Page 75 of Resisting Royal

CHAPTER 37

BIANCA

I was standing over Mrs. Gunther, using a probe to scrape off the excess glue from her gums after I applied her crown when my pocket first buzzed. I smiled broadly behind the mask, knowing no one could see the pleasure that one text brought me. I didn’t have to look at the phone to realize it was Royal, probably with some witty text that was more obnoxious than caring, but let me know he was thinking of me just the same.

My assistant handed me a mirror. “The new husband?” Shit, how did she know? When I didn’t answer, she said, “People talk.”

Of course, people talk. “I’m sure it’s him. I’ll answer when I’m done.”

“You could have done worse. I mean, I will admit, he was the biggest baby I’ve ever seen in the dental chair.” Mrs. Gunther snorted at that. “But, he was smoking hot.”

I leveled Liz with a look that told her to back off. It was weird, this feeling of jealousy over Royal. I should appreciate that others found him attractive, but I didn’t. I felt possessive and agitated that she had looked at him in the first place. “I like him.”

“I can see why. Plus, I hear he is loaded. You really struck gold with that one. Are you going to change your name to Russo now?”

He did have some pretty sufficient funds, but that didn’t matter to me and as far as the name change . . . I had to think about it. Initially, I had kept Moretti because it annoyed Royal and annoying Royal was absolutely one of my favorite marriage pastimes. But, now? After spending this past weekend with him, I didn’t think that carrying the Russo last name would be that much of a hardship.

I sat up straight in the chair, causing the plastic under me to creak as I reached for the overhead light. “All done, Mrs. Gunther.”

She licked her lips. “Well, are you?”

“Am I what?”

“Are you changing your name? Liz and I want to know.”

Nosey old coot. “Eventually.”

She rolled her eyes at me. “Well, if I was married to a man that is rich and looks as good as Liz here said, you better bet I’d change my last name. Probably make sure I got knocked up instantly to seal the deal, too.”

My stomach nearly revolted with the thought. I hadn’t planned to get ‘knocked up’ by Royal, but I guess whatever happened, happened at this point. “You would not, you like your independence too much.”

“I most definitely would. Hell, if you don’t want to follow my lead, hand him over, I’ll do it for you.”

I had to laugh at that. “No, no. He’s legally mine.”

“Fine. But learn to appreciate him.”

Ha. Royal could take that advice as well. I watched as Liz escorted Mrs. Gunther out of the room, before removing my gloves, and reaching into my pocket to pull out my phone. As suspected, there was a text from Royal, and I couldn’t help stare at the screen like a dummy just from the sight of his name.

I opened the screen to read the text, I left lunch for you at the front desk, I couldn’t stay today. I have a lunch meeting.

I felt my heart patter a little at the gesture. Aww, you care. Thank you.

I more than care. He replied quickly.

Will you be home tonight?

Why? Miss me? He attached a cheesy smiling emoji at the end of his question.

Hardly. Okay. Maybe a little.

I’ll take it. I won’t be home tonight. It’s fight night, but I should be home sometime in the morning. Feel free to think of me while alone. I also accept photos.

Ha. What a pig. I decided to ignore the hint. I’ll see you in the morning. Hopefully, with breakfast in hand.

Anything, Amore.

I slid the phone into my pocket and strolled down the hall to the reception desk. The girls were all chatting and stopped the moment they saw me, their eyes bright as a knowing smile teased their lips. I leaned on the counter. “Was there a delivery for me?”

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