Page 144 of Shameless Royalty

I swallow hard, forcing my attention back to the group as they come to a stop in front of everyone.

“Welcome back, everyone,” Connor speaks and a few cheers go up, but most people stay quiet, waiting. There’s a presence to them—to all of them. But Connor? He owns the space.

“We’ve been away handlin’ business, but now we’re back. That means some changes.” He glances around. “The ten of youparticipatin’ in Legacy Week need to move to the Mikhailov Suite when we’re done here. You’ll be briefed on what will be required of you.”

Diamond Mask steps up next, his voice smoother, almost amused. “For those of you still catching up, the rumors are true. We have a new Crown this year.” There’s a pause before he turns slightly, motioning toward the heart mask. “Konstantin Drakos, the newest Crown Heir. Welcome, brother.”

I try to pay attention as the other Crowns—club and spade masks—briefly speak about events and expectations, but it’s hard to concentrate when Connor’s standing there, practically fucking glowing with dominance and strength.

My mind keeps flashing back to the other night, to his kisses, his whispered apologies, and the sincerity in his voice when he said he loved me. It feels impossible that this powerful, dangerous man is the same one who touched me so gently, who begged for forgiveness and promised to do better.

Connor finally steps forward again, his head tilting slightly as he speaks once more. “Enjoy tonight, everyone. Let’s have some fun and set the tone right for this year. Legacy Week participants, you have five minutes to report. Don’t make us come lookin’ for you.”

There’s a collective chuckle from the crowd, tension dissipating as the music picks back up, chatter resuming. But my eyes are still locked on Connor as he turns, moving back toward the suites with the other Crowns flanking him.

“Earth to Malachi,” Aiden chuckles softly beside me, nudging my shoulder again. “You good?”

I blink, pulling my gaze away from the now-empty spot where Connor stood. I exhale shakily, nodding once. “Yeah,” I manage to rasp, clearing my throat. “Yeah, I’m good.”

He raises a brow, clearly amused. “You sure? You look like you’re about to pass out. Didn’t realize you had a thing for the Crowns.”

“Shut up,” I mutter, my cheeks heating embarrassingly. But there’s no denying he’s right. My pulse races, my skin feels hot, and fuck—I’m swooning. Completely fucking gone for the guy who stormed into my life, flipped it upside down, and somehow made everything better and worse all at once.

I shake my head, forcing myself to focus on something other than Connor fucking Cunningham. “What the hell is Legacy Week, anyway?” I ask, trying to distract myself.

Aiden chuckles, shaking his head. “Legacy Week is basically their initiation,” he explains casually. “You know, typical secret society shit—hazing, tests, loyalty checks. They pick ten legacies from the most powerful families here, put them through the wringer, and decide who gets access to the inner circle. It’s intense, fucked up, but they’ve done it for decades.”

I nod slowly, processing everything he says, but mostly I’m still stuck on the fact that Connor’s officially back at Willow Bridge. Seeing him like that—so fucking powerful and commanding, completely owning his role as a Crown Heir—stirs something deep inside me.

Desire, pride, maybe even a little awe. And beneath it all, that nagging doubt—the insecurity that whispers Connor’s way out of my league, destined for a life far greater than anything I could ever offer.

Still, our conversation keeps replaying in my head. That shit was real—I felt it down to my bones.

I take a long drink from my beer, feeling warm and hopeful for the first time in months. Whatever’s ahead, whatever chaos and trouble Connor brings back into my life, I’m here for it.

Because as much as he’s got all this power at his fingertips—as much as he’ll be a king someday—he made it perfectly clear that I’m the one holding all the fucking cards.

And that realization has me smiling into my beer, finally feeling like things might actually turn out alright.

Because fuck, I’m already in way too deep. I never stood a chance of getting out, even if I wanted to.

Chapter 57

Connor

TheLegacyWeekmeetingwraps up with Nikolai giving a quick nod, signaling we’re finished for the night. Students filter out slowly, excited and whispering to each other about everything we just dropped on them.

Usually, I’d stick around, give the new ones a bit more attention and make sure they know exactly who runs shit around here, but right now, all I can think about is Malachi.

He looked so fucking good tonight in that tight black shirt and ripped jeans. Standing by the bonfire, red hair tousled by the wind, eyes wide and taking everything in, all lean muscle and casual ease. But the problem—the one that’s driving me fucking insane—is the guy he was standing next to.

Some asshole I’ve seen around campus but never bothered to learn the name of. Dark hair, tattoos, a little too close to Malachi for my liking. My stomach tightens, hot and possessive. It’s ridiculous. I know Malachi said he wanted space, but seeing another guy near him makes me lose my fucking mind.

When the room finally empties, Nikolai claps me on the shoulder. “Go on, Cunningham. Go find your boy before you explode from jealousy.”

I scowl at him. “I’m not jealous.”

Konstantin chuckles, clearly amused, as he passes by me. “Yeah, right. The second you saw the guy standing next to Malachi, you looked ready to kill someone.”

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