Page 130 of Reckless Royalty

I can’t help but smirk. “That sounds like Marina.”

“Yeah, and he’s… handling it,” Connor says, though there’s a note of amusement in his voice. “Not sure if it’s just the challenge he likes or if there’s something real there, but he’s determined. I’ll give him that.”

I nod, though he can’t see me. “What’s the next step?”

“Simple,” Connor says, though his voice hardens. “We’re taking the fight to Dawson. He’s not gonna know what hit him. First move: we take his youngest son, Malachi.”

That makes me stop in my tracks. “You’re kidnapping his kid?”

“An eye for an eye,” Connor says bluntly. “Dawson took our girls; we’ll take his son. No one is supposed to know this son even fucking exists and Dawson dotes on him. So, perfect fucking trade.”

The ruthlessness in his voice isn’t new, but it still sends a chill down my spine. Connor’s always been the laid-back one, the joker, but when it comes to his sister—or anyone he considers family—he’s a fucking hurricane.

Connor Cunningham has no qualms about being shameless to get his point across.

“Who’s going with you?” I ask.

“Me, Konstantin, and Nikolai,” Connor replies, the distaste in his voice evident. “Not my choice, mind you. Orders are orders.”

I sigh. “I don’t need to tell you to keep your head clear.”

“Don’t worry about me, mate,” Connor says, though his voice softens slightly. “But let’s get one thing straight—I’d rather chew glass than work with Nikolai right now. That piece of shit broke every bit of trust we had. If it weren’t for Marina and Cat, I wouldn’t even consider it.”

“I get it. But he wants to find Cat, too. That’s got to count for something.”

“Maybe,” Connor mutters. “But I’ll never look at him the same way.”

The weight of his words sits heavy between us. Nikolai’s betrayal cut deep, and while I can see both sides, I know the road to fixing this won’t be an easy one.

“Connor,” I say after a pause, my voice quieter. “Be careful.”

There’s a brief silence before he responds, his tone softer. “I will. You know me.”

“Yeah,” I say with a small smile. “That’s why I’m telling you to be careful.”

He chuckles. “Touché.”

We sit in silence for a moment, the gravity of the situation hanging in the air. Then Connor speaks again, his voice more serious. “Look after Maddy, yeah?”

“Always,” I say without hesitation.

“Good.” There’s a pause, then he adds, “And Mihai? Thanks.”

“For what?”

“For always having my back.,” he says, his voice steady.

I swallow the lump in my throat. “You don’t have to thank me for that, Con. You’re my brother.”

“Aye, that’s why I’m thanking you,” he says. “Chat soon.”

The line disconnects, leaving me in the silence of the penthouse. I sit there for a moment, staring out at the city lights, my mind racing.

Dawson’s involvement makes sense, but it’s not enough. Someone had to tip him off about the girls’ movements, someone close enough to know the routes and schedules. The thought of a deeper mole among us makes my blood boil.

I stand, pacing the room, trying to shake off the unease. Maddy’s face flashes in my mind, the way she looked at me tonight, her trust so unwavering. I can’t let her down. I can’t let any of them down.

When I finally head back to the bedroom, I stop in the doorway, my breath catching at the sight of her. She’s shifted in her sleep, the sheet tangled around her legs, her face serene. Despite everything, she looks peaceful, and it steadies something in me.

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