RUDRA'S POV

"What? You want me to clap for you? Or are you just trying to make me regret kicking those drunk idiots out so they wouldn't get a free show?"

I don't even look up from my phone, though I can feel her eyes on me. I take a slow sip of red wine, letting it linger on my tongue, and before I can set the glass down, she steps in close, fingers curling around the stem as she rips it from my hand and downs the whole thing.

"You're already drunk-what the fuck?"

My brow lifts, heat sparking low in my chest as she fists my collar and drags me toward her face, her scent hits me before she even speaks, that maddening mix of feminine, and far too addictive for my own good. She's close enough that my knuckles ache with the urge to drag her nearer, Her half lidded eyes fight to stay open, but they're locked on me.

"Watch me dance," she murmurs and pushes me back with a force that makes me want to grab her and remind her who she's dealing with.

I exhale slowly, force my gaze back to my phone, and pour myself another glass. But my eyes betray me. They slide toward her again. She's on the dance floor, moving in a way that's nothing like the stiff, guarded Saanvi I'm used to. There's a looseness to her, a careless sway of her shoulders, the curve of her mouth tilting up as she spins lightly under the lights. I catch myself smiling, she's actually enjoying herself.

She turns her head and catches my eyes. My lips pull into a slow curve as her movements shift, less playful, more deliberate, like she knows she has my attention. I take another sip of wine, watching her over the rim of the glass.

So... she can dance.

But that smirk starts to fade the longer I watch. Her dark red bodycon clings to every curve, riding up an inch as she bends forward, the hem grazing the tops of her thighs. She drags her palms up her own legs slowly, like she's savoring the feel, before letting them trail over her hips. Then she drops down low, spreading her knees on the floor, arching her back as her hair spills forward.

What the hell is she playing at?

She runs her fingers through her hair, tilts her head back, and my brain starts cataloguing everything I shouldn't be noticing, how that dress clings to her thighs, the subtle roll of her hips, the flash of skin that makes my palms itch. Then she starts crawling toward me, eyes locked on mine.

And my gaze because I'm a selfish bastard, drops to her cleavage. Too exposed, too tempting, too fucking close to what I want to put my mouth on.

I squeeze my eyes shut and look away, breathing hard.

I open my eyes just as my thighs are pushed apart. She slides in straddling me like she owns the space between us. My breath catches, heat surging through me in a way I shouldn't be letting happen.

"Careful," I don't touch her. I can't. One slip, one second of giving in, I hold still, every muscle tight, because if my hands find her right now, they won't stop.

Her arms loop around my neck, eyes scanning my face, lingering on my mouth like she's cataloguing it. Her fingers trail over my lips. I catch her wrists, holding them just above my chest. "Stop," I rasp. "You're drunk, Pearl."

She pulls free and slides her hands over my throat, a slow caress that makes my self-control fray at the edges. My phone slips from my hand, and before I even register it, I've got my hands on her thighs holding her in place, thumbs pressing into the soft skin where her dress has ridden up.

The heat of her seeps through my hands. My head tips back, eyes shut, jaw tight, because I'm one second away from turning this into something I can't take back.

Her fingers curl into my jaw and yank my face toward hers. "Kiss me."

Every nerve in me fires at once. My brain goes dark, my body lights up.

I want to pin her to this couch and make her beg for air. I want to taste her, I want to hear the sounds she makes when I finally-ugh fuck!

"I can't," I whisper, even though the truth is I don't want to stop.

"Kiss me or I'll eat you," she says, gripping my collar.

A slow smile spreads across my mouth. "You wouldn't survive the first bite."

"Fuck you," she breathes, and then her hands cups my face and her lips are on mine.

The second her mouth touches mine, my restraint burns to ash. My hands clamp on her waist hard enough to bruise, dragging her closer until I feel every curve pressed against me. Her lips are soft and warm, moving slow, and it's killing me, because I want to devour her, not kiss her. I want to grip her throat, tilt her head exactly how I want, and take it deeper until she can't breathe without me. I want to feel the sound she'd make if I let my hands slide lower and-

"Anvika... stop... I don't feel well...I'm drunk,"

My eyes snap open and I pull back, breathing hard. She stares at me, frustrated, swaying slightly. I keep my hands on her, holding her still.

What the hell was I thinking? She's drunk and I was about to give in. I've been on the other side of that before, taken advantage of when I wasn't in my senses. I know exactly how wrong it feels. If she were sober, she wouldn't even look at me like this. This isn't her it's the alcohol talking. She'd regret it the moment she woke up. I can't add another mistake to the pile. And more than that, it's wrong. Taking advantage of her now would cross a line I'm not willing to cross.

"Why did you stop?" she whines, swaying slightly in my lap. The movement drags her body against mine, and every muscle in me goes taut.

I plant a hand firmly on her waist, holding her back. "Because we both know you'll hate yourself in the morning. You're drunk, Pearl. And I'm not in the mood to let you ruin this for yourself."

She sways against me again but I ignore the pull and reach for my blazer from the couch and settle it over her shoulders, tugging the lapels together so she's covered, my fingers brushing the bare skin of her arms in a way I shouldn't enjoy as much as I do.

