Faking It With a Billionaire || MaAn

Chapter 29 | Anuj

"Sweet digs," Anupama snarks from behind me, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Ignoring her, I bite back a retort for the room. This isn't a slice of heaven; it's a deluxe torture chamber. Respecting Anupama's wishes is like threading a needle. Now, with the simmering anger and the awareness that her toasty body will be inches away, my thoughts are a chaotic mix of frustration and desire. The grand bed adorned with rose petals isn't helping matters.

Mostly, I'm pissed at myself for not heeding Anupama's heads-up about the snowstorm. I wanted to hit our final destination, bury myself in work, and sidestep drowning in her presence.

A man can only hold back so much, and I've figured out that keeping Anupama by my side constantly wasn't my smartest play. It could've worked if she hadn't enforced the rule that we couldn't cross certain lines because of my insensitive brother. If there was any other excuse, I'd have dismantled the walls she erected between us a long time ago.

Anupama says a few things, but the words don't click. I half-hoped there'd be a cushy couch or something for me to crash on in here. 

No such luck.

"I really don't get why you're the one acting all ticked off," she blurts, finally catching my attention. "If anyone should be ticked, it's me. You've been a jerk to me when I was the one who warned you of the snow to begin with."

I drop the bags from the gift shop on the table. I don't give her any response, knowing it's better if I keep my yap shut. Instead of saying something regrettable, I take angry strides to the bathroom. I immediately reach for the shower, turning the water to its hottest setting. Steam quickly fills the room, despite the cold weather outside.

"Anuj!" Anupama stops in the bathroom doorway, fire in her eyes again. I get why she's ticked at me. 

I've been a jerk, but I'm still too riled up to apologize.

The sight of her, with blue-tinted lips and soaking wet hair that was once frozen, fills me with guilt and self-hatred. If I had just listened to her about the snow, we wouldn't be in this situation. We'd be warm in a luxury hotel, squabbling about something mundane.

"Hop in," I demand, tilting my head toward the shower.

Her mouth pops open. "You ignore me and then think you can just boss me around?" She shakes her head in frustration, disappearing back into the room. "Not going to happen, Anuj. You don't control me."

I follow hot on her heels. "Last time I checked, I'm your boss."

An aggravated sound falls from deep in her chest. "I'm off the clock."

I grab her elbow, turning her to face me before she sits down on the large king-sized bed.

My teeth grind against each other, threatening to break under the pressure. "Get. In. The. Shower."

Her eyes flick to where I hold her. She shivers underneath my grip, just another nail in the coffin of the regrets I have for the day.

"No."

"Yes."

She attempts to rip her arm free, but I stop her, applying more pressure.