Bonds

Chapter 54 -Maya's POV- Life felt like it was slowly regaining a semblance of normalcy. The twins were getting along with Ivan and it tugged my heartstrings whenever hy cuddled into whenever he returned from work. He was so perfect with them. He was simply just perfect. As for me, I'd managed to maintain a delicate dance of avoidance with my father. A part ofitched to confront him about what van had revealed about the brother! never had a chance to meet but I knew a collision was inevitable and frankly, the last thing I needed was another explosion. The past few days had been surprisingly peaceful, a quiet lull in the storm that had been my life.

I threw myself into work, using design as an escape. Ironically, most of my efforts were currently focused on the redesign project for the very 'person who shall not be named' - Alex's company. Thankfully, Ms. Edwards hadn't officially handed it over to me, so she remained the one in contact with him. One less complication, at least for now.

Tonight, I was out with the girls-Natalia, Riley, and Sarah. We'd decided to explore new territory for drinks, avoiding the Rusty Compass after the chaotic show we'd put onthe last tNatalia and I were there. Riley was extremely grateful and it was good to see her slowly warming up to us. As for Sarah, we'd becsurprisingly close. She had a similar fiery spirit to Natalia, both of them with a mischievous glint in their eyes and a penchant for trouble. It felt good to have a new friend, someone I could confide in. I'd asked the question on how she found out that I was a werewolf. Sarah was a part of Ivan's pack. A smile played on my lips as I recalled the exchange, but it quickly faded as Natalia spoke and she had been present at our wedding.

"Earth to Amaya," Sarah snapped her fingers in front of my face, her voice laced with amusement. I flushed, caught red-handed zoning out. Natalia rolled her eyes tically.

"We should renyou 'Space Woman," she declared, her voice dripping with mock seriousness. "Always staring off into space, lost in your own little world." We all turned to stare at her, a mixture of amusement and exasperation on our faces. Natalia, seemingly oblivious to the effect, simply shrugged.

"What? I know I'm horrible at making jokes," she muttered, taking a large swig of her drink. Then, her expression turned mischievous. "Speaking of stress and things worthy of being stared at... how is Ivan?" The question hung in the air, the pointed tone making my stomach clench. I knew exactly what she was implying. She used thestone whenever I cback from a date in college.

I glared at her, my annoyance evident. "Why do you have to say it like that, Natalia?" I grumbled.

Sarah seized the opening. She leaned in conspiratorially, her eyes sparkling with curiosity "Con, Amaya," she pressed. "We've all been dying to know. Is he as hot without the suit as he is with it?" I narrowed my eyes at both of them, then flicked a glance towards Riley. She, the calm observer of the group- likely a product of her barkeep training. But even she seemed to be wrestling with a flicker of curiosity in her gaze. This was exactly what I got for introducing Sarah and Natalia A blush crept up my checks, a traitorous warmth that I couldn't quite control. The truth was, I hadn't allowed myself to think of ivan in that way. Or maybe that was a lie. Maybe I just wasn't being entirely honest with myself. There was no denying the blush that always seemed to rise whenever I caught him shirtless, making coffee before we both headed out for work. He'd givena separate room, a gesture I was undeniably grateful for, but I wouldn't deny that the image had crossed my mind recently. Damn Natalia for voicing it out loud. "Oh my god," Natalia practically whisper-shouted, her voice filled with mock horror. "You guys baven't f*cked yet?" INSTALL 10:21 Sat, 22 Jun Chapter 54 By now, now, I was sure my face rivaled the color of a ripe tomato. "Knock it off, Nat," I mumbled.

Undeterred, Sarah jumped in. "But why not?" she persisted, her head tilted inquisitively. "He is extremely extremely hot. You two are married. The man is a looker. What's the hold-up? And don't tellyou are still hung up on that bastard that shall not be named." I had told them everything from the beginning to the end, from how I went against my family only to end up rejected, then the isolation and how Alex was the father of my children but he didn't know that they existed. Yes, my life was a hell of a lot complicated. Fran a hand through my hair, frustration mingling with the blush that still burned on my cheeks. "It's not that simple and no it doesn't have anything to do with Alex. He is the past and I am done with him." Natalia eyedlike she could smell my lie because it was a lie and I kept telling myself that over and over. One day, I hoped I would finally believe it. I had tried to cancel that kiss from my thoughts but it kept on creeping in against my will.

"I bet he would be a monster in bed and the size of his dick will be attuned to that monstrosity. He givesthis quiet vibe of a psycho that will kill but you would never suspect him. Men like that will f*ck your brains out." Natalia added and Riley choked on her drink then started coughing "There, there honey." Sarah rubbed her back, "Don't worry, you will used to being vulgar soon enough." I shook my head, a wry smile playing on my lips despite myself. These two were going to be a force of nature together, and a chaotic one at that. But a strange sense of anticipation bubbled within me.

"Alright, alright," I conceded, rolling my eyes playfully. "You two definitely need to get your minds out of the gutter. And for the record, what happens – or doesn't happen-between Ivan andis none of your business. Now, can we please move on to a less... personal topic? And also, you two are morons." Riley burst out laughing while Natalia and Sarah glared at the two of us.

Natalia pouted playfully, "You used to be so fun, not anymore. We were just trying to lighten the mood." I knew I wouldn't win this argument. These women were relentless when they set their minds to something. Just as I opened my mouth to formulate a witty retort, Natalia's eyes suddenly sparkled with an idea. “Hey," she declared, her voice brimming with excitement, "how about we ditch this boring bar and go somewhere a little more... lively?" Riley and I exchanged skeptical glances. While the prospect of escaping the relentless questioning about Ivan was tempting, venturing out into the unknown with these two wasn't exactly my idea of a relaxing evening.

Sarah, however, seemed to have already made up her mind. "Great idea, Natalial” she exclaimed, bem enthusiasm infectious. Before either Riley or I could voice our objections, Sarah was already grabbing our purses and hoisting herself out of the booth. "Con, you two slowpokes," she called over her shoulder, a mischievous grin plastered on her face. "Don't tellyou're getting too old for a little adventure!"

With a sigh, I knew there was no point in resisting. Riley simply m shrugged and followed Sarah's lead. Thankfully, we'd all only had one drink each, so our motor skills were still relatively intact. exactly are we going?" I asked Natalia as we squeezed past the other patrons and out of the bar.

"Where ex Natalia winked atconspiratorially. “That,” she declared, her voice filled with a hint of mystery, “is a secret for now. Just trust me, it'll be fun." Fun. That was one word I wouldn't have used to describe my current situation. But as we piled into a taxi, the three of us crammed together 90%1 Chapter 54

in the backseat, a strange sense of anticipation fluttered in my stomach. Maybe, just maybe, a night of M upexpected adventure was exactly what I needed off how I wanted to know he could really f*ck my brains out. Yes, I finally admitted it. I couldn't help it, the s X