Bonds

Chapter 17

Chapter 17

-Maya’s POV-

“You don’t have to say it back,” he rushed on, his voice attempting to mask the vulnerability I saw reflected in his eyes. “And maybe I shouldn’t have been so hasty. I just… can’t hide how I feel. You’re an amazing woman, Amaya, and…”

He trailed off, searching my face, and a wave of panic washed over me. I couldn’t let him get any closer, not emotionally, not physically.

“I have kids,” the words tumbled out in a rush, escaping my control before I could stop them.

He blinked, a flicker of confusion replacing the affection in his eyes. “What?”

I could almost hear my father’s voice, a chilling echo in the back of my head, warning me against this very moment.

“Two of them,” I blurted out, my voice ragged. “Twins. And I didn’t… I mean, my father didn’t want me to tell you. But I don’t want to lie to you anymore,

Ivan.”

Silence stretched between us, thick and suffocating. He just stared at me, his expression unreadable. The longer he remained silent, the heavier the weight of my confession became.

“Ivan? Please, say something.”

Then, a flicker of something dark crossed his features. Anpor? Hurt? Whatever it was, sent a shiver down my spine.

“How long were you going to keep it a secret?” His voice was low, laced with a dangerous edge. “Wait, that’s not even the question I should be asking. Who is the father?”

My mouth gaped open and closed like a fish out of water. No words came out, no justifications, no explanations.

Frustration flared in his eyes, quickly replaced by a chilling resignation. He let out a humorless scoff “Fine,” he muttered, the single word heavy with disappointment.

He turned away, his broad shoulders slumped in defeat, “I trust you can find your way back to wherever you go to hide your lies,” he said, his voice cold

and distant.

“Ivan, please!”

leaving me alone in the echoing silence of the room. As he reached the doorway,

was unreadable. “No, Amaya,” he said finally. “I’m not. But I need time. Time to process this.” He paused again, his gaze lingering on me for a beat

out the door, leaving me alone in the darkness with the deafening silence of my own

the building, each step echoing the turmoil within. Stealing a deep, shaky breath, I opted against

my mind consumed by the fallout

clatter of my heels filled my ears and without realizing it, my steps had carried me towards a

84%

Chapter 17

stare at the

The Rusty Compass.

punctuated by the occasional clinking of glasses. A lone young woman stood behind the bar, her auburn hair cascading down her shoulders in fiery waves. Her face,

I get a double

my face for a beat longer than necessary. Her eyes, the color of melted chocolate, held

her gaze night?”

barstool, defeat coursing through me. “The

and before I

listened patiently, her expression a mask of quiet understanding. When I finished, a heavy silence settled between

bar. Three burly men shoved their way through a swinging door, their laughter grating in the previously subdued atmosphere. One of them, a

your strongest stuff, sweetheart,” he barked at Riley, his

“I’m sorry but there are no drinks available. This is a peaceful bar and it is not

and your gunes.”

of the newcomer clanked as he slammed his fist on the counter, the force rattling the glasses behind Riley, “This place ain’t for

“You are

rules. Bikers aren’t allowed in here. I’m

was in Riley’s face, “Again Lask. What

gripped the edge of the barstool, the weight of the

surprisingly calm despite the churning in my stomach, “Maybe it’s best if you guys

sneered, his gaze flickering to me with undisguised hostility. “This ain’t your business, lady. I suggest you

a deep breath, “it kind of is. This is a decent place, and causing trouble isn’t exactly

kind of

buddies, a hulking mass of a man let out a guttural laugh. “Yeah, maybe she should

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