Page 89 of Innocent Intentions

“They wouldn’t talk. After someconvincing, one finally broke. I gave that one an easy death.” My stomach lurches. He doesn’t sound remorseful, just annoyed. “He told me they have new product on the market. Something we can’t compete with. He wouldn’t tell me what.” Roman sounds furious.

The sound scares me. I don’t want to be in the same house as Roman when he’s angry. I don’t want to be in the same house as him at all.

At least Matthias isn’t torturing and killing people, right? Doesn’t that make it better?

No. I let a man related to this psychopath go down on me then come on me. I let a murderer do that. There’s no making that better.

You don’t know anything for sure. Don’t jump to any conclusions.

Matthias hums. “Okay. We already knew this. What do you want from me?”

“We’re starting to collect them more frequently. These aren’t the first ones I’ve caught. If they keep growing in numbers, you’re going to need to start helping out.”

I hold my breath.

Please say no. Please, Matty, say no.

“You know I’ll always do what I have to for the Syndicate.”

No.

No, no, no.

“Even though I’m on the legal side, I can still get my hands dirty.”

Then, he laughs.

A cold, unsettling chuckle. Dripping with malice.

I’ve never heard Matthias sound so evil. So villainous.

It shatters me.

I have to get out of here.

It’s Matty. Are you sure you can’t overlook this?

No.

I don’t know this man.

I don’t want to know him.

I feel sick that I ever let him touch me.

I need to leave.

And never look back.

Chapter 33

Margot

“Benny, get up! We have to go.” I whisper frantically, heart pounding.

But this damn dog won’t listen. He just stares at me, stubborn and unmoving, as if he knows. As if he can sense that this isn’t just another walk, this is an escape.

His big, brown eyes glare like he’s saying, ‘No.’

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