Hold On My Heart (Complete)

8. The Mafia's Soft Side

Manik’s POV

Around 1 a.m., I returned with the locksmith. Thankfully, the area was completely dark. Everyone here seems to sleep early—which is perfect for me.

“How much time will it take?” I asked.

“Sir, I’m trying, but this lock is quite old and a bit jammed as well.”

“Do it fast, man. I don’t have all day.”

After about fifteen minutes, he was finally done. I handed him the payment, and he left. I opened the door and slipped inside, shutting it quietly behind me.

I walked towards her. She was sleeping peacefully. I knelt beside her, completely lost in the sight before me.

Her hair was falling over her face, slightly disturbing her. My hand instinctively moved toward her face—but I stopped.

I shouldn’t!

But it’s bothering her…

Still, I shouldn’t.

Nothing will happen…

I gently moved her hair aside. She snuggled deeper into the pillow, and a smile touched my lips. I leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

“I don’t know anything about your past,” I whispered, “but I know one thing—you deserve happiness. And I’ll give you that, because… I love you.”

Yes. I’ve fallen in love with her—madly and deeply. I know we’ve only just met, but I know myself. This girl has cast some kind of spell on me. I was never interested in any girl before her. Sure, I’ve had one-night stands, but with her—it’s different. There’s no lust. I just want to protect her, to keep her safe in my arms… forever.

She shifted in her sleep, and I realized I had to leave.

She was sweating. She hadn’t even turned on the fan. What kind of girl is she?

I flipped the fan switch—but it didn’t work.

Wait, what?

How can she live in such a place?

What should I do now?

I looked at her for a long time, wondering how long she’s been living like this. I glanced at the time. I didn’t know when she usually woke up. I scanned the room, found a book, and sat beside her again, using it to fan her gently.

I just hoped I wouldn’t fall asleep—otherwise, morning would be my last!

A few hours later

I heard a sound and woke up instantly. I looked over at her—thank God, she was still asleep.

I quietly set the book aside and slipped out of the house after checking the surroundings. I didn’t want her to get into trouble because of me.

Nandini’s POV

I opened my eyes with a yawn and headed to the washroom to freshen up.

Afterward, I walked into the kitchen to make breakfast. I set the towel on my forehead properly when… I felt someone watching me. I turned toward the window—but no one was there.

Whatever!

I ate my food and came back to pick up my bag—Navya was waiting for me. As soon as I picked it up and looked inside, I saw something unexpected.

A phone?

It wasn’t Navya’s phone.

I pulled it out to inspect—it looked brand new. There was also a box with a note: