Page 61 of One Hellish Passion

“I’m not kissing you, don’t worry.”

Maya realized Kunal was right behind them and from his angle, he would think they were kissing. So, Ranveer wanted to show him that, hence all this drama.

“Now, what were you saying?” he purred, trailing a finger slowly down her neck.

Maya shivered, trying to collect her scattered thoughts. This was just an act. No feelings. No feelings please. She prayed to God before opening her mouth to speak.

“Your money,” she stammered. “It's in danger—”

Ranveer moved further closer, his mouth an inch apart from her lips. Maya clutched his shirt helplessly; lost in the blaze of passion he had ignited within her. While they weren't kissing, the reactions unfolding inside her were nothing short of it. Ranveer's eyes gleamed with satisfaction at the effect he had on her. She knew she should fight harder, but her willpower was no match for Ranveer's skillful caresses today. He portrayed a sense of being in love with her. Regaining her composure, she finally pulled away from Ranveer before he could escalate the situation further, causing her any more embarrassment. However, Ranveer maintained his hold on her body, keeping her pinned between him and the stand before them as they continued to watch the race. When she tried to turn around and try telling him again, he interrupted her again.

“Stop moving away, Maya. Your resistance is only drawing more attention to us. We are a couple. We’ve got eyes on us. And this position looks great.”

Maya clenched her jaw. How the hell was she supposed to tell him he was going to lose his money today?

Chapter 18

Horse 7 lost the race. Maya sighed in disappointment and turned to face Ranveer Malhotra. She had tried all her ways to convey to him that Kunal was aware of his bet and that he was planning to bribe the Jockey of Horse 7 to lose the race. However, he didn’t let her talk, preoccupied with flaunting his new girlfriend to the media and the public. Besides, Dev Malik was always around, keeping an eye on her. What was she supposed to do?

“Oh, that's bad,” Dev Malik interrupted before Ranveer could express his feelings toward the race. “You lost, son.”

“Says who?” he asked confidently, displaying no signs of remorse or failure on his face.

Both Dev Malik and Maya looked at him in confusion.

“Let me guess, you placed your bet on Horse 7, didn't you? It finished third in the race. Today's winner was Horse 3. Seems like you were too engrossed in cuddling with your girlfriend to even notice the race,” Dev remarked, a smirk playing on his lips.

Ranveer gave his signature smirk to his stepfather.

“Father, I always win. Today is no different.”

Maya was totally jumbled.

“Ranveer,” she interjected. “I placed a bet on Horse 7 for you.”

“That's right, sweetheart. That bet was from your side, not mine. I bet on Horse 3 much before you placed that bet for 7. And I won.”

Maya's jaw dropped. She didn’t understand any of this. If he had already placed a bet, why did he have her place another one? Was it to divert the Maliks? Ranveer read her expressions and decided to share.

“My chauffeur placed the bet on my behalf. And the loss incurred is negligible compared to what I won from that other bet. So, relax.”

Maya sighed in relief. He was really smart. Why hadn't he shared this insight earlier? She wouldn't have felt so burdened by the guilt of withholding information about Kunal's intentions. She had feared he might incur losses because of her. Yet, he skillfully maneuvered the circumstances, strategically placing his bet before anyone could even raise a suspicion.

Dev Malik coughed unable to believe Ranveer Malhotra was one step ahead of them as always.

“What happened, father? You don’t seem to be happy,” Ranveer teased.

“No,” Dev cleared his throat. “Why wouldn't I be happy? You made a smart move, Ranveer. I feel pity for Maya. She bet on the wrong horse.”

Maya faked a smile. Ranveer instantly wrapped his arm around her waist, this time tugging her close to his body, in front of his father.

“She has me. How can she fail?”

He glanced at her face and Maya was lost for a minute. How easily he lied. He had no feelings towards others' sentiments. He could twist a lie the way he wanted, whenever he wanted. Had he ever been serious in any relationship before? Or had he always been like this, building castles of luxury and money in the air, with no one to share his accomplishments with?

“Excuse us, Father. We have plans for now.”

That thought made Maya queasy. What plans?

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