Page 14 of One Hellish Passion

“Sorry, Ma’am. But you need to wait.”

She left, and Maya was even more pissed off. He was purposely doing this, wasn’t he? She couldn’t sit here and waste another hour for him to complete his swim. Maya headed to the infinity pool, and there he was—Ranveer Malhotra—in black swimming shorts, diving into the pool.

Chapter 4

Paradise

Observing Ranveer as he swam laps in the pool, Maya couldn't shake off the feeling of being out of place. Doubts flooded her mind regarding her decision to visit his private sanctuary—his home. While her thoughts kept her occupied, her gaze remained fixed on him as he navigated the water. Ranveer emerged from the pool, his head rising above the surface, and he leaned against the edge of the infinity pool with his arms outstretched for balance. The radiant full moon provided ample illumination, casting a glow around him. In the moonlight, Maya could discern that his intense, dark eyes were already focused on her. A sudden tension gripped her, causing her to stiffen.

“Miss Bajaj,” he acknowledged her presence.

Maya’s heart bounced in her ribs as she concentrated on him. Words failed to leave her mouth. She had all sorts of worries in her head right now. Was Ritu still with her mother, or was her mother alone? Would Ranveer agree to paying off her incentives and also not dismiss his contract with Blitz? Would Vikram snatch her job away if she missed convincing Ranveer?

“What brings you here, Miss Bajaj?” he came to the point, though he had the answer to that question already.

Maya snapped out of her thoughts. He was still gazing at her from inside the pool.

“I heard you are terminating the contract with Blitz,” she asked, her voice feeble enough but she couldn't help it.

“I can’t hear you, Miss Bajaj. Come closer,” he commanded.

Maya swallowed hard and took one step closer to the pool.

“The contract,” she tried speaking again, but he interrupted.

“I still can’t hear you. Come closer,” his voice teasing.

Maya clenched her jaw, but she knew she couldn't step back. This was her final hope. She took one more step closer to the pool.

“I—” she tried again, but the moment she opened her mouth, he complained again.

“Closer,” this time he commanded her authoritatively.

Maya's breaths came in ragged gasps, her heart thundering against her ribcage, her hand twitching with the urge to slap him—if only it were possible. She maintained an unwavering gaze, taking one final step closer, only to find herself on the slippery edge of the pool. In a matter of seconds, her balance betrayed her, and she tumbled into the water, creating a splash that drenched both herself and Ranveer Malhotra, who looked equally taken aback by her sudden fall. Although unintended, the sight of Maya submerged in the pool stirred something within him. He was glad he was inside the water and that no one could see what changes this woman had brought to his body right now.

Maya shivered, feeling that the day couldn't possibly get any worse. Now she was in the pool with Ranveer Malhotra. Grateful for her swimming skills that allowed her to stay afloat without needing his assistance, she couldn't shake off the discomfort of being completely soaked from head to toe. How would she manage to return home like this?

Ranveer swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry as he observed her condition. He felt an inexplicable thirst, and Maya Bajaj seemed like an ocean, full of water. Submerging himself again, he made his way toward her. Maya recoiled as he approached, the water rippling with his movements. He raised himself again to the surface. There was something in her that was so entirely unique. She was tenacious, and it was that quality in her which made her different from other women he had met so far. Unconsciously, his hand reached out to touch her, but she stepped back, her expression one of horror. She was strong; she knew it, but somehow this current state of hers and his intimidating personality were making her feel weak. Ranveer fisted his fingers, coming out of his stance.

“Laura,” he shouted.

The blonde woman who had greeted Maya outside the elevator came to the pool running.

“Yes, Sir.”

“Ask Mohan to drive Miss Bajaj back home.”

Maya didn’t deny his orders. She was too messed up right now to even ask for an apology or convince him to continue the contract with Blitz. She wanted to go home. Right away.

“This way, Ma’am,” Laura gestured.

Maya slowly stepped out of the pool, curling her arms to her front. She was shivering. Laura quickly handed Maya a robe.

“Please wear this, Ma’am.”

“No, thanks,” her lips quivered.

“Ma’am, it's for your own good and to avoid spoiling the floor.”

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