Page 35 of Reckless Royalty

Didn’t think anyone could make a deer look that badass. But you pull it off.

I laugh softly, covering my mouth to muffle the sound. I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but this back-and-forth feels like a game, one that’s both thrilling and terrifying.

Me:

Yours are pretty intense, too. What’s the story behind them?

Mihai:

Family, mostly. Some of it’s tradition. Some of it… let’s just say it’s a reminder of things I’ve survived.

The weight of his words sinks in, and I feel a strange connection, like he’s shared something deeper than what he’s saying outright. Like he’s letting me see a part of himself he doesn’t usually show.

Me:

I get that. I think that’s why I started getting inked, too.

Mihai:

Battle scars, right?

Me:

Something like that.

I glance down at my thigh, where the peacock tattoo stretches in intricate, vibrant detail, its feathers winding down my skin in a cascade of blues and greens. Without overthinking it, I snap a quick picture and send it to him, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I hit send.

His response doesn’t come in text this time. Instead, a voice note appears on my screen. I hesitate for a second, my heart racing, before pressing play.

I press play, and Mihai’s deep, accented voice fills the silence, rich with a lazy kind of appreciation that makes my cheeks burn.

“Damn, Maddy… you’re killing me over here.” He lets out a low groan, and I can hear the smirk in his tone. “That’s one hell of a view. I think you’re making it really hard for me to keep this professional.”

My pulse spikes at his words, warmth spreading over my skin. I bite my lip as I try to stifle the smile spreading on my face. He’s definitely flirting, and it’s so different from anything I expected.

Mihai:

You should know, that tattoo just became my favorite.

A second message pops up before I can respond.

Mihai:

So… what do you think about hanging out tomorrow? No bodyguard stuff, nothing heavy. Just us.

My heart skips at the invitation, and I realize how much I want to say yes. How much I want to spend more time with him, to keep uncovering the parts of him he hides away.

Me:

Just us?

Mihai:

Just us. No one else. What do you say?

I smile, warmth spreading through my chest. I type back before I can overthink it.

Me:

---