Page 32 of Reckless Royalty

I nod, my mind still spinning, but there’s a sense of clarity now. Connor’s right. I’ve been caught up in this mess of emotions, trying to juggle everything—my loyalty to Sofia, the responsibility to my father, the need to protect Maddy—and I let jealousy cloud my judgment.

“I won’t,” I say, my voice steadying. “I’m not going to let this get out of hand.”

Connor stands up, stretching his arms over his head. “Good. Because I really don’t feel like dealin’ with your drama, mate.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Yeah, I’ll keep it in check.”

He grins, heading toward the door. “I’ll see you later. And don’t forget, Maddy’s not just someone you need to protect. She’s someone you can connect with, too. Maybe that’s what you’re really afraid of.”

I watch him leave, his words lingering in the air long after the door closes behind him.

MADDY

Ihaven’t slept since I got back from the garden with Connor, and my mind is spinning. My phone lights up on the nightstand, and my heart skips a beat when I see Mihai’s name pop up.

Mihai:

Hey. You okay?

I stare at the screen for a second before typing back. It feels surreal that he’s checking in, but I try to play it cool.

Me:

Yeah. Just trying to sleep.

Mihai:

Trouble sleeping?

Me:

You could say that.

There’s a pause, and I wonder if maybe I said something wrong. But then his next text comes through.

Mihai:

Can’t blame you. You’ve had a lot going on lately.

Me:

Understatement of the year.

He sends a laughing emoji, and I can’t help but smile a little. The silence stretches out again, and I’m not sure where this conversation is going. But then, another message lights up my screen.

Mihai:

So… I saw you have some pretty intense ink. Didn’t know you were hiding all that.

I laugh softly, my fingers moving quickly over the keyboard.

Me:

You sound surprised. Didn’t peg me for a tattoo girl?

Mihai:

Didn’t peg you for anything other than what you showed. Guess there’s a lot to you I don’t know.

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