Page 96 of Innocent Intentions

I let my mind drift.

It’s going to be okay, sweet girl.

Chapter 36

Matthias

I pull into her driveway four minutes after she did. I pushed the speed limit the entire way, knowing every second counts.

I park behind a black van and throw my car into park. The second I step out, I hear it. Loud, furious barking.

I freeze.

Benny.

He’s clawing at the window of my Mercedes, throwing his entire weight against the door, teeth bared, growling like a rabid animal.

But not at me.

At the house.

Something is wrong.

A pressure clamps around my chest, squeezing my lungs. My feet move before my brain can catch up.

I hear Roman coming up behind me.

“What’s wrong? What–” He’s cut off by a sound that’ll haunt me forever, a scream cutting through the air.

Margot’sscream.

The anger evaporates as everything inside me shatters.

I’m running. Roman’s at my heels, yanking out two guns and tossing one into my waiting hand.

Fear like I’ve never experienced consumes me.

Because the next sound is worse than her scream. So much worse.

Silence.

Her screams are cut off.

My heart slams against my ribs, my ears are ringing so loudly I can’t hear myself breathe.

I break down the front door, gun raised, ready to kill.

Then I see her.

My Margot.

On the floor.

Her shirt torn, leaving her bra exposed. Leggings shoved so low I can’t see where they begin.

A man pins her down, holding her wrists above her head. Another sits on her legs, pulling at her panties.

The third stands nearby, watching. Waiting.

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