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Margot

“Good morning, sweetheart. I have some coffee for you.”

My eyes crack open at the bribery.

I must be moving too slowly because he adds, “Wake up, sweet girl. I have a surprise for you.”

Never one to turn down a present, I sit up and reach for the mug. I take a sip, then a few more, and once the caffeine hits my bloodstream, I ask, “What’s my surprise?”

He’s grinning widely, clearly excited. “I’m taking you to a gala. We’re leaving the house.”

“That’s great! So, you guys figured out the Bratva situation?” My relief is immediate.

His grin falters. “Not exactly. We’re hoping that being seen together, staking my claim, will show them you’re under Syndicate protection. It’ll be okay.” His voice is strong, confident.

“I believe you. You wouldn’t put me in danger.”

“Margot, I won’t ever let you get hurt. You are my everything. This will help things get back to normal. ”

“This is great! When is it?” I’m smiling now, buzzing with excitement at the idea of fresh air. I love this house, but I’m starting to crave the outside world.

“It’s tonight!” he says brightly.

I freeze and slowly place the mug on his nightstand with more restraint than I feel. I turn to him, eyes narrowed.

“The gala is tonight? ” I repeat, my voice falsely calm.

“Yes?” he answers, wary now.

“And you’re just telling me. This morning.” Still that same even tone.

“I wanted to surprise you,” he says carefully.

“I see. Do you remember this exact scene happening before the family dinner?”

“Oh.”

“Did you enjoy how that played out?”

“But this is different! You have all day to get ready. I–”

“How long have you known?”

“… A few days.”

“Argh!” I throw my hands up. “Why would you do this to me again? You suck! I have nothing to wear!”

I nearly hurl the mug at him, then reconsider. No need to waste perfectly good coffee. Instead, I grab a pillow and launch it at his smug head.

The asshole shamelessly catches it without flinching. Ugh. Fuck him.

I fly out of bed and storm into the closet, rifling through clothes even though I know I don’t own anything gala-worthy.

“I can’t go! I have nothing to wear!” I yell.

His arms wrap around me from behind. I struggle to free myself, but he’s too damn strong.

You love his strength when he’s throwing you around.

Well, I don’t love it now.

“Get off me! ”

He just holds me tighter.

“Calm down, sweet girl. I–”

“DON’T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!”

“Shhh. I got you a dress. And shoes. And jewelry. I have everything figured out. I hope you like it. But if you don’t, we’ll find something else. I picked it all just for you.”

He gently turns me toward the end of the closet. Hanging front and center is the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen.

A floor-length, jade green gown. Green, gold, and crystal beads radiate from the center like a starburst. Sharp shoulders glimmer with intricate gems. A sheer beaded cape draws from the back, curling around the arms like delicate sleeves.

It’s surprisingly conservative, except for the plunging neckline. It’s elegant. Ethereal.

All I can do is stare.

It’s breathtaking. Fit for a queen.

“I knew it was the one the moment I saw it,” he murmurs. “Green looks great on you. The shimmery stuff reminds me of you, spitfire. Also, your tits are going to look amazing in it. I mean, you’d look gorgeous in anything, but this’ll make you shine.”

His lips brush against my ears, sending shivers down my spine.

“It’s beautiful,” I whisper.

“Try it on.” His command is soft and paired with a gentle nudge.

That’s when I realize I’m still naked from last night. It’s not exactly rare for me to wake up naked after nights where Matty fucks me to sleep.

I grab a green lace thong. Even though panty lines won’t show under the flowy skirt, a dress like this deserves something decadent. I can feel his scalding gaze on me as I slip it on .

I run my fingers over the fabric. It’s softer than anything I’ve worn before and probably worth more than my yearly salary, pre-tax.

I lift the cape, spot the hidden zipper, and step into the gown. I’m tugging it up when a warm hand catches mine.

“Allow me.” His voice is husky.

He drapes the cape over my shoulder, fastens the hook-and-eye, and slowly pulls the zipper up. His fingers graze my spine, shooting sparks through me. He adjusts the cape and gently lets my curls fall down my back.

Then he turns me to face him. His eyes sweep over me.

“It’s perfect. Only a dress this stunning could do you justice.”

He doesn’t sound cocky, just in awe. Like he can’t believe I’m standing in front of him.

He spins me toward the mirror. “Look at yourself, sweetheart. You look like a goddess.”

I stare.

He’s right.

The green compliments my porcelain skin. The deep neckline highlights my curves. The gown hugs me in all the right places. I’ve never felt more beautiful.

“How did you get my size right?” I ask, dazed.

“I looked at the tags of the outfits you wear most, the ones that fit best. I know you like fitted tops and looser bottoms.” He rolls his eyes, like it’s obvious. Like all men do this. Like it’s normal.

This isn’t the man who kidnapped me. This man cherishes me, adores me.

“Thank you, Matty. It’s beautiful.”

I lift my hair and the cape, gesturing to the zipper. “Will you help me take it off?”

He frowns. “Why are you taking it off? ”

“Baby, I need to eat, shower, and do my hair and makeup. Then I’ll wear the dress.” I laugh at his utter lack of knowledge about what it takes for a woman to get ready.

“Huh. That makes sense.”

He helps me out of the gown and carefully returns it to its hanger.

Attending a gala in that dress, with Matty as my date, will be to be unforgettable.

Tonight is going to be perfect.