Page 125 of Reckless Royalty

MADDY

Mihai steps out of his father’s study, his jaw tight, his movements stiff with tension. The weight he’s carrying is almost visible in the way his shoulders hunch slightly, his usual effortless grace dampened by whatever news he’s just heard. I rise from the plush chair in the hall, my stomach twisting with worry.

He sees me and lets out a long breath, his eyes softening just enough to assure me I’m still his anchor in this storm. “Let’s go,” he murmurs, taking my hand without waiting for a reply.

The ride back to his penthouse is silent except for the low hum of the car. I don’t push him to talk, even though my mind races with questions.

I know better now—when Mihai is like this, he’ll speak when he’s ready. But the tight grip he has on my hand tells me he’s barely keeping it together.

When we arrive at the penthouse, the scent of something rich and savory greets us. Dinner is waiting, and Mihai silently gestures for me to sit at the sleek dining table while he pours us both a glass of red wine.

The tension in the air is suffocating. I can’t take it anymore.

“Mihai,” I say, my voice quiet. “What’s wrong?”

He freezes for a moment, the glass of wine halfway to his lips. He sets it down without drinking, running a hand through his curls.

“Maddy, there are things I can’t tell you for your own safety.”

I feel the sting of frustration but bite it back. He’s protecting me—I know that. But it doesn’t make it any easier to swallow.

“I get that,” I say softly, “but you’re scaring me. Just… tell me what you can.”

He sighs deeply, his eyes locking onto mine. There’s a storm in those dark depths, a mixture of anger, guilt, and something that looks a lot like fear.

“Cat and Marina were kidnapped.”

The air is sucked out of the room. For a moment, all I can do is stare at him, the words echoing in my head. Cat. Marina. Kidnapped.

The shock renders me speechless. From the memorial to this? It’s too much. My hand trembles as I reach for the glass of wine in front of me, taking a small sip to steady myself.

“How?” I whisper.

“Their SUV was ambushed,” Mihai says, his voice low and controlled, but I can hear the rage simmering beneath it. “It was supposed to be a simple drive to Marina’s penthouse. Konstantin was driving. He got them as far as he could, but…” He trails off, his fists clenching on the table

I swallow hard, my chest tightening. “Who else knew about the memorial?” I ask, my voice trembling. “Could someone have used it to plan this?”

Mihai shakes his head, his gaze darkening further. “Only those who were there knew. And I trust them.”

I nod, though my stomach churns with unease. If someone betrayed them, then Cat and Marina’s lives are hanging in the balance. The thought is unbearable.

We eat in silence after that, though neither of us has much of an appetite. The weight of what he’s just told me settles heavily between us, a grim reminder of how dangerous the world he’s part of really is.

When dinner is over, Mihai clears the plates and pours himself another glass of wine, staring out the window at the glittering city below.

I watch him, my heart aching. He’s carrying so much, and it’s clear this isn’t just about Cat and Marina—it’s about his responsibility and his need to control a situation that’s spiraling out of it.

I can’t stand seeing him like this. He’s done so much for me, and I want to do something for him. Something to make him forget, even for just a little while.

“Mihai,” I say softly, rising from my chair and walking over to him. He turns, his brows furrowing in question, but I don’t let him speak. I take his hand, lacing my fingers through his. “Come with me.”

He puts the glass down and lets me lead him to the bedroom, his confusion evident. Once we’re inside, I close the door behind us, shutting out the rest of the world.

The bedroom feels warmer than usual as I lead him inside, the city lights casting faint shadows across the walls. Mihai pulls off his jacket and tosses it onto the chair in the corner, his movements slower than usual.

I step closer, placing my hands on his chest, feeling the tension coiled beneath his skin. “Sit,” I say, pointing to the edge of the bed.

His lips twitch in a faint smirk. “You’re bossy when you want to be.”

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