Page 117 of Bratva's Intern

Fuck, I sounded like a petulant child who wasn’t allowed to have his own way. Wren had a point. Even when Archieand I got involved, we kept it a secret. No one but us knew about the late nights. I never thought twice about keeping that situationship a secret.

Why did I want the world to know Wren was mine?

To warn off men like Bradley.

I let out a breath, slow and controlled, then moved around the desk. “Come here. I have something for you.”

He stepped forward cautiously. I opened the top drawer and pulled out the box I’d had delivered that morning.

I held it out to him. “Here.”

He took it, eyebrows drawing together. “What is it?”

“Open it.”

He lifted the top and stared down at the brand-new iPad nestled in its sleek packaging. The screen protector still had the peel tab on.

“Maxim.” His voice was half whisper, half accusation. “I can’t accept this.”

“You can.”

“I really can’t.”

“I’m not buying your body.” I stepped closer. “I’m giving you something you need for work. You’re still scribbling notes on Post-its and notepads.”

He looked up, flushed. “That’s not fair.”

“It’s true.”

“I don’tdeservethis.”

I grabbed his hand and wrapped his fingers around the box. “You do. You deserve more than this. But let’s start small.”

He stared at the iPad like it might bite him. “You have a weird idea of small.”

“Hey, it’s not like it’s a car.”

Thinking of which, I should?—

“Don’t you dare buy me a car, Maxim!”

“And what if I do?”

“I’m serious.”

I sighed. “Fine.” I took his free hand and brought it to my lips to place a kiss on his smooth skin. “Come to mine tonight.”

He hesitated. Looked away.

“What?”

“I can’t.”

God, he was fucking killing me with all these rejections. Was this the reason I was into him? I wasn’t used to partners turning me down and especially not when I offered them material things or a good fuck.

“Okay, I’ll bite. Why not?”

“I didn’t get enough sleep last night.” He fidgeted with the edge of the box. “I need to sleep in my own bed tonight. Reset a little. Otherwise, I’ll fall apart by Friday.”

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