BURNING HOT

CHAPTER 8

Sky hadn't shown Matt to any of the guest rooms; instead, he had led him to his own room where they both shared the bed. It was a first for him, sharing a bed with another guy, but it hadn't been uncomfortable. Matt went to freshen up in the room while Sky used one of the guest rooms before they spent some time talking before sleep.

Now, Sky watched with amusement as Matt seemed like a completely different person in front of their unexpected guest.

"Why did he send you here? Nothing is going to change my mind. I'm not going back, even if it's with you," Matt growled low.

"I did tell Al," she said, eyeing Matt up. "I wonder what he was thinking, believing I could change your mind."

"And here you are, still," Matt added with a smirk.

"Yeah, I wonder why I agreed to travel all those miles just to be welcomed so lovingly after so many years, Matt."

"That... I..." Matt fumbled with his words, and Sky couldn't help but smirk; she had definitely left him speechless.

"My apologies, ma'am," Sky stepped forward from where he had been leaning on the wall, watching their guest with amusement.

"I'm Katrina, though I prefer Kat," she said to the guy. She had been too occupied with Matt to notice Sky, and now that she had, she couldn't help but notice how attractive he was, all ripped and sexy in that sleeveless V-neck he wore, the fabric draping loosely over his well-defined abs, and the baggy shorts accentuating his powerful legs. She let her eyes roam him up and down, taking him in slowly.

"You like what you see, Kat?" Sky asked, amused. His words brought her eyes back up to his, and she grinned back at him, feeling her heart skip a beat.

"Definitely," she responded, moving closer to him.

"Welcome to my home. Matt is a guest here, and I should have been the one to receive you." Sky shook hands with her, feeling her small soft hands in his. " I do apologize for that"

"Nice one defending him." That was when she looked back at Matt and Sky finally letting go of her hand, Matt was giving his friend a reaction she couldn't quite read.

"I'm sorry, but my mother will be here shortly. How about we all move to the garden? We can discuss what you would like to have for breakfast on the way," Sky suggested, already moving smoothly past her. His presence seemed to radiate warmth, like a hot summer day. She looked at Matt, who appeared surprised before quickly concealing his emotions. She followed them as they rounded the side of the building. The walkway was adorned with different carefully planted flowers on both sides, and the garden was immaculate, with no weeds out of place.

"Wow, Sky, this is beautiful. How does your mom manage all this on her own? I noticed you guys don't have any helpers around," Matt asked Sky, surprising Kat. She had read everything she could find about Ila Ivanov and her son Sky Ivanov, but she hadn't expected the impact of seeing him in person. Hearing casual talk about the woman many considered a role model felt like something out of a fan's life dream.

It was Sky's deep laughter that snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Yes, we don't have helpers here. Sam said, except for the cleaning company that comes once a week, the guys could help around. They're military, not used to sitting around," Sky laughed again as they reached an area with various greens, berries, and other plant species. "Only, they weren't expecting Mom to put them to work in the garden. She called her florist from China; she's the one who also came up with the concept for all our properties."

Sky turned to face them. "Just imagine a bunch of big, scary men with garden tools."

Matt chuckled, realizing Sky was referring to the security team. Kat was surprised that the woman she had encountered at the gate, who had granted her access to the compound, was the head of security. The woman's demeanor had been all business, she had been so still while they both waited for Matt Kat had almost forgotten she was there not until Matt had acknowledge her presences.

"But the main person who takes care of the garden is Sam. He knows how much Mom loves it. When they were teenagers, she used to work with her mother in the greenhouse at the main mansion," Sky explained.

He led them to the back of the house, where a beautiful setup awaited visitors. "I wonder what's taking them so long, by the way," Sky mused, implying that they would be meeting the famous head of security to Ila's team. Kat expected to see him since he appeared in almost all of Ila's pictures, always standing closely by her side, unlike most guards who stayed a few paces behind. This guard never smiled in any of the photos.

"Kat, I totally forgot to ask what you'd like for breakfast. Mom loves cooking when she can. She promised Matt a nice breakfast," Sky said.

"I wouldn't want to intrude..." Kat began, looking at Sky. He gave her a hurt, playful look.

