Page 70 of Royal Fling
“Nonny, I'm sorry. I should have told you.”
I started with the obvious. Nonny was like a mother to me, and I'd been seeing her son behind her back. I wouldn’t blame her if she felt betrayed. She needed to know that I didn't mean to hurt her. Or Luke.
She looked puzzled.
“Say something?”
She tilted her head, and her lips curved up into a sneaky smile.
“Oh please, August. Did you think I didn't know?”
“You did?” I asked.
“Oh, give me some credit, will you? It's not like you're the most discreet person in the world. Asking me what kind of entertainment and food an American might like. And then taking Luke to Ibiza with you for a ‘business meeting.’”
She actually air quoted that last part. Nonny didn’t air quote. Oh God.
“Oh,” was all I managed to say.
“Besides, you've had Nikolas take you everywhere. And you know he's the biggest gossip.”
“He is?”
She didn't reply. Instead, she raised an eyebrow, emphasizing her point.
“Oh,” I said again. “Are you mad at me?”
“Why would I be mad at you?”
“You know why?”
She nodded and rested her hand on my thigh.
“No, I'm not mad at you, Auggie. You did nothing wrong.”
“But he's your son.”
“Yes. I noticed. Honey, you know I want what’s best for you and your siblings. You know you’re like my own children. Why would I have a problem with you dating Luke?”
“I would think you’d feel protective of him.”
“I do. But I know you, honey. I’ve seen the way you look and act lately. I can tell you’re special to each other.”
“He’s the best thing that's ever happened to me. He's the sweetest, kindest, smartest human I've ever met,” I admitted.
God, I was so glad she wasn’t mad at me. That made it one less person to hate me.
“I’m glad. But make no mistake, I’ll twist both your boys’ balls if you hurt each other,” she said.
I covered my sensitive area with both hands on instinct. I could tell she meant the threat. But I was glad she’d included Luke in it. That she felt protective of me, too.
“How bad is it?” I asked, going back to the subject at hand.
Her gaze dropped to my chest.
Shit. It was bad.
“Your mother called. She's on her way to London.”
