Page 191 of Innocent Intentions

“No.”

“Matthias, tomorrow morning. I have to meet with Viktor in the afternoon. We can’t give him time to assume the worst.”

I glance toward the door again. Margot hasn’t moved. I grit my teeth.

“Fine. In the morning. Then I’m out. I want nothing to do with the Syndicate.”

“You don’t get to opt out, Matthias. We’re not a fucking email list. You’re a Montclair. You’re in it whether you like it or not.”

“I have to protect my woman. And the Syndicate isn’t safe for her. She’s done with it. I’m done with it. I won’t risk her again.”

I step into his space, toe-to-toe.

Roman shoves between us. “Matthias will step up when necessary. But give him some space, Dom. He just got his girl back.” He glances between us. “Figure your shit out. I’m sick of playing referee.”

I step back and take another peek into our room. She’s still sleeping. Dom’s fucking lucky he didn’t wake her.

Dom exhales. “Fine. Get me the info in the morning. I’ll let you know what Viktor says.”

“I will. Now leave. I need to get back to her.”

Dom gives me a look, hisdon’t screw this uplook, then heads out.

Roman and Bash linger. I glare at them.

“How is she?” Bash asks. Roman actually looks like he cares. Dom’s footsteps stall on the stairs.

“She’s going to be okay,” I say softly. “Everything will heal. It’ll take a few weeks for her to get her strength back. She hadn’t eaten since the gala. Her silent rebellion. Actually, not silent, I’m sure. Not my spitfire.” I smile. “The doctor gave her fluids. We’ll keep doing that. She’s bruised, bloody, and banged up, but she wasn’t raped.”

Three audible sighs.

“Good,” Roman says, voice gruff. “Take care of her, man. Let us know if you need anything.”

He pulls me in and slaps my back once before turning. Bash does the same.

When I hear them reach the stairs, I slip back into our room.

They can see themselves out.

I can’t be away from her another second.

I crawl back into bed and pull Margot into my arms.

And for the first time in a week, I sleep.

Chapter 84

Margot

The door creaking open wakes me, and for a second, panic grips me.

Then I remember I’m home, and the fear dissolves.

But when I see Matty opening the bedroom door like he’s about to leave, a new kind of fear creeps in.

“Thanks. Did you make it just how I said?”

“Boy, I know how to make coffee. Now let me in to see her.” I hear Dotty demand.

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