"Now, who's intruding on whom?" A soft voice with a melodic quality interrupted. Kat felt the words wash over her senses, compelling her to seek out the source. She stood and stepped from behind Sky.

The sight before her took her by surprise. It was nothing like the online pictures of Ila Ivanov. While she was indeed a striking woman who knew she was attractive, the woman now approaching them oozed sensuality. Her wild, dark hair seemed untouched, cascading freely. She wore a loose nude robe held together by a small knot in the middle, its light material sensually draping over her honey-toned skin.

"Mom, you've arrived just in time," Sky remarked. Kat heard him, but her gaze remained fixed on Sam, who held her gaze, making her feel uncomfortable. She hadn't even realized she had taken a step back, her hands moving to her waist.

"Honey, quit that. You're making our guest uncomfortable," Ila scolded Sam. He slowly shifted his gaze away from Kat, his expression stone-cold. Al had always appeared serious, but this man looked downright intimidating. His movements suggested he could unleash those muscles quickly, despite his imposing size. He wore a black sleeveless v-neck like Sky, matched with black ripped jeans.

"Matt, introduce our guest, dear," Ila finally said, stepping closer to get a closer look at Kat, who was a stunning, model-like figure.

"Good morning, Ila. Sam," Matt nodded at Sam before turning to Ila. "Meet Katrina, or Kat for short."

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Ivanov," Kat said as they exchanged handshakes.

"Same here, Katrina," Ila replied. "I hope Sky and Matt have welcomed you well. I decided to make breakfast, and the guys are going to help set the table here. Come on, let's all get seated."

Kat returned to her seat. Sky was about to sit beside her when Ila's voice halted him.

"Not you, Sky. Go help in the kitchen," Kat expected some resistance or grumbling, but Sky just smiled.

"Save the seat for me, love. Matt can have the other side," he said before heading back to the back door Ila and Sam had emerged from. Kat felt her cheeks redden at Sam's bold words.

Matt took a seat beside her, and Ila and Sam sat opposite them.

"How was your flight, dear? We were quite surprised by your visit. Matt's father must mean serious business," Ila remarked. Just then, Sky and another man appeared carrying trays with coffee and mugs, among other things.

"The coffee here is excellent, one of the best you'll ever taste. It's from our factory, a business my mom was heavily involved in before she met my dad. She keeps it as a special order, supplying only a few select families around the world," Sky explained.

Kat loved coffee and was excited to try it. She poured herself a cup, watching as Ila prepared her coffee with an abundance of milk, cream, and sugar. Kat couldn't help but think that Ila's coffee must be incredibly sweet untill she watched her pass the mug to Sam, that was a surprise.

She took a sip, and indeed, it was one of the best she had ever tasted.

"The coffee is truly delightful. Thanks for asking about my flight. It went well, and I apologize for coming to your home uninvited."

"No need to apologize, dear. Since you came for Matt, you two can have a private chat after breakfast," Ila said, and they watched as the table filled with fruits and other delicious items. Soon, it was laden with enough food to feed an army.

"Babe, how about you bless the food?" Kat was sure everyone heard the words, even though Ila had whispered them to Sam's ear. Her voice was captivating, as if she had complete control over it, and it affected everyone on a profound level.

They watched as Sam's cold expression faltered for a few seconds before he nodded. Facing Ila, he closed his eyes, and Ila gazed at him lovingly as he blessed the food.

"Bless God for the provision of this food and bless the hands that prepared it," Ila's voice brought Kat back, and she joined in with a quiet "Amen."

"Come, let's eat. I don't have much time left before I leave for work," Ila said.

Kat filled her plate, and soon everyone was enjoying their meal. Sky did his best to tease Sam into conversation, but Sam's deadly expression seemed to suggest he might shoot Sky just to get some peace. Kat found it amusing; it wasn't what she had expected, but she was glad she had come to San Francisco.

Matt observed his friend, who seemed to be struggling not to stare at Kat. This was the first time he had seen Sky interested in someone of the opposite gender, although he had never shown much interest in guys either. It wasn't only Matt who had noticed the change in Sky; Ila was now looking at Kat curiously.

"So, Kat, if you don't mind, may I call you Kat?" Ila smiled, her eyes locked onto Kat with an intense gaze.

