Page 77 of Reckless Royalty

That leaves Connor and me alone in the room. He’s leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, his green eyes scanning the bloodied scene with a mix of weariness and frustration.

“Connor,” I say, meeting his gaze. “Go sit with Maddy for a while.”

He raises an eyebrow, pushing off the wall. “You think she’s up for company?”

“She’ll be up for yours,” I reply, grabbing a pair of gloves from the shelf. “She needs to feel safe, and you’re the least threatening of us right now.”

Connor smirks faintly, though it doesn’t reach his eyes. “You saying I’m not scary, Vasile?”

I roll my eyes, but there’s a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips. “You know what I mean.”

Connor straightens, grabbing his jacket from the chair. “Alright, I’ll go. But what about you? You gonna be okay down here?”

“I’m fine,” I say, pulling the gloves on. “I’ve got this.”

He hesitates for a moment, studying me like he’s trying to read something in my expression. Then he nods, turning toward the door. Just before he steps out, I call after him.

“Connor.”

He glances back, his eyebrows raised. “Yeah?”

“My father knows,” I say, the words coming out more casually than I expected.

His brow furrows. “Knows what?”

“About how I feel about Maddy,” I admit, my voice steady. “I told him, and he gave me his blessing.”

For a moment, Connor just stares at me. Then he lets out a low whistle, shaking his head. “Well, shit. Didn’t see that comin’.”

“Neither did I,” I admit. “But it’s not as simple as that.”

“Nothin’ worth somethin’ ever is,” Connor says, his tone softer now. “But hey, at least you’ve got Ion in your corner. That’s not nothin’.”

I nod, a faint smile tugging at my lips. “Thanks, Con.”

He gives me a mock salute, his usual playful grin returning. “Anytime, mate. Now go play janitor while I charm Maddy’s socks off.”

I laugh, shaking my head as he disappears up the stairs. Then it’s just me and the mess left behind, the echoes of Giovanni’s anger still lingering in the air. I pull Gio’s knife from the guy’s thigh and slam it into his throat for good measure, watching as he bleeds out.

Afterward, I remove the gloves, pull out my phone to call the clean-up crew, and then I wait.

I wonder what Maddy would think if she really knew about all the blood I have on my hands.

MADDY

It’s after 8PM and I’m sitting on my bed back in my suite, waiting for Mihai to come back after he had to leave a few hours ago. I didn’t want to stay in his bedroom and wanted the familiarity of mine while I waited for him to return.

My heart leaps into my throat when the door opens, but it’s Connor who strides in with a casual grin plastered on his face. I’m already smiling, but it falters a bit when I remember that he doesn’t know about me… well, talking again.

Mihai said not to mention anything until after his father had been here, so it should be fine…right?

“Darlin’,” he says with a broad smile, and his Irish lilt makes the word sound softer. “I heard a little rumor that you’ve found your voice again. Please tell me it’s true.”

I laugh softly, shaking my head. “It’s true, Connor.”

“Hell,” he mutters, shaking his head in disbelief, “I thought I’d have to spend my days tryin’ to drag a single word out of you,” he pauses, giving me an exaggerated look. “Now don’t go shuttin’ up on me again, alright?”

I roll my eyes, unable to keep the smile off my face. “I make no promises.”

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