orion and I are staying the entire weekend for the D’Vaire event coming up?”
“Of course you are, but that is five nights from now.”
“We’d have to leave at four in the morning to ensure Orion got to school on time.”
“Fucking time zones. Fine, but you’ll come over before Friday to spend a few hours together?”
“Anytime, Worthington.”
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay, I hate to go, but Orion wants to buy a puzzle with me.”
“Get a dragon one, and call me later.”
“I will do both,” Oliver promised and smiled as they disconnected. There were some minor obstacles to navigate, but Oliver was eager for the future.
On a happy cloud, Oliver barely glanced at his phone when it rang again a few seconds later. Expecting to hear Worthington’s delicious accent, Oliver was dismayed at the actual voice.
“Mr. Oliver Toivonen?”
“Yes,” Oliver replied.
“Hold please for Count Scandiacus,” the person on the other line said in a clipped voice.
Irritated at himself for not screening the call and avoiding whatever demands Count Scandiacus had dreamed up, Oliver grimaced.
“Is this Oliver? Oliver Toivonen?” Count Scandiacus demanded loudly in his ear a full minute later.
“Yes, Your Excellency, what can I do for you?” Oliver asked politely.
“The paper says you have found your mate. Duke Argent Worthington D’Vairedraconis. I, of course, will have to meet him. Wednesday at seven. Do not be late.”
