Bonds

Chapter 112

-Maya’s POV-

Two days had melted away, like ice cubes in a forgotten glass of soda. Ivan was back. Not just back in the house, but back in our bed, his arm draped casually across my waist. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, painting stripes across his bare chest and the tangled mess of sheets that clung to us both.

The morning felt thick with a comfortable silence, broken only by the soft snores coming from the nursery down the hall. The twins were finally asleep after a whirlwind reunion with Natalia yesterday. They’d tackled her like tiny tornadoes, demanding cuddles, playtime, and endless snacks in rapid succession. Thankfully, new the nanny I’d hired a kind, no–nonsense woman named Ms. Rodriguez – had arrived just in time. Now, with the house quiet and the city outside just beginning to stir, a sense of peace settled over me that I hadn’t realized I was missing.

“Morning, sleepyhead,” Ivan murmured, his voice husky with sleep. He nudged me gently with his nose, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

I stretched, the kinks in my muscles protesting after a night of restless sleep. The events of the past few days still felt raw, a tender wound beneath the surface. But curled up next to Ivan, the warmth of his body radiating beside me, a sliver of hope flickered within me.

“Technically, it’s past morning,” I teased, glancing at the clock on the nightstand. The harsh red digits screamed 10:13 AM. “We’re supposed to be at work”

He chuckled, a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine. “Work can wait,” he declared, rolling over to face me. His eyes, usually so serious, held a playful glint. “Besides, I called in sick for both of us. Told them I had a… family emergency.”

My cheeks flushed. “Ivan!” I protested, a smile tugging at my lips despite myself. “They’ll know it’s a lie.”

“Let them think what they want,” he smiled, his gaze flickering down to my lips. “Right now, all I care about is you.”

He leaned in, his lips brushing mine in a soft, lingering kiss. The familiar spark ignited within me, chasing away the lingering shadows of doubt. We melted into each other, the tension from the past few days dissolving with each touch.

Just then, a loud clatter came from the nursery, followed by a chorus of excited babbling. The twins were awake.

We disentangled ourselves reluctantly, both reaching for our phones to check for any updates from the security team. Still nothing. Tiso days

of relentless searching had yielded zilch. It was frustrating, unsettling, but at least the house felt more secure now, Ivan had tripled the security detail, much to Natalia’s amusement.

“Looks like another day of playing house huh?” Ivan sighed, stretching his arms over his head.

I corrected, grabbing my phone and heading towards the

conceded, following me with a smile. “But maybe we can squeeze in

was cut short by a loud, insistent shout

answer.

entertain Ivy and Nate’s whirlwinds. It wasn’t exactly romantic, but there was a comforting normalcy to it, a sense of life moving forward despite the storm

Chapter 112

half–eaten snack smeared across the coffee table. The twins, fueled by boundless energy, chased each other around the house, their

after toddlers, but an emotional weariness as well. The events of the past week had taken their toll, leaving me feeling raw

dipped below the horizon, I was ready to collapse. Ivan seemed to sense my exhaustion. He scooped up a giggling ivy, settling her comfortably against his shoulder. I cradled Nate in my arms, the weight of his tiny body a familiar comfort. We ascended the stairs to the their room, a silent promise hanging in the air – a promise of a real

simmered beneath

ป

casting dancing shadows on the walls.

packing up

today,” she muttered, her voice warm and reassuring. “Just a bit tired

sincerely, handing Nate over to

her gaze flickering between us. “You two take care of yourselves. And remember, a happy marriage makes for

she exited the room, leaving us alone with the soft sighs of the sleeping twins. The silence that followed

laden with unspoken words.

smile on his face as soon as we got back to our room,

darkening with desire. I leaned up planting my lips on his, “What happens now that they are asleep?” I murmured my body responding instantly to the touch of his lips against mine. “They’ll probably wake up

his lips on mine. I moaned when his tongue found its way inside my mouth and then his hands were taking off my clothes the next instant. We both landed on the bed and I

face.

the edge of the bed,

before kneeling in between my legs. I gasped when I felt his lips

and placed a gentle kiss on my pussy. I squirmed when he licked my folds and then plunged his tongue inside me. I moaned and I couldn’t help it when I

wide open.

stopped and stood, and I watched as he undressed himself. Oh, God, he was beautiful! His muscles were taut, defined and smooth. The sight of him sent a wave of desire coursing through my body. He came closer to me, his eyes locking with mine, and lowered himself over