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He growled when he felt Izel smack him on the back of the head. If his mate hit him one more time, Duncan was taking Izel to the backyard at home and kicking his ass.
Paloma blinked at Duncan. “Okay.” She’d drawn out that single word.
“The doctors are trying to find out,” Orion replied, glaring at Duncan. “I’m going to pack a bag, Mom. Don’t let Duncan charm you any more than he already has, or he might be the one suffering from severe headaches.”
“Don’t joke about that, Orion,” she admonished. “Duncan’s brother is suffering. That’s no laughing matter.”
When Orion started toward a hallway, he turned and flipped Duncan off behind his mom’s back then mouthed, “Behave.”
“Is your brother’s condition recent, or has he suffered from migraines for a while now?” Paloma asked as she led Duncan into the kitchen. “I don’t mean to be so nosy. It’s all right if you don’t want to tell a complete stranger about him.”
“It’s okay. Cormac has suffered from the lodged branch his entire life.” Duncan watched, his mouth watering, as Paloma grabbed a large plastic container and filled it with paella and churros. If that was for him, Duncan was going to kiss the hell out of her.
She set the bowl aside. “I’m not trying to be your mother, Duncan, but I don’t think you should joke, either.”
Just the mention of Duncan’s mom shut down his sarcasm. Milly was great, but she wasn’t his mom. He also liked Paloma, could see himself visiting her often, but no one could replace Duncan’s mom.
“Duncan?” Paloma stared at him.
“I’m sorry.” Duncan cleared his throat as he felt Izel’s invisible arm circle around him. “My mother passed away recently.”
He was not going to cry in front of Orion’s mom. Duncan fought back his tears, smiling at Paloma. “You just reminded me of her when you said that.”
“I’m so sorry.” She looked stricken that she’d made such an error, but Duncan couldn’t fault her. She hadn’t known.
To his shock, she hugged him but not before he felt Izel quickly pull his arm free.
“It’s okay.” Duncan patted her back, unsure of what else to do. “We’re coping.”
“And your brother is suffering from migraines. This has to be a lot for the two of you.”
Now Duncan felt like complete shit for lying to her. Paloma Keplin seemed like a very caring woman, and Duncan was going straight to hell for not only lying to her but for helping Orion lie to her as well.
She pulled back, dabbing at her eyes. “I’m a silly old woman for crying.”
“Nonsense.” Duncan grabbed a few napkins off the counter and held them out to her, which she took and cleared away her tears. “You’re just a very caring woman. Now I see where Orion gets it from.”
That made her smile, and Duncan was glad. He hated feeling like shit for lying to her about Cormac. Duncan might give his eldest brother a hard time, but he truly loved his family. They were everything to him.
“Just take care of my son,” she said. “I don’t know if he told you about his recent attack, but I worry about him.”
Duncan took her hand in his, once again kissing her knuckles. He didn’t care if Orion or Izel thought he was laying it on thick. He truly liked her. “I will watch over him for you.”
“Just don’t tell Orion that I asked you to do that, or he might think I’m being overbearing.”
“It just shows you care,” Duncan whispered right back. “Your secret is safe with me.”
“Bless you.” She finished filling the container before securing the lid. “I would love for you to have dinner here sometime. I don’t really have anyone to cook for. Orion isn’t much of an eater, but as you can tell, I love being in the kitchen.” She handed him the container. “Make sure you give Cormac some.”
Duncan wasn’t sharing shit with Cormac. In fact, he just might devour the food in front of him. “You’re a gem, Paloma.”
“I’m ready,” Orion announced as he walked into the kitchen, his gaze falling on the plastic bowl in Duncan’s hands. “Sweet. Did you put enough in there for Duncan, too?”
Duncan smirked. “Actually, this is all for me. If you want some, have your mom make you a bowl.”
Paloma snickered while Orion scowled. “That container is big enough to feed four people.”
Duncan hugged the bowl to his chest. “Your mom made this for me. Get your own.”
