Chapter 18

Eighteen

"Tilly? Muriel?" Jonathon peeked around the door, then stepped over the threshold, listening. "I'm sorry for all the trouble I've caused and for making you worry," he called.

Calista let out a loud Oof! and galloped into the foyer, skidding on the marble when she spotted him.

"It's me, girl! I'm home." Jonathon lowered to a knee so she could lick his face and sniff at his hair and clothes.

"There you are!" Tilly rushed into the foyer, breathless.

"Where have you been?" Muriel demanded, waving her cane as she followed.

"Upstairs with the Ashbys," Jonathon said as he stood and allowed Muriel and Tilly to shower him in kisses and check him for injuries. "I'm fine!"

"You cut your hair!" Muriel held onto his cheeks, blinking up at him to hold back her tears.

"I did. It wasn't really me," he whispered.

"No, it wasn't," she said sadly, patting his cheek. "It's so good to have my sweet Jonathon again. I knew you were lost and hurting, but I didn't know how to help you find your way back."

Jonathon pushed out a hard breath and nodded. "I wanted to tell you and I felt terrible hiding it from you for all these years. But I was afraid of how you'd react," he said, earning a hard grunt from Muriel.

"I would have dragged you back to Austria by all that silly hair and demanded that the Margrave fix what he had broken."

"I know," Jonathon whispered with a wince. "That's why I never told you."

"You should have. But what happened? We heard the Margrave was here and we were watching his limo from the sitting room. What have you two decided?" she asked and narrowed her eyes at Jonathon. "The groveling had better have been epic. Don't you dare let him off unless he's crawled and begged, boy . "

"It was sufficient," Jonathon said, then held up a hand so he could whisper behind it. "But I haven't made up my mind yet and crawling may still be necessary. Begging is almost guaranteed." He gave them both firm nods, making them giggle and titter.

"All I know is, I'm so glad to have my sweet Jonathon back," Muriel said as she curled her arm around his and turned them toward her sitting room. "I will forgive everything, if you'll tell us the whole truth now," she qualified, earning a heavy sigh from Jonathon.

"This is very overdue and I acknowledge that a lot of this could have been avoided if I had confided in you from the very beginning."

Muriel made a knowing sound, but waved it off. "What's done is done. What matters now is that von Hessen makes it right before he gets his way."

"He might not. The only thing I've promised Leo is an open mind and a week for him to court me," Jonathon warned, earning a hearty chuckle from Muriel.

"I think we both know how much the two of you can accomplish in a week. You may have fooled me once, but you're gravely mistaken if you think I'm letting a margrave slip through my fingers a second time," she told him and Jonathon snorted.

"We'll see. I sent Leo back to the Plaza so we could talk and discuss my next move. I'm not doing anything without your approval from now on when it comes to Leo and the Foundation."

" Good and it's about time," Muriel replied and the three of them immediately put their heads together over tea and cake.

Jonathon filled Muriel and Tilly in on most of the details about their past at Sch?nbuh?l—romantic and gory. He explained how friendship and flirtation had quickly escalated into a passionate affair, and how Sabine had expertly and surgically separated them once they had parted ways after Sch?nbuh?l.

"Oh, I hope that woman gets what's coming to her!" Tilly had said, looking very much like she wanted to be the one making that delivery.

Muriel surprised them, tutting and clicking her teeth. "I hate to say it, but I think I might have done the same thing if I were in Sabine's shoes. I remember how dedicated she was to von Hessen and how tense she was that entire month. All she cared about was getting the Margrave back on his feet and ready for that ceremony. An affair with a young American would have looked like the end of the world to her," she said and Jonathon frowned.

"But I thought you said—" he started to mention Muriel's comment about setting him up in a place in Vienna and providing his cover story, then stopped before he gave himself and his secret vent away. "I can't believe you'd say that, when it was her fault that I didn't end up with a margrave."

"Do not hate the player, hate the game," Muriel quoted with a dramatic shrug. "Sabine was doing her job—rather well, mind you—and I should have been doing mine. If I had been in her shoes, I would have done the same thing."

"So, you think I should forgive her?" Jonathon asked, earning a gasp from Tilly.

"I wouldn't!" she said and Muriel nodded.

"I'm not inclined to either," she replied, making Jonathon frown as he rubbed his temple.

"I'm so confused." He glanced at Tilly and she looked just as mystified.