"Not at all. I actually prefer Kat," Kat replied, still engaged in that compelling gaze. Ila's eyes felt like they were burning into her mind and beyond. The woman had an overpowering presence.

"That's lovely. May I ask what your relationship is with Matt?" Ila smiled again, her eyes finally releasing their grip on Kat's.

"Well, it's kind of complicated," Kat whispered. Was she ready to share that story with people she had just met? Nah, she wasn't.

"Oh, I understand, dear. What I was asking was if Matt and you were..." Ila's words were cut short by Sky's growl, his dark eyes shifting to Kat. She saw curiosity in his eyes too, and his interest in her was doing something to her.

"We're friends. After Kat joined my family, we became best friends. But then I left Sicily and came here,"

kat felt grateful to matt for helping her escape her past, but she now realized they both had matters to discuss after this breakfast.

"well, since you're practically family, you're always welcome here. i understand you might already have sleeping arrangements, but you're free to stay as long as you like. you can talk with matt and maybe help us figure out a way to convince his father that he's safe with us," ila said, smiling at matt before sliding her hand into sam's.

"i need to get going, but in the meantime, boys, we'll suggest you stick together. i'll call your school's board of directors to explain your absence," Ila instructed, looking at sky. "this all happened so suddenly, and you know the drill. i trust you to keep them safe. Sam will discuss security details with you."

"i'm sorry for the trouble once again, Ila," Matt apologized.

"i'll overlook that," Ila replied. "just help us learn more about the people we're dealing with. i'm sure kat can assist. we need to know who we're watching out for." she tapped Sam's hand, and he stood, pulling her up with him.

"Sky will assist with anything you may need. it'll be nice to have you around, Kat," Ila told the young girl, giving her a warm smile. she then winked at Sky, who chuckled, shaking his head. clearly, the wink was not very discreet.

Sam pulled her closer as they continued down the path to the back door.

"Breakfast was delightful," Ila commented.

"Yes, it was, baby," Sam said, raising their joined hands to his lips and kissing the back of her hand.

"So, what do you think about the girl?" Ila inquired.

"She moves with the agility of a trained fighter, even though she tried to conceal it. when we showed up, and she saw me, she may have been uncomfortable, but not scared. she even attempted to reach for a weapon. it was quite amusing," Sam replied.

"baby, i just needed to know if she's a good person or not. Did you notice the way Sky looked at her?"

"Oh, that? well, i can't say, Ila. there seems to be a shadow around the girl."

"Yes, i noticed. she wasn't relaxed at all. it's somewhat similar to how you behave when you're not at home," Ila said, smiling as they passed by the backroom and headed for the kitchen where the others were still eating.

"Thanks for your help, guys," Ila expressed her gratitude, even though sam had insisted it was beneficial for them.

"Come on, Ila, we've moved beyond that," Sarah said.

"i just adore all of you," Ila told them.

"Yeah, and we love you too," Ice's voice chimed in, supported by the others.

"Let me help you upstairs," Sam offered.

"it's fine, Sam. i'll go shower and get dressed. I know you need to talk with the team and Sky."

"Okay," Sam agreed, and his lips was too tempting to resist. ila raised herself on her toes, pulled his shirt slightly, and brushed her lips over his. he responded by opening up, and their tongues danced together.

"Get a room, you two," Sarah teased.

"you should probably start getting used to it, love," Ila whispered into sam's ear before winking at the team.

"I was hoping for another round in the shower," she whispered, "but i guess that will have to wait." she smiled sweetly at him, enjoying the display of emotions that flickered across Sam's face. she released her hold on his shirt and walked away.

She could hear a low chuckle from the group, probably in reaction to sam's expression. however, as her mind wandered back to the potential situation with her Allen and Al', she knew she couldn't delay the inevitable. something in her gut told her she already knew the answer.

It had been eighteen years, and despite the warnings from her mom and aunt, she had finally convinced herself that her past wouldn't resurface in her present. Not when things were finally going well with Sam. But now, she had to confront it. She tried to convince herself that meeting Al' wouldn't mean losing Sam. she had finally found Sam, and he was offering her the future she had always wanted. it was a future he had once run away from, but they were now accepting it together. She had to figure this out quickly.