Page 79 of Since You Stole My Heart

Don’t you know, babygirl?

The endearment twisted uncomfortably in her chest. She held her breath as she typed again.

You’ve got the wrong person. Stop messaging me.

Kashvi quickly blocked the number, and only when the confirmation appeared did she let out a slow breath.

Her mind raced, trying to piece together who could be behind this, but when every possibility fell away, frustration surged through her.

Her phone buzzed again.

Her heart jumped so sharply that it thudded in her throat.

Another unknown number.

Her stomach twisted, but she opened the message.

I’ve got the right person. Do you know how I know? Because you’re mine. And just because you fight me doesn’t mean I’ll let you go.

She typed back, her fingers striking the screen harder than necessary.

If you’ve got any guts, stop hiding behind a screen and tell me who you are.

The reply came almost immediately.

I know you’re just as desperate to see me. Don’t worry, babygirl. I’ll grant your wish soon. It’s your birthday, after all.

Dread began to build in her chest, and she immediately blocked the number again. Kashvi held down the power button until the screen went dark. Then, because even that wasn’t enough, she tossed the phone onto the sofa across the room.

She pressed her palms flat against the desk, leaning into it as she tried to steady her breathing.

The shrill ring of her office phone cut through the silence so jarringly that Kashvi flinched. If the man could send flowers to her office, he might have her office number too.

She hated feeling nervous on her own turf. Acting on impulse, she grabbed the phone and hit accept. ‘What the fuck do you want, you asshole?’

There was a beat of silence. Then a familiar voice came through. ‘Kashvi?’

‘Swayam?’ she breathed as the suffocating pressure under her ribs eased. The anger that had flared so quickly faltered just as fast, and she sank into her chair.

‘What the hell is going on?’ he asked, his voice tight with concern. ‘You just hung up on me like that, and then you answer the call this way. Are you okay?’

Kashvi closed her eyes, pressing against the bridge of her nose to ease the throbbing pain. ‘I’m fine.’

‘You don’t sound fine,’ Swayam countered. ‘I’m coming over.’

‘No, you don’t need to do that,’ Kashvi said quickly.

‘Then tell me what happened.’

She fidgeted with her pendant, trying to figure out what to tell him. What if it was just someone messing around, stupid enough to think this was funny?

What if he thinks I’m overreacting?

Kashvi cleared her throat, her gaze darting once towards the bouquet. ‘It’s just someone who works under my father. He wasbothering me about pending work, that’s all. But don’t worry, I can handle him.’

‘Are you sure?’ he asked, unconvinced.

‘Yeah, it’s really not a big deal. I’ve got it under control. Besides, you mentioned a surprise. Is it done?’