Page 192 of Innocent Intentions

“No. She’s sleeping. You can see her when she comes down for breakfast. Stick to the meal plan from the doctor.”

I hear her grumble and stomp away, clearly unimpressed.

“You could’ve let her in,” I say lightly once the door closes.

“Hey sweetheart. I didn’t know you were awake,” Matty turns with a warm smile. “I have your coffee.”

“Thanks, baby.” He crosses the room and hands me the cup. I take a sip and let out a soft moan.

He shifts slightly, and I notice the way he adjusts his sweatpants.

I hide my grin behind the mug, blushing.

“Why didn’t you make it?” I tease.

“I’m not leaving your side,” he says simply. “Not even to make your coffee.”

My heart swells. I don’t know if he’s doing it for me, or for him, but either way, it makes me feel loved.

I can’t be alone right now.

He knows that.

He sits on the edge of the bed, watching me as I drink. I know what’s coming and start the conversation, so he doesn’t have to. Listening will be hard enough. I don’t need him to feel guilty for forcing the conversation.

“You want to know what happened.”

“Not want. Need. Sweetheart, it’s going to kill me to hear it. I hate myself for making you relive it. But we have to know, so we can move forward with the Bratva.” He looks pained at having to have the conversation.

He looks miserable just saying it.

“It’s okay, Matty. I knew this was coming.” I reach for his hand, and he immediately puts both of his around mine.

So, I start.

When I reach the part where my boss grabs me, Matty’s face twists in rage. I pause and squeeze his hand.

“Baby, it gets worse. You need to calm down.”

He pulls me into his lap and moves so his back rests against the headboard, and I’m lying across him.

“I know. It’s just hard to hear. Keep going, sweetheart.”

So, I do.

Every time someone hurt me, he holds me tighter.

When I relay running through the basement, he curses.

When I repeat my conversation with Viktor, he sneers.

“You told him you were mine? That you’re Syndicate?”

“Yes, but he didn’t believe me.” I lower my gaze.

“That’s okay, sweet girl. You did the right thing. This gives us enough to justify what we did. You did so well.” He presses a kiss to the top of my head.

“Actually, I think he believed me at first. He was worried. But when you didn’t come… he started to doubt me. He said if I were really yours, you would’ve come by now.”

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