Page 41 of Innocent Intentions

I shake the thought away. He doesn’t know. He wouldn’t care. It’s just a coincidence.

I force myself to focus as Dotty carries on about the homemade red sauce, fresh tomatoes from the garden, and hand-baked breadcrumbs. Normally, I’d be impressed, but my brain is stuck on why the hell Matty is making me eat with him.

I haven’t seen him all day. He hasn’t had any interest in me since he dropped me off with Benny.

Why now?

But before I can figure it out, we’re in the dining room.

The first thing I notice is the table. It’s massive, solid mahogany, intricate detailing, surrounded by ten chairs, but could easily fit more.

The second thing I notice?

The place settings.

One at the head of the table. The other right next to it.

Absolutely not.

Before I can second-guess myself, I grab my setting and haul it to the opposite head of the table.

Dotty gasps. “Oh, dear. I don’t think you should do that. Matthias specifically instructed me to seat you next to him.”

Fat fucking chance.

“I’m sure he won’t care.” I say casually, dropping into my new seat.

Dotty mutters something about“obstinate girl”under her breath as she disappears into the kitchen.

I barely have time to adjust before the door swings open.

Matty enters with a wide smile, until he sees me.

He stops mid-stride.

“I thought I told Dotty to set you at my side,” he says, confused.

“She did.” I confirm, not wanting Dotty in trouble.

Understanding dawns on him. His smile vanishes.

“Why did you move?” His voice dips lower.

I avoid eye contact. “I didn’t see the need to be that close.” My cheeks burn. It’s a dead giveaway.

He goes silent.

I risk a glance up, only to find him grinning. Then he laughs.

“And why don’t we need to be close?” He leans forward, eyes gleaming. “Are you scared of how much you want me?”

I roll my eyes. “Keep dreaming, Matty. I’m not into you.”

His smirk deepens. “Didn’t seem that way this morning, sweetheart.”

I turn red. He’s talking about when I checked him out. When I practically devoured him with my eyes.

“And don’t call me Matty.” His voice shifts into something sharper and commanding.

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