Page 17 of Since You Stole My Heart

He ignored her jab. ‘I’m glad you got some rest, because I haven’t slept properly once since you left.’

The vulnerability in his voice made her heart clench, and she drew back a little. ‘You don’t have to worry so much. I’m not your responsibility.’

The warmth of his palm against her skin sent a tremor through her. ‘Maybe I don’t see it that way.’

‘But why? I’m just your friend’s sister,’ she said, looking away, afraid she might crumble under his gaze.

The words tasted bitter even as she spoke them, a shield she had used for years to keep her feelings at bay.

‘You’ve never been just that to me,’ Swayam said.

Her breath faltered. ‘Don’t say things you can’t take back.’

‘I don’t want to take it back. I care about you more than I say, more than I should, and more than I know how to handle. Being away from you felt… wrong.’

The words sank deep into the bottom of her heart. ‘I’m sorry. I really just needed some time to myself.’

‘But why lie to Siya? You could’ve told her you were here.’

Kashvi shook her head. ‘I didn’t want Di to show up here every night, and you know she would have. She can’t leave me alone if she thinks I need help.’

Swayam chuckled. ‘But I’m afraid you’ve only made things worse for yourself.’

Her brows creased in confusion. ‘What do you mean?’

He glanced briefly at his watch. ‘Everyone’s meeting at Siya and Abhay’s for dinner in an hour. She called me, and I covered for you, but she explicitly told me to bring you along.’

A knot formed in her stomach, unease crawling beneath her skin. ‘I don’t think tonight is a good time—’

He countered with a smirk. ‘Siya needs you to sign some legal paperwork, so you can’t dodge her this time. If you don’t come with me, I’ll tell her you’re here. I’m sure she still remembers the way back.’

Kashvi shot him a scathing look. ‘You’re enjoying this far too much.’

‘Guilty as charged.’

Kashvi felt a slow, reluctant acceptance settle into her bones. If she refused, Siya would come here with more questions and even more scrutiny.

Smile. Sign. Leave. It’s just one evening.

She grabbed her book from his hand, shoved it into her bag, and said, ‘Let’s go.’

Chapter 4

The drive across the city passed under dim streetlights, but the silence inside the car felt heavier than the muted traffic outside. Kashvi had barely spoken since they left, even though Swayam had tried twice to draw her into conversation.

She could feel his eyes on her, but she kept hers fixed ahead.

The car rolled into the underground parking area of the sprawling complex, and Swayam switched off the engine. Kashvi unbuckled her seatbelt and rolled her shoulders to relieve the stiffness before stepping out into the cool night air.

Swayam stretched briefly before falling into step beside her as they made their way towards the elevator reserved for the penthouse. Kashvi pressed the call button, trying to ignore the growing knot of worry tightening in her stomach.

She had been avoiding Siya’s calls for days, never finding the courage to return them. And now she had to improvise because she was about to walk directly into her sister’s home without any explanation.

The metal doors slid open with a mechanical hum, and they stepped inside. Swayam pressed the penthouse button and leaned against the wall, a step behind her.

The unnerving tension pulsed through her veins as she restlessly tapped her fingers on her knee. What was she supposed to say to Siya?

Sorry I ignored your calls because I didn’t know how to explain what was happening?