Page 145 of Innocent Intentions

I sit down beside her and immediately reach for her hand. Her smaller one disappears inside mine, so delicate and soft. It’s a reminder of just how fragile she is, and how fiercely I need to protect her.

“So, what’s on the menu tonight?” she asks casually, pretending like her seating choice means nothing.

“Nuh-uh.” I squeeze her hand. “Why are we sitting at my head of the table, sweetheart?”

“Oh, we are, aren’t we?” she says, glancing around like she didn’t pick the seat on purpose. “I didn’t even notice.”

“Not a chance. Try again.” I grin.

She huffs. “I just didn’t feel like moving my stuff. My arms are tired from walking Benny earlier.”

I arch a brow. “That’s funny. Because I distinctly remembermebeing the one holding his leash.”

She gives me a half-hearted shrug. “Your legs are longer, and you’ll fit better there?”

“Margot,” I warn.

“Fine,” she relents, eyes rolling. “I wanted to sit next to you. Where we’re supposed to. I like you being at the head.”

My smile grows so wide it aches.

That’s my girl.

“How about a movie tonight. It’s been a while.”

Her face lights up. “Yes! That sounds great. What do you want to watch?”

“Whatever you’d like.”

***

“What the fuck are we watching?”

She giggles, her whole body shaking in my arms. “Matty, just give it a chance.”

The way she’s curled up against me, so relaxed, so carefree… it soothes something deep inside me.

This is why I keep everything from her. Why I carry the stress alone. She doesn’t need to know how close the Bratva is or how dangerous this world can be. She deserves peace. Happiness. She deserves to laugh like this without fear.

I’ll take all the darkness so she can stay in the light.

Her laugh pulls me from my spiraling thoughts. I unclench my fists and gently rub her back, grounding myself in the feel of her against me. When she’s in my arms, I know she’s safe.

“The last date I went on was worse than this,” she sighs.

What the fuck?

My entire body stills.

Who? Who the fuck was the last guy? Why is she thinking about another man? Why is she comparing us? I swear to God,I will kill him.

I suck in a sharp breath and exhale slowly, trying and failing to stay calm. Every muscle in my body locks. I’m seething.

“He was a nice guy,” she continues, oblivious to my rage. “We’d been seeing each other for about a month. We were ready to take the next step, so after dinner one night, I invited him over. We were making out on my couch, and he took my shirt off, then my bra–”

“Stop! I’ve heard enough!” I cut her off, my voice louder than I meant. I can’t take another word.

She waves me off. “Hush. It gets better.”

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