Truth or Spare (Princes Take New York #2)

Chapter 27

Chapter Twenty-Seven

S o long to Dewey’s peaceful Monday mornings at the bowling alley.

He was more than happy to put them behind him, though, as Bryce and Chase tumbled through the front doors together, bursting with energy. Roddy was already running the lane machine when he arrived so there was little for Dewey to do in the workshop or behind the front desk. Everything was already handled so Dewey went to the office to track some orders and see if anyone had gotten back to him about a good, used popcorn maker. He wanted one like the theaters had because popcorn was dirt cheap to make and pretty much sold itself when it was fresh.

There was nothing interesting in his inbox, unfortunately, but Dewey was rescued when Theo slipped into his office and closed the door behind him. “How’s it going, boss?” he asked cautiously.

Dewey hissed as he leaned and looked through the window as Bryce and Chase goofed around on lane 2. They were trying to outdo each other with trick shots and it was just what Dewey wanted to see on a quiet morning when all the chores were done.

“I’m…alright,” he said, then held up his hands. “I think I’m alright?” He gave Theo a clueless shrug.

Theo laughed as he came around the desk and sat on the edge. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing!” Dewey shook his head in disbelief. “Everything’s perfect , but that might be the problem…”

“Ach so,” Theo said heavily. “Let’s see if you can only be the boss, now that you have all the qualified help you need,” he challenged with a knowing look.

Dewey rose, rolling his eyes as he leaned in and pecked at Theo’s lips. “I don’t know how to be idle,” he admitted, accepting he had a new problem to cope with. That would be his problem, though, because it was time for Dewey to take a step back and let Chase and Roddy do the heavy lifting around the bowling alley. That was what was best for business, and what was best for Dewey. “But I’ll get used to it.”

“I think I can find ways to keep you busy,” Theo mused as he walked his fingers down Dewey’s chest.

“Here?” he asked with another quick glance at the lanes. He couldn’t see Bryce or Chase anymore, but assumed they had everything under control. “What if we closed the blinds and locked the door?”

“What if?” Theo whispered excitedly.

Dewey nodded, then swore and spun around when there was an urgent knock. “Enter,” he barked.

The door swung open and Bryce was breathless as he leaned into the office. “Someone’s here. They’re looking for Theo.”

“Me?” Theo offered Dewey a clueless shrug before they went to take a look.

They hurried out of the office and Theo’s steps slowed and he rubbed his eyes like he was seeing a mirage as an elderly woman in a fur turban and a magenta cape angrily waved a cane at Roddy.

“Touch me again and I’ll beat you with one of those pins,” she threatened as a tall, beautiful, dark-haired gentleman in a sleek gray suit searched the shoe racks behind the counter.

“Where is he? I know he’s here!”

Theo cleared his throat loudly. “What are you two doing here?”

The other man turned and raced around the counter and Dewey recognized him from Theo’s phone. Matteo pointed and ran at them. “You’re alright!” He pulled Theo into a tight embrace, then leaned back and grimaced. “Although, I am concerned about this ensemble,” he said as he scanned Theo’s hot pink Brooks Bowling polo, jeans, and bowling shoes.

“Take him and let’s be off!” the woman ordered and pointed at Theo. She pushed a stunned Roddy away and aimed her cane at Dewey. “You don’t want any trouble from us,” she said with an icy glare.

Dewey reared back and shook his head. “Are you sure you’re in the right place?”

“You must be Walter,” Matteo drawled as he narrowed his eyes at Dewey.

“No…” Dewey pointed at the dog, sleeping soundly in front of the desk, despite the commotion. “That’s Walter.”

“Eh?” Matteo said as he turned and blinked at Walter and then at Theo. “ That’s Walter?”

The woman huffed indignantly. “I was told to be ready to fight but I refuse to assault a basset hound.”

“Stand down, Muriel,” Theo said to her, then cupped Matteo’s cheek. “It’s so good to see you!” He pulled him close and kissed his forehead hard before putting an arm around Matteo and turning them. “Everyone, this is my brother, Matteo von Hessen, and his sidekick, Ms. Muriel Hormsby.”

“Is this an extraction or not?” Muriel asked tartly, making Theo laugh.

“An extraction?” he asked and Matteo looked annoyed as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“You could have told me this was about a dog.”

“And a bowling alley,” Theo said as he twirled a finger over his head. “But mostly about Brooks. I didn’t know where to start and I wasn’t ready,” he said simply, causing Matteo to throw up his hands. He was such a dramatic, more passionate version of Theo, Dewey was fascinated as he watched them.

