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“And the truth will set her mind at ease?” Duncan asked.
“Definitely not,” Orion replied. “She’d locked me in my room and never let me out if she knew what was really going on.”
“Like I want to do to you,” Duncan said.
“Not a chance, but I still don’t like lying to her, and I don’t like hiding Izel.” Orion jumped and batted his hands at the air. “None of that inside, Izel.”
“This is going to be interesting,” Duncan said under his breath.
When they entered, Duncan glanced around, taking in the warm and inviting décor. Orion’s mom had clearly put a lot of love into creating such a comfortable home for her and her son.
“Mom?” Orion called out as Duncan closed the door behind them.
Duncan watched as a slim woman who couldn’t have been more than five feet strode from the rear of the house, a tea towel in her hands. She was strikingly beautiful. Although her hair was a bit of a mess, it shined under the lights. She had the same hazel eyes as Orion, and the same delicate bone structure as her son. Though her skin was olive instead of pale white, she reminded Duncan of his own mother.
When she looked Duncan’s way, she slapped the towel over her head. “Why didn’t you tell me you were bringing company, Orion? I look a mess!”
Duncan closed the distance, taking her hand in his before he kissed her knuckles. “You are a beautiful flower that can never wilt under any light.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Duncan saw Orion roll his eyes. “Don’t lay it on so thick, Romeo.”
“Who is this charming man?” she asked.
“Duncan Lovato.” Duncan released her hand and gave her a warm smile. “Es realmente un placer, señora.” It is truly a pleasure, ma’am.
Duncan knew he’d hit a homerun when her eyes widened. Then she looked at Orion. “Are you dating a Latino man?”
From the inflection in her voice, she was ecstatic.
“Would I date anyone who wasn’t?” Orion asked, though Duncan knew his mate was being sarcastic. Thankfully his sarcasm was lost on his mom. “I still think he’s laying it on too thick. Stop charming my mom before I boot you out.”
“You’ll do no such thing.” She pulled the tea towel from her dark hair that had been pinned back. Duncan was willing to bet her hair flowed down her back. “Forgive my son’s lack of manners, Duncan. He should have forewarned me that he was bringing you here. I really do look a mess. I’ve been cooking all day.” She glanced up at Duncan. “You’re very tall.” She laughed. “Then again, everyone is taller than me.”
“I’m six-four, ma’am.” Duncan inhaled deeply. “Do I detect churros?”
He’d smelled it when he’d walked in, but Duncan was determined to charm the hell out of Orion’s mother so she would be more apt to let Orion pack a bag without too much fuss.
He held back a growl when he felt something slap his arm. Clearly Izel didn’t like him spreading on the charm so thickly. Too bad. Duncan found her delightful, and since he was mated to Orion, that made her family, even if she didn’t know it.
“Yes.” She nodded. “I also made paella. You must sit and share a meal with us. And please, call me Paloma.”
Duncan placed his hand over his heart, giving her his most sincere look. “It pains me to decline your offer, Paloma. My brother is sick, and I have to get back to him. Orion has graciously agreed to help me nurse Cormac back to health. If that’s okay with you.”
Paloma turned to Orion. “Is this where Santee is staying?”
Orion groaned. “Mom.”
She waved away her son’s groan. “I just want to know the facts, Orion. I told you already that I don’t blame Santee for what his brother did to you.”
“Thanks,” Orion said.
She turned back to Duncan. “What’s wrong with your brother, and how long will Orion be staying with you?”
If it was up to Duncan, permanently. “Cormac is suffering from debilitating migraines.” He didn’t bother answering the question of Orion’s stay. Duncan was already feeling guilty about lying to her.
“If you don’t mind me asking, what is causing them?” she asked.
“A particular tree branch has been lodged up his backside for a while now,” Duncan replied, then inwardly winced at his off-handed answer. Maybe he should have let Izel come in with Orion instead.
