Page 19 of Innocent Intentions

It’s beautiful. Elegant.

I’ve never given much thought to my dream home, but now that I’ve seen this?

This is it.

And for a brief second, a thought flickers through my mind.

What if I stayed?

What if I never leave?

I get lost in that daydream.

Chapter 7

Matthias

Margot is in such a state of awe that she doesn’t notice we’ve parked. Not until I’m opening her door.

She mumbles athanksas I help her climb out, still entranced by the house.

I glance at my home, trying to see it through her eyes.

It’s a multimillion-dollar estate, sprawling and imposing. The moment I saw it, I knew it was the one.

Kind of like the girl next to me.

Where the fuck did that thought come from?

I shove the thought deep down. I need to get it together. She is my captive. She is here against her will. She’s not mine to keep.

But I want to.

I grit my teeth.

Shut the fuck up, Matthias.

I lead her inside, and the moment we step through the door, she lets out a sharp, audible gasp.

I don’t blame her.

The white marble floors reflect the sunlight streaming in from the massive windows, bathing the grand foyer in warmth. A sweeping staircase commands the center of the room, rising elegantly to the second floor.

She barely breathes as she takes it all in.

But I can’t let her get too comfortable.

I hesitate only a second before deciding: she’s staying in my room.

Fuck it. I’ve already taken her. Keeping her in my room is just… practical.

Only so I can keep an eye on her through the night.

Nothing more.

I lead her up the stairs and down the hallway to the master bedroom.

“Where are we going?” She asks, her voice tinged with curiosity.

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