Page 126 of Reckless Royalty

“And you’re stubborn when you don’t need to be,” I counter, crossing my arms. “Sit.”

He chuckles under his breath, the sound low and warm, and does as I say, settling on the edge of the bed. “Alright, Miss Graves. Now what?”

I take a step closer, placing my hands on his shoulders. “Now, you let me take care of you for once.”

He raises an eyebrow, his smirk growing. “Take care of me, huh? And what does that involve?”

“Whatever I think will help,” I say, narrowing my eyes playfully. “Now, lie back.”

He lets out a mock sigh, falling back onto the bed with a dramatic flourish. “I guess I’ll allow it. But only because you asked so nicely.”

I laugh softly as I get on the bed to straddle him. “You’re impossible.”

“And yet, you keep me around.”

I smile, shaking my head as I lean over him. “Because someone has to keep you in check.”

“Oh, you’re very good at that, Little Rebel,” he murmurs, his voice taking on a softer, more intimate tone. His dark eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, the teasing fades, and he places his hands on my hips. “Maddy, you don’t have to do this.”

I cup his face gently, my thumb brushing over the stubble on his jaw. “I know I don’t have to. I want to.”

His hand slides to my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against my skin as he looks at me with something deeper than just desire. Something softer.

“You’re dangerous, Madison Graves,” he says quietly, his tone serious now.

I let out a breathless laugh, my fingers brushing over the stubble on his jaw. “You’ve mentioned that before.”

“I wasn’t kidding,” he says, his hands tightening on my waist. “You make me want things I’ve never wanted before.”

My heart skips a beat at his words. “Good things, I hope.”

“The best,” he admits, his gaze dropping to my lips before flicking back to my eyes. “You make me want to let go. And that’s not something I’m used to.”

I don’t know what to say to that, so I just cup his face, letting my thumb brush over his cheekbone.

“Then let go,” I whisper. “Just for tonight. Just for us.”

Mihai stares at me like I’ve just thrown down the gauntlet, a challenge he wasn’t expecting. His jaw tenses, his hands tightening slightly on my waist before he exhales a shaky breath.

“You’re something else,” he mutters, shaking his head, but his lips quirk up in a faint smile.

I get off his lap and take his hand in mine, lacing our fingers together, and start pulling him toward the en suite bathroom. He raises an eyebrow but follows without resistance. When we step inside, I can’t help but roll my eyes.

His shower is ridiculously luxurious—glass walls, a rainfall showerhead in the ceiling, and sleek black-and-chrome fixtures. There’s even a built-in bench and a control panel on the wall that I assume does everything short of serving you coffee.

“You and your fancy, Bond-villain lifestyle,” I tease, running my hand over the marble countertop.

He smirks, leaning against the doorframe. “What can I say? I have standards,” he says, stepping closer. “You’re mocking my taste now?”

“Just a little,” I admit with a grin. “But it’s hard not to mock when it’s this posh.”

He shrugs, his lips curving into a smirk. “If it impresses you, it’s worth it.”

I shake my head, biting back a smile, and reach for the controls. Warm water cascades from the rainfall showerhead, and steam quickly fills the space.

I reach for the hem of his shirt, tugging it upward. He raises an eyebrow but doesn’t stop me, lifting his arms so I can pull it off completely.

His tattoos ripple across his chest and arms as he moves, the intricate designs catching the light. My breath hitches as I take him in, my hands brushing over his warm skin.

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