Page 15 of One Hellish Desire

She reaches for it but I swiftly move it out of reach, a smirk playing on my lips.

“I didn't hear a 'thank you' yet.”

She rolls her eyes. “Did I complain when you never apologized for breaking my phone?”

That’s right, I didn’t. It was supposed to be a lesson for her to know what it means to ignore me.

“If you thank me for getting the file, who knows, you might be rewarded?”

I’m not even sure what reward I mean because apologizing to her isn’t something I consider a reward.

“You’re wasting my time,” she snarls. “You might be on vacation, but I have work to do. So just give me my file and get out.”

Get out? She actually told me to get out. Now I’m pissed.

“You're not getting this file,” I declare, turning away.

She blocks my path, face flushed with anger. “Don't play stupid games with me! I need that file or else-”

I don’t budge from the place.

“Look, Prince Pompous, I have a client coming any minute. I need that file.”

“I don’t care. You should have thought about that before insulting me. Daadi taught us that guests are no less than gods,” I remind her. “Is this how you treat your guests? Asking them to get out?”

Maahi rubs her temples, realizing her mistake. “I'm sorry, okay? I had a rough morning. Now will you please just give me the file?”

“No. If you want this file, you'll have to do more than offer weak apologies.” I take a step closer, letting my gaze flick to her lips.

Her eyes widen. “Watch it, Vikram. Don't demand anything that will make things even more complicated between us.”

I laugh. “Get your mind out of the gutter. I'd never ask a woman for something she wasn't willing to give.”

Grabbing her wrist, I pull her into her office.

“What are you doing?” she hisses, struggling to keep her voice down.

I release her and hold up the file with a wicked grin. “Ten sit-ups while holding your ears. Then you'll get your precious file. I have all day...but you don't. Remember. So do you want me to count till ten or you will do that too along with the sit-ups?”

Maahi swallows hard, rage and humiliation warring on her face as she stares daggers at me. I can't help but revel in her indignation. After how she treated me, a little humility is the least she can offer. The question is, just how far is the mighty Maahi Awasthi willing to go to get that file?

CHAPTER 5

MAAHI

“Sit-ups? And me?” I stare at Vikram in disbelief as he folds his arms across his chest.

“Ten,” he adds firmly.

My temper flares. “You know what, Prince Pompous? Keep that file. I'd rather lose a client than bow to your unnecessary punishments. I already apologized, and I refuse to entertain this any further.” I turn towards the door, done with his arrogant games. “You can stay here as long as you'd like and observe my work. But I won't indulge you more than I already have. Excuse me.”

The moment my hand touches the doorknob, his hands are pinning me against the door, my back just inches from his chest. His closeness steals my breath.

“Are you this rebellious with everyone? Or am I special?” His husky voice is cocksure, taunting.

I fight back a shiver at our intimate proximity. This has always felt dangerously wrong - the way he invades my space so carelessly, in a way no man ever has. I turn around to look at him, my eyes locking defiantly with his teasing gaze despite the tension crackling between us.

“You could never be special,” I reply, though my pulse is erratic.

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