Royally Benevolent (Resplendent Royals #4)

56. Dropping In

56

DROPPING IN

WYATT

I love you never came easy. At least, that was what the world led you to believe. Once I realised Isla loved me—genuinely wanted me—it was easy to fall for her. I love you came too fast for us, but I never regretted wearing my heart on my sleeve. She was quick to tell me the same. With Odette, my heart was more guarded and worn. Still, I was hers the minute she said those three little words. I couldn’t say anything else. Deep down, I knew I loved her. I’d fallen for her.

My feelings for Odette became even more obsessive and genuine after a weekend with her—really with her. With Isla, the spoils of my labour came later in life—well after we’d been together for years. In this case, I could properly spoil Odette with money and time. She only gave it back in adoration. I lived to care for her. After a weekend posing as an actual couple, I wanted it every day. It was all I could think about.

When the French politicians got back to me about our proposal to revolutionise their new light rail and gather data about a new suburban line, I wasn’t even remotely upset about them saying no. It was hardly a waste for the many hours I’d spent in bed with Odette or out soaking up the city. By the next day, I was over it and looking forward to Odette coming by for dinner.

She’d been busy with her family welcoming the newest member—little Manon—and ensuring the baby and its mother made it home. The Queen’s delivery of her fourth child was the only thing anyone could discuss. That included Theo, who was dying to meet this new baby.

Stephen appeared in my doorway. “Sir, I have better news.”

“Yes?” I turned from my computer screen.

“The St Louis proposal has netted some feedback,” Stephen said. “They would like to meet face-to-face.”

“Really?”

It was a dream. My hometown floated the idea of a new rapid transit bus and bike highway. They were transforming parkways to prioritise transit. With a new mayor, the plan was all speed ahead. We’d submitted a bid. For me, it was exactly what I wanted to do. With the Neandia project on its way and a lull approaching, running back to St Louis appealed. It was a dream. I could take Theo back to America for a year.

However, doing so would exponentially complicate things with Odette. When we submitted a bid, I wasn’t in a relationship with a princess, which permanently tied me to Neandia. I couldn’t avoid it. We’d be against legacy companies, especially the boutique subsidiary I bid on the project with.

“Do you know when?” I asked.

“Next week.”

“Book it. Tell them I am excited to meet.”

“Will Her Royal Highness be travelling with us, sir?”

“I will update you,” I said.

I could use this as a way to hype me going. Maybe I could go back and forth? Perhaps I could convert her? Either way, I wanted to show her my city. It could be fun for us, right? I smiled, thinking about taking her with me. I’d love to do that.

“I will send this email and then head out. Do you need anything before I do?”

“No, Stephen. Have a nice evening.”

He nodded.

The rest of the office left for the evening. I watched Stephen pack while wrapping up emails and waiting for Odette’s reply. Once Odette convinced her detail I was safe, they permitted me to pick her up at night. The office was quiet. I wanted to see her badly.

I heard the elevator buzz. Confused, I left my desk to see who was coming up. To my surprise, Odette walked towards me with her helmet in her hands, wearing the loveliest summer dress. As our eyes met, a grin broke across her face.

“Hi,” I said. “What are you doing here?”

“I ran off—sorta,” Odette said.

She wrapped her arms around my neck and slowly kissed me.

“You smell like sunshine,” I laughed.

Taking in her dimples and the freckles on her nose, I couldn’t have adored her more. She was so sweet.

“You rode here?”

“ Ouais ! I parked it in the new posh bike garage. Yay, transit funding! The day lockers are amazing.”

I snickered. “I am glad it is working out. What are you doing here?”

I asked again, as if in disbelief.

“I needed a ride—just for a bit. The weather was perfect. I packed my bag so I could stay over. I promise to be gone early.”

“Don’t.” I rubbed her arms. “I want you to leave when you want to tomorrow. We’re doing this. Theo is getting used to you being around. Please treat it like any other place. Promise.”

“And your mother isn’t bothered?”

“Mom loves having you around. She’s been so glad to have you help plan the birthday party. Promise.”

Odette smiled. “Okay. Well, I will head over when you head home. We can race back.”

“Given the traffic, I bet you beat me.”

“We should use that for an awareness campaign,” Odette said. “Show me your office. I’ve never been up here.”

“Your wish is my command,” I took her around. “Stephen’s office is over here if you ever need something.”

Odette nodded.

“And this is mine. It’s nothing exciting.”

Odette walked towards my windows and looked out.

“This is gorgeous, but don’t you feel perpetually on display? ”

“Nah. There is privacy film on the glass.”

“I meant from the office.”

“Oh,” I laughed. “I have a way to manage that, too.”

I pressed a button on my desk to turn on the glass frosting.

“Oh my God, that is amazing!” Odette giggled.

She popped up on the front of my desk, now sitting to my right. Her legs dangled before her. I was in a trance, just thinking about all the terrible things I could do to her as she kicked her legs rhythmically.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Odette asked.

“You’re mesmerising.”

“Why?”

“One, the dress does a lot. Two, you’re doing everything for me right now just like that.”

Odette gave me a naughty half-smile. “I’m not doing anything.”

I stepped over, pressing against her enough to kiss her. I took her face in my hands and pressed my lips to hers. Odette responded by pulling me closer. From there, all I could think about was running my hand up her thigh to pull her panties aside.

“You want me to do something, don’t you?” I asked.

“Do you want to fuck me here, Wyatt? In your office?” Odette whispered.

Every time I got her to talk dirty, it whipped me up. She was so good, but she could be so bad for me. I didn’t answer. Instead, I went to close my office door. I was about to make an awful life choice, but one I couldn’t imagine I’d ever get to make again.