The knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts, and I turned toward it, already knowing who it would be. I tried the knob again, only to remember it was still locked. I sighed, ready to ask Ivan for the keys, but when I turned, he was standing right beside me, so close I almost lost my breath.

“Uh...” I mumbled, my eyes trailing down to his torso, instantly reminded that he was still shirtless. The fact that I always felt awkward and tongue-tied whenever he was near was painfully obvious.

Ivan wore a smirk, clearly enjoying how flustered I was. He knew exactly how he made me feel,...