“I’m happy to hear it.” She opened the door. “Now, don’t be mad at me. I could get in serious trouble with the Raidens coming here to warn you about all of this.”
“It would have been nice if you’d warned me sooner,” I grumbled.
Her mouth drooped. “There you go again, being mean.”
“I ain’t being mean, Penelope. I’m simply struggling to comprehend what the hell just happened.”
“Yes.” She gnawed on one of her pink-tipped nails. “Well, before you know it, this whole nightmare will be behind us.”
Us. Right.
She held up her fist. “I’ve got your back, Royce. Don’t you worry about a thing.” She left the room quickly, as if she couldn’t get out of my office fast enough.
I scowled after her, feeling pissed. I’d hoped a special election could be avoided, but it seemed I was out of luck. I absolutely hated campaigning. Making speeches and asking for donations wasn’t really my thing. But whether I liked it or not, I’d have to fight to keep my job. I’d soon know whether hard work and honesty could stack up against bottomless pockets and power.
I had a really bad feeling I’d soon be unemployed.
Chapter Thirteen
Maxwell
“I’m happy to stay until Royce gets home,” Girdy said. “Todd can just put the dinner in the oven to keep it warm.”
I pushed her gently toward the front door. “Don’t be silly. Royce just texted saying he’ll be home in ten minutes. Go have dinner with Todd. You’ve spent enough time with me today.”
“But… I feel guilty.”
I waved my hands at her. “There’s no need for that.”
“Are you sure?” She sighed. “It’s so rare that Todd cooks for me. I feel bad not eating it when it’s freshly made.”
“Exactly. Go on, I’mfine. Seriously, Royce will be here any minute. I’m not so fragile I can’t be left alone. I truly am feeling much better already.”
She opened the door. “Promise you don’t feel like I’m abandoning you?”
“You’re making too much of this. I insist you go home to Todd.”
She grimaced. “All right. But only because Royce will be home any minute. I’ll come see you again tomorrow.”
“Sure. I’ll be here.” I smiled weakly.
“Bye, Maxwell. Say hi to Royce for me.”
“Will do.” I closed the door behind her and walked back to the couch. I sat down with a grunt, adjusting my position so the couch didn’t press on my bruises. It was so quiet with just me in the house. Strangely enough, I missed Grumpy’s company. It would’ve been comforting to have his little warm body next to me on the sofa.
As if on cue, I heard Royce’s key in the lock. Excitement buzzed through me as he opened the door and set Grumpy down on the ground. Before I even had a chance to get off the couch, the pup bounded toward me, giving little excited yelps. He leapt into my arms, licking my face excitedly.
“Oh!” I hugged his wiggling body, trying to avoid his tongue. “Ick, not the mouth.”
“I think he missed you.” Royce stood over us, grinning.
“He’s rather exuberant.” I somehow managed to get to my feet, still holding the excited pup. “Calm down. Calm down, pup.”
Once I was standing, Royce planted a warm kiss on my mouth. I smiled against his lips when Grumpy gnawed on my chin. I didn’t quite understand why the puppy seemed to like me so much, but he did seem fond of me.
When the kiss ended, Royce slipped his arm around my waist, his dark eyes searching my face. “How are you feeling?”
“Muchbetter.”
