..Out of the Blue ..💙

31.New Day

Monica's pov

Thank you, sweetheart. Our daughter was so happy about the performance; she had been talking nonstop until we reached home, while Zoya and I shared occasional glances at each other. Her face showed a faint blush. We were showered with compliments from other parents as well as the staff. To be frank, after a long time, I let myself loose. It had been so long since I was on a stage. Technically, that's not true, since I am almost always standing on a podium every week—but that's for presentations and meetings, nothing like a dance performance. It had been so long since I last danced. Rishi and I used to dance at restaurants during dinners sometimes, but an actual stage? It was kind of thrilling. All the tension at practice, our chemistry—damn, it was good.

Elizabeth was there, giving me those knowing looks like she had already caught on to something. Her smirks were anything but subtle, and to trigger me further, she even introduced herself to Zoya and exchanged pleasantries in a flirty manner—just to annoy me. I shouldn't be bothered, but it still ignited that familiar burning sensation inside me.

"Oh, are you jealous, Monica?" she asked purposefully, right in front of Zoya.

One of my greatest qualities is that I can lie with a face of absolute honesty. "What? No."

Anyway, we're busy. Catch up with you later. With that, I dragged Zoya out of there.

we both were outside, I lighted a cigar

"So..." she started before entering the car. "Thank you, Monica. It was indeed a wonderful experience for me. After five long years, I feel happy, content. I mean, Athena brings me joy every day, but it was just struggling before. For the first time, I feel relieved. And I should be grateful since you made it easier for me—I mean, for us."

Wow, finally, a thank-you speech from Zoya. I wasn't truly expecting it. Watching her sincerity, I swallowed the dark, sarcastic remarks that popped into my mind. Instead, my subconscious betrayed me and made me say something stupid.

"Care to show me how grateful you are?"

Shit. What was I even thinking? But there was no way I was going to pull an embarrassed face, so I quickly masked it with my usual smug smirk, raising an eyebrow. It had to look intentional.

Her mouth fell slightly open, as if she was processing what to say. Her evident confusion, mixed with curiosity, was apparent. Surprisingly, no words came out of her mouth.

"Let's head back. It's getting late; Athena will be looking for us. or you sit here I will go get her

She nodded, still processing my words. The effect of our conversation lingered between us. The glances, the way our hands brushed when I shifted gears—it was still there, simmering.

Athena fell asleep shortly after her excited banter. She was honestly exhausted from all the playing and dancing. Since my baby girl was asleep, I drove slowly. The tension between Zoya and me, however, remained thick in the air.

My mind wandered back to that night—her soft whimpers, the scent of her skin, the way she gasped under my touch. Shit. Am I craving sex with her again? Because right now, my mouth is dry, yet I feel like I'm salivating, my entire body burning with desire. Even though my eyes are on the road, my thoughts are elsewhere.

Did she feel the same pull, or was it just me? We never talked about it, but judging by her reactions, I was damn sure it was more than just a fleeting moment.

I smirked, remembering when she had admitted how good I was at it.

My chuckle was anything but subtle. Zoya turned toward me, clearly curious. "What's so funny?"