Page 88 of Reckless Royalty

“For what?” I ask, my own voice just as soft.

“For being here,” he says simply, his eyes locked on mine. “For letting me have this.”

“You don’t have to thank me for that,” I whisper, the honesty of my own words surprising me. “I want to be here, Mihai.”

He tilts his head slightly, just enough to look up at me, his dark eyes studying my face like he’s searching for something.

“Do you?” he asks, and there’s an edge to his voice, like he’s afraid of the answer.

“Yes,” I say firmly, my fingers pausing in his hair for emphasis. “I do.”

His lips twitch into a small, tired smile, but he doesn’t say anything. Instead, he just watches me for a moment, his gaze soft and searching. It feels like he’s trying to memorize me, like he’s storing this moment somewhere deep inside.

Mihai shifts again, propping himself up slightly so he can look at me. His eyes are heavy-lidded, but there’s a clarity in them, a sharpness that cuts through the exhaustion.

“I don’t usually let people in like this,” he admits, his voice low and rough. “Hell, I don’t usually let them get close.”

“I know,” I say, my hand resting lightly on his shoulder. “You don’t have to explain.”

He shakes his head slightly. “No, I do. You need to know. This… whatever this is, it’s not easy for me.”

I nod, letting him take his time. Mihai doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who opens up often—or at all. The fact that he’s doing it now feels significant.

“I’m used to being in control,” he continues, his voice quieter now. “Of everything. My life, my family, my… feelings.” He lets out a bitter laugh, his hand tightening slightly on my waist. “And then you come along, and suddenly, I’m fucking spiraling. All the damn time.”

I bite my lip, unsure of what to say. Part of me wants to apologize, even though I know I haven’t done anything wrong. But another part of me—a quieter, braver part—wants to tell him that I feel the same way.

“I don’t mean to mess with your control,” I say finally, my voice barely above a whisper.

He huffs out a laugh, lifting his head just enough to meet my eyes again. “It’s not a bad thing, Maddy. It’s just… new.”

I nod, my heart thudding in my chest. “It’s new for me too.”

For a moment, we just look at each other, the silence between us comfortable and charged at the same time. His thumb brushes over my cheek, and his expression turns serious.

“You make it hard to think straight at times.”

I let out a nervous laugh. “I could say the same about you.”

He grins, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Yeah, but you’re the one who’s dangerous, remember?”

I roll my eyes, trying to lighten the mood. “You’re the one with the guns, muscles and all the tattoos. I think that makes you more dangerous.”

“Only to anyone who tries to hurt you,” he says, his tone dropping into something more serious.

My breath catches, and the room feels too small, too charged. I glance away, but his hand cups my cheek, gently guiding me back to face him.

“You’re safe here with me,” he says. “Always.”

I nod, unable to find the words to express what that means to me. Instead, I close my eyes and lean into his touch, letting the warmth of his hand ground me.

It feels like a promise, one I didn’t know I needed until now.

Before I can respond, he dips his head, capturing my lips in another kiss. It’s slower this time, less urgent but no less consuming. His thumb brushes against my cheek, and I feel like I’m melting under his touch.

When he finally pulls back, he rests his forehead against mine again, his breathing uneven. It feels like he wants to say something else, but instead he settles back against the pillows, pulling me closer so my head rests against his chest this time. His arm wraps around me, holding me firmly but gently, like he’s afraid to let go.

As I listen to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, I realize how much I needed this too. Not just the comfort, but the connection with someone I never thought would come to be my calm.

---