“I am bleeding, wifey.”
Samarth scoffs. “It’s just a scratch, not that deep. You don’t need Meera to bandage it. I am sure you can handle it just fine on your own without any assistance.”
“Why does it bother you that my wife is taking care of me?” I tilt my head, and mock. “Actually… I think I already know. Itdoesbother you.”
His jaw tightens, but I ignore him and turn to Meera. “Let’s go, Mrs. Rathore.”
She nods, then glances at Samarth. “Samarth, I’ll talk to you later.”
This time, I can’t hide the triumphant smile spreading across my face. I wrap my arms around her waist, pull her close, and guide her towards our room, leaving the jerk standing there, seething with frustration.
The moment we reach our room, I shut the door behind us. Meera disappears into the bathroom, only to return moments later carrying the first-aid box.
“Sit,” she says, pointing to the couch.
I sit, and she settles next to me, close enough that I can feel her warmth. I watch her as she removes a cotton pad and gently begins to clean the blood. Her face is lowered, but I notice a tear escape, sliding down her cheek and landing softly on my hand.
“You’re crying,” I say quietly.
She doesn’t look up. “I am fine.”
I slide my finger under her chin and lift her face so her eyes meet mine. “The last time you bandaged me, there were no tears. Why now?”
Her voice trembles. “You’re hurt because of me.”
I cup her face, my thumb brushing gently along her cheekbone. “Is that the only reason?”
Her lips part slightly as her gaze locks onto mine. Her fragile vulnerability sends a jolt through me, and all I want todo is to pull her into my arms and hold her, to show her how my heart is still pounding from the thought of almost losing her. How every fibre of me burns at the idea of anyone daring to hurt her.
But I don’t let myself. I don’t move. I just wait, my gaze locked on hers, hoping like hell she can read my eyes.
As if she senses my desire, she leans in, her lips trembling, and before I can think, they meet mine. The first touch of her soft, hesitant lips steals my breath away. I can feel every ounce of hesitation melting into trust in that single touch. I tilt my head slightly, deepening the kiss just enough to claim her without force, letting her set the pace. Her hands come up to curl around the back of my neck, her fingers unsteady, and a shiver runs through me as she presses closer.
I tighten my grip on her waist and pull her flush against me as her lips move with mine. Her fingers slide into my hair, tugging gently, and a low, unguarded sound escapes my throat. And that’s all it takes. I deepen the kiss instantly, my mouth claiming hers, angling her head just right so I can taste every inch of her mouth.
Her lips part beneath mine, and the moment my tongue touches hers, a soft, breathless moan escapes her, one that has my entire body coiling tight.
I devour her. There’s no other word for it. Her nails drag down the back of my neck, sending sparks along my spine, while my hand glides up her back, holding her close.
I am just about to ease her onto her back when she places her hands on my chest, breaking the kiss.
“Stop…” Her voice trembles, her eyes wide, lips swollen. “I… I am sorry. I just… I wasn’t thinking. This was a…”
I don’t let her finish. I cup her face, forcing her to look at me.
“Please don’t call it a mistake, sweetheart,” I say quietly but with steel beneath every word. “Don’t insult what happened between us.” My thumb traces the line of her jaw. “I won’t bring this up again until you’re ready… but don’t you dare diminish it to nothing. Not when we both felt it. Not when we both know it’s more than what you’re willing to admit right now… and something I’m willing to wait for you to finally confess.”
She nods softly, and I smile back.
This woman ruins me completely, and damn if I would ever want it any other way.
???
I push open her bedroom door without knocking.
Esha jerks upright from the vanity, and her eyes snap to mine. She whirls around, her hand flying to her chest.
“Dev! You scared me,” she says, the initial shock fading as a slow smile curves her lips. “I knew you’d come to me.” She steps closer, her fingertips sliding over my chest. “You missed me, didn’t you?”