I shake my head, grab my phone. "You dance pretty well. Guess I should thank the liquor for showing me your... hidden talents."

I stand, keeping one hand locked at her waist, fingers splayed low, feeling the heat of her through the thin fabric. She immediately hooks her legs around me, clinging. She doesn't seem to care, her face presses into my neck, and I feel the brush of her lips against my skin, intentional or not, I don't know, but it's dangerous.

I start walking, on the way out, I snag her phone from the DJ booth.

----------

"Put me down! I said put me down!" she squeals, kicking her legs like I'm hauling her off to prison.

"Enough of your drama-Pearl, what the fuck?"

She suddenly jerks out of my grip, shoving my hand away. Her heels hit the pavement, wobbling. She stumbles back and I lunge forward, catching her before she tips over.

She rubs her eyes like a sulky kid, shrugs me off, and starts walking away. I groan, already counting the brain cells I'm losing tonight, and follow.

"Get in the car. Right now!" I yell.

She just keeps going, teetering on the edge of the road like she's auditioning for a drunk tightrope act. Then she stops, crouches, and bends over.

I close the distance, ready to drag her back, only to see her holding a tiny black puppy in her arms and giggling. The edge of my frustration softens. She presses her cheek to the puppy's fur, murmuring, "You're so cute," before straightening and turning toward me with a bright, tipsy smile. I take out my phone and click a picture and shoved it back.

She hugs the puppy, swaying a little on her feet. "See? This is my husband."

The smile dies on my face. "What?"

"Rudra. My husband," she says matter of factly, lifting the puppy toward my face. The thing just blinks at me with innocent eyes.

"Your husband is supposed to be human. How is a dog your husband?"

"I didn't say you're my husband," she says with a shrug, then gasps dramatically. "Oh my! are you jealous of him? You are, aren't you?" she giggles.

I rub my face. "This woman..."

"Listen, that son of a bitc-" I stop, staring at the puppy's tiny nose. He's just breathing softly, I sigh. "That's a puppy. Means he's a dog. Means he's not your husband. Let's go home." I reach for her hand.

She gasps, "You're trying to kidnap me?!" She turns to the puppy. "Baby, this tall scary man is trying to steal your wife." She rubs her nose against his fur.

"For fuck's sake, that dog is not your husband-" I stop myself. "Why am I explaining this? You're drunk as hell. Come with me."

I make another grab, but she steps back, eyes watering. And then, just to top it off, the damn dog starts barking at me.

"I'm not drunk," she slurs. "I'm hydrated with... grape juice." She hiccups. "Fancy grape juice."

I take a sharp breath. "Where the hell am I stuck?"

I walk to the car, grab a packet of biscuits from the glove compartment, and head back. She's still cuddling her "husband."

I rip the packet open and toss a few on the sidewalk away from the road. Then I snatch the puppy from her arms.

"Rudra! My baby! You homewrecker! You husband-stealer!"

The puppy barks at me too. "Oh, shut up. Don't be oversmart." I set him down. He stops barking the second he sees the biscuits.

She stares, betrayed. "Imaan hai tumhara? Ek packet biscuit mein bik gaye? Kaise pati ho tum? Aur woh bhi cheap biscuit... at least wait for chocolate ones!" (Do you even have any integrity? You sold yourself for a packet of biscuits? What kind of husband are you? And that too for cheap biscuits...)

"Enough. Let's go."

She tries to run, but I hook an arm around her waist and start walking.

"Rudra! You bitch! You're stuffing your face with biscuits while your damn wife is getting kidnapped?!" she shouts.

I ignore her, shove the car door open, and guide her inside. She pushes at me, muttering, "You think you're smooth, putting seatbelts on me like some romantic movie villain. But I see you, mister."

I was about to close the door when she pops the buckle and steps out like the world's most stubborn hostage.

"Pearl! Get in the car!" I yell, but she just keeps walking toward the front, I catch up, pinning her lightly against the hood. "Enough. Let's go."

She jerks her hand out of mine. "Go to your wife. I'm a married woman. To my Rudra."

A corner of my mouth twitches at the way she says my Rudra. "You're my woman. My only woman." I brush her hair back from her face. She leans away slightly, blinking hard like she's trying to focus.

"I'm not a bitch. Your wife will be a bitch," she says with absolute certainty.

I sigh. God knows how much she's had to drink tonight.

"You're cheating on your wife?" she asks, tilting her head as if the idea has just occurred to her.

"No."

She fingers the buttons on my shirt, pretending to be casual. "What's her name?"

"Pearl."

She blinks at me, then breaks into a slow, tipsy smile. "My husband calls me that too." She giggles, wiggling her fingers in front of my face.

"I know,"

Her brows pull together. "You know? How?"

"Because I'm your husband."

She exhales slowly, her shoulders relaxing. "Listen... I understand that you love me. But you need to understand we're both committed to other people. I'm loyal to my husband. Yes, he's hurt me, but I can't betray him. And you shouldn't betray her either."

I just stare at her. And in that moment, I feel like the biggest dumb alive for even letting the thought cross my mind that she could be unfaithful. This woman, standing here in front of me, is incapable of that.

