Page 121 of One Hellish Desire

I swallow painfully, nodding at him.

“Good,” he exhales, as if curbing his own desires. “Let’s go then.”

He doesn’t speak a word until we get in his car and drive to the party venue. I know this party is more than just his friend’s wedding reception. All his buddies will be there, and Vikram is going to introduce me to them. They have always seen him with Sabrina, and their expectations are different.

“I hope your friends like me,” I mutter nervously.

“They will,” he smirks. “Though their approval hardly matters.”

As I thought, we make a grand entry at the party, and Vikram introduces me to some of his friends who greet me formally. I cling to Vikram’s arm for support, feeling nervous because I know I’m being judged and compared. But as I meet more people, this fear fades. We meet the newlywed couple, Nate and Sheena, and congratulate them. So far, there are no signs of Meera aunty, Vanraj uncle, and Daadi. I hope Vikram’s parents aren’t ignoring Daadi.

Vikram picks a cocktail for himself and hands me a mocktail.

“Daadi is with Mom over there,” he points out, and I see Meera aunty talking to a group, with Daadi actively interacting with a few Indian women almost her age. “Sheena is from India, so her family is here too. Daadi has good company,” he adds.

“I’m relieved,” I say, sipping my drink, and that’s when we both hear Sabrina.

“Hey, sexy man.”

We turn around and see Sabrina with two other girls. Vikram introduces me to them, mentioning that they are Sabrina’s besties, Gina and Rose. While Sabrina makes small talk with Vikram, Gina and Rose check me out like I’m an alien. I know they’re not happy with me being Vikram’s wife, but who are they to decide that? Vikram slides his arm around my waist again and draws me closer, making me feel connected. I couldn’t be happier. I want people to see us together and accept that no other woman has a chance in Vikram’s life anymore. Am I jealous? Or am I getting possessive of my husband? Maybe both.

“Dance?” I ask Vikram purposefully, and as if he reads my mind, he nods happily. But then he turns to Sabrina again, his voice stern.

“I have to clear a few things with you, Sabrina. But not here. Let’s meet tomorrow.”

Sabrina looks horrified. “Sure, but what is it about?” she stutters.

“I’ll tell you tomorrow. Excuse us.”

Without getting into the details, Vikram leads me to the dance floor.

“I thought you would never ask,” he says, sliding his arms around my back and pulling me closer.

“You never gave me a chance to ask. Ever since I turned you down for that kiss, you’ve been putting distance between us.”

His fingers stroke my back over the silk dress. I think that’s his favorite gesture.

“I mentally promised that night to make you beg if you wanted more,” he confesses.

My jaw drops. Beg? As if I would.

“High hopes, Prince Pompous. I would never do that.”

“We’ll see.”

I’m startled by his vehemence. He twirls me once with the music, and I land back on his chest smoothly.

“I’ve made my bed, Maahi,” he says tightly, his face hard. “Now it’s your decision to accept me wholeheartedly or not.”

Damn hell!!

“Don’t mistake my feelings for you as mere lust. They’re anything but that. Yes, I want your body, and this attraction was the first step that made me fall for you, but now it’s more. I want your mind, your soul, your heart—all of it,” Vikram adds.

My legs turn to jelly as his breathing quickens and his hold tightens. The tension between us thickens, growing hotter as he brings his face closer.

“I don’t want you to make assumptions about my feelings. If you really want to know them, all you have to do is read my eyes,” he whispers.

I stare consciously into his eyes.

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