Page 40 of Royally Benevolent

Heknew.How? I refused to admit I found her attractive.

“Even if Idid, we’re just friends and colleagues. I couldn’t—and wouldn’t—make a move.”

“If I were single and a twenty-something fit man came onto me, I’d be hard-pressed to deny myself, Wyatt. Don’t do yourself a disservice and look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“Just talk to the palace, alright?” I groaned, not dignifying that with a response.

The truth? I couldn’t stop thinking about her ass or her thighs and how good it would feel to bebetweenthem. That was a downright confusing, befuddling feeling.

Time for a cold shower.

23

PRIOR AUTHORISATION

ODETTE

Imade it back to the palace in the evening. After the meeting and two parties, I crept in. Unfortunately, Alexandra and Rick were still awake. Alexandra was splayed on the couch, feet in Rick’s lap. She ate a bowl of ice cream as they watched yet another bit of Scandinavian Murder Porn. For such nonviolent countries, their shows were very dark. She looked adorable, and a little bump started showing through her clothes.

I kicked my heels off and climbed onto the chair right of her.

“You look knackered,” Alexandra said.

“I am,” I chuckled. “But I did some cool things.”

“I heard the music conservatory went very well,” Alexandra said.

“How do youhearthings?” I asked.

“I hear everything,” Alexandra said.

“How was your first meeting as a patron?” Rick asked.

“It was good. I got to vote. And I got my curb bump out.”

“I have no idea what that means, but good for you,” Alexandra said.

“That bad intersection Wyatt and I targeted is getting a fix that protects pedestrians and cyclists better. We were successful.”

“Beautiful,” Rick said. “Who doesn’t lovesome trickery?”

“Don’t get too political,” Alexandra warned. “This benevolent billionaire brings out something competitive in you.”

I set my jaw. “Wanting to protect people from being killed in a traffic accident isn’t political.”

Rick gave her The Look. As expected, she backed off.

“I look forward to hearing more about your adventures while I’m mostly sidelined,” Alexandra said.

“Well, about that…” It was time to suffer. “I can attend a summit on the matter. The Vision International Summit is happening next weekend.”

“Oh, interesting. Here in Neandia?”

I shook my head.

“Brussels?”

“Cologne,” I winced.

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