"Your husband is a bastard for hurting you," I say, threading my fingers through hers.

Her eyes flash. "Don't call him that." Then her tone softens, a smile touching her lips. "He loves me. A lot."

I smile too. "He does. Because you're too precious for him, Pearl."

Finally, she looks up at me and leans in, her hand lifting to my face, fingertips brushing the spot just beside my eye.

"Rudra," she murmurs. "You're Rudra."

"And how do you figure that out?"

She touches the spot again. "This mole. I've stared at it a thousand times. It distracts me... because it makes you too beautiful." Her voice softens even more.

"Why didn't you trust me, Rudra?" her eyes blur with tears.

My breath leaves me in a slow release. “I hurt you a lot, Pearl,”

“Hurt? … destroyed,” she whispers,

"Do you know how much I wanted you to be on my side?" she says, cupping my face and forcing my gaze to hers. "Even now, I want you back. I think about forgiving you, and hell, I want to. But every time I do, the past claws its way in. I remember how you broke my trust when I gave you my friendship. And then again... when I was ready to give our marriage a chance. Do you know what it's like to want someone and fear them at the same time? It's exhausting, Rudra. I don't want to push you away. But our past, it follows me everywhere. And the worst part is, I'm scared. Scared that if I trust you again, you'll break it just like before." Her thumb grazes my lips.

"I thought, now I have everything I need...OG, Maa, my family. The love I'd craved for years, the kind of presence I'd dreamed of having... it's all there. And I told myself that was enough. That I didn't need anyone else. I was happy." She pauses, "But Rudra... somehow your presence has started to matter. More than I want it to. And sometimes I hate that it does. Because how is that even possible? You've only been in my life for a year. And yet, the way your existence has woven itself into mine, it's... terrifying. This wasn't part of the plan. I had my life scripted out. You weren't in my list and then you just... crawled out of the dark one day, right into my life, and now you've become something I can't even name."

Her words make my heart pound so fast it feels reckless, dangerous. The fact that I matter to her feels like a truth I'm afraid to hold in my hands in case it slips away.

I pull her close, my arms circling her, "I'm sorry," I whisper against her hair. "I'm sorry for every moment that made you feel alone while I was still here. You've carried too much because of me. But I'll have you back, Pearl. I swear I'll find a way to give you a future where our past can't touch us."

She pulls back from the hug and tilts her head and peers at me with that lazy, drunken curiosity. "Aren't you gonna ask me what else is on my list?" Her words slur, but the way she says it... God, she's cute, too cute. The kind of cute that makes me want to wrap her in my arms and not let go.

I trail my fingers lightly down her neck, her skin is soo soft. "I'd definitely like to know."

She smiles, "You know the aurora borealis? I want to see it once in my life. I saw it on TV when I was a kid. It looked... magical." Her eyes close as she leans back against the hood, face turned toward the night sky.

If only she knew she's far more breathtaking than anything nature could pull off.

"And?" I prompt.

Her eyes flutter open, and she frowns like she's forgotten. Then they go wide. "Oh! I want to go to a royal palace and waltz with a prince." She giggles, "Leave that, it was on my list when I was a kid."

"Prince?" My brows lift. "You can definitely waltz, sweetheart... but I'm afraid it won't be with a prince. You'll have to settle for a beast."

She gives me a mock glare. "I hate beasts."

"That's fine," I murmur, brushing my thumb across her cheek. "I'll just have to find a way to make you stay with me anyway."

I know it borders on obsession, because it is. I'd do anything to keep her close. Selfish? Absolutely. Do I care? Not one fucking bit.

"Come on. Let's go home." I slide my arms around her and lift her effortlessly. She loops her arms around my neck, her gaze locked on mine.

I set her gently in the passenger seat and buckle her in. Her breath skims my lips, and for a moment our noses brush. I swallow hard and force myself to pull back, shutting the door before I do something.

Why do I feel like tonight is going to be hell for me?

Sliding into the driver's seat, I glance over just as she shrugs off my blazer and tosses it into the back. Then she starts unbuckling her seatbelt.

Heat coils through me, tightening every nerve. "Don't fucking test me, Saanvi. If you step out of this car again, I promise you will not like the way I come get you."

In one smooth, tipsy motion, she climbs across the console and settles on my lap, straddling me. The sudden press of her body makes my breath catch, and heat rushes through me so fast I actually gasp. "What the fuck are you doing?" I groan, trying to pry her hands away, but every part of me wants her closer.

She grips my neck, pulling me in. "You're so beautiful, Rudra," she murmurs.

I raise a brow. "Beautiful?"

She nods with her half lidded eyes. "Deadass charming. Beautiful. This face..."

If she knew what she was saying, she'd be mortified. Her hands slide down to my chest. I swallow hard. "Stop."

She ignores me. "You're exactly the man from the books I read. Those dark eyes, sharp features... the way you speak, the way you look at me... every time I glance up, your eyes are already on me. You're... exactly that man. Fictional man." She whispers, and I catch myself staring at her lips. Then she grabs my throat, forcing my eyes up to hers.

