Page 28 of Reckless Royalty

Beautiful? That’s not a word people use for girls like me. Not when they’re standing next to someone like Connor, who’s effortlessly good-looking and knows it. But when I glance at him, he’s just smiling, like he didn’t even realize what he said would make me feel that way.

“Alright, first question,” he continues, not giving me time to dwell on it. “What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?”

I roll my eyes at the randomness of the question but scribble my answer on the notepad:

Strawberry

“Ah, a classic,” Connor says, nodding approvingly. “Good choice. I’m more of a mint chocolate chip guy myself.”

I raise an eyebrow and make a gagging gesture.Mint? Really?

“Hey, don’t knock it till you try it,” he says with a grin. “It’s refreshing.”

If you like frozen toothpaste!

“Watch it,” he says playfully, nudging me with his shoulder.

We keep walking, and he keeps throwing out questions—some light, some more personal—and with each one, I feel myself opening up a little more. Connor’s energy makes it hard to stay closed off. He’s playful, yes, but he’s also genuine, and I can tell he actually cares about what I have to say.

At one point, he asks, “What’s one thing about you that would surprise people?”

I hesitate, feeling a little vulnerable with this one. But then I write:

I used to be really outspoken. Lively. Always the one talking

Connor looks at me in disbelief, his eyes wide. “No way. You?”

I nod, smiling a little at his reaction.

He shakes his head, clearly impressed. “Well, I’ll be damned. I guess I gotta work harder to get that version of you back, huh?”

I don’t know why, but the way he says it—like he believes I’m still in there somewhere—makes me want to laugh. Before I can stop it, I do. It’s a small laugh, barely more than a chuckle, but it’s real. And it feels… good.

Connor gapes at me. “Did you just laugh again? Jesus, I must be better at this than I thought.”

I roll my eyes, but I’m still smiling. I write:

Don’t get too cocky

He grins, leaning down a little to meet my gaze. “Too late, darlin’. I’m always cocky.”

I shake my head, amused by how easy it is to be around him.

Connor keeps the questions coming, but they’re lighter now— more playful. And before I know it, we’re laughing again, the sound filling the quiet air.

At one point, he glances at me, his expression softening. “You know, Maddy,” he says, his voice a little more serious now, “Ithink you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. You’ve been through hell, but you’re still here. That says a lot.”

I don’t know how to respond to that, so I just nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. He’s wrong, though. I don’t feel strong.

I feel broken, like I’m barely holding it together. But the way he says it… he almost makes me believe it.

He stops walking for a moment, turning to face me fully. “And just so you know, I meant what I said earlier. I’m here for you. Whenever you need me. No pressure, no expectations. Just… here.”

I look up at him, and I feel like maybe I can let someone in. Just a little.

I nod, scribbling on the notepad before handing it to him:

Thank you

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