Page 131 of Reckless Royalty

I climb back into bed carefully, sliding under the covers. She stirs slightly, her hand instinctively finding my chest, and I place mine over hers, holding it there.

“You’re my reason to fight,” I whisper, though she can’t hear me. But then she stirs slightly, murmuring something.

“Everything okay?” she mumbles sleepily, her eyes barely opening.

“Yeah,” I whisper, pulling her into my arms. “Everything’s fine. Go back to sleep, baby.”

“Hmm…” She snuggles closer, her warmth grounding me, and for a moment, I let myself believe it’s true.

EPILOGUE - MADDY

The faint light of Christmas morning filters through the curtains, painting the room in soft, warm hues. I wake up slowly, the comforting weight of the duvet cocooning me, and for a moment, I just lie there, feeling the peacefulness of the moment.

Mihai’s scent lingers on the sheets—spiced woods and citrus from his cologne—and it’s enough to make me smile before my eyes even open.

It’s the first time in months I’ve woken up feeling content. No dread, no heaviness, just warmth.

Stretching under the heavy duvet, I can’t help the lazy smile that spreads across my face. Therapy’s been hard—brutal at times—but this morning, I feel light, like I can finally breathe without the weight of the past crushing me.

I’ll always feel thankful to Mihai for bringing it up.

The door creaks open, and the man himself steps inside, a tray in his hands, balancing what looks like breakfast. He’s shirtless, of course, in his grey sweatpants that hang low on his hips, curls wild and unkempt like he hasn’t bothered to tame them.

“Morning, baby,” he says, his accent thicker than usual, probably because he’s tired. His voice is like warm honey, and it makes my stomach flip. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas,” I mumble, sitting up and hugging the duvet to my chest. “What’s all this?”

He strides over, setting the tray on the bed. It’s laden with pancakes, fruit, and coffee. “Breakfast in bed for my girl. Thought you deserved it.”

My cheeks heat at the possessive tone in his voice. I pick up a piece of fruit and pop it in my mouth, humming in appreciation. “This is perfect. You’re spoiling me.”

He sits on the edge of the bed, watching me with that intense gaze of his. “I like spoiling you.”

I take another bite, feeling a little shy under his scrutiny. “You’re not eating?”

“Oh, I’ll eat later,” he says, his smirk turning wicked. “Right now, I’ve got other plans.”

“Plans?” I raise an eyebrow.

He reaches over, tugging the tray away and placing it on the nightstand. “Yeah, plans. Like getting you out of bed so we can open presents. Come on.”

I laugh as he pulls the duvet off me, leaving me exposed to the cool morning air. “Mihai! I’m not finished eating!”

“You’ll survive,” he says, grabbing my hand and tugging me to my feet. “Besides, I’ve got something better than breakfast waiting for you.”

Mihai sits on the floor by the Christmas tree, his legs crossed like a kid, waiting impatiently as I join him.

“Go on,” he says, nudging a small box toward me. “Open that one first.”

I sit beside him, picking up the gift. It’s wrapped perfectly, the edges crisp and clean, and I give him a teasing look. “You didn’t wrap this.”

He grins. “Nope. Chiara did. Now open it.”

I tear open the package and inside is a stunning leather-bound journal with my initials embossed in gold on the cover. I run my fingers over the smooth surface, my throat tightening.

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper. “Thank you.”

“Thought you might like to start putting your thoughts somewhere,” he says casually, though his gaze softens. “You know, for the songs you’ll write when you’re ready.”.

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