Page 52 of One Hellish Desire

For me? The thought blazes through my mind, startling in its intensity.

“No,” I blurt out, drawing their attention.

Vikram's brow furrows. “You okay, Cub?”

Kavita's giggle grates on my nerves. “Cute nickname. Maahi never mentioned that.”

“Oh, she loves it,” Vikram says, grinning at me like the cat who got the cream.

“No, I don't,” I snap, crossing my arms defensively. “What are you doing in my boutique?”

His answer is infuriatingly simple: “I came to see you.”

Kavita's jaw drops. She glances between us, a knowing smile spreading across her face as she grabs her purse. “Well, I should go. Maahi clearly needs some... private time. It was lovely meeting you, Vikram. Don't miss the engagement tonight!”

“Wouldn't dream of it,” he promises.

I'm torn between mortification and fury. Vikram's sudden appearance is giving my friends entirely the wrong idea about us. I hug Kavita goodbye, my movements stiff.

When I turn back, Vikram has claimed my chair, looking maddeningly at ease. “It’s comfy,” he drawls, toying with my paperweight.

“You can't just barge in here whenever you feel like it,” I hiss. “This is my workplace, and–”

He silences me by pulling something from his pocket – my pen drive. My stomach drops.

“You left this at home,” he explains. “Daadi thought it might be important.”

Important is an understatement. That drive contains my entire collection for a crucial client meeting. Vikram rises, crossing the room in a few long strides until he's mere inches away.

“I'm not your enemy, Maahi Awasthi,” he murmurs, his voice low and intense. “It's time you stop treating me like one.”

The air between us feels charged, making it hard to breathe. An agonizing silence stretches until he breaks it.

“Daadi wants you home soon. We should leave for Kavita's engagement together. Don't be late.”

I manage a weak nod. Only when he's gone do I exhale, my legs trembling. I sink into my chair, my mind reeling. Whatever this is between us, it's overwhelming. And I'm terrified of how much deeper it might go.

CHAPTER 15

VIKRAM

I stand in the foyer, my pulse quickening as I wait for Daadi and Maahi to join me. Though I'm not typically one for parties, tonight feels different. With these two women by my side, I'm actually looking forward to the engagement celebration.

The sound of their voices drifts down the stairs, and my gaze locks onto them as they descend. Daadi looks radiant in her golden beige silk saree, but it's Maahi who steals my breath away. Her peacock green lehenga choli is a masterpiece, showcasing her design talents and her beauty in equal measure. Every color seems made for her skin, but this... this is something else entirely.

My eyes can't help but wander, drinking in the sight of her. The waist chain I chose for her hugs her bare midriff, and suddenly breathing becomes a challenge. When our eyes meet again, she frowns, and uses her silk veil to cover herself. She's caught me staring, but I can't bring myself to care.

“Did we keep you waiting long?” Daadi asks, a teasing lilt to her voice.

“It was perfectly worth the wait,” I reply, my gaze still fixed on Maahi although she turns away, fully aware of the unspoken compliment.

A dangerous thought flashes through my mind: when she becomes my wife, how will I react to seeing her dressed like this? I doubt she'd make it out the door - not before I show her exactly what she does to me and my body.

The drive to the party is a blur. We arrive at a beautiful garden lawn, awash in a sea of vibrant colors - a stark contrast to the monochrome business affairs I'm used to. As we make our way inside, Kavita's family greets us warmly. I'm not the most social creature, but I manage what I hope are appropriate smiles.

An older couple approaches, and Daadi lights up in recognition. “Shalini? I didn't know you were coming today!”

I'm impressed by Daadi's extensive social network. She introduces me, then turns to Maahi. “You remember your friend Dhanush? The one who used to come by for notes?”

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