Oh fuck. The way she dominates me, it's intoxicating. All my life, control has been my rush, but this... this woman on my lap, taking it from me. If she knew the thoughts I was having how much I wanted to destroy myself against her, she'd never forgive me. I resist the urge to tilt her forward, to swallow her entirely.

"And the way you threatened me a few seconds ago? It didn't scare me," she murmurs, "It made me want to defy you... so you could follow through."

"Don't even try," I warn, hands sliding up her waist.

She chuckles, low and throaty, tangling her fingers in my hair, and my eyes squeeze shut. "You're a storm, Rudra. You entered my life and fucked everything I thought I was. The woman I used to be calm, composed, walls built high. You came in and tore them down, climbed inside my heart, made me react in ways I never have... made me break my own calm." She pauses, teeth gritted, yanking my hair up so our eyes meet. "You fucking changed me, Rudra Singhania. You've ruined me."

I curl my lips into a small, crooked smile. "I didn't know I had this much effect on you."

"Every time I look at you, I feel like throwing something at you... a chair, a scalpel...Sometimes... myself."

"You can," I murmur, sliding my hands above her waist, "I'd catch you."

"Your hair is so soft," she leans closer, fingers threading through my hair again. I close my eyes, letting the warmth of her touch settle over me. "I've always wanted to run my fingers through your hair like this," she whispers near my ear, pulling back just slightly. "You know what else I want?"

I swallow and stare at her, waiting.

Her finger drifts from my hair down to my forehead and stops. "I want to touch my forehead to yours." She leans in, resting her forehead against mine. We stay like that for a long moment, staring at each other, our breaths growing faster, our chests pressing together as they rise and fall.

Her fingers glide down toward my eyes. "These eyes... these sepia eyes, Rudra. I've always wanted to look at them, to see myself in them. To know you see me too." Her hand drifts near my ear, and she tilts her head, brushing her lips lightly against it. "I want to whisper secrets in your ear, things meant only for us." The heat of her words presses against my senses.

Her fingers trace down to my cheek. "I want to rub my face against yours," she says, leaning in to press her cheek to mine. I feel the softness of her skin, the warmth of her presence. Then her nose nudges mine. "This nose... I want to hear your breathing up close, feel it against mine as we get closer."

Her fingers trail down to my lips, rubbing my bottom one with soft insistence. "These lips... I want to kiss them so hard, Rudra, leave you breathless. When you kissed me that first time, I realized how much I crave them."

I shut my eyes, letting the words and the closeness overwhelm me, this feels soo beautiful and intimate. Her fingers drift down my neck, and I can feel the pull, the silent invitation in everything she does.

"I want to bury my face in your neck, Rudra-" she murmurs. I open my eyes to find her leaning in, her breath warm against my skin. She presses her cheek against me, inhaling softly. "-and smell your cologne. It's impossible to resist." Her voice is husky, and I have to clamp my lips shut to stop the sound I didn't know I was about to make.

Her hands slide down to my chest, settling over my heart. "I want to hug you and rest my head here," she whispers, molding herself to me. "I want to hear your heartbeat, feel it thrum for me."

My heart is hammering against my ribs, each beat echoing the heat that coils through me as she murmurs things I've never heard spoken so softly, so deliberately and I feel them in every fiber of me.

She leans back just slightly, eyes searching mine, and her fingers slide lower and stop at my crotch. "Ah... Fuck..." I clamp my eyes shut, pressing my head against the seat, trying to restrain the animal that wants to take over. The moment she touches me, heat explodes through my body, sharp and burning, my hardness straining painfully against the fabric of my pants.

"And... whenever I find you this fucking irresistible... I just want this-" she presses her hand harder against my crotch making my body jerk, "-fucking buried inside me."

I yank her hands away from my crotch, grabbing her throat and pressing her back against the wheel. "Shut up," My teeth grit. "You say another word like that, and you'll be the only one responsible for what happens next." I tighten my grip on her throat slightly.

Her free hand hovers over mine near her throat, then presses against me, boldly. "Little do you know, Rudra... I want exactly what you're threatening me with,"

Fuck. That tone, that look... my body betrays me, how much I want to throw her across this car and devour her. I squeeze her throat pulling her closer, lips hovering just above hers without touching. "I swear, Saanvi...one day, I'll make you feel exactly what I'm feeling right now. You'll regret teasing me like this."

"Do it now," she dares, and something inside me snaps. My pulse throbs painfully in my veins, my errection pressing against my restraint.

"Get in your seat," I release her throat slowly.

"No. I want you..." she murmurs, leaning toward me.

"Back in your seat, Saanvi," I snap, flashing her a glare. She exhales, pushing against me, swaying slightly, and finally slides back into the passenger seat.

I take a deep breath, leaning in to click her seatbelt, but she's staring out the window, lost in her thoughts.

"Look at me," I say, buckling her in. She doesn't respond, doesn't turn. I place my finger under her chin and gently tilt her face toward me. "What's wrong?" I ask, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Her eyes meet mine, "I... I don't arouse you, right? You... those other women... they're the ones you... feel for. But me... your own wife? I can't."

The audacity. I scoff silently, shaking my head. I glance down at my errection then back at her, and I can't believe she's saying this after everything. But then... why? Why would she doubt herself? Did I do something, say something to make her question her worth?

