Page 21 of Reckless Royalty

Connor tilts his head, studying me for a moment. “So, what, you’re just gonna keep her locked up and hope she magically decides to start talking? That’s your plan?”

I glare at him, but he’s not backing down. “I’m trying to do what my father asked me to do. Keep her safe. Keep her alive.”

“And I’m offerin’ to help with the rest,” Connor says, his tone firm. “You don’t trust me to do that?”

I don’t answer right away. It’s not that I don’t trust Connor. Hell, he’s one of the few people I do trust. But this situation with Madison… It feels fragile. And I don’t know if I can handle someone else getting involved, even if that person is Connor.

My jaw clenches, and I stare at the floor. “I just don’t want to make things worse.”

Connor steps closer, his tone softening. “You’re not making anythin’ worse. But you’re not doin’ her any favors by keepin’ her in a bubble, either. She needs to know she’s not alone. I can help with that. I’mgoodat this.”

I look back up at him, weighing the options. Connor’s always been a talker, always been able to connect with people in ways I can’t. And he’s been studying psychology for years—perhaps he really can help Madison in ways I can’t.

“Fine,” I mutter, though I’m still not entirely comfortable with the idea of him being in her head. “You can spend time with her. But don’t push her. She’s not ready for that.”

Connor grins, his usual cockiness returning. “Hey, I’ll be the perfect gentleman. You won’t even recognize me.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m serious, Con. Don’t mess this up.”

He chuckles, grabbing his beer from the table and taking a swig. “Relax, I know how to handle people, remember? Madison’s in good hands.”

I sigh, standing up to leave. “I’m trusting you with this. Don’t give me a reason to regret it.”

Connor gives me a mock salute, his grin widening. “You got it, boss. I’ll be a saint.”

I watch him for a moment longer, still unsure about this whole thing but knowing I also don’t really have a choice. IfMadison’s going to survive this, if we’reallgoing to survive this, then I need to let go of some of the control I’ve been clinging to.

But damn, if it doesn’t feel like letting go while dangling off the edge of a cliff.

Connor stretches his arms over his head. “Alright. I’ll go and see if I can catch her later. Maybe talk her into taking a walk or somethin’. Fresh air might do her some good.”

I nod, still not entirely comfortable with the idea of Connor being alone with her, but trying to let it go. “Just… keep me in the loop, alright?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Connor says, waving me off. “I’m not tryin’ to steal your job, Mihai. I just want to help.”

I watch as he walks toward the door, pausing to grab his jacket. Before he leaves, he glances back at me, his expression more serious now. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing fine.”

With that, he’s gone, leaving me alone in the quiet of his suite.

I slump back in the chair, staring up at the ceiling. I know Connor’s right. I know I can’t handle this alone. But letting someone else step in, especially with Madison… it feels like giving up the control I should have. And that’s not something I fucking enjoy.

Perhaps Connor’s right; he can help Madison in ways I can’t. But knowing that doesn’t quiet the feeling that I’ve got to keep an eye on her myself—that if anyone’s going to get through to her, it has to be me.

And that thought? That’s fucking dangerous.

MADDY

Isit in my room, feeling like I’m going insane being alone in this silence.

The phone that Cat gave me sits on the nightstand, unused except for the occasional glance, but I haven’t texted anyone. I don’t know what to say to any of them. I haven’t even checked my social media.

That version of Madison Graves is dead.

But there’s another thing I can’t shake. Every time I close my eyes, I’m back in Mihai’s arms, feeling his steady heartbeat against me, pulling me back from the edge of the panic that had swallowed me whole.

Even now, days later, I can still feel the way his arms cradled me, the solid warmth of his chest as he murmured to me in Romanian, his words as soothing as his hold.

The scent of his cologne still clings to my memory. Bergamot, sandalwood, patchouli and something…warm. Somehow it calmed me down and a part of me hates it.

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