Her skin crawled. "You're engaged to his sister."
"A business arrangement." He dismissed Tanisha with those three words, and Nimisha's rage ignited. "Not unlike your own marriage."
"Leave me alone."
"I could make you happy." He took another step forward. "I know I could. You just need to give me—"
"Move," she said, her voice cold. "I'm not interested. I've never been interested. I will never be interested. Do you understand?"
His expression flickered with something ugly.
She tried to step around him.
He blocked her, his hand reaching toward her face. "Just listen—"
A sound from around the corner made every hair on her body stand up.
Not footsteps. Not a voice.
A growl. Low, building, absolutely lethal.
Bruno appeared around the corner like a nightmare in flesh—his massive body low, his lips pulled back to reveal teeth that had torn men apart.
Kabir stumbled back. "What the—"
Bruno advanced, step by deliberate step, his eyes fixed on Kabir with ancient, murderous fury.
"Easy, boy—" Kabir's voice had gone thin with fear. "Crazy dog—"
Bruno's growl deepened into something that vibrated in Nimisha's chest.
"Boo." Her voice was soft, steady. "It's okay."
Bruno's eyes flicked to her, the question clear as words.
You sure? I can end him right here. Say the word.
"Not yet," she said quietly.
Bruno looked back at Kabir, communicating something wordless and terrifying.
You got lucky this time.
He moved between them, his massive body pressing Kabir back against the wall, and stayed there—a living, breathing wall between Nimisha and the threat.
Kabir's face had gone pale. He looked at Nimisha with something new in his expression.
Not desire. Not entitlement.
Fear.
"Keep that animal away from me," he said, his voice shaking slightly.
"Then stay away from me," Nimisha replied calmly.
Kabir straightened, smoothed his shirt, and walked away with as much dignity as he could manage.
Bruno tracked his retreat with unblinking eyes until he rounded the corner.