Muriel stuck her nose in the air. "Such is the nature of the game, my dears. I can concede that Sabine played better than us and that it probably wasn't personal. But we are still on opposite sides until she apologizes and lays down her weapons. Not that it's for me to decide when she's apologized enough. That's entirely up to you," she said to Jonathon.

"That is the part I need the most help with," Jonathon said as he reclined, stretching his legs and crossing his ankles. "I've agreed to have dinner with Leo tonight and we're going to see if there's still…a spark. I'm really nervous about that, but I think I'll be fine, regardless of how things turn out this time. Seeing Sabine again, though, after everything that's happened…" He hugged his stomach as it ached and turned sour. "I have to face her and hear what she has to say before I can even think about moving on with Leo, but I really don't want to."

"We're ready for her this time," Muriel said with a determined sniff. "We're all ready for her and I sincerely doubt that von Hessen will allow her to make a fool of him again."

"Let's hope not," Jonathon murmured, recalling all that had transpired since the gala—with Leo, the Ashbys, Max, Leo's brothers, and his bodyguard, Markus—upstairs in 8B.

"My goodness!" Tilly said and laughed in disbelief. "Talk about a whirlwind! And you barely left the building. But how was it, seeing the Margrave again? Forget all that business with Sabine, the gala, his brothers, and the other Margrave being there. Did you still feel something for him? All of this is pointless if you feel nothing now," she said, cutting right to the chase. Tilly never was one for beating around the bush or dawdling if there was work to be done.

Jonathan pushed out a hard breath, nodding. "I was an overwhelmed, weepy mess most of the time, but…" He thought back to the moment he rushed out of the kitchen and threw the roses at Leo. Once Jonathon had calmed down he felt the same longing to be closer to Leo. When their hands touched, he had ached to fall into Leo's arms, they seemed just as safe and strong as Jonathon had remembered. He probably would have if they had been alone. "But I still feel something."

"I'm sure you're nervous as well. Where is he taking you tonight?" Muriel asked and Jonathon shook his head.

"I have no idea. I agreed to a week and we both agreed to meet with Sabine tomorrow, and then I kicked us all out of 8B. Giles and the kids returned with their lunch and I didn't want to impose for another minute. Leo said he would send word in a few hours and that he'd pick me up at six."

"In a few hours?" Tilly asked and checked her watch.

They jumped when there was a knock on the front door.

"I'll see who it is," Jonathon told them, since it seemed likely that it was for him.

A deliveryman was waiting with a flat gift box and a card from Leo.

"At least he was smart enough to avoid flowers this time," Muriel said with a snicker and Jonathon hummed in agreement.

"I never want to see another white rose for as long as I live."

He lifted the lid and let out a watery gasp at the navy blue cardigan and crisp white Converse.

Muriel frowned into the box. "You already have a sweater and sneakers just like that, don't you?" she asked and checked Jonathon's feet. He was wearing a dingy pair of white hightops.

Jonathon nodded, smiling and crying as he hugged the box to his chest. "I have one almost exactly like this. I can't believe he remembered. Or found these so quickly."

He had lived in New York City long enough to know that anything was possible if you had money and connections. But Jonathon was thoroughly shaken when Leo appeared on Muriel's doorstep with a Mead composition notebook, wearing a charcoal pea coat, a baseball cap, jeans, and sneakers. He was also wearing thick-framed glasses in an attempt to conceal his identity and Jonathon was both amused and slightly dizzy. Leo looked so handsome and it was so surreal, being this close to him again.

"You look perfect, mein Sü?er," Leo said as he bowed over Jonathon's knuckles. "Just like my dreams."

"This old thing?" Jonathon teased as he gestured at his new cardigan. He had paired it with a plain white T-shirt, jeans, and the new Converse. Leo's idea to dress as himself was brilliant. For the first time in a long time, Jonathon wasn't wearing a costume. He felt infinitely lighter and it was easier, just being himself instead of being bland and vapid on cue. "What's this for?" Jonathon asked while flipping through the notebook's empty pages.

"Any ideas you might have for things we can do to make up for the last ten years," Leo replied, earning a loud cackle from Muriel as she took it from Jonathon.

"I hope you bought a case of these, von Hessen. I'll have this one filled by the time you return," she warned.

"Do your worst," Leo dared her as he helped Jonathon into his jacket.

"Don't do that," Jonathon said and hid the notebook before they left. "We're already off to a strong start," he told her, then kissed Muriel's and Tilly's cheeks on the way out. "Are you cosplaying as Clark Kent?" he asked Leo after they got into the elevator, gesturing at the glasses.

