Page 102 of Innocent Intentions

Don’t think of that.

I press my cheek against his chest, listening to the slow, steady beat of his heart.

You’re here now. In his arms. He saved you. He protected you. And now he’s taking care of you.

You are his, but he’s also yours.

You can think of it tomorrow. Today, just breathe.

I let my eyes drift shut.

***

I must fall asleep, because when I open my eyes, the room is dark.

Matty’s voice is soft as his hand brushes my cheek.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” he murmurs, lightly shaking me. “I don’t want to wake you, but do you think you can eat something? You haven’t had anything since breakfast.”

There’s so much concern in his voice. So much care. And as much as I want to ease it, I can’t. The thought of food makes my stomach twist.

“I’m not hungry,” I whisper, my voice thick with exhaustion. “I’m sorry.”

Matty immediately shakes his head. “No, sweetheart. It’s okay. We’re going at your pace.” He presses a kiss to my temple. “I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”

His warmth surrounds me, protecting me.

I let myself sink back into him. Into the comfort of his arms. Into the safety I only feel with him.

And this time, when I close my eyes, I sleep dreamlessly.

Chapter 40

Matthias

I can’t sleep.

Every time I close my eyes, I see her pinned down and helpless.

It plays on a loop, each second more agonizing than the last. If this is what it’s doing to me, I can’t even begin to imagine what my brave girl must be going through.

I look down at her. She’s curled into me, warm and soft. She’s been tossing and turning, but at least she’s sleeping. At least she’s safe.

My phone lights up.

Roman.

They’re awake.

The men who touched my sweet girl. The scum who dared to lay a hand on her. They’re tied up in the warehouse, waiting.

I text him back.

‘Hold off. They’re mine’

I don’t want to leave Margot, but I have no choice. I need answers. I don’t understand why the Bratva would be at her house. No one knows about us. It doesn’t make sense.

And I need to make them suffer. They made my girl hurt. They will beg for death before I’m through with them.

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