My stomach tensed. “Hell no.”
“Yeah, me neither.”
As close as I was standing to Royce, I could feel tension in his body. I studied his tanned face, sensing something was bothering him. “How was work?” I asked.
“Oh, same as always.”
“You sure nothing is wrong?” I frowned. “I… I feel like something is bothering you.”
He blew out a tired breath. “I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Would you like to talk about it?”
“Oh, I don’t want to burden you with my problems.”
I tilted my head. “But… isn’t that what a relationship is all about?”
He laughed. “Hopefully not.”
I grimaced. “I… I simply mean, if you’re burdened, shouldn’t you share that burden with me? Aren’t I supposed to help you carry it or something?”
His lips twitched. “You have an interesting way of putting things.”
I gave a grudging smile. “I’m trying to be a supportive boyfriend. You’ll need to work with me a little.”
He studied me, and his smile slowly faded. “We can talk when we get home, if you still want to. There are too many eyes and ears in this room.”
“I see.” I nodded. “Of course I want to. Just… you know… unload on me when we get home.”
His cheek curved in a smile. “I appreciate how hard you’re trying, Max. Means a lot to me.”
You mean a lot to me.
I couldn’t quite force those words out while surrounded by so many strangers. But Royce didn’t seem to need a response, so I relaxed. “What do you think of the champagne?” I asked.
He smirked. “Borderline disgusting.”
“I’m relieved you noticed. Most of the people are swilling it down like it’s Dom Pérignon.”
“They probably also think it tastes like toilet water but don’t want to appear uncultured.”
“Pfft.” I took the half-empty glass from his hand and set it on the nearest flat surface. “What do you say we go home and drink somegoodchampagne?”
“Do we have any?” He smiled.
I nodded. “Yep. I bought a few bottles online the other day, and they were delivered this afternoon. You can’t get the good stuff here at the grocery store.”
“That sounds great, Max. I’d love to just go home and relax with you.” That weary expression returned to his face. “Shall we say goodbye to Mrs. Numi?”
“Ha.” I scowled. “Definitely not.”
“Okay then, let’s skedaddle.” He guided me toward the exit, his firm hand pressing the small of my back.
Right before we exited the room, I glanced in the direction of the Raidens. A chill ran through me as I spotted Michael’s malicious gaze pinned on Royce. The level of malevolence simmering his eyes was unsettling. Michael looked like a man with nothing to lose.
While Royce had everything to lose.
Chapter Twenty-Two
