Page 78 of One Hellish Passion

“Thank you for your co-operation, Miss. Bajaj. I have already started my work and soon the person behind this will be caught.”

The detective assured her before departing. Maya wondered why he'd asked about her father. Could he be involved? She intended to ask Ranveer how they'd obtained her phone records. It seemed he wouldn't stay the night this time. Her mother insisted on spending the time with her.

Next Day

“Coffee, anyone?” Aisha entered holding a tray with two mugs. Garima had slept over and just woken up freshly showered.

“Why not?” Garima replied.

Maya was getting her forehead bandage changed by a nurse as Aisha handed them coffee. “Good morning, Ma'am.”

“Thank you, Aisha, but you should go home and rest now,” Maya said, realizing Aisha had stayed on security duty all night.

“Don't worry about me. I showered here,” Aisha assured.

Maya sipped her coffee while Garima murmured, “Ranveer really cares for us. I've always admired strong, responsible men who know how to protect their people.”

Maya rolled her eyes. “You're welcome to date him yourself if you want. I'm done.”

Garima flushed in embarrassment. “Oh, I'd love to. But he only has eyes for you, baby. Mark my words, he'll never leave you.”

Maya's heart fluttered inexplicably.

“Who's leaving who?” Came Ranveer's voice as he suddenly entered. None had seen him since last night, but Maya didn't mind his absence - he'd needed rest after constant hours here.

The nurse finished rebandaging Maya and left with Aisha. Ranveer settled on the couch by Garima. “Hope you've packed,” he said to her.

Garima looked nervously at Maya, who was confused. Had he already spoken to her mother about moving to Paradise? Maya gestured firmly not to agree.

“Ranveer, we can discuss this later, what's the rush?” Garima hedged.

“No rush, but I don't want to risk this again,” Ranveer replied vaguely.

“Risk what?” Garima asked, still unaware this was no accident.

“The risk of men eyeing the two most beautiful women alive,” Ranveer smoothly shifted topics with flattery.

Garima blushed shyly. “I'm too old for that now.”

Ranveer insisted her age didn't matter. Maya noticed how comfortably he charmed her mother.

“I'll shift for a few days if Maya agrees,” Garima finally conceded.

They both looked expectantly at Maya, who was annoyed her mother hadn't flatly refused.

“Say yes, sweetheart,” Ranveer winked, catching Maya off guard with the sudden affectionate name. Her heart raced, though she was sure he was faking it before her mother.

“Never deny a man trying to protect you, Maya. You won't find many like him,” Garima advised sincerely.

“Just for a few days,” Maya reluctantly agreed.

Ranveer smirked victoriously and made a call to arrange Maya's hospital discharge and move their things to Paradise.

“I'm off to work now. Take care,” Ranveer said to them before approaching Maya's bedside. He reached for her hand resting atop the sheets and brought it to his lips, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her knuckles.

Maya's breath caught at the feel of his mouth on her skin. His eyes stayed locked with hers as he kissed her hand, his lips curved in a faint, teasing smile. A flare of awareness shot through her at his touch, her heart pounding.

Letting her hand go, Ranveer straightened keeping his gaze still fixed intently on her face. Maya flushed under his stare, her skin still tingling where his lips had been. His smile spread into a grin, clearly satisfied at provoking such a reaction in her. He always wanted to catch her off guard. With a final smug look, he turned and strolled out of the room, leaving a flustered Maya behind.

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