The older man’s gaze shifted to me. “The best time for him to learn to protect not just himself but his family.”
“I’d rather he doesn’t,” I argued.
“And what makes you think your opinion matters, young lady?”
“According to my uncle, Kai is my brother,” I hissed, unable to control my growing anger. “And you people promised me a DNA test.”
“You people?” The old man rubbed his jaw, livid brown eyes burning holes into me.
Sudden dread washed over me. Again, I got the feeling that his hands were tied when it came to disciplining me, that this marriage was indeed a farce and they wanted something else from me.
Ajay’s sudden grasp on my wrist jolted me out my thoughts. “Show my father some respect or I’ll smack it out of you,” he sneered.
I tugged my hand out of his hold and stood. “I’m leaving.”
“No, you’re not.” He grabbed my wrist again and yanked so hard I lost my balance.
“What the hell!” One second I was tripping over his feet, and the next, my chest hit the floor the same time my brow slammed against the porcelain tile. All the air whooshed out of me on a loud exhale.
Too stunned to move, I stayed there for a moment, breathing hard. My forehead burned, my chest ached and my body felt like I’d just been decked by a runaway train.
“Get the fuck up, Ishika,” Ajay’s demand echoed somewhere above me before he dragged me to my full height.
“The only way to bring a man down, is to hit him where it hurts,” Mr. Gupta said, his tone harsh. “Find his weakness.”
“Isn’t that right, baby girl.” Ajay’s hand fell to my hip, squeezing lightly. “One man’s weakness is another man’s strength?” The way he said it, had shivers crawling up my spine; something dark floated beneath his light-hearted tone.
I didn't answer, trying hard to relax, to ignore his touch. My mind raced. Weakness. Remo’s weakness. Did they mean me? Or did they know about the baby? My hand instinctively drifted to my stomach, but I caught myself, forcing it back to my side. I couldn’t let them see, let them know.
Mr. Gupta still had no idea about me and Remo, and so far, I assumed Ajay was too chickenshit to tell his father. His flagrant behavior now hinted otherwise. Would keeping up the pretense hurt me or help me?
Before I could decide, Ajay’s grip tightened. He yanked me closer, my feet stumbling to find purchase on the smooth tile. “You’re coming with me,” he hissed in my ear, his breath hot and sour.
“No,” I gasped, twisting against him. “Let me go!”
Mr. Gupta didn’t move. He just watched, his eyes dark and cold. “Take her to the east wing. Lock the door. She stays there until the wedding.”
“Dad—” Ajay started, but his father cut him off.
“Now, Ajay. Or do I need to remind you who holds the leash?”
Ajay’s jaw tightened. He nodded, then dragged me behind him. I dug my heels in, my nails scraping against his wrist, but he was stronger.
“Stop!” I cried, my voice echoing off the marble walls. “You can’t do this!”
He didn’t answer, just pulled harder, my feet slipping, my body jerking forward. I twisted, trying to break free, but his grip was iron. He shoved me against the wall, his forearm pressing against my throat, not enough to choke but enough to pin me.
“You think you can play us?” he whispered, his face inches from mine. “You think you can run to Rossi and he’ll save you? He’s not coming, Ishika. He has no idea you’re here.”
I kicked out, my heel connecting with his shin. He grunted but didn’t let go. Instead, he signaled to the shadows. Two men emerged, they flanked me, their hands closing around my arms like steel bands.
“No!” I screamed, struggling now in earnest. “Let me go! Help!”
Either the house was too big, or they all chose not to hear me. No one came.
They dragged me down the hallway, my feet scraping against the polished floor, my breath coming in ragged gasps. I twisted, I fought, I bit at the hand covering my mouth, but it was useless. They were trained for this.
We reached a heavy oak door at the end of the corridor. Ajay produced a key, unlocked it, and shoved me inside. I stumbled, catching myself on the edge of a four-poster bed. The room was lavish but cold, a gilded cage with velvet drapes and a view of the garden I couldn’t reach.
