Page 193 of Innocent Intentions

My voice quiets at the end. Shame creeps in. Because I believed Viktor.

Matty hears it. Hears the doubt I carried.

“Sweetheart, we never stopped looking for you. You were our top priority. You have to know that. I’m sorry it took so long. I’m sorry I gave you time to doubt me.”

“You saved me. That’s what matters.” I kiss his cheek, and he pulls me in tighter.

When I get to the final interaction, the man telling me I’d be sent to the docks, Matty stills.

“Tell me exactly what he said.”

I repeat it verbatim.

His mouth moves in a string of curses, but his voice stays low.

“Thank you, sweetheart. You did so well. That’s all I need. I’m so proud of you, my strong girl. You never have to talk about it again. Not unless you want to. I’ll always listen.” He assures me and sprinkles my head with kisses.

We lie there for a while longer. I feel safe in his arms. But eventually, I start to stir.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he murmurs, pulling me back in.

“Downstairs. I need some breakfast.”

“If you’re ready to eat, let’s go. But you’re not going anywhere without me.” He pops up and scoops me into his arms.

“Matty! I can walk.” I laugh as he carries me toward the stairs.

“Absolutely not.”

We enter the kitchen and are immediately ambushed by Dotty. It’s almost a mirror image of Benny’s reaction yesterday.

“Give her space,” Matty growls, shielding me.

Dotty huffs and backs off as he sets me on a stool at the island. He stands behind me, arms caging me in like a protective wall.

“You’re nothing but skin and bones,” Dotty mutters. “I’m cooking feasts until you’re back to normal.”

“No. You’re following Dr. Anderson’s meal plan,” Matty snaps. “She’ll get sick if she eats too much.”

Dotty grumbles, but I think it’s agreement.

That reminds me.

“Dotty, have you met Dr. Anderson?” I ask casually.

Her cheeks flush instantly.

I jump out of my seat in excitement, but Matty catches me mid-motion and lightly forces me back into place. “Sit still, sweetheart.”

“I have,” Dotty says while pretending to focus on the stove. I know better.

“What do you think of him?” I say in the most innocent tone I can muster.

“What are you doing?” Matty leans down and whispers in my ear.

I ignore him.

“I was thinking maybe you two could coordinate my meal plan together. I think he’ll be over more often to do checkups. He seems like a really nice man.”

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