Page 49 of Innocent Intentions

He glares at me, as ifI’mthe one cheating.

Fine. No more going easy.

I brace myself and tug back, my muscles burning. This dog’s strength is impressive, but I still win. We start again. Then again.

After several more rounds, I tap out, my arms sore as hell. I started switching arms after the fourth round, telling myself this counts as a workout.

“Sorry, buddy. It’s time for me to join Margot in bed.”

Benny flops onto his bed, exhausted. I smirk, satisfied. I toss him a few treats and make my way out.

The dog is growing on me.

***

After a quick shower in the gym to wash away the sweat, slobber, and dog smell on me, I head to our bedroom.

Walking in, the first thing I notice is the pillow wall.

She built a fort between us.

I can’t stop the smile spreading across my face. She’s adorable. If she thinks a pile of feathers is going to keep me from sleeping on top of her, she’s delusional.

Now that I’ve had a taste, I won’t spend another night not touching her.

I slip into bed. Knowing she’s a deep sleeper, I carefully lift her over the pillow wall and curl on top of her.

She melts into me.

My soft, stubborn girl.

My spitfire.

She’s mine.

Nothing, especially not a pile of pillows, will ever come between us.

Chapter 19

Margot

For the second morning in a row, I wake to a warm, heavy weight on me. It only takes me a minute to realize it’s Matty. Again.

I glance at my pillow wall. It’s shredded. Destroyed. Pointless. Why does my body betray me in my sleep?Or does it give in to what you truly want?

Despite the warmth, the comfort he provides, I move to push him off me.

He doesn’t budge.

I scowl. If brute force won’t work, fine. Time to get dirty.

I wiggle my right arm free and slam my elbow into his ribs.

“What the fuck!”

He jerks upright, grabbing his side. His rough voice betrays his pain, and for a second, guilt stabs me. Did I hurt him?

Why do I even care?

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