Reckless Royalty
RECKLESS ROYALTY
Mihai
I ’m halfway through a shot of Tuica when my phone buzzes on the table. It’s late, the kind of late that makes everything seem a little more surreal, a little more dangerous, but that’s how I like it.
Spring Break means I don’t have to think about anything beyond the next drink, the next girl, the next thrill. But when I see the name on the screen, all of that comes to a screeching halt.
Father.
I sigh, running a hand through my hair as I sit up straighter, the carefree mood instantly vanishing. If the King of the Romanian Mafia is calling me at this hour, it’s not going to be a social chat.
“Da?” I answer, my voice coming out more gruff than I intended.
“Mihai,” my father’s voice is calm, controlled, the kind of voice that doesn’t tolerate any bullshit. “I need you in my office. Now.”
There’s no room for argument, not that I would even consider it. When Ion Vasile calls, you answer. I push my glass aside and stand up, grabbing my jacket from the back of the chair.
“I’m on my way.”
The drive to the estate is a blur of dark streets and cold air, my mind racing with a thousand possibilities of what this could be about. I know better than to question it until I have the facts. My father’s always been the kind of man who keeps his cards close to his chest, revealing just enough to keep everyone on edge.
By the time I pull up to the gates of our estate, I’ve run through every scenario I can think of, and none of them are good. I park the car and head inside, nodding to the guards as I make my way to his office.
The door is slightly ajar, and I take a deep breath before pushing it open. My father is sitting behind his massive mahogany desk, a glass of whiskey in his hand, his gaze sharp and focused on me as I enter.
“You wanted to see me, Tata ?” I ask, closing the door behind me and walking over to stand in front of his desk.
He gestures to the chair opposite him, but I remain standing. It’s a silent power play between us, a reminder that I’m not just his son—I’m his heir.
“Sit, Mihai,” he orders, his voice a deep rumble that leaves no room for argument.
I take the seat, leaning back casually as if I’m not feeling the weight of his gaze. It’s a game we’ve played for years—he tries to assert his dominance, and I pretend not to care.
But today, there’s something different in the way he’s looking at me, something that puts me on edge.
“What’s going on?”
He sets his glass down and leans back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. “There’s been a situation with the Cartel. ”
I raise an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. Sofia’s father is my father’s best friend and was already snitched on; what the fuck now?
“What kind of situation?”
He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he watches me. “Santiago is dead.”
The words hang in the air between us, heavy and final. Sofia’s father was a fucking legend in the underworld, a man who commanded respect and fear in equal measure. His death is big news—news that’s going to send shockwaves through the criminal world, not to mention a fucking power vacuum.
“And?”
“There was a witness,” he continues, his voice cold and calculated. “A girl. She saw everything.”
“And she’s under our protection now?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“Yes,” my father confirms, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “But there’s a problem. She’s not talking. Not to anyone.”
“Selective mutism?” I guess, my mind already piecing together the situation.
“That’s what they’re calling it,” he nods, his expression hardening. “She’s the only one who knows what happened that night, but she’s been through hell. Her mother and sister were killed in the same attack, and since then, she hasn’t spoken a word.”
I let out a slow breath, trying to process everything. “So what’s the plan?”
“She’s being sent to Willow Bridge,” he says, his eyes narrowing slightly. “And you’re going to be her bodyguard.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut, and for a moment, I can’t quite process what he’s saying. Me? A bodyguard? That’s not my role, not my job.
“Why me?” I demand, my voice sharper than I intended. “ There are a dozen other people who could do this. Why does it have to be me?”
My father’s gaze sharpens, and I know I’ve overstepped, but I don’t care. I’m one of the Five Crowns at Willow Bridge, for fuck’s sake. I’m not some glorified babysitter.
“Because I’m ordering you to,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument. “This girl is the only witness to one of the most high-profile murders in recent history. She’s valuable, and she needs to be protected at all costs. I trust you to do that.”
I bite back the retort that’s on the tip of my tongue. Arguing with my father is pointless. Once he’s made up his mind, there’s no changing it. But that doesn’t mean I’m happy about it.
“This isn’t what I do, Tata ,” I say, trying to keep my voice level. “I don’t play bodyguard.”
“You will for her,” he replies, his gaze cold, calculating. “She’s important, Mihai. More important than you realize. She’s not talking, which means we need to keep her close, keep her safe until she does.”
“I need someone I can trust,” he continues, his voice softer now, almost like he’s reasoning with me. “Someone who understands the stakes. You’re my heir, Mihai. This is more than just a job. It’s your responsibility.”
I want to argue, to tell him that I didn’t sign up for this, that I don’t want to play fucking bodyguard, but the look in his eyes tells me that it’s pointless. When Ion Vasile makes a decision, it’s final.
I lean back in the chair, running a hand through my hair as I try to process what he’s asking. “What’s her name?”
“Madison Graves,” he says, and for the first time, there’s a hint of something almost … compassionate in his tone.
“What do you need me to do?” I ask, my voice resigned.
“She’ll arrive here tomorrow and will leave with you all to Willow Bridge,” he says, leaning forward slightly. “You’ll meet her, make sure she’s settled in, and then you’ll stick to her like glue. No one gets close to her unless you say so. Understand?”
The threat is clear, but I’m not one to back down. I’ve been playing this game long enough to know the stakes, and if my father thinks I can’t handle it, he’s got another thing coming.
I nod, my jaw tight. “Understood.”
“And Mihai,” he adds, his voice low and warning. “This isn’t just about protecting her. It’s about keeping our position. The Cartel is in chaos right now, and we need to maintain our alliances. Sofia is next in line, but she’s not ready to take over. We need time, and Maddy Graves is the key to buying that time.”
I meet his gaze, my frustration warring with the understanding of the situation’s gravity. “I’ll do what needs to be done.”
He nods, satisfied, and reaches for his glass of whiskey. “Good. I knew I could count on you.”
I stand up, sighing. This isn’t what I wanted, but I know better than to go against my father’s wishes. I can’t say no to him, not when it’s something this important.
I turn to leave, but his voice stops me in my tracks. “Mihai.”
I glance back, and for a moment, I see something almost vulnerable in his eyes. “Don’t let her down. She’s been through enough.”
I nod, the words sinking in. “Understood, Tata .”
With that, I leave the office, my mind still reeling from the conversation. I never expected Spring Break to take this turn, but now that it has, there’s no going back.
But as I drive back to my place, a part of me can’t help but feel uneasy. I’ve dealt with dangerous situations before, but this… this is different. Madison isn’t just some job. She’s a witness, a key player, and now she’s in my hands.
I don’t want to play bodyguard, but it looks like I don’t have a choice. And as much as I hate to admit it, a part of me is curious about this girl. The girl who saw too much, who’s lost everything, and who now holds the fate of the Cartel in her silence.
Coming in January…