"Pearl..." I murmur, softly, her eyes meet mine, "Why would you compare yourself to anyone else?" I cup her cheeks gently, letting my thumbs brush along the curve of her face. "You have no idea the power you hold over me. Your breathing, Pearl... it's enough to drive me insane. You make my heart thump so fiercely, I feel it might tear out of my chest, just by existing. You are not just a woman, you are the only one who has ever mattered this way, the only one who could ever matter. I love you, not just because you exist in my world, but because the world feels impossible without you in it. When I say you're the only woman who can do this to me, I don't mean you're special in a simple way, I mean the universe itself has conspired to place you in my life. You are my love in a way that makes nothing else make sense, and I would rather burn alive in the thought of losing you than live another day without knowing this, without knowing you."

I lean closer, my forehead brushing hers, "So don't ever let yourself feel small, or think you're not enough. You've always been everything I never knew I needed and now... everything I cannot live without. You are not just the only woman who arouses me... you are the only one who can touch the depths of me, in ways no one else ever could."

Her hands push me back slightly, and I straighten, frowning. "Then why did you push me away?"

"Because you're drunk, sweetheart," I say, rolling my eyes with a hint of exasperation. "If I even dare... you'd throw a case on me. I can't risk you, not like this." I started the car and drove away,

-------------

I open the door to her room, nudging it with my foot while she groans softly in my arms. I step inside and carefully place her on the bed, crouching to slip off her heels.

I stand back and watch her lying there, the soft rise and fall of her chest calming yet stirring something in me. I know I won't be able to sleep beside her without losing myself. I turn toward the door, thinking I should give her space.

"Rudra."

I pause. Is she having nightmares again? I cross the room and sit on the edge of the bed, sliding my hand into hers. She shifts slightly, hugging my waist in her sleep, a smile brushing her lips. I chuckle quietly, running my fingers through her hair.

What is she dreaming about? My thumb brushes over her knuckles, her fingers are long, slender, perfectly tapered, the dark maroon polish catching the light. My smile falters. For some reason, her hands always stir thoughts I know I should not have. I shake my head and undo a couple more buttons of my shirt, heat rising in me.

Her eyes open slowly, locking on mine. "Go back to sleep."

"Sleep with me," she murmurs, curling slightly closer.

Oh lord. Someone shut her up. I'm not a saint, and hell, I know tonight I can't sleep beside her. I won't be able to control myself.

She suddenly sits up and moves to the other side of the bed.

"Where are you going?" I say, standing too. She's drunk as hell, and I definitely do not want my wife falling and breaking her nose.

She stops near her study table and pushes the chair aside with a sharp shove. In one swift movement, she knocks every file and document onto the floor.

I frown and walk toward her. She perches on the table, bare legs dangling, her dress riding up just slightly. I stop in front of her. "Get back on the bed," I say, my eyes flicking to her thighs before I catch myself.

She doesn't comply. Instead, she tucks my shirt and yanks me closer, eyes daring me to stop her. My body reacts before my brain does. She spreads her legs, and suddenly I'm pressed between them, closer than I can handle, feeling heat that's way too intense for me right now.

"Fuck, Saanvi," I groan, gripping her thighs, trying to ground myself.

She leans in, hands around my neck, her lips brushing my ear. "Shall I, Rudra?"

I release a sharp breath and shove her away, lungs burning, stepping back only to collide with the chair and fall onto it. My legs feel like lead. I stare at her, heart hammering as she leans forward, hands on the table, a teasing curl on her lips.

"You should stop. You are going to regret this tomorrow, Saanvi," I rasp,

She chuckles softly. "I don't care about tomorrow. I care about tonight." Before I can react, she lifts her bare feet and pushes my knees apart, spreading my legs and smiles, "You have no idea how hot you look when you manspread for me." she murmurs, one foot pressing against my chest.

"Are you seducing me?" I rasp,

She locks eyes with me. "You tell me. Are you getting seduced?" She drags her feet across my chest, bare skin against mine, making me curse under my breath. I glance at the ceiling, trying to steady myself as her touch teases every inch of me.

A low, throaty moan escapes me when her feet stop, pressing right against my most sensitive spot, grinding subtly against my erection.

I shove her feet away. "Behave yourself. I'm restraining myself. That doesn't mean you get to cross the line." I grit, glaring at her.

She jumps, swaying slightly, eyes heavy lidded and glazed with intoxication, but she comes closer anyway, grabbing my jaw and tilting my face up. "I don't remember telling you to stop. I know you want me too. Just because I'm drunk doesn't mean I'm a child. I can still decide for myself. Stop pretending, Rudra, or I'll be far more cruel."

I yank her hands away and rise. "Get in the fucking bed before I drag you there myself."

"Fucker," she murmurs, shoving me back into the chair. She straddles me, pressing harder against my crotch. "You'll lose your restraint. I'll make sure," she whispers, sliding closer until my hardness digs into her.

The air leaves my lungs. "Saanvi... fuck!"

She gasps softly and crashes her lips onto mine. My hands shoot to her waist, pulling her in, one squeezing her thigh.