“Oida! Bist du deppert? You told me nothing . I thought we had lost you to a cult because no one had called about a ransom.”

“Theo!” Dewey and Bryce shouted, both horrified.

Muriel humphed at Theo. “You had your poor brother worried sick. I returned to the Olympia and found him pacing and practically climbing the walls.”

“He would have blown my chances with Brooks,” Theo said, then mouthed an apology at Matteo. “I told you not to worry and Leo knew where I was,” he added, turning to Muriel. “Why aren’t you in Austria with Leo and Jonathon?” he asked and she pulled a face, making a bored sound.

“A wedding for one of my many goddaughters, but that’s neither here nor there. Why are you still here , Theobald von Hessen, when you should be in Manhattan?” she demanded, making Dewey wonder if Theo was in trouble and on the run again.

“Thank goodness for Muriel,” Matteo said to them. “Theo’s had his location turned off and Leo told me to butt out, but she was the one who called and interrogated his accountant,” he explained to everyone.

Muriel hummed as her nose tipped back regally. “The accountant always knows. It took a while to track the woman down in London. She wasn’t inclined to cooperate until I reminded her of who I am and who we were looking for and that I know people at Interpol.”

“Would you two please calm down?” Theo said as he pressed his hands together. “I’m sorry if you were worried, but I told you I was fine ,” he said to Matteo.

“Ja!” He nodded quickly. “But that was all you would say and the last time we spoke, you said you didn’t think you were ever coming back to Manhattan.”

Dewey was still getting used to the idea and he was glad all eyes were on Theo, he was so overcome with joy.

There was a loud groan from Theo as he scrubbed the back of his neck. “I didn’t want them to know who I was,” he explained as he pointed at Dewey and Bryce. “And I didn’t think I’d be able to keep Matteo away if he found out I was spending my days in a bowling alley or how much larger the men are out here.”

“That’s fair… I would have been all over this,” Matteo conceded and nodded appreciatively at Bryce. “I do like the look of you. What’s your story?”

Bryce’s eyes were huge as he backed away. “I’m…straight,” he squeaked.

One of Matteo’s black brows lifted. “How straight?” he asked with a purr, making Bryce jump and Theo laugh.

“Nein, Teo. Nicht der Junge,” he said as he shook his head. “He is family and he is too young .”

“Hey!” Bryce protested, but slid Theo a half-smile. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

“So am I,” he said and Muriel made an exasperated sound.

“That still does not explain why you are here and what it is you are doing, Theobald. This is no place for a prince,” she stated with a disdainful sniff at Roddy.

Theo’s lips pursed and his eyes narrowed as he nodded. “Jein… I wasn’t sure when I first arrived, but this is my home now,” he said and held his hands up when Matteo gasped in shock. “I miss you and Leo and Eli and I do get homesick. But the three of you haven’t needed me for a while and the life I miss back home in Austria doesn’t exist anymore.”

“That’s not—!” Matteo started as tears welled in his eyes, but he stopped and nodded. “It is time for us to grow up and you can’t take care of me and Eli forever.”

“Nee! You’re both doing just fine without me,” Theo said, but there was a catch in his voice.

“Hey.” Dewey grabbed Theo’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “You fit in real good here and I need you,” he said quietly, but Matteo’s jaw fell and his eyes sparkled as they flicked between Theo and Dewey.

“Wirklich? Now, this makes much more sense,” he said and clapped his hands together happily.

Muriel raised a lorgnette and humphed as she approached Dewey. “I take it this is your establishment,” she muttered while leaning in.

He held still as she poked his sternum and gave his arm a solid tap with her cane. She humped again and nodded. “He’ll do, I suppose.”

“Well, then!” Matteo said and laughed. He wiped the corner of his eye, then turned and took in the bowling alley. “I’d love a tour, once the proper introductions have been made,” he added, gently scolding Theo.

“Right! Where are my manners?” he said and quickly introduced everyone, causing Dewey to blush and stammer when Theo called him his Brooks but instructed Matteo and Muriel to call him Dewey or Doobie.

Dewey offered to show Matteo around, suspecting that Theo’s brother was hoping for a chance to get better acquainted.

“This is the workshop,” Dewey said as they came around the wall at the end of the lanes and gestured at the row of pinsetters.

“Look at that!” Matteo said excitedly, but his posture was elegant yet nonchalant as he strolled with his hands in his pockets. “And so many tools,” he noted with an appropriate nod, then spun and crossed his arms over his chest. “I know people. Very dangerous people.”

Dewey drew back and his brow furrowed. “Okay… Do you need help with these dangerous people?” he asked.

