Page 89 of One Hellish Desire

“You don’t have to take me personally, just show me the way,” I say.

He ignores my words, and we stop only when we reach the signs pointing to the washroom.

“Be careful in there,” he mutters. “Couples tend to use them more for making out.”

I’m horrified, which makes him laugh.

“One of my desires with you in the near future,” he whispers.

Is he serious? I push him away and make my way to the ladies' washroom, hoping I don’t walk in on anyone’s private moment. Thankfully, it’s empty, and I take a moment to touch up my makeup. When I come out, Vikram isn’t there, but one of the social reformers I was introduced to earlier is on the phone. He disconnects the call and approaches me.

“Mrs. Grover,” he grins. “What a lovely party.”

“Thank you,” I mumble. He’s drunk.

“Vikram always throws the best parties,” he continues. “Everyone is surprised he married you so suddenly, but I knew it. He’s so much into you. I knew it the day he hit me for you.”

I’m intrigued. When did Vikram hit him?

“He hit you?” I ask. “When? Why?”

“That’s an old story now. But he promised to kill us all if we even thought of hurting you.”

Really? I’m nervous. When did this happen?

“Sinha,” Vikram’s voice startles us both. He strides over, clearly unhappy with our private conversation. He grabs my waist, a gesture I’m getting used to by now, and turns to Sinha.

“I don’t like people scaring my wife,” Vikram snaps.

“Sorry, Vikram. I wasn’t scaring her. Was I, Mrs. Grover?”

I blink at him unfazed.

“You hit him for me once?” I ask Vikram directly.

“He told you that?”

“Is it true?”

Sinha excuses himself and leaves us alone.

“Why did he say you hit him for me? How am I connected to this?”

Vikram stiffens. “Let’s get inside. People are waiting for us.”

“No,” I stop him. “You owe me an explanation first.”

“Don’t ruin the moment.”

“I’m not moving until you explain,” I insist.

He sighs. “My father called these people to Leela Mahal once to break your spirit. They planned to trouble you into giving up Devki Estate. Sinha was one of them. Dad wanted me to lead the team to get the estate from you.”

I’m speechless. Vanraj Singh Grover is terrible. I’ll never forgive him. Vikram cups my face.

“I won’t let anyone hurt you, Cub,” he says.

I nod slowly, my mind reeling. Whose side is Vikram on? He claims he didn’t support his father’s motives and threatened these people to protect me, yet he doesn’t give me the sole rights to Devki Estate. What are his intentions? Should I trust him or fear that he might risk everything for me, even his relationship with his parents?

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