Sophia’s POV:
After the whole incident in the living room, everyone went about their business, but I couldn’t. Not really. I went back to my room as usual… the same routine since the day of the incident with Harry.
Why did I have to be the one to suffer for Harry’s crimes? Scared of going out, receiving death threats, or the company’s stock plummeting?
It was all too much. Maybe I should say, ‘fuck it’ and just go back to being… me?
The door to my room creaked open and Ivan walked in, moving with that easy confidence that always made the air feel heavier, more charged. He didn’t say anything at first, just closed the door quietly behind him and leaned against it for a moment as if studying me.
“Hey,” I said, offering him a small smile as I sat up on my bed.
He didn’t smile back, not fully, but there was warmth in his eyes as he walked over and sat at the edge of the bed.
“How are you?” He asked softly, his voice low and filled with concern and I couldn’t help the way my insides turned mushy.
“I’m good, I guess?”
He frowned, brows furrowing as his eyes narrowed.
A soft chuckle escaped me. “I’m fine, trust me. Just that… I wish I could resume work, you know? Live freely again.”
Ivan’s jaw clenched, the muscle on it twitching. “That bastard… he went against what we had asked him to say. He better thank his stars we weren’t in a private place-”
“Hey…” I whispered. My hand instinctively reached for his, fingers brushing against his knuckles before entwining with his.”Thank you.”
He arched his brow. “For what? I barely solved anything,” his voice rough, barely above a whisper.
I shook my head. “No… you did… I’ve seen the articles and comments, and they are mostly positive. Even if things didn’t go the way you planned, it still worked out. It would benefit me, you, and the company.”
His hand tightened around mine, the simple gesture sending a rush not warmth through my chest. “No one is allowed to hurt you, milaya, no one.” His free hand came up, tucking a stray strand behind my ears before cupping my cheeks, stroking gently with his thumb.
My skin grew hotter with every touch, my mind flashed back to the last time we had that mind-blowing sex, after our huge argument-wait…
“When you said my father had secrets that weren’t your place to tell, did you mean the whole weird texts I’ve been getting?” I asked.
His expression turned hard. “Yes.”
“Why didn’t you just tell me? I think I could have handled it well… okay not really but it would have prepared me for the threat I received.”
He exhaled sharply. “I guess I just don’t want to ruin the image you have of your father any more than it already has… I know he wasn’t good to you, but surely you could have a good memory of him, no?”
A loud cackle tore from my lips, startling Ivan. “Who knew the big bad mafia boss could be such a softie?” I asked, trying to control my laughter.
His frown deepened. “What do you mean?”
I shook my head. “Never mind, it doesn’t matter. Just so you can feel at ease, I never had any good memory of dad, not one.”
His gaze softened, he clearly didn’t miss the hurt in my tone. “His loss anyway.”
I chuckled softly. “Who are you and what have you done with the Ivan Kozlov I know? Getting all sweet on me, huh? You love me!”
Please, say yes.
He flinched at my last word. Okay, maybe I was wishing for the stars.
An awkward chuckle escaped me. “Hey, it was just a joke,” I muttered. “I’m not asking you to start a family with me or anything.”
Ivan said nothing, instead, he looked at me, really looked at me but I couldn’t get a read on his face.
I messed up really bad, didn’t I?
“Hey-”
He pulled me to him and his lips came crashing down on mine. Hard. Startling me. I didn’t have time to react or think before his tongue slipped into my slightly parted mouth.
What was that for? I swear, he was the most conflicting person I’ve ever met!
Still, I parted my lips, giving him enough room.
God! It’s been so long.
He deepened the kiss, tongue swirling around mine before he moved to suck on my lower lip.
My chest rose and fell with every breath, which exploded from me in a whimper when his big warm hand grabbed my waist.
My hands flew to his chest and I felt my nipples growing tighter, and stiffer.
I smelt the spice of his aftershave and felt the power in his body. Consumed by Ivan, there’s not a thought in my mind.
There’s only him.
“Fuck, you taste so good,” he murmured against my lips as his other hand came down, moving slowly until it got to where my nipples strained the fabric of my top. His fingers brushed ever so slightly over them, one after the other and I shivered.
With every brush of his tongue against mine, the need for more grew.
I wanted him to toss me on the bed, have his way with me, and fuck me senseless.
The thought of it alone sent a burst of arousal rushing through me.
My pussy pulsed and clenched as I felt myself getting wetter, my clit felt swollen. I tightened my legs trying to rub my swollen clit, chasing release and pleasure.
Ivan tore his lips away, and when he noticed what I was doing, a groan rumbled from him. “So damn naughty and perfect, just for me.”
I needed his lips back on mine. So I pulled his head down, slamming his mouth on mine again. This time his hand parted my legs, snaking down to where I needed him the most.
But he pulled away. So suddenly, as if he’d be burnt.
My brows furrowed. “What’s wrong?” My chest heaved as I tried to catch my breath.
He shook his head. “I can’t do this.”