Yet he was the only man I felt safe with. “He saved my life,” I replied, pulling my hand away under the guise of adjusting my napkin.
“He put you in that position in the first place,” Ajay countered, his smile not reaching his eyes.
He stood, rounding the table. I stiffened, my instincts screaming at me to move, but I locked them down, wishing Dia was here tonight. She’d know what to do, would’ve hurt him before he got close.
“You look tense,” Ajay murmured, standing behind my chair. His hands settled on my shoulders, his fingers digging into the muscle. “Let me help you relax.”
“I’m fine.” I shot to my feet, shrugging off his touch that felt coldly weird. “I just need to freshen up.”
“The bathrooms are down the hall,” he said, pointing. His voice was smooth, but his eyes had cooled, the charm slipping to reveal the steel beneath.
I walked away, feeling his gaze burning into my back. The hallway was empty, carpeted in plush velvet that swallowed the sound of my heels. I reached the powder room and slipped inside, locking the door. I leaned against the sink, breathing hard, staring at my reflection. Pale. Tired. Dark circles under my eyes. A woman with a secret. I placed a hand over my stomach, soothing him.
A knock on the door made me jump, unaware I’d been lost in memories again.
“Ishika?” Ajay’s voice followed a second after. “You’ve been in there a while. Are you alright?”
“Coming,” I called, my voice shaking.
“Open the door.”
“It’s locked for a reason, Ajay. Privacy?” I didn’t hold back the sarcasm.
“Open it.” The command was sharp, no longer a request.
I unlocked it and pulled it open. He was standing right there, filling the frame. Not waiting for an invitation, he entered and door shut behind him, the click of the latch sounded like a gunshot.
“What are you doing?” I backed up until my hips hit the marble counter.
“You’ve been avoiding me,” he said, his voice low, venomous, crowding me against the sink “Since you came back. Since you got out of that hospital.”
“I was recovering.” I lied.
“You were with him.” He spat the word. “Don’t think I don’t know. Everyone knows. Remo Rossi doesn’t let go of what’s his. So why are you here? Why are you wearing my ring?”
“Because of Kai, remember? That was the deal.” I said, trying to sidestep him.
He blocked me, his hand slamming the wall beside my head. “You let him touch you, do disgusting things to you in front of me. But you won’t let me kiss you even after the engagement? I’m your fiancé. I have rights.”
“You have no rights,” I shot back, my voice hardening. “Not like that and not unless I say so.”
His face twisted, insecurity masking itself as rage. “He’s a monster, Ishika. I’m the one who’s safe. I’m the one who’s offering you a safe life.”
“Yet you’ve got me concerned in a public bathroom?” I snapped. “You call that safe?”
He blinked and for just a second I thought he’d pull back. Instead, he grabbed my throat, squeezing hard and forcing my face up. He leaned in, his breath hot against my cheek. “Let me remind you who you belong to.” He tried to crush his mouth against mine, the pressure on my throat tightening.
I didn’t think, just reacted. My knee came, driving into his groin with precise, brutal force.
Ajay gasped, doubling over, his hands leaving me to clutch his crotch. Stumbling back, he hit the door, his face turning a sickly shade of red. He looked up, and the entitlement was gone, replaced by pure hatred. “You bitch,” wheezing, he yanked the door open and screamed into the hallway. “Get in here!”
Two men appeared instantly. Large, suited, professional. They stepped into the small room, boxing me in.
“Hold her,” Ajay snapped, straightening and wiping his mouth.
They grabbed my arms, pinning them behind my back. I struggled, kicking out, but I was no match for them. Ajay walked over, pulling a small syringe from his jacket pocket. The liquid inside was clear.
“What is that?” I demanded, my heart hammering against my ribs. I twisted, protecting my stomach.
