Page 10 of Royally Benevolent

“Sorry. I’m probably overstepping. This is a passion project for me. I swear. I can be insistent. Tell me fuck off if you aren’t interested.”

I grimaced. Could Isayfuck off?

“Sorry. I shouldn’t swear. I am sure that isn’t something?—”

“Swearing isn’t prohibited in the royal household, believe it or not.”

I flushed, not sure how to respond. Was she interested or just being polite?

“It’s probably boring.” I shrugged.

“I amveryinterested, but not sure if I’m capable. This is not in my wheelhouse.”

She glanced at her phone as it buzzed.

“Emergency?” I asked.

She took a moment. “I guess. I actually must go. Apologies.”

“Oh, that’s too bad, but I understand.”

“I’ll email you,” Odie said. “We can continue this. I’d like to know more about the whole funding thing.”

I doubted she would follow up, but I hoped she did.

“Great,” I said. “Sounds good.”

She slammed the rest of her cognac and disappeared, looking nervous. Although she looked young, she was busy. It made sense. She had royal commitments or whatever it was princesses did. I couldn’t keep her. At least I’d gotten a moment of her time.

I listened to the piano music a little longer, appreciating the solitude and company of adult strangers for a moment. I’d leave soon and go home, hoping to find my child in bed. For now, I was out in the world doing my best. I tried hard to be myself again. What did that even mean, though? I was different from the man who’d ducked into a seedy college party for beer almost twenty years ago and spotted a pretty outgoing brunette who shook his world to its core.

7

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

ODETTE

Iwanted to focus on Wyatt—this gorgeous man who talked about transportation like it was his magnum opus. His kind brown eyes and slight stubble captivated me. However, my phone kept buzzing with Karin’s threats. She knew I’d slipped out without my detail or her. I feared the press spilled the beans. God, he was beautiful! Why could I not have a fair shake at this and charm himbeforethe press took a bite?

Karin

I know you escaped. Ring me NOW or I will send the police door-to-door.

I ignored her message, continuing my investment in this blissful moment. I was womanly—a desired being. Once I left, it would end. I decided to wait her out and soak it up. She could threaten whatever, but I knew that would be considered a waste of police resources. She wasn’t dumb, just annoying.

I needed to focus on this—whatever it was. I wanted to think about how he swirled the drink, how his slight smile looked under low lights, and how hot he looked when he loosened his tie.Damn. I don’t know whythatwas the thing that set me off.

Wyatt continued, filling me in on the process. A slight blush came to his face, revealing he was a little nervous but always passionate. Wyatt’s grin was earnest in a way I hadn’t seen before. He didn’t want to offend me. He also cared about our conversation enough to want it to go well. This man wastrying. Then, things went completely off the rails.

He explained something about funding, then said, “Tell me fuck off if you aren’t interested.”

I giggled as my phone buzzed.Damn it.

Karin

I’m going to ring the palace and tell Her Majesty you are missing!!!

I knew I had a few minutes before she did it. If she lost me, the blame was partially hers. I was an unreliable twenty-something princess. She was a thirty-something professional who couldn’t keep tabs on me in an emergency.

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