“What?” Matteo blinked for several moments, then shook his head. “No, I’m warning you not to hurt my brother. I don’t know how much of this was planned or if you’re manipulating Theo into staying, but I will destroy you if you hurt him,” he stated slowly and clearly.

A loud cackle erupted from Dewey as he bent forward and grabbed his knees, insensate at the thought of anyone—let alone him— manipulating Theo. “That’s the dumbest fuckin’ thing I’ve ever heard!” he said, wheezing as he wiped the tears from his eyes. “You think I planned for that ?” He tossed a hand in the direction of the front desk as he recalled the day Theo first walked into the bowling alley. “Lord almighty, if you had any idea what kind of chaos he’s caused and how close we were to giving his ass the boot.”

“Chaos?” Matteo drew back, looking surprised. He gave his head a shake. “Theo’s the smart one and everyone’s favorite. He’s the fixer. Our problem solver.”

“The fixer?” Dewey had to grab the workbench as he was caught up in another wave of laughter. “He can’t fix shit!” he said as he tossed a hand at the pinsetters. “Can you picture him back here working on one of these?” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder at the bench next to him.

A snorting giggle burst from Matteo. “Theo, back here? With all of this?” he confirmed and shook his head quickly. “No, no, no… We don’t know how to do actual work. Theo usually fixes things with his brain or money,” he said, wrinkling his nose.

Dewey nodded. “I could tell and he tried, but I’m not interested in your brother’s money. The last thing I was expecting was for him to be a prince. I knew something was up but I thought he was on the run and trying to sneak into Canada. You could have knocked me over with a feather when he finally told us.”

“You thought you were aiding and abetting a criminal?” Matteo verified.

“Why not?” Dewey shrugged, his gaze dropping to Matteo’s black patent Oxfords. They were probably handmade like Theo’s. “I didn’t have much else to do and it was gettin’ too quiet around here.”

He jumped when Matteo laughed and hugged him. “That’s brilliant! Welcome to the family, Doobie Brooks. I can’t wait to tell Eli and Leo and for them to see this place,” he said, gripping Dewey’s shoulders and leaning back. “I can see why Theo didn’t want to be found. They certainly weren’t kidding when they said everything was bigger upstate.” He gave Dewey’s arm a playful punch, but the compliment and Matteo’s acceptance had stunned him. Dewey was lightheaded as he staggered back and into the workbench. “Careful!” Matteo grabbed his elbow and helped him onto a stool.

“I’m fine.” Dewey took a deep breath and rested on his elbow, waiting for his head to clear. He laughed softly, realizing that for the first time in a very long time, that it was true. “I have an autoimmune disorder and I get tired and dizzy pretty quickly,” he admitted without any shame. “But I’m fine now. My brother’s back so I’ve got an extra set of steadier hands to help out around here. Our bowling alley’s going to be just fine and my nephew’s going to have everything I ever wanted for him. And I’ve got Theo. Which makes me the luckiest man in the world, the way I see it.”

“It certainly does,” Matteo said with a pleased sigh. He held onto Dewey’s arm, watching him closely, still looking concerned. “But I get the feeling you deserve someone as good as my brother. You might be exactly what Theo deserves, the more I think about it, and I can tell he’s going to be very happy here.”

Dewey was with Matteo until the end. “Here?” he made a dubious sound. “That part still blows my mind and I’m waiting for Theo to wake up and realize he’s in the wrong Oslo.”

“I don’t think he will. Theo has always been more of what you call a…homebody, I believe. He’s been more restless since Eli went to school but I had hoped that coming to America might cheer him up,” he said, rolling his eyes. “I should have anticipated he’d flee Manhattan, though. Theo’s never been that fond of cities.”

“Whatever. I’d like to keep him for as long as I can,” Dewey said with a hopeful lift of his brows. “If you think you and your brothers would approve. Do I need to ask Leopold for permission if I wanted to…?” He rolled a hand vaguely, too much of a chicken to actually say it.

“I think I’m qualified to act in Leo’s place, in this instance, and that my permission will suffice,” Matteo said seriously, then laughed and hugged Dewey again. “You don’t need our permission but you have my approval. I’m sure Leo and Elio will agree when they’ve had a chance to meet you.”

Dewey was dizzy again at the thought of Theo’s older brother, the Margrave , in Oslo. “Um… That won’t happen any time soon, right? We’re still getting used to Theo and half the town’s about to turn up, once word gets out that there’s another prince in the bowling alley.”

