Page 54

Margot

Matty enters the sitting room, cutting off my conversation with Evelyn. He walks straight to where I’m sitting on the couch, but instead of joining me, he holds out his hand.

“Come on, sweetheart. We need to talk to you about… everything,” he says carefully. Understanding, I take his hand and stand.

“Do not involve her in Syndicate affairs!” Evelyn snaps, jumping up. Her voice is sharp. Sharper than I’ve heard all evening. Not even when she scolded her sons did she sound like this.

“Mom, please don’t get involved. Dad retired from this life. Enjoy the peace,” Matty says, sounding tired. I can tell he doesn’t want me involved either.

“No. I will not have you corrupting her or putting her in danger! You listen to me, boy.” She’s truly upset on my behalf, and as much as I appreciate it, I need to step in.

“Evelyn, it’s okay. I’ve become a target without realizing it. Matty and the Syndicate are helping me. ”

“Mom, I won’t expose her to anything she’s not already wrapped up in,” Matty promises.

Then he turns to me and cups my face in both hands.

“I swear I won’t let anything happen to you.

I will keep you safe.” His eyes bare into mine.

They’re beautiful, steady, and full of so much conviction. It’s a promise I know he’ll keep.

“I know, Matty. I trust you.” I say softly.

Evelyn sighs, breaking the moment. I forgot we had an audience. My cheeks flush.

“I can see how much you love her,” she says gently. “I trust that you’ll protect her just as your father protected me.”

I open my mouth to correct her, to say love is a strong word, but Matty doesn’t give me the chance.

“I will, Mom.” He nods. “Come on, sweetheart. We need to talk to my brothers.”

And just like that, he leads me out of the room.

I’m still spinning from the fact that he didn’t correct her, that he didn’t deny loving me, when he opens the study door.

The brothers pause their conversation. Roman throws me a flirty wave, which earns him a glare from Matty, and an arm slings tightly around my waist. Dom just stares at me like I’m some kind of puzzle. And Bash won’t meet my eyes. His remain glued to the floor.

I probably should’ve asked Matty how much he told them about our situation.

“Tell me about your connection to the Bratva,” Dom demands.

“Back off. I already told you everything she told me,” Matty snaps, turning me into his side, shielding me with his body.

“I want to hear it from her.” Dom’s voice stays cold.

“I didn’t even know what the Bratva was until Matty explained it after they attacked me in my house,” I say, trying to stay calm.

“I think I accidentally found something about their shipments at work. There were some sketchy orders from a company called the Koschei Group. The name is Russian, but the company doesn’t seem to exist. I had no idea any of this was real.

I didn’t know organized crime even existed in Boston. ”

Dom keeps staring, like he’s testing the weight of every word. He’s the kind of man you’d be insane to lie to.

“She doesn’t know anything. And she sure as shit doesn’t work for them.” Roman cuts in. I give him a grateful smile.

“I would’ve found a connection if she was,” Bash mutters, still not looking at me.

Damn, he works fast. When did he have time to research me?

Dom quiets pensively. After a long pause, he finally speaks.

“I believe you’re innocent. You've provided helpful intel. We’ve noticed some strange behaviors from the Bratva lately.

This could all be connected. We’ll figure it out.

For now, we’ll set you up in a safe house with guards. We won’t let them get near you.”

“She’s not going anywhere. She’s staying with me,” Matty growls. His voice is a low rumble I’ve never heard before. It’s furious and fierce. His grip tightens like he’s afraid I’ll leave him if he gives me an inch of space.

“Is that what you want?” Bash finally meets my eyes. His stare is intense. “To stay with Matthias? We can keep you safe on your own if you’d rather.”

“I want to stay with Matty,” I say instantly. I press myself further into him. “Please don’t make me go. I only feel safe around him.” My voice cracks. I can’t help it. It’s the truth.

“No one’s making you leave,” Matty says, dead serious. “And even if they tried, I’d never let them. You’re mine. You’re staying by my side.”

The room falls silent and that’s that.

The guys shift back into strategy mode. I don’t have anything else to contribute, but I listen, trying to connect the dots.

It becomes clear that Dom runs the Syndicate.

He’s already laying out the next steps. Bash is the hacker.

He’s going to dig into the Koschei Group.

Roman is the muscle. He’ll interrogate anyone caught breaking whatever underworld laws exist. They can’t just go after people without cause. There’s structure, even in this world.

Matty wants to do more. I can tell. But for now, his job is me. Keeping me safe.

After an hour, we head back to the sitting room to say our goodbyes. Both of Matty’s parents hug me. Damien tells me the door is always open to me. Evelyn smiles and welcomes me to the family.

Their warmth hits me harder than I expect. I appreciate it. I do.

I just don’t have the heart to correct them. To tell them we’re not that serious.

Or maybe…

Maybe we crossed that line a long time ago.