And I will never let her go again.
Chapter 82
Margot
Jostling wakes me up. Panic claws at me until I hear a voice I never thought I’d hear again.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. It’s just me, your Matty. We’re home.” His voice cracks.
“Hey,” I whisper, giving him the softest smile I can manage, and nestle into his chest. He lets out a choked sound and tightens his hold on me.
The door opens, and relief fills me as my eyes land on the mansion.
Our mansion.
This is real. I’m really home.
Inside, the sound of claws clacking against marble echoes through the house. Benny barrels around the corner, tries to stop, but skids straight into the wall.
I let out a breathy laugh.
Light. I feel light for the first time in forever.
“Hey, buddy,” I say, and he’s by my side in a heartbeat.
Matty lowers, still cradling me, so Benny can sniff me over. He starts at head, working his way down to my toes. I must reek, but he doesn’t seem to care. He circles around us, inspecting every inch of me, and finally settles with his head on my lap.
I lift a shaky hand and place it on his head. He closes his eyes contently.
“He’s been waiting for you,” Matty murmurs. “Checked the door every time it opened. He was just as destroyed as I was. We kept each other company, but… nothing filled the void.”
“You were destroyed?” My voice is barely a whisper. I’m not even sure he hears it.
But after a few moments, I look up and see his eyes brimmed with tears.
“Margot… my sweet girl. You were gone.Taken. Because of me. I knew you were suffering. I couldn’t eat. Couldn’t sleep. I was a wreck. All we did was search. Every second you were gone we were looking for you. I’m sorry it took so long. I’m sorry they took you. I’m so fucking sorry.”
“We?” I ask.
“My brothers and I. The whole fucking Syndicate.”
Benny’s low whine interrupts us, and Matty stands.
“Let’s get you in bed. The doctor’s on his way.”
“No. Shower first.” I whisper. “Please.”
I can’t relax. Not until I wash all of it away. I need to feel clean, human.
Matty hesitates, but when he meets my eyes, he sighs and nods. He heads for our bathroom.
He shuts Benny out, but my poor puppy lets out a whimper and scratches the door.
Matty opens the door wide enough to tell him, “Stand guard.” I laugh at the absurdity, until Benny actually does, sitting tall and alert, watching the hallway like a soldier.
Matty carries me into the bathroom and lowers me gently on the rug, leaning against the tub.
He undresses quickly, his tactical gear off in seconds, and I can’t help but notice how good he looks in it. Even after everything, I still see him. Still want him.
