"You walked into the lion's den, sweetheart," he whispered, stepping closer. "And lions don't let go so easily."
He looked down at her leg, at her trembling hands, and the fear in her eyes.
"A beautiful young girl like you," he chuckled, "shouldn't...
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**Back outside, arms full of bags**
"I told you this wasn't necessary," she said, sulking as they walked toward the car.
"You said that after every outfit. And yet, here we are."
"You bullied me."
"You liked it."
She was glaring straight ahead, lips puffed out in an exaggerated pout, refusing to look at him.
He was utterly entertained.
"I don't know why you're sulking," he said, casually swinging a small bag that held the red dress. "You looked dangerously edible in that thing. I almost had a stroke."
"I told you I didn't want it."
"And I told you I wanted it. So I win."
"I'm going to hide it the moment we get home."
"Then I'll just have to come looking for it... and undress every cupboard until I find it."
She choked on air.
Before she could answer, he pulled out a small stuffed animal-a soft, creamy brown bunny with floppy ears and a tiny red bow on its neck.
"What's this?"
"A bribe," he said, holding it out.
She took it slowly, hugging it to her chest. "I never said I forgave you."
"You're hugging the evidence."
"...It's cute," she mumbled, glancing away.
He softened.
Then, from behind them, a soft whisper floated through the crowd.
"Look at them! So cute," a woman said to her friend. "They must be newlyweds. Did you see how he gave her that bunny?"
Her head whipped around. Her eyes widened.
Sultan smirked.
"They look so in love," the friend added, giggling. "Such a beautiful couple."
Her face turned ten shades of red.
"Hear that, biwi?"
"I am not your-!"
The golden hour haze was suddenly pierced by the sharp voice of a woman.
"Well, well..."
Sultan halted mid-step, his arm instinctively brushing against Mishti's to shield her.
She turned too-and froze.
Amara stood a few steps away, hand locked with a tall man in a crisp suit, her lips curled in a knowing smirk. Her heels clicked with each step as she walked toward them.
Her eyes flicked to Sultan first-calculating, unreadable-then to Mishti, who immediately looked down. Her body tensed, small and shivering beside him.
"You changed your bed warmer already? Didn't take you long after getting your fill from me."
