Page 130 of Innocent Intentions

Roman won’t care. He’s already covering for me.

Bash’s furious, and when he connects the dots, he’ll be worse.

Dom is the wildcard. He’s done questionable shit. But keeping the truth from him about Margot and the attacks? That might be what sets him off.

Bash’s voice cuts through. “You made me run her background. You said it was for the Syndicate. Was that what the phone thing was about too? You had me cut her off from everyone. You swore you wouldn’t hurt her. You lied to me. And I helped you do it.”

“She isn’t hurt. Look at her. She’s fine.”

Bash isn’t buying it.

Dom narrows his eyes. “When did this happen? And what happened? Why did you use Bash to do all that?”

“Look, we can get into the semantics of my relationship later.”More like never.“Right now, we need to talk about the Bratva. There’s a new development.”

“Why are you involved with the Bratva?” Dom asks skeptically.

“Dom, let him talk. He’ll explain everything.” Roman interjects, looking just as frustrated.

I tell them what happened. About the attack. What Margot told me about the Koschei Group. I start from when Roman and I found her at her place but leave out everything prior.

When I finish, Dom is quiet. Processing.

Bash, however, is not.

“Why was Roman with you? And why were you following her to her house? What did they mean about two men disappearing?”

Fuck. He’s putting it together. He’s too damn smart.

Roman chooses this moment to chip in. “I was at Matthias’s place when she ran away. He freaked out, needing to catch her before she disappeared. I was curious about the girl making him lose his fucking mind, so I went with him. And it’s a damn good thing I did. This fucker didn’t even bring his gun.”

I shoot Roman a death glare. Traitor.

“SHE RAN AWAY FROM YOU?” Bash yells, right as Dom says, “You didn’t bring a gun?”

I pause, trying to decide which one is safer to answer.

Dom. Definitely Dom.

Guns are more forgiving than kidnapping.

“I left in such a rush, I forgot it. It won’t happen again,” And it won’t. I’ll never be unarmed when it comes to protecting Margot.

Dom opens his mouth, but Bash cuts in.

“WHY WAS SHE TRYING TO ESCAPE YOU?”

He’s yelling now. He’s not letting this go.

I glance at Roman for backup, but he just raises an eyebrow wanting answers too.

“She… may not have beenchoosingto stay at my place at the time,” I say slowly. “But she’s here now of her own free will, so does it matter?” I shrug. “And keep your voice down. If Mom finds out, I’ll destroy every one of your computers.”

“Yes, it fucking matters! Why were you forcing her to stay with you? That sounds like you kidnapped her.” Bash laughs. It’s not a good laugh. It’s unhinged.

I go quiet.

They all stare at me.

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