Ah, fuck no. No. I need to stop her, not indulge. "Saanvi! Oh lord!" I groan, tilting my head back as she shifts her weight against me, grinding, teasing, and tempting every ounce of self control from me.

"Listen..." I pant, voice low and ragged. "I understand, but this... this is wrong. You're drunk. You don't even know what you're doing and if you keep this up, I swear-"

"Rudra... fuck... I'm so close," she moans,

I close my eyes. This is illegal, wrong, and yet, I can't stop the heat that claws through me. Fingers dig deeper into her thighs, holding her, restraining myself even as every inch of me burns. I need to stop.

Gasping, shaking, I push upward, standing, keeping her firmly on my lap.

"Rudra!" she screams, frustration and disbelief mingling in her eyes. "I was so close!"

"So was I," I murmur, gripping her tighter. My throat feels raw, tight, and every instinct inside me is screaming, but I can't let her see it. I walk over to the bed and gently toss her onto it. She bounces slightly, letting out a soft breath, and my chest clenches at the sight, her hair splayed, lips parted, eyes still glinting with that reckless lust.

I stand over her, watching her chest rise and fall, trembling legs. I step closer, hovering over her on the bed, "If you weren't drunk," I rasp, "I would be fucking the hell out of you for daring to do this to me."

"You can still do it," she breathes, pressing her body subtly against mine without even realizing the fire she's lighting under me.

"Last warning," I rasp. "Sleep. Don't provoke me. I'm holding back with everything I have, and you, touching me like this is not helping."

She scoffs. "Fuck that," she murmurs, yanking me closer by my collar and pressing her lips to mine. My eyes shut.

She changed the position by hovering over me without breaking the kiss and I feel the last threads of restraint snap. My hands clutch her waist instinctively, pulling her closer, tilting her head, pressing my mouth harder against hers. I taste her fully, tongue sliding against hers, claiming, devouring. The room fills with the wet, messy desperate sounds of our mouths, our breaths, my pulse hammering against her. I lose control completely, biting her lips hard, tasting her and she hisses, sinking her teeth into mine in retaliation. But unlike her, I moan in pleasure.

Her lips slide from mine down to my jaw, teasing, dangerous, making me twitch. My hands wander, finding the curve of her thighs, gripping, feeling heat radiate from her. She drags her lips along my neck, teeth grazing lightly and I feel like I might combust right there. God, she feels like heaven and danger all at once, I want to devour her, punish her, worship her.

I inhale sharply, trying to gather control. "Enough," Her eyes flick up to mine, frustration and lust mingling in the dark.

"What? Why?"

I move her gently, laying her beside me, hands lingering far too long over her body, trying to convince myself that this is enough. "We did a lot. That's more than enough. Now be a good girl and sleep, okay?" I say, trying to hold onto my composure, softly patting her cheek because it's the only safe thing I can do.

She doesn't answer. Just stares at me blankly, and then out of nowhere, she grabs my palm and before I can process it, she slides the wedding ring off my finger and sits up on the bed with it clutched in her hand like she just won something.

"Saanvi," my voice sharpens as I straighten. "Give it back."

Her head tilts, "You want it back?" she asks. And before I can move, she drops it straight between her breasts, right down into the soft swell where it vanishes from sight.

My jaw goes slack. My gaze follows the motion against my will, pinned to the curve of her cleavage. The image burns into my brain instantly.

"Oops," she says, mocking me with a smirk, "I mistakenly dropped it here."

I exhale through my nose, fighting myself. "Are you-are you perhaps ovulating?" The words spill out sharper than intended. She's bold, I know that. Blunt. But this? This is a different kind of reckless.

"I feel like ovulating every time I see you," she says without a trace of shame, she knows exactly how far she's pushing me.

My jaw tightens and my body betrays me with a rush of heat low in my stomach. I shake my head, forcing the words out. "Sleep."

She arches a brow, "Take your ring out."

"I'll take it tomorrow," I mutter, my throat dry, fighting the urge to just reach down and-

Her hands suddenly cup her breasts around the spot where my ring disappeared. "But what if it hurts me on my nippl-"

"Shut up," I snap before she can finish. My pulse is hammering as I look away, swallowing the knot in my throat. "And if it hurts, take it out yourself. You can do it yourself."

She sighs, tilting her head back against the pillow, "So you won't take it out?"

I just sit there, staring at her.

She shrugs, "Okay, I'll ask Dr. Neil to take it-"

Before she can even finish, my hand shoots out. I grab the back of her neck and yank her face toward mine, my mouth inches from hers. "Complete that fucking sentence, sweetheart, and I'll rip this dress off you right here." She dared to say his name. That bastard's name on her tongue makes me want to scorch her mouth with mine until she forgets anyone else exists.

"Then you do it." she shoots back, pointing at her chest. "I mean, come on, Rudra you want me to get hurt? Here?"

My eyes follow where she points, slow, deliberate. Her breast. I rake my hands down my face, groaning under my breath. "You'll be the reason I die with fucking blue balls one of these days."

She takes my palm and places it over her cleavage, "Do it."

