Page 78 of Reckless Royalty

Connor lets out a chuckle, settling down across from me on an armchair, his gaze warm and playful. “So, how are you, really? I mean, all jokes aside.”

I shrug, thinking over his question. “It’s… I’m good. But it feels a little odd, like I’m still trying to catch up with myself.”

He nods, his expression softening. “That makes sense. You’ve been through a lot, lass. It’s gonna take time, but you’ve got us. I mean, I’ll annoy you just enough to keep you on your toes, if that helps.”

“Oh, I have no doubt,” I say, smirking. “You’d never let me get too comfortable.”

“Absolutely not.” He grins, then his eyes light up and he winks. “Well, if your written notes were so cheeky, I can’t wait to hear speaking Maddy giving me sass.”

I laugh. “I’m happy to oblige, then. I owe you a good bit of sass, anyway.”

We both laugh, and it feels natural, easy. He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees, that teasing grin still in place. “So, since you used to be quite the singer…”

I groan, knowing exactly where this is going. “Please don’t start, Connor. Mihai’s already given me enough grief about it.”

He wouldn’t stop asking me to sing while showing me around the Main Crown Suite, and only shut up when I kissed him. Yeah, that’s still new.

Connor raises his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. But you’ve got to sing for us one day, Maddy. I’ve got a reputation as your friend, and I need to be able to brag about knowin’ your hidden talents.”

I shake my head, smiling despite myself. “I think I’m a bit too rusty for that.”

“Oh, come on, lass,” he teases, his eyes twinkling. “One little note? Just a small one?”

I sigh, crossing my arms. “Not happening, you prat.”

He sighs dramatically, clutching his chest as if wounded. “Breakin’ my heart, ya know that? But alright, I won’t push. Just sayin’, though, I’d pay good money to hear that voice.”

I give him a playful glare. “And that’s well good, but I’m not still not singing for you.”

Connor laughs, his whole face lighting up. “Either way, I’m just happy you’re talking. That’s enough for now.”

Just then, the door opens, and Mihai walks in, carrying a paper bag and I can smell the yummy food already. The sight of him makes my heart skip, though I try not to let it show. His gaze lands on Connor, and he rolls his eyes.

“Ah, so you’re still here terrorizing her,” he mutters, setting the food down on the table.

“Hey, don’t be jealous because I’m her favorite,” Connor retorts, leaning back with a smirk.

“Oh, please,” Mihai scoffs, though there’s a hint of amusement in his tone. “Keep telling yourself that.”

Then he plops down next to me on the bed, giving Connor a look. “And you—lay off her, yeah?”

“Pfft, lay off her? I’m the gentlest one here,” Connor says, smirking. “It’s you she has to worry about.”

Mihai scoffs. “Right. I’m an angel, didn’t you know?”

Connor laughs, pointing at Mihai. “Aye, an angel who carries concealed weapons.”

I can’t help but laugh as they go back and forth, feeling lighter than I have in a while. It’s this easy banter, the friendship between them that draws me in and makes me feel… normal, somehow.

Like maybe I could be a part of this.

Connor’s about to shoot another comeback when the door bursts open and Cat storms in, her face red and streaked with tears. She freezes when she sees Connor and Mihai there, her expression crumbling further and she takes a step back.

“Cat?” Connor’s voice drops, and his whole demeanor shifts. He straightens, his playful grin vanishing as he stands, moving toward her.

It’s like a switch flipped; gone is the playful, teasing Connor, replaced by someone who’s fiercely protective, all his attention zeroed in on his little sister.

Cat looks down, twisting her fingers together with an anxious expression, and Connor doesn’t wait for her to speak. He pulls her into his arms, murmuring quietly, “Hey, hey, what’s wrong? What happened?”

---