Page 110 of Reckless Royalty

When we arrive at the penthouse, the nervous energy from earlier is back. Maddy stands in the center of the spacious living room, her eyes wide as she takes in the sleek, modern design. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the city skyline, the lights twinkling like a blanket of stars.

“This is… wow,” she breathes, her voice soft with awe. “Mihai, this is stunning.”

I drop her bags by the door and lean against the wall, watching her. “I figured you’d like it.”

“Like it? It’s insane.” She spins slowly, taking everything in. “Do you actually live here, or is this just a showpiece?”

I smirk. “I live here. Well, when I’m not at Willow Bridge.”

She raises an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a playful smile. “Right. Because you’re so grounded and down-to-earth.”

I push off the wall, crossing the room to stand in front of her. “Careful, baby. You’re starting to sound like you’re comfortable with me.”

She flushes slightly, and I know I’ve hit my mark. “I’m just saying it’s a lot,” she says, her voice quieter now.

I reach out, brushing a strand of blonde hair from her face. “It’s not about the place. It’s about you being here with me. That’s what matters.”

Her cheeks turn pink, and she looks down, biting her lip. “You’re entirely too cheeky for your own good.”

“And yet you keep coming back,” I tease, earning a soft laugh from her.

After dinner, the tension starts to settle between us. She’s relaxed a little, her laughter coming more easily, her eyes bright.

But as we sit on the couch, her legs curled beneath her, I can’t stop thinking about what I want to try tonight. Something I’ve never done with anyone else.

Maddy must sense my thoughts because she tilts her head, watching me curiously. “You’ve gone quiet.”

I smirk, leaning back against the cushions. “Just thinking.”

“About?” she presses, her accent making the word sound impossibly charming.

I take a breath, deciding to dive in. “There’s something I want to try with you tonight.”

Her cheeks flush instantly, and I can see the curiosity sparking in her eyes. “What kind of something?”

“Something I haven’t trusted myself to do with anyone,” I explain, watching her closely. “Trust means everything to me, Maddy. It’s not something I give easily, and I don’t expect it from others without earning it first.”

She nods slowly, her eyes searching mine. “Go on.”

I take a deep breath, my thumb still tracing lazy circles on her hand. “Have you ever heard of sensory deprivation?”

Her brows knit together. “I… think so? Isn’t it when you block one sense to heighten the others?”

“Exactly,” I say, my voice softening. “Tonight, I want to steal your sight and sound. No distractions, just you and me. You’ll have to trust me completely. Let yourself feel, without holding back.”

Her breath hitches slightly, and I see the wheels turning in her head. “Blindfold me?”

I lean closer, my free hand brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Do you trust me,Rebela mea mica?” I ask.

Her lips part, and for a moment, I think she’s going to argue. But then she nods, her voice barely a whisper. “Yes, I trust you.”

Those words hit me hard, and I have to take a second to steady myself. Trust isn’t something I take lightly, and hearing her say it so openly feels like a fucking privilege.

“Good,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Then let me show you something you’ve never felt before.”

I get to my feet and hold out a hand for her. She hesitates for only a second before sliding her hand into mine. Her trust in me is something I’ll never take for granted.

I lead her to the bedroom, the massive windows framing the city lights outside. The bed dominates the room, its dark sheets rumpled from where I threw my jacket down earlier. Maddy stands in the doorway, her gaze flicking between me and the room like she’s trying to figure out what’s going on.

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