Page 151 of Innocent Intentions

“Sorry, Matty. What were we talking about?”

My cock twitches, but I force myself to answer.

“Audiobooks. Was it just a hobby, or do you want to do it long term?”

“If I could make a living off of it, I would, but I need something stable. My parents always pushed for that. It’s why I went into finance, so I could take care of myself. Never have to rely on a man.”

“But your heart wasn’t in finance.”

“Not at all. I hated it. What about you? What’s your five-year plan?”

You. You’re my five-year plan. And every year after. You, me, and a house full of kids. ‘Til death do us part. And even after that.

“I’ll keep expanding Syndicate Enterprise. But once my family starts to grow, I’ll step back. Become a silent partner.”

She catches it.My family starts to grow.

With her.

“That’s nice,” she says softly. I can tell she’s picturing the same future as I am.

“So, what’s on your bucket list?”

I want to know what dreams I need to make come true. What we’ll do before kids. And what we’ll do with them.

“I’ve never really made one. I just want a storybook love. Someone to be everything. Someone who holds me through the bad times and is beside me in all the good memories. A best friend. Kissing, crying, fighting. All of it.”

Sweet girl, you already have it. You already have me.

Our love will make every fictional one look pathetic. You’ll never go without anything. Not for a second.

I’ll drown you in love.

And I’m honored to do it.

Chapter 65

Margot

We’re both leaning back in our seats, full and satisfied. The steaks were perfect. He really planned the perfect date, but it’s not just the food or the ambiance. It’s him. It’s our conversation. I feel closer to him, like we truly see each other now. He’s such a good man.

You lucky bitch.

“Tell me about your childhood,” he asks.

I blink, caught off guard at the request. “Oh. There’s not much to tell. I’m an only child, but I always wanted siblings. My parents barely had time for one, though. Not that they were bad parents. They loved me. They just worked a lot. My dad was a high school math teacher, and my mom an ICU nurse. They loved what they did, but it meant tight schedules and tighter paychecks. That’s why they pushed me to choose something lucrative. We didn’t vacation much, so now that they’re retired, they’re traveling the world. I’m really happy for them, but I miss them. I hope they come home soon. They’ll love you. My dad’s been teasing me about becoming a spinster since I never leavemy house. He’ll be relieved. I think he just doesn’t want me to be alone anymore. And they want grandchildren. Not that… I mean, not that I’m saying… I mean…” I start rambling, trying to correct myself. I don’t want him to think I’m thinking about our children.

But you are.

“They sound great. I can’t wait to meet them,” he says easily. Then adds, “and we’ll give them as many grandchildren as you’d like. The more the merrier.”

I laugh, thinking he’s joking, but when I meet his gaze, I realize he isn’t. Should that concern me?

No. He’s made it clear how he feels. He wants babies with you just as much as you do.

“So, what about you? How did your mom survive a house full of boys?” I redirect quickly. We are not talking about our kids.

“She’s a dictator. Don’t let her sweet face fool you. She ruled with an iron fist. She had to. Dom was bossy from birth, being the eldest. Always ordering Roman and me around. Which, of course, made Roman furious, and he’d take a swing at Dom. Roman spoke with his fists. I’d either heckle or join the fight. Bash was too young to be in the mix. Dom’s a year older than me at thirty-five. Roman’s a year younger at thirty-three. I’m in the middle. Bash’s only twenty-six. A ‘happy surprise,’ as Mom says.”

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