Page 106 of One Hellish Desire

“So, you were the family the receptionist mentioned?” Sabrina asks with a fake smile to Maahi.

Did she know they were downstairs? How?

“And I suppose it was you who instructed them to make us wait for an hour or two?” Maahi snaps.

I've never seen her so angry at someone she's just met. Her flared nose and red cheeks make her look even cuter. I glance between Maahi and Sabrina, trying to understand what’s happening.

“Vikram?” Daadi interrupts. “Who’s this pretty woman here?”

“That’s Sabrina Patel,” Mom introduces. “She’s my friend’s daughter and Vikram’s bestie.”

“Hello Daadi,” Sabrina grins. “I hope you had a safe flight.”

“We did. Yes. But I am a bit tired now.”

“Jack,” my father calls our butler. “Show Maa her room. Sorry Maa, need to take this call.”

Daadi’s displeased expression says it all. Dad could have taken her to the room himself. I offer to show Daadi her room, but she gestures for me to stay with Maahi and show her around instead. Jack leads Daadi inside while Mom turns back to Maahi.

“You could have informed us about this visit,” Mom says coolly.

“Didn't you like our surprise?” Maahi counters.

Mom’s eyes widen, but she calms down under my stern gaze. “Of course we did, but—”

“Mom,” I interject, not wanting her to trouble Maahi.

“I was just saying we could have prepared better for your arrival, that’s all,” Mom adds. “Anyway, how long are you both staying?”

“For a week,” Maahi answers. “I hope you don't have other plans, Meera aunty. If you do, please continue. I’m sure Vikram will host us in your absence, which I really don’t mind.”

Maahi’s broad smile is fake, but I don’t care. I know she’s provoking Mom. Sabrina frowns, siding with Mom.

“Lets get you inside,” I say, entwining my fingers with Maahi’s. She holds on, exhaling deeply.

“Excuse us,” Maahi adds, and I lead her upstairs. We walk in silence. Our two-story penthouse has my room on the top floor. Maahi’s jaw drops as we enter our bedroom, where a glass ceiling reveals the sky view. The stars and moonlight create a breathtaking view above the bed.

This is the bed where I've imagined making love to her countless times, and now she’s really here.

“You knew?” I ask, breaking her reverie. “That Daadi was bringing you here?”

“Not until we collected our boarding pass,” she admits. “Daadi planned everything. She really missed you all.”

“And you?” I step closer, wanting to scoop her into my arms and kiss her, but I remember her rule about permission. I need to change that soon. My feelings for Maahi are far from business-like.

Before I can take another step, she places her palms flat on my chest.

“Who gave Sabrina the authority to approve or reject visitors?” she asks.

“No one,” I reply, confused by her question.

“She told the receptionist to make us wait for an hour or two until her private dinner here was done,” Maahi explains.

What the hell? I can’t believe Sabrina would do that.

“She knew it was you?” I ask.

“No, but she knew someone from the Grover family needed access. How could she not inform you or your parents before making such a decision?”

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