Page 27 of Royally Benevolent

“It’s Wyatt,” I answered.

“Mr Billionaire? I knew it!”

“What?”

“Lex, she’s got a crush on Wyatt Worthington. Iknewit. So that text was about his kid and the nanny situation?”

“Yes,” I blushed. “I don’t have a crush, though!”

“Your face suggests otherwise, princess,” Rick said.

“Odette, he’s too old for you. Let it go.”

“I am not planning to have a relationship with him,” I argued. “I am hisfriend. We are working on some advocacy for Vision 360. We need a strategy. I can champion improvements and make Neandia safer. He’s the experienced one. I’m trying to be a good partner. That’s all.”

Secretly, I wanted it to be different. He made me nervous, and I felt things I shouldn’t. I loved his smile, and seeing him with Theo only drew me closer. Despite how perfect it felt, there had to be something wrong with him. Alexandra was probably right.

“It’s okay to fall for someone older, Alexandra,” Rick said. “You should talk!”

“He’s what? Your age? He’s too old for little Odie!”

Little Odie. I set my jaw. “I’m grown, Alex. I have every right to be my own woman! Can you just let it go and see me as human, please? That’s all I want.”

She sighed and made eye contact with Rick, whose face telegraphed admonishment. It was funny. When Rick arrived, I couldn’t imagine anyone fitting into our world. But soon after, I may have had a girlhood crush on him. Then, he became like our dad—a cool dad who let us be wild. He didn’t try to stifle my creativity or tell Ingrid to pipe down. Alexandra struggled to let us be free. It wasn’t her fault but a factor of her status as monarch. Her role demanded it.

Alexandra’s face softened as she considered her words.

“Odie, I’m sorry. Youhaveworked hard. And things are going well with you at work. I appreciate your stepping up. I should give you more credit.”

I smiled. “Thanks for saying that.”

“I still think he’s too old for you, and you should avoid someone with children. That seems complicated.”

More complicated than a man who used me, led me on, and dropped me like a hot potato when things got rough?

“I don’t think I will end up with anyone my age,” I protested. “Men in their twenties are petty little boys. You know this full well.”

Rick gave her an I-told-you-so glance.

Watching him win this round was strangely satisfying.

16

HOSTING

WYATT

“Wyatt, can you explain why two men are doing a ‘sweep’ of the place?” Mom asked.

I couldn’t easily explain it unless I told her my friend was a princess. That would only further complicate things in her mind. I hadn’t expected an entire security team to show up at my residence and inspect the place. The leader of this sweep approached before I could answer.

“Mr Worthington, the place is clear,” the man said in French. “This is a suitable location. Plain-clothed men will remain outside your residence until this business is finished.”

Business. Was it that deep?

He continued, “The Princess will arrive shortly.”

I winced, looking at Mom’s expression. Tonight wasn’t going to plan. Theo was still awake. Now, Mom knew what was up. We’d had the houseswept. What more could go wrong?

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