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I frown. “Which men?”
“Does it matter, Ivan?” he asks, his tone brisk. “The fact they’re even talking may get back to our associates and unsettle them.”
I stand, and he shrinks back slightly. “Myassociates,” I correct. “These men who are talking should have been dealt with, no?”
“You want me to cut out the tongues of every man speaking out? They have bills to pay, Ivan. They’re allowed to question what is happening.”
Anger rages through me and I slam my hands down on the desk. “No one can question me,” I roar. “I remember a time when you’d never allow anyone to speak out against me. Unless, Maxim, it’s you who has concerns and you who is speaking out against me?”
“I’d never . . .”
“No? You’ve made it clear you hate me being with anyone. Lara, Grace . . . don’t you want me to have an heir to hand over the businesses? Or maybe that’s it?” I ask, moving around the desk and closer. “Maybe you want it all?”
“Ivan,” he stutters, “I’ve always backed you, right from the beginning. I want to see you happy, but this woman . . . she’s not Lara. She won’t make you happy.”
“I don’t need her to,” I hiss through gritted teeth.
“But she’s in your head, whether you like it or not. You’re not in the office, and you haven’t visited the businesses in weeks. Are you so focused on an heir that you’ll let things slip? Then there will be nothing left to pass on.”
“I built this empire from the ground. Me. Alone. I have customers begging me for girls because I have a good reputation which I built. If my own men are turning, you’re supposed to deal with that. If you can’t, step down and allow me to find someone who has my back.”
I go back to my seat, and he places his drink on the desk. “I will always have your back, Ivan. I apologise if I overstepped. I’ll deal with anyone doubting you.”
GRACE
I feel smug as I remove the Femidom and wrap it in tissue. It’s been a month since Ivan made the offer he considers kind, and so far, I’ve managed to avoid pregnancy by using protection. He makes us use tests to show when I’m fertile, so I always know when he’s going to visit me. And I usually ask to use the bathroom before we do anything. I flush away the evidence and hit the shower. The good thing about the agreement is we don’t share a bed and cuddle like we’re a real couple. It helps me to focus on my hate over anything else.
So, I’m surprised when I go back into my room to find him lying in my bed. I frown, and he smirks. “Round two?”
I almost choke on my panic. “No.”
He scoffs at my answer. “No?” he repeats.
“We just did it,” I say. “I’m tired.”
“Sladost, I will do all the work.”
“Ivan, I said no.”
He looks annoyed but forces the expression away, smiling. “I was asking to be polite, angel. Get into bed.”
I shake my head. “You want to force me? Create a child through rape?”
Agitation replaces his smile. “Bed, Grace. Now.”
“We never talk,” I snap, hoping to avert his attention. “I’m tired of you just turning up to fuck me.”
“It’s the agreement.”
“Fuck your agreement.”
“Now, you want to forget the agreement?” he asks, amused. “Where will that lead, Grace?”
“Tell me about Lara.” It’s the one topic I know will make him explode, but this time, he pulls the sheets back and pats the space beside him.
“Okay.” I cautiously slide in beside him, knowing if he decides to take me, I won’t stand a chance. “I will tell you one thing. What would you like to know?”
Questions race through my mind. I have so many. “Was she here against her will?”
