Page 95 of Auctioned to My Bratva Boss

"Asshole, Matvey!" He had no idea how long I'd waited to hear this. "You should've thought of this ages ago."

He should have treated me as someone who could face everything with him.

"I love you, Riley." His voice was low but deadly serious. "Give this asshole another chance to start over, okay? I'll make it up to you. Everything I owe you, I'll pay back. Bit by bit."

I could see his tension, his jaw tight. I felt the same. My pulse raced at an unbelievable speed—like falling in love all over again.

"We'll see how you do." I turned away so he couldn't see my smile already creeping up.

Honestly? I was already looking forward to what he'd do next.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Riley

"Mr. Bykov, you just had your stitches removed. I strongly recommend you stay for another week of observation."

Before the attending physician even finished, Matvey had already pulled the IV needle from the back of his hand without flinching and slipped on his shirt.

"Not necessary." His tone left no room for debate. "I'm fine."

"But—"

"I've been stuck in that bed long enough. Process my discharge."

The doctor opened his mouth. Finally, under Matvey's unyielding gaze, he swallowed whatever he was about to say and went to handle the paperwork.

I stood at the door, watching the scene unfold, torn between annoyance and amusement.

"Take it easy." I hurried over, reaching out to steady him. "The doctor said you can't overexert yourself."

He caught my wrist instead, using the momentum to pull me against his chest.

"Steady me?" He looked down, lips curving into a playful smile. "Riley, you think I'm too old to walk on my own now?"

"I..." My face heated up instantly. I tried to pull away. "I'm just worried about you!"

"I know." He leaned close to my ear. "So when we get home, I'll show you how grateful I am for your care these past few days."

The way his tongue lingered on "care" made my face burn. My ears started tingling.

This man had just gotten off the operating table, and all he could think about was that.

"Maybe you should stay at the hospital a few more days," I said, pushing him away. "Before your libido messes up your recovery."

On the ride back, Matvey and I sat in the rear while Anton drove.

"Just move into my place. You don't need to bring anything." He pulled me into his arms as he spoke.

"Forget it. You need rest." I pushed him off.

I knew perfectly well that if we shared a room, neither of us would sleep through till morning.

I really hoped he'd behave himself until he recovered.

The next morning, I received an email in my personal inbox.

From Bykov Group's HR department. An extremely formal job offer.