Page 1 of Innocent Intentions

Prologue

Matthias

“Mr. Montclair!” a deep voice calls from over my shoulder.

I turn to see Senator Prescott approaching. He’s an older, lanky man with gray hair obviously combed over to hide his balding, wire-framed glasses perched on his long nose, and enough wrinkles to expose his age. Even with his above average height, I tower over him at six foot four inches.

“I was hoping to catch you. You’ve been popular tonight. Then again, you always have people lining up for your attention.”

Oh God, not another one. When will this night end?

I force a laugh. “That does seem to be the case. How can I help you, Senator?”

“I wanted to discuss your newest piece of tech. I’ve heard rumors it’s quite the advancement,” he says, eyes filled with thinly veiled greed.

This is how my life goes as the CEO of Syndicate Enterprise, one of the biggest private defense and security companies in the nation. People always want something from me. They weaseltheir way into my life. It happens everywhere, especially at these damn galas.

“Now Senator, this is a party. Why don’t we set up a call on Monday to discuss business? I wouldn’t want to keep you from your wife.” I glance over his shoulder and suppress a grin at the sight of his inebriated wife blatantly flirting with a much younger man.

With that, I shake his hand and walk away.

I have no more patience for pleasantries. My usual charisma has been depleted. It was a long day at the office, closing out an even longer week at the office. The last thing I want to be doing on a Saturday night is entertain the social elite of Boston. These charity galas are merely façades, excuses for the self-important to shmooze one another.

But as the face of Syndicate Enterprise, I have to make an appearance and don my own mask. My role in the family demands it. Although it has its inconveniences, like wasting my weekend at an event I couldn’t care less about, we all knew I was the best man for the job.

With my charming, approachable demeanor and ability to dominate a boardroom, not to mention my insanely good looks that have women desperate for me, I exude power. People trust a good face and easy smile. It’s not all an act; I do enjoy the finer things in life.

My older brother, Dominic, was born to be the head of the Syndicate. No one dares defy Dom. His men respect him, and his enemies fear him. He’s cold. Calculating. Which makes him perfect to rule our criminal empire. So, he took over when our father stepped down. That, and he’s bossy as fuck.Maybe a good lay will loosen him up and melt that frigid heart of his.Hell, maybe I’ll pay a woman to keep him company. Not that he’d appreciate it. He’d probably shoot me for the thoughtful gesture.

Roman, our younger brother, would be a disaster running the legal side of our operations. He doesn’t have the patience or composure for boardrooms and galas. He’s better with his… fists. And weapons. No one can resist spilling secrets once Roman gets involved. Anyone who crosses us faces his wrath. He definitely has some anger issues. He’s honestly a little terrifying, but that makes him the perfect enforcer for the Syndicate.

Sebastian, the youngest, is far too intelligent to waste his talents at events like this. Not that I’m not intelligent, I am. He’s just a genius, not that I’d ever admit it to him; he’d enjoy that far too much. Bash can do things with computers that shouldn’t be possible. It’s actually terrifying how little privacy people have. He’s the brain behind everything, both legal and otherwise. But don’t be fooled, he can be just as lethal as the rest of us.

Which leaves me, Matthias Montclair, as the CEO of Syndicate Enterprises. I love what I do. And I’m damn good at it. There’s a reason the Montclair name is now synonymous with security and defense instead of crime.

When our father passed down the organization, we decided to clean up our reputation and start working in the light as well. We built Syndicate Enterprises as a way to legitimize ourselves, and it’s now a multibillion-dollar empire. This company is my baby, and I’ve nurtured and shaped her into the powerhouse she is today.

Which is why I’m here. While my brothers prowl around the underbelly of the city, I play the role of polished businessman.

I check my watch:eight thirty p.m.

How is it so early?

I promised myself I would stay until the auction ended. Which takes place in an hour and a half.

I excuse myself from yet another mind-numbing conversation in search of some food, or better yet, booze. I don’t normally drink at these events, preferring to keep a clear head, but tonight, I need something strong to get through the next, I check my watch:eight thirty-seven p.m.,hour and twenty-three minutes.

At the bar, I order a whiskey neat. The first sip sends a soothing burn down my throat. It warms my body, easing some of the tension. I take a few deep breaths trying to summon patience.

It’s not working.

So, I take another sip. Then another. Until finally, I feel like I can survive until ten p.m.

I check my watch again:eight fifty-five p.m.

Only one more hour of this nonsense. I can handle that.

“There you are, darling! I’ve been looking all over for you,” a shrill voice chirps.

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