Page 109 of Reckless Royalty

Relief washes over me, and I reach across the counter, brushing my fingers against hers. “We’ll find someone. Someone good. I’ll make sure of it.”

She nods again, her lips curving into a small, hesitant smile. “Thanks, Mihai.”

“Anytime, baby.”

She blushes at the endearment, and I can’t help but smirk.

Once we’ve finished breakfast, I lean back in the stool, watching her as she sips her coffee. Her cheeks are still a little pink, and I decide to take a risk.

“You know,” I begin, my tone casual, “our break is coming up in two weeks.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Yeah?”

I nod, swirling the coffee in my mug. “I was thinking… Maybe we could head back to my penthouse in Bucharest. Spend a little time there. And, if you’re up for it, we could go back to the estate for a few days.”

Her eyes widen slightly, and she sets her cup down carefully. “Your estate?”

“You’ve been there before,” I remind her, keeping my tone light. “It’s just a thought. You don’t have to decide now.”

She fidgets with the edge of the counter, clearly unsure. “I don’t know, Mihai… I mean, that’s… it’s a lot.”

I tilt my head, studying her. “What’s a lot about it?”

Her cheeks flush again, and she shrugs. “I just… I don’t want to impose.”

“You’re not imposing,” I say firmly. “I want you there, Maddy. If you haven’t guessed by now, I’m serious about us.”

The sincerity in my voice must get through to her, because she finally looks up, meeting my gaze. There’s a flicker ofhesitation in her eyes, but it’s quickly replaced by something warmer.

“Alright,” she says softly. “I’ll go.”

A genuine smile spreads across my face, and I stand, rounding the counter to pull her into my arms.

“Good,” I murmur against her hair. “You’ll love it there. And you’ll have me all to yourself.”

She laughs softly, her hands resting against my chest. “You’re impossible.”

“Only for you, baby.”

MIHAI

The jet lands smoothly on the tarmac at Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport, and I glance at Maddy as the wheels touch down. Her hands grip the armrests a little too tightly, her knuckles pale against her skin.

“You alright, baby?” I ask, leaning closer.

She nods quickly, forcing a smile. “Yeah. Just… not used to all this private jet nonsense.”

I smirk, unbuckling my seatbelt. “Get used to it. With me, it’s private jet or nothing.”

Her eyes widen, and she rolls them so dramatically I can’t help but chuckle. But I can still see the nervous energy in the way she fidgets, her fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. I reach over, taking her hand in mine.

“Trust me,” I say softly, squeezing her hand. “You’ll love Bucharest.”

Her brown eyes meet mine, and for a second, the nerves seem to melt away. “I’m holding you to that.”

The drive through the city is quiet, Maddy taking in the sights through the tinted windows. Bucharest at night is something else—the glowing lights, the vibrancy of the streets, the hum of life even in the late hours.

I catch her stealing glances my way as if she’s waiting for me to explain something, but I let the city do the talking for now.

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