The room fell into a heavy silence, thick with tension. Sam stared, wide-eyed, heart pounding in his chest. The words hung in the air—unbelievable, unreal.
Then Ivanov laughed.
Soft at first, then richer, laced with amusement. He leaned back slightly, eyes gleaming with playful mischief. "What? Can't even give do a simple task?" he teased, his tone dripping with mockery.
Sam's breath hitched as Ivanov leaned closer. Instinctively, he stepped back, face burning with embarrassment and confusion. "T-That's not what a personal assistant does...!" he stammered, fists clenching hesitantly at his sides. "Stop playing with me...!"
Ivanov's lips curled upward, eyes darkening with something deeper. Amusement? Arousal? Sam couldn't tell.
"You think I'm playing around, sweets?" Ivanov's voice dropped to a low murmur, smooth and velvety. "Don't you see how much I crave you?"
Sam's heart stuttered. He blinked rapidly, pulse roaring in his ears.
"And I think... you crave me just as much as I do," Ivanov continued softly, his gaze steady. "Admit it."
Sam opened his mouth, but no words came out. His thoughts spun in chaotic circles. Confusion knotted his chest—a storm of emotions he couldn't quite place. Was Ivanov serious? Was this some kind of twisted game? And why was his heart reacting like this?
"I... I'm sorry. I think—"
"Uh-uh." Ivanov cut him off smoothly, tilting his head with a knowing smirk. "Don't think too hard, sweets. This is mutual. You feel it too... why don't we spend time tomorrow, alone? Just us. Then you'll understand there's a connection between us."
His fingers brushed against Sam's hair, gentle and slow, as if savoring the moment. Sam shivered at the touch, breath uneven. His heart felt heavy—not with fear, but something more complex.
Something he couldn't name.
"But..." Sam's voice was barely a whisper.
And then it happened.
"Do you want me to throw your parents out of the house?"
Ivanov's voice dropped to a chilling calm. His words were like ice, slicing through the warm air. That ever-present smile remained, but his eyes… his eyes held something dark. Cold. Dangerous.
Sam's breath hitched sharply. His body stiffened as he stared up at Ivanov, heart pounding violently against his ribs.
"Huh...?" The word barely escaped his lips.
Ivanov blinked innocently. "What? I asked you to come tomorrow. Did you hear something wrong?"
The shift was jarring. Casual. Playful. As if the threat had never been uttered.
Sam's hands trembled slightly at his sides. His cheeks were still flushed, but this time... it wasn't just embarrassment. It was the creeping chill of uncertainty. Of fear.
"I... I'll think about it," he mumbled finally, voice wavering.
Ivanov chuckled softly, a low hum of amusement. "Oh ho... don't make me wait too long, alright? I'm your boss, and you can't say no to me."
He waved a hand lazily toward the door, as if dismissing him. "I'll see you tomorrow, sweets. Alone."
Sam swallowed hard. His feet moved on autopilot, carrying him out of the room. His heart pounded all the way to the elevator, mind racing with thoughts he didn't want to entertain.
What... the hell was that?