Page 46 of Reckless Royalty

I chew on the end of my pen, thinking that over.

So, Mafia Royalty

Chiara snorts, pushing her hair over her shoulder. “In a way, yeah. But don’t get it twisted—this isn’t some fairy tale. The Crowns have enemies, responsibilities, and more pressure than you can imagine. It’s not all private jets and designer clothing.”

Before I can respond, a familiar Irish drawl interrupts us. “Are you fillin’ her head with nonsense, Chiara, or is this the good stuff?” Connor drops onto the grass beside me, his easy grin putting me instantly at ease.

Chiara rolls her eyes, but there’s a playful glint in them. “I’m educating her on what you all are, Connor.”

He laughs, slinging an arm around my shoulders in a way that’s more brotherly than intimidating. “Maddy doesn’t need all that heavy Crown nonsense. She’s already smarter than most of us.”

I smile shyly, scribbling on the notepad.

She was just explaining the Crowns hierarchy

Connor leans over to read it, nodding sagely. “Ah, the hierarchy. You’ve got the Crowns at the top—yours truly included,” he says, winking. “Then there’s everyone else who wishes they were us.”

Chiara smacks his arm. “Stop being a showoff.”

He grins but doesn’t reply, because Giovanni has appeared, his presence heavy and commanding. He crouches down across from us, his intense hazel eyes flicking between Chiara and me before settling on the notepad in my hands.

“What’s this about hierarchy?” Giovanni’s voice is smooth, dark, and carries an arrogance that seems to be as much a part of him as his leather jacket.

I hesitate, glancing at Chiara for reassurance. She nods subtly, and I quickly write,

Trying to understand how things work here

Giovanni reads it, then leans back on his heels, his expression softening slightly. “It’s survival of the fittest here, Madison. The strong rule, and everyone else learns to follow.”

Connor rolls his eyes. “Don’t let Gio scare you off. He likes to sound dramatic.”

“I’m not trying to scare her,” Giovanni says, a ghost of a smirk tugging at his lips. “I’m being honest.”

“Don’t listen to these two, Maddy,” Chiara jumps in. “You’re not a student, so none of this really applies to you. But it’s good to know who’s who and what’s what.”

I nod, scribbling again.

So the Crowns make all the decisions?

“Essentially, yes,” Chiara says. “At least when it comes to how things run here. The faculty might think they’re in charge, but everyone knows the Crowns hold the real power.”

Connor grins. “And we look damn good doing it.”

Chiara gives him a withering look, but I can’t help but smile at his lightheartedness. Giovanni, however, is watching me carefully, his gaze sharp.

“You’re safe here, Madison,” he says suddenly, his voice softer than I expected. “As long as Mihai’s around, no one will touch you.”

My throat tightens slightly. It’s not fear I feel, though—it’s gratitude, but it’s overwhelming. I don’t know how to respond, so I simply offer him a smile.

Giovanni nods, seemingly satisfied, while Connor squeezes my shoulder affectionately. I glance at the three of them, feeling a strange sense of comfort despite their intimidating presence.

I may not fully understand this world yet, but at least I get it now. And it’s in no way less scary knowing I’m an outsider.

So, I pick up my pen again, writing one last question.

What happens if you cross a Crown?

Chiara’s smile fades slightly, her expression growing serious. “You don’t. That’s an unspoken rule of Willow Bridge. You don’t cross a Crown. Ever.”

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