Page 131 of Innocent Intentions

Dom’s voice is low. “Was the girl being kept against her will?”

“She overheard a conversation between me and Roman about interrogating a Bratva guy. Then she witnessed the alley attack. At the time, I thought they were after me. Turns out, they were after her. How ironic. I didn’t know that and couldn’t risk her going to the cops. So… I took her. I didn’t know what else to do. I messed up.” I exhale. “But things changed quickly. I didn’t expect to care this much. And now we’re happy together. So, it’s fine.”

“You kidnapped a girl! AND I HELPED YOU!”

Bash launches himselfat me.

Caught off guard, I lose my balance, and we hit the floor. Before I can react, Roman pulls him off me.

“Get it together,” Roman says. “She’s happy with him now. Did you see how pathetically in love they are? He even lets her call him Matty.” Roman reasons with Bash. He looks at me. “The only way you can get a girl is through kidnapping her? Pathetic.”

“Fuck off. I’m sorry for involving you, Bash, but I needed your help. And she’s happy now. You can go ask her yourself. Just… don’t tell Mom and Dad.”

Bash shoots daggers at me with his eyes, clearly still upset.

Dom brings it back around. “We need to talk about this Koschei Group. This might be the missing piece. I want to talk to the girl. Bring her in.”

“No. She’s not getting dragged into this.” My voice sharpens. “And her name is Margot. Stop calling her ‘the girl.’”

“She’s already involved.” Dom says coldly. “Shebroughtusinto this. Now I want to know what she knows. This isn’t up for debate.”

I grind my teeth hating that he’s right.

“Fine,” I bite out. “But Dom, get your shit together around Margot. She’s it for me. If you make her uncomfortable again, I’ll shoot you.”

And I mean it.

I won’t kill him.

But I’ll put him on his ass.

No one disrespects my woman.

Chapter 53

Margot

Matty enters the sitting room, cutting off my conversation with Evelyn. He walks straight to where I’m sitting on the couch, but instead of joining me, he holds out his hand.

“Come on, sweetheart. We need to talk to you about… everything,” he says carefully. Understanding, I take his hand and stand.

“Donotinvolve her in Syndicate affairs!” Evelyn snaps, jumping up. Her voice is sharp. Sharper than I’ve heard all evening. Not even when she scolded her sons did she sound like this.

“Mom, please don’t get involved. Dad retired from this life. Enjoy the peace,” Matty says, sounding tired. I can tell he doesn’t want me involved either.

“No. I will not have you corrupting her or putting her in danger! You listen to me, boy.” She’s truly upset on my behalf, and as much as I appreciate it, I need to step in.

“Evelyn, it’s okay. I’ve become a target without realizing it. Matty and the Syndicate are helping me.”

“Mom, I won’t expose her to anything she’s not already wrapped up in,” Matty promises. Then he turns to me and cups my face in both hands. “I swear I won’t let anything happen to you. I will keep you safe.” His eyes bare into mine. They’re beautiful, steady, and full of so much conviction. It’s a promise I know he’ll keep.

“I know, Matty. I trust you.” I say softly.

Evelyn sighs, breaking the moment. I forgot we had an audience. My cheeks flush.

“I can see how much you love her,” she says gently. “I trust that you’ll protect her just as your father protected me.”

I open my mouth to correct her, to say love is a strong word, but Matty doesn’t give me the chance.

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