"You don't like them?" Leo took them off and inspected the frames and plastic lenses.

"I do," Jonathon replied, smiling as he fell back against the elevator's wall. "I could have dressed up as Lois Lane if you would have told me, is all."

Leo chuckled softly as he put them back on and stepped close, bracing a hand next to Jonathon's shoulder. "I'd like to be your Superman, if you'll let me," he said, hooking a finger under Jonathon's chin and snagging his attention. "I have studied your Instagram account and I noticed that you have a talent for costumes." He stifled a groan as his thumb traced Jonathon's lower lip. "Is it because you're such a gifted artist or because you watched so much television as a child?"

"Probably. Thank you. Both," Jonathon babbled weakly as his neck stretched, mesmerized by the sweet mintiness of Leo's breath and the smell of his cologne and aftershave. For a moment, they were at Sch?nbühel again and the years had turned back until the elevator bounced as it halted and there was a cheerful ding! as the doors opened. Jonathon gave himself a shake, scowling playfully at Leo. "I guess that hasn't changed."

There was a soft laugh as Leo offered his arm. "I'm praying I can keep my feet on the pavement and out of my mouth for the next few hours as well," he whispered, but Jonathon frowned when they stepped out onto the sidewalk and there was no car or giant bodyguard waiting for them.

"What's going on?"

"This way, I think," Leo said as he turned them toward Central Park.

"Where's Markus?" Jonathon asked, earning a mischievous grin.

"I made it one of my conditions. We can't be ourselves with an angry babysitter staring at us. Markus is back at the Plaza and I am wearing a tracking device and these glasses. I am practically unrecognizable in casualwear," he said with a wink that caused Jonathon's tummy to do several somersaults.

"Are you sure it's safe?"

Leo waved dismissively. "I am virtually unknown by most New Yorkers and I am far less controversial here by those who do know me. I am less controversial in Austria these days and probably don't need as much security, but Markus is a good friend and I trust him," he explained. "I hope you're up for a little sightseeing. I thought we could walk and talk and perhaps, you might show me your favorite place to eat and maybe get a drink," he suggested.

"I'd love that!" Jonathon said and grabbed his hand, thrilled at the chance to finally show Leo his New York. "I can't tell you how many times I've wished I could show you around the city. Not the glitzy, glamorous parts that Muriel and Max know. I can't stand that part about being here."

"Show me your city," Leo insisted.

They tested their disguises on the A-train to Jonathon's favorite Thai place on Hudson Street. It was a supper club, in the classic 60s style and the cozy, retro ambiance always put Jonathon at ease and he had been craving the garlic fried rice for days. He was also very partial to the pear wine cocktail and allowed Leo to order several for them.

"That was phenomenal," Leo said as they walked arm in arm through Central Park. He stopped them under a street light. "This is how I pictured us. Here and in Vienna and London and Paris…" He smiled and nodded in the direction of the Plaza. "I came here when I needed a moment to clear my head and escape my bodyguard and my brothers. I came here so I could be alone with my thoughts and you."

"Did you?" Jonathon asked, but wasn't surprised. Leo hated being cooped-up and would see it as an oasis in the city. "I spent so many hours staring at the park this weekend," he said, laughing as he turned back to Leo. "I don't think anyone recognized us."

He was staring at Jonathon and nodded. "I don't think so either, but I wasn't paying attention."

"No, you weren't," Jonathon agreed.

Leo was attentive and gently possessive from the moment they stepped into the elevator. His hand remained around Jonathon's or around his waist or their arms were linked wherever they went. Leo got every door, pulled out his chair, and would have happily fed Jonathon if he would have allowed it. Leo pampered Jonathon shamelessly and made him feel like it was just them, wherever they went.

Maybe it was Jonathon's new haircut and Leo's super glasses or the fact that Jonathon had chosen more ordinary places, but no one recognized them. He did hear a man whisper "One of them is someone , but I can't figure out where I know them from."

He also heard several people refer to them as a couple and was pleased that no one seemed confused or surprised that a man like Leo would choose a slip of a man like Jonathon. Perhaps it was because Leo made it patently clear that he had chosen Jonathon, doting on him and sneaking little kisses at every opportunity. He acted so shamelessly and happily in love, wherever they went, it was so easy for Jonathon to get caught up in the moment.

