Page 129 of One Hellish Desire

“Actually, Vikram wants me to wear a dress, so I brought one.” I bite my lip.

“That's a good idea. But please drop me back home after lunch. I'm not coming to the movie with you two.”

“Why not?” I frown. “Daadi, it's a sci-fi movie and a good one. You should watch it with us.”

“Some other time,” she winks. “I want you two to spend some quality time without me. Plus, I need more rest. I'll be happy resting at the penthouse. You both enjoy.”

I sigh, agreeing to her wish. As soon as Ajay leads Daadi to the elevator, I quickly change into the red knee-length dress with shorts underneath and do a quick touch-up on my face before heading to the parking.

VIKRAM

I am breathless and numb as I watch Maahi step out of the elevator in the parking lot, wearing a stunning short red dress. The velvet dress clings to her body as if it were custom-made for her. She keeps adjusting the thin straps on her shoulders, drawing my attention to the milky skin of her neck. I’m relieved that Daadi is inside the car, on the phone, and can't see the effect Maahi is having on me.

“Am I late?” Maahi asks innocently as she reaches me. Though I want to reply, the words choke in my throat. Does she even realize the havoc she’s creating inside me? I’ve never felt such intense tension for any woman before, and I’m afraid if this continues, I might lose control.

The steely restraint I’ve been maintaining around her is melting like ice on a hot pan. Maahi snaps her fingers to get my attention, which she already has entirely.

“Is this dress looking okay?” She looks nervous at my silence, and I finally smile to ease her worry.

“Red should be banned on you. It’s so perfect that I might have to keep punching men today for gawking at my wife,” I tease.

She gives me the sexiest smile I’ve ever seen and opens the car door.

“In that case, I’ll have to wear red in your absence,” she teases and is about to get in the car, but I grab her elbow and pin her against the car, not letting her get inside.

“You like other men admiring you?”

I’m in no mood for teasing, so she better understand how serious I am. She frowns and exhales, placing an arm on my chest.

“I was just teasing you, Prince Pompous.”

I might be convinced, but easing my anger isn’t that easy.

“I’d better go change my attire if you want me to prove that.” She’s about to leave, but I tighten my grip on her arms, keeping her pinned.

“You’re mine,” I say, holding her jaw.

She wants to giggle at my possessiveness, but I am deadly serious.

“Repeat,” I command, and I see her eyes widen in surprise. She probably thought I was joking.

“You’re mine,” she responds and giggles softly. “You said repeat. I repeated.”

Why is she doing this? Can’t she see I’m losing my mind? Suddenly, she goes serious again, as if understanding my point.

“I am yours,” she purrs, and my heart fills with ease. To make it even better, she releases her jaw from my grip and kisses my palm, leaving the wetness of her lips and gloss there. I am loving this teasing from her, and God knows how I’m controlling myself from taking her right here by the car.

“Vikram? Maahi? Are we planning for lunch or not?” Daadi’s question breaks our stance. I help Maahi get into the car and, shutting the door, I take the seat in front with the driver.

I adjust the rear-view mirror to catch a glimpse of Maahi chatting with Daadi, who is appreciating her attire and giving her some tips, I guess. But Daadi doesn’t realize I’m already impressed, lured, seduced, and much more just by a glimpse of Maahi. She doesn’t need to throw more of her cuteness and naivety at me, or I might lose my control in seconds.

CHAPTER 36

MAAHI

We reach the best Indian restaurant in the city, where Vikram introduces the chefs to us who have explain how the three-course meal is prepared according to Daadi’s dietary plans. I am impressed by Vikram, who sits next to me, drumming his fingers on the table, something I’ve never seen him do before.

“You don’t have to be nervous,” I tease. “I know this is your first date with me and Daadi together.”

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