Page 63 of One Hellish Desire

“Thank you, Dheeraj,” he says politely, and my lawyer smiles at us.

“I think Vikram is right. You haven’t eaten anything since morning, Miss Awasthi. If you want to fight, you need to stay strong. I’ll work on the points you’ve given me, and we’ll take it up tomorrow.”

I don’t react. Vikram has successfully driven my lawyer away. As Dheeraj leaves, I stare at Vikram, who leans over my table.

“Where should I place our dinner?” he teases. The look in his eyes kills my temper. I don’t know why I let him affect me like this.

“Just leave, Vikram,” I say, crossing my arms and looking away. He knows I’m affected. He circles the table and reaches me.

“I’ll leave after you eat.”

“Damn you,” I mutter, pushing him away and grabbing the bag. I take it to the small sofa and place it on the table. I open the bag and take out the meal boxes. I know this is home-cooked. Daadi must have made this and asked him to deliver it. I realize this is not just one person’s meal but enough for two. Did he not eat either?

He’s leaning over my desk, almost sitting, watching me serve. I serve myself and focus on the plate. But I can’t. I’m never like this. I make another plate for him and meet his eyes.

“Stop staring at me. Come here and eat.”

Vikram looks at me with bright eyes and joins me on the sofa. We eat quietly, without a word. Once we’re done, I pack the boxes and put them back in the bag. He comes out of the little restroom in my office, wiping his hands with tissues.

“Don’t trust your lawyer,” he mutters.

A sarcastic laugh escapes my lips.

“Yeah, right. I shouldn’t trust my lawyer, but you… Is that what you were going to say?”

He doesn’t like my mocking tone. I can see it in his eyes.

“That’s exactly what I was going to say because it’s the truth, Maahi. Dheeraj is bribed.”

Now it’s my turn to be shocked.

“No way.”

“Dad bribed him, and I can give you proof if you demand it. This isn’t a fight a lawyer can win for you, Maahi. Hire anyone in this country, my dad will bribe them all. He has that kind of money, which you don’t.”

That’s the bitter truth. I never considered this possibility. Is that why Dheeraj always sounded so negative? I was telling him my secrets and giving him ideas on how to win this case. How foolish of me. These ideas must have already reached Vanraj Singh Grover’s ears, and he must be laughing at me.

“Shit,” I shout, rubbing my temples. If a lawyer can’t help me, who will? “What a player family,” I shout at him. “Father is playing with my soul, and the son…”

That’s it. I’ve pissed him off. He curls his arm around my waist and hauls me to him. I don’t struggle this time.

“Two things, Maahi Awasthi. First, don’t insult my family. If you do, you’re hurting not just me and my father, but also Daadi. And second,” he presses me so close to his body that I choke. “I’m not playing with you. I’m on your side. I’ve given you enough clues on how to sort this matter. You just have to say ‘yes’.”

I close my eyes, trying to steady my erratic heartbeat. Fear clouds my mind. I know what he wants me to say, and that’s exactly why I’m so worried. How serious is Vikram about me, and why? What am I to him? Just a woman who fascinates him? I doubt he even wants to answer that himself. When I open my eyes, I feel his thumb stroking my lower lip. When did that happen? Lost in my thoughts, I hadn’t realized he was touching me. I shiver in anticipation as he pinches my lip and cups my chin, tilting my head to match his angle. He leans closer.

“Marry me, Cub.”

Then he kisses me again, but this kiss is anything but urgent. It’s slow, deliberate, and filled with a heat that makes my skin tingle. His lips move against mine, coaxing a response from deep within me. My clenched fists loosen, and I grip his T-shirt, fearing I might fall if he lets go. The fabric bunches under my fingers as I pull him closer, needing the connection as much as he seems to.

His hand travels up my back, tracing the curve of my spine, making me arch into him. His touch is electric, setting every nerve alight. When his fingers reach the dori of my dress, he tugs it loose, and a soft gasp escapes my lips. His mouth captures mine more fiercely this time, his tongue teasing and exploring every inch of my mouth, making me dizzy with desire.

With the wooden desk behind me, and the heat of Vikram’s body enveloping me with an unknown need, ignites an ache in my lower body I’ve never felt before. My own hands begin to roam, sliding up his chest, feeling the hard planes of muscle beneath his shirt. His groan vibrates against my mouth, and it only fuels my need.

His hand on my back moves lower, gripping my waist, pulling me impossibly closer, deliciously pressing his hardon where I ached for him the most. Wetness of desire pooled in between my thighs as I get lost in him, in the sensation of his lips, his touch, his body. I’ve never wanted anyone like this, never felt this kind of raw, aching need. My thoughts scatter, replaced by the primal urge to be with him, to surrender to this moment.

He breaks the kiss just long enough to murmur against my lips, “You drive me crazy, cub.” His voice is rough, filled with a passion that mirrors my own.

“Damn you,” I whisper back, my voice shaky with the intensity of my emotions.

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