There was a sympathetic hum and a wince as Matteo canted toward Dewey. “We do draw a lot of unnecessary attention. But you won’t have to worry about Leo for a while. He has his obligations as Margrave and is too obsessed with Jonathon to leave Schonbühel. And that is exactly where we want him,” he said with an impish grin. Like Theo, it was obvious that Matteo was devoted to his brothers. “Eli’s too busy playing mad scientist and does his best to stay out of his brothers’ love lives.”

“Very smart,” Dewey pointed out and Matteo snorted.

“Too smart. It’s made him…” Matteo tapped his temple and crossed his eyes. “Did you see that movie… The one about the brilliant mathematician who worked until he made himself sick?”

“ A Beautiful Mind? ” Dewey guessed. He hadn’t seen it, but that sounded like the plot. Sort of.

“Yes!” Matteo clapped Dewey on the back. He talked a lot with his hands and was a toucher, like Theo.

“Is that an Italian thing?” he wondered under his breath.

“Ja! That’s the movie! Except Eli’s covered himself in equations and piercings and scars. Never saw a building he couldn’t climb or a rail he couldn’t slide down with his skateboard. Pfui.” Matteo crossed himself and said a prayer. “Der Rotzloffel, but he’s busy at Cambridge these days. Thank goodness.”

“Cambridge?” Dewey threw him a hard look. “Theo said Elio was a genius and that he was studying in the UK, but he didn’t say he was at Cambridge.” Even Dewey knew that was a pretty prestigious school.

“For some time now,” Matteo said. “He’s decided he wants to be a professor and we have seen tremendous improvement in his behavior. No explosions and no broken limbs or calls from the police for months!” He held up two sets of crossed fingers and cheered.

“Sorry we won’t be seeing him for a while,” Dewey said dryly.

Matteo hummed in agreement. “He’ll send his love and best wishes, Passt schon,” he said with a shrug, then checked to make sure no one was behind him before leaning close. “Let’s say someone wanted to sneak into Canada? How would they go about that?” he whispered.

“I might know someone who’d be able to arrange something. Lots of people have relatives and friends who work at the crossings and for border patrol. Why?” Dewey asked warily, but Matteo just laughed and waved it off.

“Krass! No reason in particular. Just wondering. Any chance I can get one of those pink shirts?” He flashed Dewey a blinding smile and smoothly changed the subject.

That was fine with Dewey. He put a pin in it and didn’t think about Matteo’s question until later that evening. He was climbing the front porch of his family’s home with Theo and Walter and paused as he pushed the key into the lock.

“Are you alright?” Theo slid an arm around Dewey’s middle and kissed his cheek.

“Me? I’m great!” He held onto Theo’s hand for a moment, too grateful and afraid he’d make a fool of himself to say anything else. Dewey unlocked the door and let Theo and Walter in first, bursting with pride as he closed it behind them. “But is there a chance Matteo might go on the run next?” he asked carefully as he pulled Theo close.

He wound his arms around Dewey’s neck, groaning. “Possibly, for political asylum, if I had to guess. He does his duty for Leo’s sake, but Matteo loathes the Foundation and hates rubbing elbows with rich aristocrats.”

“Huh,” Dewey grunted. “He gets along pretty well with Muriel.”

“That’s because she detests them more than he does. And she’s Muriel Hormsby,” Theo whispered. “All of Manhattan and half of Europe is terrified of her. She’s Jonathon’s aunt and sidekick, but we’ve adopted her and have been crashing at her place in the Olympia,” he explained.

“I’m beginning to understand why you like it here so much,” Dewey said.

“It’s a calmer, more rational world here in Oslo,” Theo agreed, smiling tenderly as he stroked Dewey’s beard. “And I didn’t have to leave the state to find it.”

“It was calm and rational until you showed up,” Dewey noted, making Theo grin.

“Thank goodness the people of Oslo are so patient and forgiving,” he teased as he rubbed the end of his nose against Dewey’s and pecked at his lips, causing his tummy to flip and his toes to curl in his boots.

For a big, boring oaf of a man like Dewey, that was pretty damn magical. “We’re lucky, is what we are. I love you, Theo von Hessen, and I’m so glad you walked into my bowling alley and talked me into giving you a job.”

Theo’s laugh was watery and his lips tasted like tears as he kissed Dewey. “I love you too, Dewey Brooks,” he said, then leaned back. “But are you certain?” Theo arched a brow and bit back a laugh. “I was sure you were going to fire me after the paper towel incident.”

“Nah.” Dewey said, laughing softly. “You had your moments but you were worth it. Your heart was always in the right place and everything worked out in the end.”

“It did, didn’t it?”

“Yup.” Dewey kissed Theo, cherishing the moment. “It also helps that you’re really hot.”

Theo hummed in agreement and nodded. “It certainly does.”