Page 33 of Reckless Royalty

Mihai:

Also, surprised? Hell yeah. You didn’t seem like the type.

I smirk, feeling bolder than I have in a while.

Me:

And what type did I seem like?

A moment passes, and then he replies.

Mihai:

I don’t know. Quiet, maybe? Reserved. Didn’t expect you to be covered in art, that’s for sure.

Me:

Well, I’m full of surprises.

Mihai:

I can see that.

His response makes my heart skip a beat. Like he’s interested inseeingme. I don’t know where the confidence comes from, but I type back quickly.

Me:

Want to see them?

Mihai:

Fuck yes.

My cheeks flush, and I sit up in bed, glancing down at my arm. The tattoos there are intricate, patterns and symbols that all mean something to me. I snap a quick picture of my left forearm, showing off the detailed ink of a phoenix, and send it to him.

It takes only seconds before his response comes in.

Mihai:

Damn. That’s impressive. What does it mean?

Me:

It’s kind of a reminder. Of who I am and why I always have to rise.

There’s a pause, and I bite my lip, wondering if I’ve said too much. But then he sends something back that makes my heart thump harder.

Mihai:

Guess I owe you one now. Here’s mine.

A minute later, a picture of his forearm appears on my screen. I study it, noticing the lines of the tattoo that winds around his skin—a wolf, fierce and powerful, surrounded bygeometric patterns, stars and cyrillic words. It’s stunning, and more detailed than I’d realized.

Me:

That’s incredible. Suits you.

Mihai:

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