Page 180 of One Hellish Desire

CHAPTER 47

MAAHI

Three days later, back in Delhi…

Vikram is busy handling his clients, and I’m working extra hours to meet my deadlines. The wedding season is still on, and we’ve got last-minute contracts. Elise has been a great help in setting up my fashion business in New York, and I just need to handle a few legalities. It’s not easy to start a business from scratch abroad, but I’m lucky to have Vikram and Elise’s support.

I peek into Vikram’s study to see if he’s done for the night, but he’s still on calls. We haven’t had any private time since we got back from Udaipur. When I sleep, Vikram is busy with his work, and when I wake up, I don’t disturb him, knowing he just went to bed a couple of hours ago. But one thing hasn’t changed: he always spoons me when he comes to bed. That cuddle is enough to show how much he wants our togetherness to last forever.

I take one last peek into the study before heading back to my room. I’ve tried staying up until he finishes, but I always doze off. How will this work? I’m still on the stairs, thinking about how we can make time for each other when I feel his touch on my waist. He lifts me into his arms, and I wrap my arms around his neck.

“Vikram?” I exclaim. “You…?”

He frowns. “Yeah, me. Who else would carry you like this?”

I smile at him as he climbs the stairs with me in his arms. “But I just saw you on calls. You were working.”

“I was done with my work when I saw you peeking into the study.”

I’m happy he wrapped up work but also disappointed to be the reason for it. “But don’t they need you? Your staff? Clients?”

“They do, but I need my wife the most.”

Vikram kicks the door open and drops me on the bed. He locks the room and returns to me. I’ve always adored his love, and when he does such sweet things, it only adds to his charm. He might be an angry businessman to others, but he’s a different person with me and our family.

I suddenly remember he never told me if he got a reply from his mother.

“Did your mom reply back?” I ask as he lays next to me.

“No, not yet. It’s surprising. Mom has been angry before, but she’s never stopped talking to me for so long.”

I hug him tightly. “And your dad? Is he still all business-like?”

Vikram sighs. “We talk daily, except today. Ajay said he was busy with something else.”

“Something else?” I lift my head to see his eyes. “Shouldn’t he be more worried about Grover Group’s reputation? You said the clients are unhappy about your decision to come here.”

Vikram shuts my lips with his fingers. “Let’s not discuss work anymore. I didn’t wind up early for that.”

“No?” I giggle as his fingers graze my neck. “Then why did you wind up early?”

“You want to know?” He hoarsely asks and I push him away when he tries to hover over me.

I love teasing Prince Pompous, but maybe not tonight. When he hovers over me again, I give in, and we spend another blissful night making love. I can never get tired of him and his love and the crazy things he does to me.

VIKRAM

Next Morning

We shower, dress up, and exchange enough kisses to last us the day, then head downstairs. As soon as we reach the living room, we’re both shocked to see Dad sipping his morning coffee and reading the newspaper.

“Dad?” I exclaim, surprised, shocked, and confused if this is a dream or reality.

Dad gives me a cold glance before standing up. I rush to him and give him a tight hug.

“Can’t believe you’re here,” I murmur, fighting back my tears. Yes, I’ve become emotional seeing him here.

He pats my back. “You look good.” Dad replies, pulling back and staring at both Maahi and me.

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