Page 150 of One Hellish Desire

Wearing a black satin dress with spaghetti straps, I check my watch. It’s 9:00 PM, meaning Vikram's morning has started in the US. I decide to give him a peek at my outfit to brighten his day. I excuse myself, take a selfie in front of the mirror, showing off my dress and send it to Vikram.

As I rejoin the fun, the music gets louder. Everything is going great until I receive a message from an unknown number:

‘Those long legs, sexy thighs, and flawless curves. Epitome of a perfect woman you are.’

What the hell? I scan the room, trying to spot the sender, but have no luck. It must be one of the men hired for tonight? But how did he get my number? I grab a glass of wine, determined not to let this ruin my mood. A minute later, another message buzzes:

‘It’s a shame you have to drink that wine alone. I can keep you company tonight.’

That’s it. My blood boils. I need to find this man and have him thrown out. And why hasn’t Vikram replied to my message yet? The lack of his response and this stranger’s flirting kills my mood. Preet notices my agitation but I give her a reassuring nod before heading to Darcy.

“Darcy,” I say, “I need a favor.”

“Sure, Ma'am.”

“But you need to promise me not to tell my husband.”

Darcy looks conflicted.

“I'm sorry, Ma'am, but that seems complicated. I don’t want to lose my job if Boss finds out.”

“I’ll save your job, I promise. I don’t want to bother my husband, which is why I’m asking you.”

She thinks for a moment and then nods.

“Fine. What is it?”

I quickly share the unknown number with her.

“Can you find out who this number belongs to and trace that man for me?”

She nods.

“We have a team in admin who can do that. Anything else? Why is it important, if I may ask?”

“He’s sending texts, not dirty but not good either. I want him out of this party without disturbing anyone else. Can you handle that?”

“Yes, Ma'am. I’ll keep it confidential. I’ll also ask the guards to keep an eye out. Please don’t leave the premises alone. I’ll send a lady guard to escort you.”

“No, that’s not necessary.”

“It is, Ma'am. Vikram has strict orders to keep you safe. Let me do my job.”

My heart swells with pride. Vikram has everything covered for me. I hardly have to do anything to keep myself safe. I rejoin the party, cautious with every man I talk to. These men are friendly, and since most of them know I'm married to Vikram, no one makes a pass. Lucky me! But where the hell is my husband? I’m about to dial him when I see his reply on my phone.

‘Cub… Are you comfortable in that little dress?’

Aww! How very husbandly! I laugh to myself, hoping people around don’t think I’ve lost it. I type back a reply.

‘I think the zip is a bit uncomforting. Only if you could be here to help.’

My bold reply might force him to take a cold shower, but I like pushing him to the edge. Another message beeps from that unknown number.

‘Two shots of vodka with rum and wine, I’ll leave all of them if you spend time with me tonight.’

How dare he? I glare around and see Darcy rushing toward me. Looks like she has an update.

“We got him,” she says, pressing her lips together. “He’s on the third floor, just below this one, in one of the VIP booths.”

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