Bonds

Chapter 93

-Maya’s POV-

The surprise must have been clear on my face, because the word exploded out of me in a surprised gasp. “What?”

Ivan chuckled as he pulled out and I had to stop myself from letting out a moan, his eyes holding mine. “I know it’s out of the blue,” he admitted, “but hear me out.”

He leaned down then, pressing a quick kiss to my lips. It was a chaste peck, a playful tease that left me wanting more.

“Go get cleaned up,” he whispered, his voice husky. “I will use another bathroom down the hall because,” he added, a glint of amusement in his eyes, “I can’t promise I won’t take you again if we get in the shower together.”

With that, he turned and walked out of the bathroom, leaving me standing there speechless. It took a moment for my brain to catch up with what just happened.

Ivan wanted me to work for him?

A mix of emotions swirled inside me – confusion, surprise, and a flicker of something else, something deeper and more unexpected.

Happiness? Maybe.

Taking a deep breath, I finally tore myself away from the spot and stumbled towards the shower. The cool water cascaded down my skin, washing away the lingering heat of our encounter and giving me a moment to clear my head.

As the water massaged away the tension in my muscles, I replayed Ivan’s words in my mind. Working for him… it was a tempting offer, especially after weeks of fruitless job hunting. But there were complications, of course. The biggest one being Alex.

His investment had given Ivan’s company a much–needed boost, propelling it back onto its feet. The irony of it all wasn’t lost on me. The man who rejected me, who broke my heart, was now indirectly helping the man I was married to.

The thought left a bitter taste in my mouth. I didn’t want to be beholden to him in any way, not even through Ivan.

side of the coin. Working for Ivan meant being close to him, spending more time together. The idea sent a thrill through me, a warmth that chased

body, I knew I had to hear him out. This wasn’t just about a job; it was about something more, something deeper that was

under my skin. When I emerged from the bathroom, Ivan was already sitting on the bed, clad only in a pair of sweatpants. The sight

my form for a beat too long before he gestured to

down next to him, leaving a comfortable distance between us. He cleared his throat, seemingly gathering

he began, his voice sincere, “I’ve seen you running yourself ragged trying to find

much as I hate to even mention his name,” he said with a grimace, “Alex’s

31031 Sat, 22 Jun

Chapter 93

company. Business is booming again, and

874

with mine. The warmth of his touch sent a jolt through me, a silent

to be out there struggling. I can offer you

I squeezed his

silent acknowledgment of his offer. The truth was, it was tempting. The financial security, the chance to be close to him… it

reason, the one laced with a healthy dose

my voice cautious, “I appreciate the offer, I really do. But working for you… it wouldn’t be

raised an eyebrow, a question hanging in the

Alex,” I said bluntly. “He’s a part of the company now, and the thought of working in the same place as him when it was the fact that I

expression softened in understanding. “I know. Look, I get it. The whole Alex situation is a mess, and I wouldn’t blame you for wanting nothing to do with him. I don’t even want you near

over me. He understood. He saw

kind of job would I even be doing?” The question tumbled out, a mix of curiosity and

assistant, handling my schedule and paperwork. Or,” he continued, seeing the flicker of doubt in my eyes, “you could choose something else entirely. We’re expanding the company, and there are openings in marketing, human

excitement within me. The idea of having some control over my role, of choosing something that actually Interested me, was appealing. But the thought of

slim, still made me

Ivan. It’s all a bit overwhelming. And the thought of even being in

understand you and believe me, I’m the last person that wants you near him but he is almost never physically present at the