Page 165 of Innocent Intentions

There’s a ringing in my ears. I barely register the sound of the exit door opening.

Heavy footsteps echo down the hall. Then, a rough voice, thick with a Russian accent asks, “Is this Margot Peterson?”

“Matty will kill you for this!” I gasp out, continuing to struggle.

“Yes. Grab her. I can’t hold her much longer,” Ronald pants like the weak bitch he is.

I feel a sharp prick at the base of my neck. My limbs become heavy. My knees buckle. My vision dims.

My last thought before the darkness swallows me is,

I’m sorry, Matty.

I never should have left.

Chapter 74

Matthias

“Dom, I need to get back to Margot. Make it quick,” I snap.

“Roman caught another one. He was loitering outside of one of the clubs. Security called him before the guy could approach anyone,” Dom’s sharp tone betrays his frustration. They’re getting bolder encroaching on our territory like that. It’s blatant disrespect.

“What did he want?”

“Same as the others. Roman got him to talk. He was tasked with spreading a new product. Wouldn’t say what it is.”

“Did he say anything about Margot?”

It’s the only part I care about. I know I should be focused on the Syndicate, but right now, Margot consumes my thoughts.

There’s a long pause. I check my phone to make sure the call hasn’t dropped. It hasn’t. His silence means it’s something bad.

“Just tell me.”

“The bounty’s gone up. They still want her brought in alive.”

“Fuck.”

“That’s better than the alternative.” Dom offers, but he doesn’t believe it.

“You and I both know that’s not true. They can’t have her. She won’t survive that.”

“They won’t get their grimy hands on her. You won’t let that happen.”

“I won’t let them take her.”

I’ve made a lot of promises in my life, but this one is sacred. I’d rather die than let them touch my sweet girl.

Dom starts to give me more updates, but I cut him off.

“I need to get back to her. I’ll call you in the morning for the rest.”

“You’re too busy after the gala tonight to call?” He smirks through the line.

“With the dress Margot’s wearing, I won’t be available until morning.” I hang up, grinning as I head back into the ballroom.

A man I vaguely know from business steps in front of me.

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