Page 132 of Innocent Intentions

“I will, Mom.” He nods. “Come on, sweetheart. We need to talk to my brothers.”

And just like that, he leads me out of the room.

I’m still spinning from the fact that he didn’t correct her, that he didn’t deny loving me, when he opens the study door.

The brothers pause their conversation. Roman throws me a flirty wave, which earns him a glare from Matty, and an arm slings tightly around my waist. Dom just stares at me like I’m some kind of puzzle. And Bash won’t meet my eyes. His remain glued to the floor.

I probably should’ve asked Matty how much he told them about our situation.

“Tell me about your connection to the Bratva,” Dom demands.

“Back off. I already told you everything she told me,” Matty snaps, turning me into his side, shielding me with his body.

“I want to hear it from her.” Dom’s voice stays cold.

“I didn’t even know what the Bratva was until Matty explained it after they attacked me in my house,” I say, trying to stay calm. “I think I accidentally found something about theirshipments at work. There were some sketchy orders from a company called the Koschei Group. The name is Russian, but the company doesn’t seem to exist. I had no idea any of this was real. I didn’t know organized crime even existed in Boston.”

Dom keeps staring, like he’s testing the weight of every word. He’s the kind of man you’d be insane to lie to.

“She doesn’t know anything. And she sure as shit doesn’t work for them.” Roman cuts in. I give him a grateful smile.

“I would’ve found a connection if she was,” Bash mutters, still not looking at me.

Damn, he works fast. When did he have time to research me?

Dom quiets pensively. After a long pause, he finally speaks. “I believe you’re innocent. You've provided helpful intel. We’ve noticed some strange behaviors from the Bratva lately. This could all be connected. We’ll figure it out. For now, we’ll set you up in a safe house with guards. We won’t let them get near you.”

“She’s not going anywhere. She’s staying with me,” Matty growls. His voice is a low rumble I’ve never heard before. It’s furious and fierce. His grip tightens like he’s afraid I’ll leave him if he gives me an inch of space.

“Is that what you want?” Bash finally meets my eyes. His stare is intense. “To stay with Matthias? We can keep you safe on your own if you’d rather.”

“I want to stay with Matty,” I say instantly. I press myself further into him. “Please don’t make me go. I only feel safe around him.” My voice cracks. I can’t help it. It’s the truth.

“No one’s making you leave,” Matty says, dead serious. “And even if they tried, I’d never let them. You’re mine. You’re staying by my side.”

The room falls silent and that’s that.

The guys shift back into strategy mode. I don’t have anything else to contribute, but I listen, trying to connect thedots. It becomes clear that Dom runs the Syndicate. He’s already laying out the next steps. Bash is the hacker. He’s going to dig into the Koschei Group. Roman is the muscle. He’ll interrogate anyone caught breaking whatever underworld laws exist. They can’t just go after people without cause. There’s structure, even in this world.

Matty wants to do more. I can tell. But for now, his job is me. Keeping me safe.

After an hour, we head back to the sitting room to say our goodbyes. Both of Matty’s parents hug me. Damien tells me the door is always open to me. Evelyn smiles and welcomes me to the family.

Their warmth hits me harder than I expect. I appreciate it. I do.

I just don’t have the heart to correct them. To tell them we’re not that serious.

Or maybe…

Maybe we crossed that line a long time ago.

Chapter 54

Matthias

I’m lost in thought the entire car ride home. I’m worried about Margot. Furious about the Bratva. And frustrated there’s not more I can do.

Sitting tight until Bash finds something or Roman captures a Russian doesn’t cut it. I’m usually a patient man, you have to be running a company like mine, but this? This isn’t business. This ismy Margot.

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