Page 195 of Innocent Intentions

He’s angry. I can hear it.

“So, what now?”

“I’ll talk to Viktor. Smooth it over. You’ve claimed Margot, so she’s under Syndicate protection. We’ll deny any knowledge of their shipments and keep ourselves out of a war.”

His calm is reassuring. I let myself breathe.

This is it.

Margot is safe.

“Good. Now keep us out of it. I don’t want anything of your Syndicate bullshit to touch her again.” My voice hardens to steel.

“Matthias… you know how this works. I’ll give you space, but when you’re needed, you’ll have to step up.”

I see Margot start to stir. She doesn’t need to hear any of this. She’s safe now. That’s all that matters.

“Fine. I have to go.” I hang up before he can respond.

I watch the rise and fall of her chest. Every breath she takes soothes the fire in me. I can’t bear to let her out of my sight. I don’t know how long this’ll last.

I love her. God, I love her. And all I want to do is be close to her. To be with her in every way.

But she’s still healing. Still climbing out of this nightmare. So, I’ll keep my distance.

As much as it kills me…

I won’t touch you, sweetheart.

Not until you’re whole again.

Chapter 86

Margot

I’ve been home a week now. I’m getting stronger every day, slowly coming back to life. My curves have started to return thanks to Dotty cheating the meal plan. Much to Matty’s chagrin.

Everything’s getting better…

Except one thing.

He won’t touch me.

I mean, he does, just not in the way I want him to. Not in the way I need him to. I get a chaste kiss, a morning cuddle, a short embrace. But every time I try to take it further, he pulls away.

It’s not because he doesn’t want me. I see the proof of his need every time I press up against him. He just won’t act on it. Not while I’m still ‘healing.’ Not when he’s drowning in guilt.

If he won’t touch me out of guilt, then maybe he needs a reminder that I’m not fragile. That I’m his.

Instead of letting the rejection embarrass me, I let it fuel me.

Because today? Today, I’m getting my man.

I slip into the blue sundress that I know he likes. The one he’s ripped off me more than once, and a couple times, didn’t even finish getting off. No bra. I want to tease him a little. Show him how much I need him.

We’re finally at the point where I’m allowed in a different room. For small stretches, anyway. But that’s enough.

“Come here, Benny.”

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