Page 37 of Royally Benevolent

“Wonderful, actually,” I answered. “He started sounding out words. I am not ready for a literate child. I spell too many words out.”

She snickered. “Annoying when they do that, for sure. But it’s a sweet age.”

I wasn’t sure it was. Theo had an iron will when he wanted to, but he could be challenging to manage right now. His moods changed quickly. In five minutes, he needed a firm hand and compassionate hugs—boundaries but empathy. His disharmony tested my patience. He preferred his grandmother. If Isla were here, I was sure it would be a “mommy” phase. Sometimes, I felt guilty about leaving him without a close female role model.

“I suppose. I’m exhausted. Anyhow, it’s not your problem.”

“Can I do anything to help?” Odette offered.

I was surprised by her insistence. Why did she want to help? There was an awkward pause as I thought up what to say. She was being so kind. How did I even respond to that? She wasn’tserious, right? Thankfully, before I could react, The Mayor dropped his phone behind Odette. And before he could grab it, she turned to pick it up. Unfortunately, she bent over to grab the thing, leaving me in the direct line of sight of her shapely ass and the upper portions of the back of her thighs.

“There you are,” Odette handed the phone off.

“Thank you, ma’am,” Mr Mayor said. “See you both next month.”

He stepped out, and I tried not to take all of Odette in—her soft curves, her hair tied back and how I’d like to let it down, and that fabulous round ass.Fuck. This wasn’t good. I was about to be trapped with her for hours—days, even—and I couldn’t think like this.Think pure thoughts, Wyatt! Think about the Cards and their playoff losses.

I turned to leave, afraid if I stayed, I’d just look at her like an idiot for however long. She wasbeautiful. I could acknowledge that bit and remain professional, if not awkward as hell.

“Wyatt!” Odette chased after.

I turned to her.

“We have failed.”

I pressed the button for the elevator.

“We didn’t, though. It’s the first of many battles, but we won this one. Take the W, Odie.”

She crinkled her nose adorably and snickered.

C’mon elevator.

“No, Wyatt. It’s a joke. We have failed to produce superhero names,” Odette joked.

“Oh,” I laughed. “Totally forgot about that.”

“Because we got busy saving the world. So, what do you think of Captain Paranoid and the Cunning Conspirator?”

The doors to the elevator open. We slipped on, followed by her burly security detail. They formed a wall in front of the doors.

“We gotta work on that. You cannot be the secondary character, Odette. It was your win. You finessed it. And while you went off book, your plan will have its day to shine. I promise. Don’t settle for a supporting role, okay?”

She looked down at her feet. I wasn’t sure what I’d said.

“I didn’t mean?—”

Odette looked up, shaking her head. “No. That’s nice of you. Truly.”

The doors opened, and her security piled out. We stood on the elevator. I wanted to say something more—to tell her how much I appreciated that she believed in me. I sensed she needed to trust that she was enough, but I couldn’t find the words.

21

THE ESCAPE

ODETTE

Istared at Wyatt, obsessive thoughts running through my mind. Helikedme. We’d manage to do this thing together this weekend. But did he like me? And how the hell was I going to walk away like this without more words said?

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