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.

and heading towards the

“But maybe we can squeeze in a quick lunch break…

by a loud,

answer.

of sandwiches in the kitchen, punctuated by Ms. Rodriguez’s patient attempts to 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 that

Chapter 112

the house was a symphony of chaos. Building blocks scattered like colorful confetti across the living room floor, the remnants of a half–eaten snack smeared across the coffee table. The twins, fueled by boundless energy, chased each

fatigue of chasing after toddlers, but an emotional weariness as well. The events of the past week had taken their toll,

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,

that simmered beneath

ป

was bathed in the soft glow of a nightlight, casting dancing shadows

packing up her

today,” she muttered, her voice warm

whispered sincerely, handing Nate over to

between us. “You two take care

with the soft sighs of the sleeping

laden with unspoken words.

as soon as we

me closer to him, his eyes darkening with desire. I leaned up planting my lips on his, “What happens now that they are asleep?” I murmured my

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

face.

and pulled my legs to the edge of

kneeling in between my legs. I gasped when I

pussy. I squirmed when

wide open.

time he 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