“What do you mean?” Priya turned to face him.
“Let’s see,” he began. “Not only am I responsible for keeping you out of trouble, but I’ve also learned that your parents’ standards are so high that even someone from an upper caste doesn’t qualify.”
“Not that I’m interested, but yeah, if I ever did consider someone, he would have to tick all my parents’ boxes. Same caste, same background.” Priya rolled her eyes.
“So, I won’t cut it?” Ethan teased.
“You check allmyboxes,” Priya shot back with a grin.
“We’re back to that, are we? Hot and cold, Priya. It’s like you can’t decide what you want.”
He wasn’t wrong. Priyahadbeen all over the place. Her heart sank. Had she blown her chances with him?
“Fine,” she said. “I admit I overreacted the other night. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions about you and Sienna.” Taking a deep breath, she continued, “The truth is I’ve had a crush on you for as long as I can remember. Even Brooke doesn’t know that. But you figured it out, didn’t you? So here’s the deal. No more pretending.” She looked him straight in the eye. “A fling with you is exactly what I need to bounce back. So…” She leaned in closer, her heart racing. “What do you say, Heathen Knight?”
Ethan arched an eyebrow, his lips twitching as if he were fighting a smile. “Your dad practically made me your guardian just two minutes ago, and you’re tempting me to cross the line? Shame on you, Priya Solanki.”
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his fingers sending a spark straight through her. Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender.
“Alright, Pri. You’ve got me,” he said. “But I’m not breaking your father’s trust, so here’s how it works. If you want me, you’ll have to make the first move. I need to know you’re all in. No more back and forth. If it’s a fling you want, you’d better be damn sure you can handle it, Pri. Because when I’m done, you’ll remember it for the rest of your life.”
Priya’s pulse stumbled over itself and her legs felt shaky.
“Take your time. Think it over,” Ethan said with a provocative smile. “Fair warning, though—resisting me will take more willpower than you have, so if that’s what you choose to do, I suggest shackling yourself to the nearest permanent fixture until your parents get back.”
With a wink that could melt anyone’s resolve, he turned and walked back toward the coach house. Priya’s skin flushed as she watched him go, the electric charge of his words still crackling in the air.
How the hell am I supposed to think straight after that?
Ethan Knight wasn’t just a star. He was the kind of man who could unravel you with a single glance—make you forget the rules, forget the consequences. Priya was in trouble. But damn, she couldn’t wait to fall deeper into it.
If she was going to let herself have this, havehim, she had to act fast—before her parents got back. No overthinking, no attachments, and no regrets. She’d survived Ethan leaving before, and now she was better prepared. Older, wiser, and hungry for what he offered—something wild, fleeting, and entirely hers. The thought sent a rush of molten heat through her veins, her heart pounding with anticipation for what was about to unfold.
Eleven
Priya’s phone started buzzingwith calls from her parents the very next morning. She balanced it on her shoulder as she watered the plants inside the funeral home.
“The jasmine needs a good drenching,” Mumma said. “And don’t forget to sweep away the wilted blooms.”
Puppa’s voice came through the speaker, adding his own instructions. “Make sure you turn off all the lights. Except the ones in the reception area, and the two outside.”
“I know, Puppa,” Priya said. “You left me three copies of instructions.”
“What’s happening with Ravi?” Mumma asked. “Has he called? Have you called him?”
“Nothing is happening with Ravi,” Priya replied with a weary sigh as she tipped water into a potted fern. “No calls. No messages. Nothing. I swear.”
“And Mr. Ethan?” Puppa said. “You’re looking after him, right?”
Priya’s stomach did a little flip. “He’s fine. Everything’s under control. Enjoy your time with Dee and don’t worry.”
“Is the sprinkler system turning on at the right time? I set it for—”
“Sorry, Puppa, I have another call coming through.” Priya hung up before he could add to her growing list of tasks. Setting her phone down, she took a deep breath. Sometimes, you just had to fake being busy to stay sane.
Putting the empty jug back in its place, Priya strolled through the funeral home, making sure everything was in order. With no background music playing, silence pressed into every corner. As she passed the casket showroom, Priya noticed the light glowing under the door.
Strange, she thought, certain she’d turned off all the lights last night.
