Page 53 of Royally Benevolent

“Uh-huh. I mean, my love, youarecool, but you’re in your feels more. It will be even better when you’ve got that connection. It was for me.”

I hoped she was right.

“So don’t panic?”

“He fancies you! Enjoy dating someone you like who wants to treat you well.”

“He said I deserved to be treated like a queen.”

“Swoon. Instant swoon.”

I blushed. “That’s what butterflies are, right?”

“Total butterflies moment. Lap it up. Enjoy the lovesick new relationship energy,” Astrid said. “And be happy. You deserve happiness and love. If he gives it to you, ignore the ugly voices telling you otherwise.”

31

THE VEGETARIAN

WYATT

One thing led to another. I kissed Odette. I touched her more than I should have. I pulled back and promised to treat her properly. Then, somewhat ashamed of myself, I went back to my room and masturbated furiously, thinking the most impure thoughts I’d thought about anyone in the past three years. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel guilt so much as I did excitement for what was next.

The heavy feelings hit the following day when I called Mom and Theo, and he wanted to know when Papa was coming home. I listened to him cry. Suddenly, lusting after my twenty-something colleague seemed petty and selfish. My son needed me, and we were trapped here until the evening before our return.

On an emotional rollercoaster, I reported to our working breakfast. Odette arrived shortly after, looking impeccable in red. Her skirt clung to her hips, which swayed dizzily as she walked. I’d love to grip her there as she fucked me.

Who was I turning into?

There, the guilt came out. But it wasn’t because I felt I was cheating on Isla. Instead, it was because I was objectifying her. She was young and sweet as I thirsted after her. Who was I to reduce her to this? I smiled right back at her cheerful face as she tooka seat.

“There’s bacon.” I tried to distract myself from the way her cleavage peeked out slightly from her dress. “They’ve hidden it in the back.”

“I saw it,” Odette said. “But, Wyatt, I’m a vegetarian. Have been for a couple of years.”

Mortified at last night’s flub, I stammered, “Oh, shit. I brought you a steak. I just assumed?—”

“Don’t apologise, Wyatt. It’s fine. Your heart was in the right place. I did give a bit to Grieg. He says thanks.”

Her graciousness was appreciated, but I made a note. Wherever we dined, we needed a hell of a vegetarian menu. And if I ever invited her to dinner, my typical Midwestern meat-and-potatoes approach wouldn’t work.

The speaker this morning was rather disappointing.

“Typical corporate speak,” I sighed as it ended.

“It was… well, he tried,” Odette said.

“You’re sweet to be so charitable.”

“I have been told I am benevolent, but hedidtry.”

“The thing is, we’re patting corporations on the back for doing the bare minimum—planting trees sometimes. That’s not good enough.”

A wry smile crossed her face.

“Okay, I get the irony of that statement coming from me, Odie.”

“Yeah,” she giggled. “Given how much I assume your company might make on the deal with Neandian Transit.”

---