Page 59 of Worthy Promises
“Our Lex doesn’t take other people being hurt well,” Worthington told Oliver. “Especially when it happens within families. Our fair Rutledge wasn’t gifted with a wonderful birth family, which has made Lex hypersensitive to such matters.”
“I was careless with you, Worth,” Lex said, his brown gaze intent on Worthington’s face. “I was so blind. In my head, I thought I was being kind by bringing my friend with me whenever we visited my parents. I didn’t understand how much it hurt you to be there. Even now you pretend like you’ve turned over a new leaf with them, but you aren’t fooling me. Being around them reminds you of the past and the decisions madewithout your input. I hate watching Pyxlevir and the twins, to some degree, being hurt by the same recklessness.”
“Absolutely not,” Worthington retorted, his eyes narrowed. “You love me and wanted to share your parents with me. The same way you wanted to share them with Somerly. You inviting me to accompany you came from a place of respect and caring.”
“You know what I think about when the whole Gramlithyn and Pyxlevir situation comes up?” Lex asked. “I put myself in Pyxlevir’s shoes, and I consider my reaction if Somerly had done that to me. Somerly and I have been best friends since we were babies. To have him suddenly cutting me off and never seeing him? I can’t contemplate it. I was ready to join the Council years before we did, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave Somerly—not even in a scenario where I explained myself to him.”
“It would be like leaving D’Vaire,” Worthington commented softly. “It’s impossible for me to imagine.”
“So, you’re coming here Oliver?” Lex asked.
“I already told you he was,” Worthington argued.
“I know, but I’m your best friend,” Lex retorted. “Doesn’t hurt to double-check.”
Oliver grinned at the way the two friends were eyeballing each other with irritation. “Once the time is right, Orion and I will become D’Vaires.”
It was at that moment that it dawned on Oliver that he could drop the Toivonen name and leave behind his parents’ legacy altogether. The idea of giving his art galleries the new name pleased him immensely. If Orion wanted to keep Toivonen, Oliver would support him, but secretly he hoped his brother would take D’Vaire too.
“Good,” Lex responded. “When is this auspicious day going to happen?”
“Come along, Owliver,” Worthington coaxed, leading Oliver away from Lex and his mate. “Let’s allow fair Rutledge to sort Lex out so we don’t have to put up with his attitude any longer this weekend.”
“Rude,” Lex called out.
“We really must find better friends,” Worthington said, ignoring Lex. “Good thing we have a house full of people to aid us in our task.”
“In the meantime, do you think we could find my brother and possibly some dinner?”
“Owliver, your wish is my command.”
Delighted with his other half, Oliver smiled, and they began the hunt for Orion and Zarasha.
Chapter 20
Saturday night, Worth was finally alone with Oliver. They’d spent the day with family, and Worth was happy to shed his temporary owl wings and slip into his pajamas. As soon as he was dressed, Worth left the bathroom without bothering to knock to check if Oliver had finished changing. Although they’d kissed plenty, they had ventured no further into intimacy.
Sex was hardly the most important part of their matebond, but Worth was ready to get more physically acquainted with Oliver. Unfortunately, Worth ventured into the bedroom and found Oliver already covered in an adorable pair of pajamas decorated with pictures of Asteria. Oliver smiled, and Worth grinned back at him as he stalked toward his other half.
He’d hoped to find him unclothed, but Worth and his dragon could deal with his pajamas if they didn’t stay on all night. Oliver rested his hands on Worth’s waist and pulled him close as their mouths met.
“Owlie?” Worth asked against his lips.
“Do you realize you only call me that when we’re in this room?”
“Of course. To the world you’re my Owliver. But if we’re alone, it’s you and me,” Worth replied, snuggling into Oliver’s embrace. “Me and my Owlie.”
“Do you think if I get you naked Asteria will stay in her private space, or do I risk baring my ass to your poor pet?”
Worth smirked. “Before I answer, I must know if you think the risk would be worth it?”
“Absolutely, I’d just like to be mentally prepared for how I’ll ever look into her eyes again without blushing.”
“I adore this bit of shyness.”
With a sigh, Oliver laid his head on Worth’s shoulder. “I’d love for you to think of me as an exciting and adventurous lover, but the truth is I mostly unzipped, went to work, and left immediately afterward.”
Ignoring the way his mind conjured up horrible of images of Oliver with other men, Worth slid a hand under the owl shifter’s white T-shirt. “I don’t care about your past, Owlie. What I want is your future. If you make me feel half as good as you do when we kiss, I’ll have no complaints.”
