Page 42 of Reckless Hate

Ved’s grandmother had been a popular award-winning actress who acted in a variety of roles, some of which were rather bold. Although his grandfather was quite old-fashioned, he was a doting husband when it came to his wife.

Ved knew his cousins were right about him reacting to Samantha’s dress. But that didn’t stop him from wanting to go up to the dance floor and throw the damn female on his shoulder and carry her away from prying eyes.

“Excuse me,” he said.

He heard his cousins’ laughter as he headed to the dance floor.

***

“Uh-oh. Incoming trouble,” Rishi said with a small grin.

The prickling behind her neck indicated that Rishi was talking about her enemy. Ignoring the awareness and the skip in her heartbeat, she continued to dance with Rishi. She even moved a little closer to him.

Rishi let out a laugh. “Darling, I absolutely adore you and all, but I’m a little worried about my safety. Something tells me Ved Simha wants to rearrange my face. And I happen to like my pretty face.”

Samantha knew Rishi was talking about Ved’s heated glares towards them.

“Ignore him,” she said.

Her enemy was most likely pissed off that not only she had not left the university as he ordered, but she was attending an event they had both dreamed about as children. The asshole was arrogant enough to think she would do his bidding.

Although she couldn’t ignore the awareness towards her enemy, she continued dancing. They danced for the next five or six songs when Rishi smiled at her.

“You look annoyed, darling. Want to take a break?” he asked.

She knew she was scowling. She didn’t like crowded places, but she had only kept going to prove a point.

She nodded. “Yeah.”

They walked away from the dance floor and went towards one of the balconies. Since most of the students were dancing, the balcony was empty.

“Why don’t you take a breather. I’ll use the washroom and be right back with drinks.”

She nodded.

As soon as Rishi left, she unzipped the small inseam pocket she had stitched into the dress and took her phone. She checked her messages to make sure she hadn’t missed any important ones, especially from the lawyer.

There was one email asking her to digitally sign a statement. She began to read through it.

“Who is he?” a familiar deep voice asked from behind her.

She startled and her heart began thudding. She turned to see her enemy. Her heart skipped a beat again seeing him from up close. He looked very different than usual with his hair combed back rather than his usual deliberate messy style. His tuxedo was fitted to perfection, and he didn’t have his top two buttons opened like he did with his uniform.

Ignoring the awareness, she replied. “Who?”

“That guy you just danced with and keep hanging around with?”

She knew he was referring to Rishi. “None of your business.”

His eyes flashed darkly. “I know he isn’t your boyfriend or hookup.”

It annoyed her that he thought he still knew her well or had the right to question her. “Oh? And how do you know he isn’t?”

Her enemy’s mouth twisted. “Because I can sense the lack of chemistry between you two. It’s obvious you are just friends with him.” His smile got darker. “And if he was more than a friend, the sparks between the two of us wouldn’t exist.”

Her heart jerked at his last statement, which made her angry. She hated that she always felt a keen awareness around him. Even right then, her body buzzed, and goosebumps peppered her skin.

“There are no sparks between us,” she gritted. “There will never be any. Yes, we were best friends once. But now, I feel nothing for you. Not even fond nostalgia.” She looked him in his eyes. “All I feel towards you is indifference.”

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