Page 3 of Protect my Heart
Samarth leans forward, his expression serious now. “Already started digging. There’s dirt. A lot of it. He’s been playing dirty for a long time. No one’s ever called him out on it.”
“They will now.” My voice comes like a command, heavy and raw.
I run a hand through my hair, exhaling slowly. My jaw clenches, and I let the fury settle deep in my chest. It’s cold now. Controlled. “When we’re done, he won’t be able to crawl his way back up.”
Samarth nods. “I’ll get the team ready.”
“No,” my voice booms across the walls. “We’ll go to him. Personally.” My jaw clenches as cold rage consumes me. He will beg me for mercy.
His brows lift, unsure of my decision. “You sure?”
I button my blazer, straightening to my full height. “Get the chauffeur. Tell him we leave at ten.”
He doesn’t argue, just gives me a nod before disappearing. And I’m left standing in my office, looking out the glass wall into the city below.
Vikram Khanna lit the fire. But I’m the one who’ll burn the whole damn forest down.
CHAPTER 2
AARAV
The tires of my car screech to a halt in front of Vikram’s mansion. The gates are wide open, as if inviting me in. I step out of the car, my men falling into line behind me, each of them wearing a look that mirrors my own—grim, focused, ready.
Tonight, I will settle the score with Vikram. He’s crossed a line—one too many times. And now, he’ll pay for every single one of those mistakes. The sound of multiple shoes hitting the ground irritates me. I didn’t want to bring everyone, but Samarth insisted.
The music and laughter from inside the house pierce the night, a stark contrast to the fury bubbling inside me. With each step I take towards the mansion, I feel a chill settle in the pit of my stomach.Something’s off.
Two guards stand at the entrance, eyes widening as they see us approach. “What’s your business here?” one of them asks, his voice shaky as he weakly guards the place.
“I need to speak with Vikram,” I reply, my voice cold and unyielding—the way I always am when I’m not in the mood for games.
The guard pales a shade or two. “He’s… busy,” he stammers.
My lips curl into a smile reserved only for people like him—filled with menace. “I think he’ll make time for me.”
I push past them and enter the mansion. The grand hall is lavishly decorated, the air thick with the scent of roses and expensive perfume. People are mingling, laughing, oblivious to the storm that’s about to break. I give one of my men a silent signal to grab one of Vikram’s guards.
The guard trembles, his hands twitching nervously. I know he’s considering whether to warn someone or maybe stall us long enough for Vikram to make a run for it. Before he can do anything, my man has him pinned against the wall, a quiet threat in his eyes. “Are you going to lead us to Mr. Khanna, or do we have to find him ourselves?” I ask, my voice sharp as a knife.
“I… I don’t know where he is. Please, let me go,” he pleads.
I lean closer. “Okay, what’s going on here?” He shakes with fear, and satisfaction fills me as I hear his shaky voice.
“It’s his wedding,” he finally admits.
Samarth and I exchange a look. He has the same question in his eyes as I do.
Marriage? Vikram? The thought catches me off guard. The playboy getting married? I almost feel sorry for his soon-to-be wife. “Let him go,” I order, and the guard visibly shakes before being released.
“Let’s find him ourselves,” Samarth suggests, his voice firm as he gestures to the rest of the men. “Search the entire mansion. That asshole has to be here.”
The others scatter with Samarth, and I bark another command, “Shoot anyone on sight who tries to stop us. Women and children are an exception.”
Before I step into the living room, my phone rings. Samarth's name flashes across the screen. I slide to answer while scanning the area around me. “Aarav, you need to come to the garden. Now.” His voice greets me with an unusual calm, but I sense the urgency in his tone.
I don’t question him. I just let out a non-committal hum, letting him know I’m coming. “Where is the garden?” I ask one of the staff for directions.
“Sir, it’s in the backyard,” he answers quickly, then runs out of my way.
