Page 147 of Innocent Intentions

“I’m so glad that’s over,” she says. “I never have to go on another first date now that I have you. Wait! Not that I thinkthis is permanent. I mean, I know we’re just waiting out the Bratva thing. I’m not trying to lock you down or anything. I’m not planning our wedding or naming our babies or–”

I am.

“Margot, stop,” I say gently. I lift her off the floor and place her back on my lap where she belongs.

“You’re never going on another first date. There will never be another man for you. Just as there will never be another woman for me. There are no other women. There’s only you, sweetheart.”

She opens her mouth, but I stop her with a finger on her lips.

“This isn’t temporary. I’m handling the Bratva, and when that’s done, I’m taking you on so many dates they’ll erase every single one before me. And yes, we’re getting married. We’re going to have a house full of kids. A home full of laughter and love. We won’t ever be apart. You will never run from me again. And no one will take you from me.”

I tilt her chin up to meet my eyes. “You are mine.”

I see the hesitation in her gaze, the disbelief. The way her eyes widened at the mention of kids. She starts to respond, but I silence her with a kiss.

She melts into it. It starts soft, then turns deep, and ends with me buried inside her.

Later, as we lie together, her body curled into mine, I stare at the ceiling.

I have a date to plan.

Chapter 63

Margot

Today has not been a good day. I’ve been in a bad mood since I opened my eyes. Even Benny noticed and started avoiding me. I can’t even pin down why.

Is it because Matty wasn’t there when you woke up? That he had Dotty deliver you your coffee?

Ok, maybe that’s it.

I just don’t get it. Last night felt perfect. We were laughing at my disaster of a dating life. He looked me dead in the eyes and said what we have is real. He talked about marriage and kids like he meant it. He couldn’t have been lying, right? Why would he lie?

Calm down. He probably just had a busy day.

But even my inner hussy doesn’t sound convinced.

We didn’t meet up for lunch or to walk Benny. Which isn’t unheard of, but it makes me question us. I needed to see him. Just to reassure myself everything’s okay.

I head to dinner with one goal: confirmation. I’ll see him. He’ll say something charming. And I’ll feel ridiculous for worrying.

But the second I open the dining room door, all hope vanishes.

There are no place settings.

My heart stops. A tear slips down my cheek. Then another. I break without making a sound.

What did I do wrong? Why is he changing his mind?

I thought everything was going well. I ignored all the signs today, clinging to hope. I should’ve known better. I do know better. I knew not to get involved with him.

How did I let it get this far? When did he take my heart?

“There you are, dear! I was looking all over for you. Matthias–” Dotty cuts off when she sees me. “Oh, goodness. What is going on with you, girl?”

Her voice is the perfect blend of soothing and scolding, that only Dotty can manage.

I didn’t even hear her come in. I probably look like a wreck. It takes a second to find my voice.

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