Jonathon drew the limit at ice skating at the Wollman Rink or Rockefeller Center, despite Leo's pleas. "Unless you're going to carry me on your back or in your arms, no ."

"It would be so much fun!" Leo had insisted, but Jonathon was not adding humiliation to their list of activities. He'd already spent ten years making an ass out of himself.

"I don't have a single athletic bone in my body and while I enjoy winter and snow, my appreciation is purely vicarious. I prefer to watch others experiencing it from a warm, safe distance."

"Fine, but I will teach you later, when it is just us. I'll make sure there is plenty of glühwein and warm blankets for you afterwards," Leo had decreed, causing Jonathon to stumble.

"Glühwein?" He laughed shakily. "This fantasy of yours takes place in Austria, then," he teased and tears stung Jonathon's eyes as he fell in love with that dream too.

Leo slowed, the arm around Jonathon's shoulders and the grip around his arm tightening as he was pulled closer. "Most of them do…" Leo stopped, turning and taking both of Jonathon's hands in his. "But I'll tell them I can't go back and I'll find a place here and wait, if that's what you want," he said with an easy shrug, his gaze clear and determined as it held Jonathon's. "The last ten years have been…empty for me. I used my work to fill the void and I tried dating other people. But at the end of the day, I missed you and the man I was able to be when we were together."

"I can't let you do that, Leo, but I know how that feels," Jonathon whispered, unable to find his voice and his heart burned; he was so sad for the both of them as he recalled how lonely it had been. Those memories were already fading as they commiserated, but they stung as they shared and purged. "I waited for someone else to sweep me off my feet so I could forget you, but it turned out I'd missed my chance with a once-in-a-lifetime prince."

"No." Leo shook his head as he cradled Jonathon's cheek. "Your prince nearly missed his chance with a once-in-a-lifetime heart. But he isn't going anywhere this time, and he'll try again and again until he gets it right. If you'll let him."

"I might," Jonathon said coyly, lowering his lashes and stretching toward Leo. He offered his lips, only to receive a strained groan as Leo pecked at them briskly and turned Jonathon toward the Olympia. Those little kisses were starting to get on Jonathon's nerves.

"I do not trust myself with you," Leo said and those little kisses suddenly felt like a large victory.

"You don't?" Jonathon asked as they walked. He wound his arm around Leo's, surprised at how natural and good it felt to be by his side again. They had both changed in so many ways, but Jonathon felt the same enthralling connection and safety he had only ever experienced with Leo.

Leo shook his head faintly, distracted. "It would be counterproductive and attract the wrong type of attention if I were to attack you here in the park," he murmured, then sighed as the Riftstone Arch and the exit came into view. "If it would please you, I will send a car to pick you up in the morning so you can join me for breakfast in my suite at the Plaza. After, if you think you're ready, I will send for Sabine so she can answer to the both of us, together. I won't allow her to play us off of each other again."

Jonathon stared up at Leo, nodding. "I would like that, the breakfast part," he began, then frowned as he considered the second part. "Thank you for including me and considering my feelings," he said and Leo stopped them, his expression taking on a severe edge.

"You will always be included from now on. And I will always consider your feelings first. You are all that matters and I will fight for us this time," he vowed. " You tell me how you want this matter with Sabine to be handled and I will see it done."

"That's…a lot, and maybe too much," Jonathon said with a soft laugh. "She betrayed both of us. She barely knew me, though, and what she did to you seems much worse, given how much you trusted her. But she was acting to protect you and she gave you everything else you wanted."

Leo pulled a face. "I have thought of little else but her manipulations and my culpability and I have found us both guilty. That is why I will not be the one to decide when we are forgiven," he explained and gestured for them to resume their journey back to the Olympia. "It's getting cold and starting to rain and your coat isn't heavy enough," he stated, putting his arm around Jonathon again.

That was what Jonathon had missed so much, all those years. None of the men he'd played with had actually cared about Jonathon. They saw him as a fast fuck and forgot about him or they were along for the wild ride and acted more like accomplices. They tapped out lines for him to snort while holding his hair and helped him spend his aunt's money on expensive champagne and hotel rooms, using him as he used them to get back at Leo.

But with a deft flick of Leo's chopsticks, they were all forgotten as he fed Jonathon a vegetable or wiped sauce from the corner of his lip. Every act of tender, adoring attention and possessiveness soothed one more burn and erased another scar.

