Page 120 of One Hellish Desire

“Oh yes,” Elise replies. “I was so confused about which collections to pick for you, but when I spoke to Vikram, he told me so much about your personality and preferences that my selection became easy. I hope you like what I’ve got for you, but please feel free to reject anything that doesn’t suit your style.”

I choke. Vikram has taken my dressing for tonight very seriously.

“I’m sure you’ll love them all because, obviously, who better than a husband knows a woman inside and out, right?” she adds. The tingling in my body erupts, especially as Vikram gently strokes the sensitive skin of my lower back. He does it so naturally and without hesitation that I realize he isn’t doing it intentionally—it’s just how he is. This is his first gesture of affection and attraction towards me since we revised our relationship, and just as I start liking it, he removes his hand to answer a call. The sudden loss of his touch leaves me feeling void, but I don’t show it.

“I’ve got to take this call. I’ll be right back,” he says, placing a kiss on the top of my forehead, which is so genuine and unintentional that I love that too. He heads away.

“Let me show you the collections then. Where should we do the trials?” Elise asks, and I direct her to the guest room downstairs, which is unoccupied.

“Elise!” Meera aunty appears, overexcited and surprised to see the designer. “What a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know Vikram would call you for my outfit tonight.”

I don’t say anything and hope she doesn’t make a fuss that this time Elise is here for me, not her. The two hug each other.

“Sorry, Meera, but I’m here for your daughter-in-law this time. If you need, I can ask my colleague to fetch some designs for you.”

Meera aunty turns to me, and her smile vanishes. “Oh. Okay. That’s great. I already picked my dress for the party. You can assist Maahi with hers.”

She’s clearly surprised, but I don’t dwell on her reaction and proceed to try out the designs Elise brought for me. All of them are beautiful. I try a few gowns and end up picking a red V-neck silk slip dress along with a red fur coat to cover my shoulders, considering the cold weather. I match it with strappy red sandals and a sparkling gold clutch.

“This is perfect,” Elise says as I change into the dress I tried on earlier to check the fitting. “You have great taste, Maahi, and I must say it’s all the easier since you’re already a designer. I really wish to visit your boutique when I’m in India.”

“You’re most welcome,” I reply. “It will be my honor.”

“Oh darling, that’s so sweet of you. Give me a hug.”

I hug her, then head out to drop her off at the door. Vikram is done with his calls and reaches us again.

“Vikram, your wife has curves to die for.”

I curb the urge to run away as Vikram’s gaze falls on me at Elise’s comment.

“I know,” he smirks.

“And so is her choice, which I was aware of knowing she chose you as her husband. Please call me again if you need me next time. And my assistant will be here by evening to do her hair.”

“Thanks, Elise. You’re a savior,” he says, giving her a formal hug although his eyes are only on me. Either he wants to see if I mind or he just can’t take his eyes off me, as usual.

As promised, Elise sends someone to fix my hair, and I’m ready to start for the party. Vikram gets dressed in our bedroom while I’m down in the same guest room where I did my dress trial. Daadi enters the room, ready for the party, and though she tried her best to deny coming, we didn’t let her stay back this time. Vikram wants his whole family at this party, and that includes Daadi.

“Pretty,” Daadi says, admiring me in the red silk slip dress. “You look so good in these western outfits. You should wear them more often.”

“It’s only for parties, Daadi. You know I’m more comfortable in traditional clothes.”

“Start getting used to these. You’ll have to be a part of Vikram’s life here soon, and this will be your new normal. Plus, Meera is very social and will want you around at her parties too.”

I doubt Meera aunty will ever want to flaunt me at her parties, but I don’t say anything to Daadi.

“Anyway, I’m going with Meera and Vanraj in their car. You and Vikram follow in a while. He’s on a business call and needs a few minutes to finish,” Daadi adds.

“But why are you going with them? You can come with us, Daadi.”

“No, thanks,” she grins. “I want you two to make a grand entry without this old woman. Plus, it was Vanraj’s idea. I can’t believe he asked me if I’d like to go with them. How could I deny?”

Really? Vanraj uncle proposed this idea? I hope he doesn’t have any other selfish motives behind it.

“Come soon, you two. Bye.” She palms my cheeks and heads out. I take a few more minutes to get ready and then come out. Vikram is nowhere around, so I think he’s inside the study room on calls. I wait for him in the living area, browsing through my phone, when I feel his presence. My heart and body always sense him before my eyes do, and today is no different. I turn around, pretending to be unaffected, but when I see Vikram in a custom-made dark grey tuxedo, just like James Bond, my heart flutters. The black silk shirt he’s wearing inside the suit with the top two buttons undone tickles every nerve in my body. His eyes turn hot as they catalogue my appearance. He looks dangerous and fiercely sexual. Vikram strides toward me, and my grip on the gold clutch tightens. That’s the only way to keep myself in check. He reaches me, and the next instant, his knuckles graze my cheeks, turning them naturally red. Just when I think he’s going to kiss me, he surprises me with a question.

“Are you comfortable in this dress and shoes?”

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