My breath shudders out and for a moment I just stare at her. My throat goes dry, every rational thought tells me this is wrong. Should I? Or not? Fuck, I shouldn't, but.... I lower my head, swallowing hard, my fingers trembling against her skin. My self control hangs by a single thread. Sweat beads on my forehead, and still, I slide my trembling hand down slowly. The heat of her body seeps through my palm, burning me alive. She closes her eyes, breathing deep.

I shut my own eyes, turn my face away.

My hand slips inside her dress, and my palm brushes the swell of her breast and I nearly lose it. Her skin is silk, sinful, addictive. The soft gasp she makes nearly undoes me, my jaw locks as if clenching will stop me from giving in to every sick thought I have about her.

My hand halts between her breasts. The soft swell of her skin molds to my palm, and I feel myself twitch painfully hard. I shouldn't know how her body feels. I shouldn't know she's this soft.

I drag my fingers to her left side, tracing the underside of her breast not daring to take more than what's necessary but the sound she makes, low, broken, needy, snaps something sharp in my chest. Finally, my fingertips find the cold edge of the ring. Relief and agony hit me in the same breath.

She moans again, and I know she's enjoying this. The thought alone should make me stop, but instead it makes me want to mark her, ruin her, make sure she never moans for anyone else. If she lets him touch her here, I'll snap his wrist. If she moans for him, I'll tear his throat out. If she ever says his name like that again, I'll make sure she can't speak for hours.

I was about to pull back when she suddenly presses my hand harder into her skin.

My eyes snap open. What the fuck. The air punches out of my lungs, and I yank my hand back because it feels like I've touched fire. She'll skin me alive tomorrow if she remembers this.

She grins at me, reckless and drunk, "I love your touch, Rudra. But you being the asshole you are, you won't do it."

She doesn't even know how close I am to fuck- nevermind. I slip the ring back onto my finger and level my gaze on her, "You better never drink again. I swear, you're fucking dangerous when you're drunk."

She scoffs softly, then tugs me down beside her as if she owns me. Well she does. I let her, because fighting her feels impossible. I wrap my arm around her, fixing her dress back into place with slow, deliberate touches, careful where my hands linger. She slides her arm across my chest, closing her eyes like nothing happened.

"At last, you're asleep. God help me when you wake up." I whisper, pressing my lips gently to her forehead.

AUTHOR'S POV

Naina steps into the room, only to halt mid breath. By the vanity, Vedant stands shirtless, a T-shirt dangling loosely from his hand. His back muscles flex as he turns his eyes widen seeing her. "What the hell, Naina? Ever heard of knocking?" he turn around again.

She freezes, mouth slightly open, her gaze locked on him before she forces herself to scoff and turn away. "You should've locked the door if you were changing. Not my fault. And for the record? Your... display just downgraded my standards." Arms crossed, she rolls her eyes. "I've seen better bodies than yours anyway. At least they don't come with... childhood trauma and messy hair."

Vedant clicks his tongue, turns, and studies her with narrowed eyes. "You've seen better?" He takes a slow step forward.

"Of course. Way better. And you know what? I even have the videos saved. I'll send them to you. Maybe you'll get some tips." Her words tumble out too fast, defensive.

He closes the distance until he's right behind her. His palms land on the wall on either side of her shoulders with a dull thud, caging her in.

Naina's lips part. Her breath caught as his bare, torso pressed slightly against her back.

"Delete those videos,"

Her eyes squeeze shut, her body shivering at the nearness. "You're... too close."

"Is that a problem, Naina?" he murmurs, the tip of his nose grazing the shell of her ear.

She spins, ready to snap at him, but the words vanish as soon as she catches sight of him fully. His trousers hang low on his hips, his chest still wet to the ridges of his abdomen. Her gaze falters when it lands on the tattoo inked near his side, just above his abs.

Her throat dries instantly. Vedant the quiet nerd from school, the boy she remembers with books and glasses now stands in front of her like this. She never expected to see him transformed, carved with strength and tattoo.

He notices the way her eyes catch on the tattoo. His lips curve faintly. "That's the reaction I wanted."

She snaps her gaze away, scrambling for composure. "There's no reaction. You still look like a cartoon. Those guys online are a hundred times better-"

Her protest breaks off as his arm snakes around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Her breath hitches as the wet heat of his chest presses into her.

"Delete those videos," Vedant whispers near her ear, his breath fanning over her skin, making her feel tiny jolts of sensation all over.

She gulps, forcing defiance. "I can't. I need my entertainment."

His mouth tilts and he tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Then I'll send my videos."

"I don't even like your body." The lie sounds weak, fragile. She can't keep her eyes from darting down, from flickering back to the lines of his torso.

Vedant raises a brow. His fingers trail down her arms, achingly slow, until he reaches her hands. He takes one and places it firmly against his chest.

Her heart lurches. Her mind screams.

"You don't like it, Naina?" He guides her hand down, tracing the ridges of his abs.

Her breath snags.

"This?" he asks, his gaze dropping from her lips to her eyes.

Her palm trembles against him, but he doesn't stop. He slides her hand lower, pressing it to the tattoo into his skin.

"And this?" he rasps, pushing her fingers against the tattoo.

