Page 61 of 12 Years

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Brushing past me, she went to the kitchen and brought out a bottle of wine. She took a sip straight from the bottle and then offered it to me.

‘Sir, would you like some wine?’

‘I was sleeping,’ I said.

‘But sleeping alone no? Why? Why alone when Shabnam’s here?’

She walked up to me seductively and pecked me on my lips.

Oh, screw it. I’ll ask Payal about what happened at dinner later. Let me deal with Shabnam now.

‘Thank you for coming, Shabnam,’ I said.

‘My pleasure. Sir, will you make the payment now or later?’

‘And how much is the payment?’

‘Up to you, sir … It depends on the service you choose. Shall we go to the bedroom, sir?’

Before I could say something, she led me into the bedroom. Then she took out her phone and played a song fromUmrao Jaan.

In aankhon ki masti ke

mastaane hazaaron hain…

‘What the—’

‘Shh,’ Payal, or rather Shabnam, said, shushing me and drawing her dupatta over our heads.

‘Sir, I’m here to please you. I’m yours, whatever you want to do.’

‘Whatever?’

‘Yes, I know you’re angry with your girlfriend. She’s been bothering you, right? Making you feel jealous?’

‘Yeah, a little.’

‘Don’t bottle up that anger. Take it out on Shabnam tonight, in whatever way you want to.’

She kissed my lips hard, almost biting me.

‘You’re strong,’ she said, rubbing my arms. ‘Let’s see what you can do.’

My eyes met hers. I’d missed her all evening. I’d tormented myself by imagining all kinds of scenarios—Jains bonding over Jain tacos and Jain sushi and discussing how amazing it would be for Parimal Jain and Payal Jain to get married and create more no-onion-no-garlic Jain babies. I wasn’t just a little bit jealous. I was insanely jealous. I was extremely possessive about my Payal.

‘Rough sex or nothing,’ she said.

‘Rough?’

‘Yes. I’d like you to tie me up, pull my hair, grab my neck. Do anything. Use me. I’m yours.’

‘Payal but—’

‘Shabnam, I’m Shabnam,’ she said.

My eyes met hers. Something sizzled. And we proceeded to have our steamiest, hottest night ever.

When we were done, both of us plopped down in bed.

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