Page 85 of Royally Benevolent

“Come in. Hope the trip wasn’t bad.”

“There were no ditch detours,” Odette laughed, still sounding uneasy.

She stepped in, as did the man holding the bag. I walked forward. “I’ll take it, thanks.”

He stepped back, pulling the door closed behind him.

“Where will they stay?” I asked.

“Uh, they booked a place somewhere. They take shifts. Don’t overthink it. Where is everyone?”

“Mom took Theo downtown. My sister and her husband are at a brewery. They promised to bring back beer.”

She rocked back and forth on her heels. “Sounds good.”

“We have the place to ourselves.”

“I can see that.”

“Shit! Your coat,” I said, picking up Odette’s jacket quickly.

“Sorry,” she said.

“No. Don’t apologise.”

I put the jacket in the hall closet, and she removed her boots and handed me her hat.

“I didn’t quite know how to dress.”

“You look beautiful.” I closed the closet door with more of a thud than I would have liked and grabbed her back. “Come with me. I’ll get you settled in.”

She nodded politely and followed me upstairs. Something was off. She held back too much, and I didn’t know how to fix it.

“Are we… sharing a room?” Odette asked.

“I didn’t think that was thebestidea. That doesn’t mean you have to stay in here. I just… Theo tends to ignore doors. I would hate for you to be here changing and have him traipse in.”

Odette giggled. “That sounds about right. My nieces and nephews have no boundaries. I’m aware.”

“Okay, well, don’t think I’m icing you out. I’m delighted you came, and I want you to make yourself at home. I can let you get settled?—”

I didn’t make it that far. She pulled me in—grabbing me by the shirt—and kissed me. It was back again. The feelings returned once more. I pushed her against the door jam, wanting everything to come together. I also wanted to confirm that was where we were headed. I pulled away, my hands still holding her face. She breathed heavily and stared up, lips half-parted.

“Do you want to take me to your room?” Odette asked. “Or will that cause more trouble?”

“It will cause just the right kind of trouble,” I answered.

49

THE RIGHT KIND OF TROUBLE

ODETTE

Clothes flew as we undressed in Wyatt’s room. My body wanted him to fuck menow. I didn’t imagine I’d arrive, and we’d immediately get down to business, but it felt right. I pulled off my clothes, then my bra, and was about to throw my knickers to the side when Wyatt stopped me.

“Leave the panties on for now.”

I cocked my head.

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