Naina's chest rises and falls erratically, her nerves strung too tight, her thoughts slipping.

"I remember in school," Vedant murmurs, his lips brushing her cheek as he leans closer, "you said you liked guys with tattoos. I got this one for that reason. So stop wasting your time staring at other men, Naina. I'm right here."

Her lips press together, eyes shut tight, but her fingers betray her curling slightly against his abs.

Vedant groans low in his throat, his grip on her waist tightening. His voice roughens, curling into her ear. "Is that how you'd scratch my back, Naina?" His lips twist, "Do it more. Feels like heaven."

Her eyes snap open, wide, caught between fury and shock. "Can't believe you were once the boy who ran the other way whenever I tried to talk to you in school." Her gaze lingers on him, shirtless, broader now, different. "You've changed a lot."

"Naina-"

Before he can finish, she closes the distance and presses her lips to his. Vedant stiffens, breath caught in his throat, frozen in place while she moves her lips against his. When she pulls back, she raises a brow. "What's the matter, Vedant? Don't know how to kiss?"

He swallows hard, fingers brushing his lips as though to make sense of what just happened. He blinks at her, stunned.

Naina chuckles, shaking her head, a teasing smile tugging at her mouth. "Still a nerd." She pats his shoulder lightly, her tone edged with sarcasm. "It's okay. Not everything can change." Glancing at him one last time, she turns to leave, her lips curving at his dazed expression.

But in a flash, Vedant grabs her wrist and yanks her back, her body colliding with his. His mouth crashes onto hers, eyes squeezed shut.

She stares at him mid kiss, a laugh bubbling out when she realizes how clumsy he is, lips moving uncertainly against hers. He breaks away the second he hears her chuckle, embarrassment flooding his face. His cheeks burn red as he looks down.

"Are you embarrassed?" she asks softly.

He exhales, "I don't know how to kiss. I've never kissed anyone in my life."

Her eyes soften. She lifts her hands to cup his face, tilting him closer. "I can teach you." Her lips brush his again, slower this time. "Follow me."

She kisses him gently, guiding the pace, and after a hesitant beat, his lips start to move in rhythm with hers. His hands slip instinctively to her waist.

Naina pushes forward, making him stumble back step by step until the edge of the bed hits the back of his knees. He falls onto it, pulling her down on top of him, and still she doesn't break the kiss. Vedant clings tighter, lips moving with more confidence now, deeper, hungrier.

They part only when breath becomes impossible, foreheads pressed together as they pant quietly in the charged silence.

"So you lose your lip virginity to me," Naina whispers with a smirk.

Vedant chuckles low, nodding.

"You were saving it for someone?" she teases, brushing her fingers through his hair.

He smile is slightly almost shy. "It's a stupid thought."

"I want to hear it." Her nose brushes against his.

"When I met you in school, I... I couldn't even talk to you, I felt something, but I pushed it down because you were popular I figured you'd never even notice me but there was a thought that I wanted you to be my first kiss."

Her brows knit. "Why would you think that I won't notice you?"

"I was weird. Ugly, maybe. Always hiding behind glasses, barely speaking. I had no friends, and seniors loved cornering me. I don't blame anyone for ignoring me. I didn't do much to be noticed."

Naina sighs. "Honestly? I thought you had some sort of superiority complex. You were quiet, aloof, always avoiding people. Just school, then straight home. But... I had a crush on you," She gives his cheek a light slap. "And you ignored me, asshole."

"I'm sorry," he says quickly. "I just got nervous. Even in school, if I saw you anywhere nearby, I'd take a different hallway. I couldn't handle it."

She laughs, shaking her head.

"Well, Naina..." He hesitates, awkward again.

"Yeah?" she prompts, smiling.

"Uh... I think maybe you should get off me now." His face flushes redder by the second.

Her eyes narrow. "Why?"

"There's... something I can't exactly tell you-"

Her smirk widens. "Are you hard?"

His eyes squeeze shut as he turns away, mortified.

She bursts out laughing. "Oh my god, look at you."

"Please," he murmurs,

Still laughing, she rolls off him, and he sits up instantly, scrambling to his feet. "I should go," he mutters.

"With that?" She flicks her gaze downward, chin tilting toward his crotch.

"Could you not?" he snaps, flustered. "It's embarrassing. And I drove here, so... no need to worry."

She bites her lip to stifle another laugh, nodding. "Fine. Good night. Have a sweet-masturbation."

His glare only makes her laugh harder. She tosses him the T-shirt he abandoned earlier. He yanks it over his head, and together they walk downstairs.

At the door, she leans against the frame. "By the way, Vedant?"

He turns, hand on the handle. "Yeah?"

"Whose name are you going to use while... you know?" Her lips twitch as she tries not to grin.

He steps closer, catches her off guard with a soft kiss, then leans back with a small smile. "Yours."

Her cheeks heat instantly.

"Bye," he says, slipping outside.

"Close the door properly-" he starts.

"Maa banne ki zarurat nahi hai tumhe," (No need for you to act like a mother, get out now) she cuts him off lazily, shutting the door in his face.

Vedant shakes his head as he walks away, a quiet smile tugging at his mouth.

_______________________________________