To be cherished and nurtured , while being his true self was magical, but also affirming and healing in ways Jonathon hadn't expected. And for Leo to worship Jonathon so openly and unabashedly in one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world had earned him several points as well.

"What about the Foundation?" he asked as they stepped into the elevator. Jonathon squared up to Leo playfully, bracing his hands on his chest. "What if they get wind of this and try to shut it down?"

"They have already been informed and they can't ," Leo stated, but his voice had lowered to a ragged rumble as his hands spread across Jonathon's back. "A lot has changed and I have more power than I had ten years ago. I've had a decade to learn the ropes and I've taken everything I need from the margraviate and the Foundation. They need me far more than I need them. I have more than enough money and properties and businesses that are not tied to the House of Hessen so we will never have to worry. But they're out of men to fill the role if I walk away," he explained.

"You can't do that for me," Jonathon objected, earning a wicked grin from Leo.

"Want to bet? I've already signaled that I'm willing to do just that if they don't allow me this time to handle a very important personal matter."

The elevator stopped and the doors opened, but Jonathon wasn't ready to move. "Leo that's…" He was stunned by all that Leo had already sacrificed and what he was putting on the line to stay for a week and woo Jonathon. "I appreciate all of this, but please don't make any more changes or piss anyone else off over us," he said, but Leo made a dismissive gesture and held a hand out to Jonathon.

"They will accept us with smiles on their faces because that is what I wish. Now, come along. It's getting late and we wouldn't want Muriel to worry."

"Right!" Jonathon said and smiled as he took Leo's hand and they made their way to 6A.

That had been a lovely surprise, seeing Leo defer to Muriel and respecting her authority and judgment. And Leo talked about Muriel as if she were part of their team and understood that she was part of the package if he and Jonathon were going to have any kind of relationship. That alone spoke volumes about what Leo was prepared to do, because only a brave man would happily agree to bind himself to Muriel Hormsby for the rest of his life.

"I love that you're making such an effort with Muriel. That's going to earn you so many points," he murmured, sighing happily as he closed his eyes, rose on his toes, and craned his neck. Surely now, Leo would give Jonathon a real kiss and end both of their agony. Jonathon was pretty sure there was still a spark. He was feeling pretty hot and his stomach did cartwheels every time Leo pulled him close.

"I'm glad, and I'm happy to dance to whatever tune Muriel wishes. She has always had your best interests in mind and she understands far more than I ever will about the aristocracy and their old ways." His lips swept across Jonathon's before he was turned and Leo tapped a knuckle against the door.

"But what about…" Jonathon attempted, but Leo shushed him.

"Not yet. Not until I have Muriel's hearty blessing this time. I cannot trust myself and your judgment is questionable as well."

"That goes without saying," Jonathon conceded, but didn't hide his scowl as he let Leo in and made smalltalk with Muriel and Tilly until he left them.

"Well? How did it go with von Hessen?" Muriel asked Jonathon as they returned to the sitting room, just after 9:00 PM.

"Wonderful," Jonathon said and pouted as he crossed his arms.

"Then why do you look so bothered?" Muriel asked him.

Jonathon's face scrunched as he considered. "I had a wonderful time and it was just like old times. So much so that I was ready to see just how much was still the same, but Leo was a perfect gentleman. He barely even kissed me," he said, earning a pleased hum from Muriel.

"About time that man started showing some good sense. He's learned that the past can't be swept under the rug, if he wants to sweep you off your feet."

"It can't…" Jonathan agreed hesitantly. "But I'm finding that I feel better, every time I leave another piece of it behind. I believe that Leo's sorry and it looks like he was hurting just as badly as I was, he just had to hide it and carry on with a smile," Jonathan said, aching as he imagined it. "I'm more interested in seeing if we still have chemistry, than dwelling on the past."

"Good," Muriel said with a firm nod and Tilly seemed pleased as well as she sipped her tea in her nightcoat. Muriel had waited up in her most elegant boudoir ensemble: a teal and gold velvet paisley robe with marabou trim and a gold turban. "Don't let the past weigh you down. What do you plan to do about Sabine tomorrow? Speaking of the past and heavy things," she said, causing Jonathon to pout and scowl again.

"She feels like a weight around all of our necks and we can't move on until we talk to her, but I don't know what I'll do. How can I, until we know if she is actually sorry, or just sorry that she got caught?"

"That is the question," Muriel agreed, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully as she sat back in her seat and crossed her arms. "We shall just have to wait and see."