Twisted Devotion

Her pov

His words hung in my mind, lingering like a dark cloud.

"Aren't you getting too ahead of yourself, Mr. Agnivanshi? Just because of my father's betrayal, I won't sell myself to marry you. I am not a thing," I retorted, my voice sharp and unwavering.

Amrit's cold eyes bore into mine, his smirk unfaltering. "You misunderstand, Ms. Sharma. This is not a negotiation. This is your fate."

A dark smile curled at the corners of his lips, his eyes glinting with a dangerous promise. "We both know your father was a bastard," he said, his voice a low, menacing whisper. "He had enemies and debt collectors lurking in every shadow. If they learn of his death, they'll descend upon this house like vultures. They'll ravage everything, including you and your sister. Even if you think you can protect yourself, what about that innocent 14-year-old girl? Do you really believe you can shield her from the wolves at your door?" He took a step closer, his breath warm against my ear. "I can offer you protection that no one else can, but it comes at a price. Marry me, love, and I'll keep you both safe."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of fear and an undeniable, dark attraction. I hated that my body reacted to his nearness, my skin tingling where his breath had brushed it. "I don't need your protection, Mr. Agnivanshi," I said, my voice as cold as the steel in my gaze. "I will marry you, but only for the sake of my little sister. This marriage will happen, but only if you agree to my conditions.", I spoke after a while.

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what might those be?"

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. "First, you will never harm her. Second, our marriage will be in name only. Third, you will settle all of my father's debts and protect this household. Fourth, I will never be obliged to give respect to someone unworthy of it in your family. And lastly," I paused, looking him dead in the eyes, "you will never force yourself on me."

Amrit's eyes darkened, a predatory gleam in their depths. He reached out, his fingers lightly tracing the line of my jaw, sending an unwanted thrill through me. "Very well," he murmured, his voice like velvet and steel. "I accept your conditions. But know this, my dear: in the shadows of our union, desire will be a constant companion. You may find that your heart is not as impervious as you believe."

As we walked through the dimly lit corridor towards the exit of the house, I couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that settled over me like a heavy cloak. Turning to Amrit, I dared to ask the question that had been burning in my mind since his unexpected proposal.

"Why choose me to marry you?" I inquired, my voice trembling slightly with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

His eyes met mine with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine. "Your eyes intrigue me," he replied..