Page 4 of Forged By Fate

But before she could leave, Sufi entered the room.

“You look…shiny,” said Tahira, with a grimace.

“Always a pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” replied Sufi bitingly, and I hid a smile.

“Are you guys off?” I asked, looking beyond him for a glimpse of my wife. Mytemporarywife, damn it! Why was it so difficult to remember that little distinction?

“Yes, Mr C. Sunaina’s just coming downstairs in a minute,” said Sufi, with a knowing smile that I ignored.

“Good. I hope you guys have fun. What are you doing tonight?”

“Oh, you know…the usual. We’ll probably do dinner and a nightclub. But first, we’re going to Ally Pally to watch the fireworks.”

I’d forgotten it was Bonfire Night in the UK. The fireworks display at Alexandra Palace was astounding, and I was glad Sunaina was getting a chance to watch it. That’s when she walked into the room, and I almost swallowed my tongue. I forgot what I was thinking. I forgot the people in the room. I forgot everything but the woman walking towards me with an uncomfortable smile on her face.

CHAPTER 3

SUNAINA

Iwas about to greet Tahira when I caught sight of the look on Viren’s face. He looked as if someone had hit him on the head with that big metal vase that stood on the console table next to him.

I walked towards him very slowly because I was worried my boobs would fall out of the dress despite all the boob tape we’d used. It was all very well for Sufi to say I could wear this dress. He wasn’t the one in danger of a wardrobe malfunction.

“Are you all right, Viren?” I asked worriedly.

He started and cleared his throat before he spoke gruffly.

“Yes, of course. Sufi was just telling me that you guys were planning to watch the fireworks display. I hope you’re carrying warm coats. Long ones, preferably,” he said, with a fleeting glance at my bare arms and legs.

“It’s a warm evening, boss. And don’t worry about us. The crowds will keep us warm,” replied Sufi insouciantly.

“Are you seriously wearing those shoes to Alexandra Palace?” barked Viren, staring at my sparkly Jimmy Choos.

“Yes,” I replied, staring at him in confusion. “What’s wrong with them?”

“There’s a long trek from the parking lot to the viewing point. How the hell are you going to walk in them?”

“We’ll manage, gorgeous. I’ll keep your wife safe,” promised Sufi, hiding a grin as he moved to the door.

I followed him with a weak smile at Viren. As soon as I turned my back to him, I heard a sharp exhale, and I realised that he had just caught sight of the non-existent back of my dress. I felt his gaze burning a trail along my bare skin, and I couldn’t restrain a little shiver.

“I don’t think so,” growled Viren. “You’re clearly out of your tiny little mind, Sufi, if you think you’re taking her out dressed like that in the cold. It’s November, for fuck’s sake.”

“It’s far too warm for November, boss. Sunaina will be fine. Let’s go, babe,” replied Sufi, heading to the door.

I ignored Tahira’s smug smile and hurried after Sufi.

“Hold on! I think Aisha would like to see the fireworks too,” called Viren, and I turned to him in surprise.

Tahira’s smile grew even wider, and I restrained the urge to smack it off her place. Really? He had a movie night planned with Aisha tonight and he was sending her out with us instead. All because Tahira was in town. I turned to shoot Viren a scathing look and was surprised to see his gaze fixed on me.

“Umm, sure. I do have an extra ticket,” said Sufi.

“You’ll need two. Because I’m coming along, too. Just to keep Aisha safe in the crowds,” announced Viren, without taking his eyes off me.

All my breath left my body in one big whoosh. What the hell had just happened? And why was he staring at me hungrily, like a big, bad, grumpy wolf? The heat in his eyes almost made memelt into a puddle on the parquet flooring. Despite my resolve to treat him only like a friend, I couldn’t help smiling at him tremulously.

“And what about me?” cried Tahira. “What am I supposed to do while you and Aisha go out? You made plans with me, Viren.”

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