Page 125 of Innocent Intentions

I’m going to show up looking like a slouch and his mom is going to hate me. What if his family doesn’t approve? What if they think I’m not good enough for him? I mean… am I?

Shut up. He’s lucky to have you. Now go get ready.

“Calm down, sweetheart.” He sounds amused.

Fuck him. What about this is funny?

“CALM DOWN? How can you just spring this on me!” I’m shouting, full meltdown mode activated.

“I only just found out. My mom invited us yesterday,” he says like that helps.

“YESTERDAY!” I screech. “You’ve known for a whole day, and you’re telling me now? An hour before we need to leave?”

He looks at me like I’ve grown a second head.

“We were a little busy yesterday. I was… distracted.” He smirks. Like sex could fix this.

“YOU WERE DISTRACTED? This is a disaster! I don’t have anything to wear. Your family is going to hate me, and then you’ll hate me and dump me. Are we even dating? Can you dump someone you’re not dating? Oh my God. What are we even going to tell them? That you kidnapped me? There’s literally no version of this that ends well. I don’t think we sh–”

He strides across the room and shuts me up with a kiss. A sweet, soft one.

“No one’s going to hate you,” he says against my lips. “Honestly, I think my mom is already planning our wedding. Roman told her you’re lovely. My brothers will like you too.”

I narrow my eyes. “Roman said I’mlovely?”

“I don’t know what words he actually used, but that’s what my mom took from it. Sweetheart, everyone will love you.” He leans back, eyes scanning me with something close to awe. “Wear that blue and white striped dress you have. It looks great on you but doesn’t show too much. No one gets to see you. And it’ll cover my marks. This is the only time I’ll let you hide my claim.” His voice dips low and dark, and he gestures to my neck. “We’ll go shopping later this week. Get you new clothes.”

I glance down. Purple hickeys dot my neck like I’m a damn teenager. I look ridiculous.

You look like you’re his.

My heart swells at the thought.

He knows what dresses you own. He has a favorite. He’s so gone for you.

I smile at my inner tramp’s declaration.

I’m just as gone for him.

Chapter 51

Margot

Matty sits beside me in the driver’s seat, wearing a blue button-up that perfectly matches my dress. I can’t help but think he planned it. He smiled so brightly when he saw I’d taken his suggestion. It makes me want to listen to him more, just to earn those smiles.

After about twenty minutes, we pull through a gate and follow the driveway up to a gorgeous house. Even though it’s huge, it doesn’t feel cold or empty. It feels like a home.

“Stay,” he says once the car is parked.

I stall in my seat, using the time it takes him to walk around the car to collect myself. I give myself a little pep talk.

It’s going to be fine. I can do this. It’s just his parents. I’ve never met parents before. Maybe it’s not as bad as people say. Plus, Matty’s here. He won’t let anything go sideways.

Before we reach the front door, it swings open and a stunning woman steps out. I can instantly tell she’s his mother. They have the same brown eyes. The same blinding smile. Hers lights up her entire face when she sees me.

She’s much taller than me. She carries herself with the confidence her sons do. But hers isn’t arrogant. She looks runway-ready in white pressed slacks, a navy button-up rolled at the sleeves, a white sweater tied over her shoulders, and navy pumps. The personification of power and class.

This woman is going to eat you alive.

---