Bharat Jogra had finally kissed her.
And somehow, that made everything worse.
CHAPTER 34
Yamini woke slowly.
Morning light spilled through the tall windows. The snow-capped peaks outside glowed soft white.
For a moment, she just lay there, caught somewhere between sleep and memory.
Then it came back.
She breaking into Bharat Jogra’s room. Seducing him. Then accusing him of revenge. And then, the kiss.
Her breath hitched at the kiss.
She wondered if she had imagined it.
She lifted her fingers to her lips. A faint throbbing still lingered. And when she pressed slightly harder, she felt the subtle sting of whisker burn against her lower lip.
Her cheeks heated.
It hadn’t been a dream.
Bharat Jogra had kissed her. Twice. Like he was starving the first time. Slow and devastating the second.
And then he had carried her back to her room, told her to rest, and walked away as if nothing significant had happened.
Ugh.
The man she married drove her crazy with his hot-and-cold behavior.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
“Come in,” she said.
The palace maids came in with their usual quiet efficiency.
“Good morning, maharani,” Savita greeted with a bright smile.
Although her body was still slightly sore, she got out of bed to get ready.
After a hot shower, she stepped out and walked to the closet.
She chose a simple lehenga in soft sage-green silk, embroidered with fine gold thread along the hem and sleeves. Compared to the elaborate ceremonial clothing from the previous day, it felt understated yet appropriate for a breakfast shared with royalty.
Just as she sat on the dresser, Savita and the rest came to assist her with the jewelry.
There was a soft gasp.
She realized it was from Savita. The younger girl’s eyes were on Yamini’s shoulder.
Frowning, Yamini looked into the mirror to see what made the maids exchange glances with reddened cheeks.
Then she saw it. A bruise on her shoulder that was visible even on her dusky skin.
Her cheeks burned. “I… uh… bumped into a door,” she said, even though the bruise was shaped like teeth marks.
