Page 76 of Royal

She tucked her brown hair behind her ears and giggled. “Yeah, that would’ve been bad.”

After she made her order, she got her food, cast me one last look, and walked off.

I bought two bottles of water and stepped aside so the person in line behind me could order as I put away my change.

“How much for water?” the guy asked.

“Four bucks,” the woman running the truck said.

“Four dollars for water?” He looked in his wallet, pulling out two dollars. His shaggy brown hair hid part of his face as he hung his head. “I don’t have enough. Never mind.”

“Wait,” I said, stepping back over. The kid looked up at me, confused. “I’ll get it for you.”

Four dollars for waterwasfucking outrageous. And I had the power to help, so why not? I didn’t want the kid going thirsty in this heat because he was short a few bucks.

“T-Thank you,” he said, peeking up at me through his bangs. His awkward stance and struggle to hold eye contact made me want to protect him. He gave a weak smile and looked at the ground.

“No problem.” I paid for his bottle of water and handed it to him. “Have a great day.”

“You too.” His eyes flickered to me before dropping again. He grabbed the water, and I inwardly cringed at the state of his hands. Cuts were all over them, as well as on his arms. Some looked like scars, and others were fresh. “I see you on the news in the evening.”

I smiled. “Yeah. I’m an anchor.”

He nodded. “I like the way you report the news. Makes me interested in learning what’s going on in the world.” His dark eyes briefly flickered to me. “I didn’t know you were so nice, though.”

“It’s important to be informed,” I responded. “And I’m glad you think I’m nice.”

I looked after him as he walked away, feeling a sense of…something…coil in my stomach. His shoulders were slumped, and he kept his head angled toward the grass. I hoped that if he was having issues at home, it got better. He seemed like a sweet guy.

I headed back over to where I left Brysen, but I didn’t see him. Or the security guard.

I sighed. That little whore.

Knowing he was off banging the hot guard, I sent him a text.

Me:I’m going to the convention center to check out the artists. Meet me there when you’re done.

Brysen:I’m about to be full of cock ;) so excited. If I can walk afterward, I’ll meet ya there.

I snorted a laugh and pocketed my phone.

As I walked to the convention center, my ass ached. I loved the reminder that Grayson had been there. Flashes of him nipping at my jaw as he thrust inside of me entered my head. I shivered at the memory and drank some cold water to douse the sudden fire in my belly.

We were learning how to be together again, and now we could focus more on our relationship without worrying about the psycho serial killer stalking Grayson.

The future was bright, and I couldn’t wait to see where this new road led us.