Broken to be yours

3. Akriti

I was approaching the Shekhawat couple when I halted, sensing a lingering gaze on me. Looking back, I saw Kabir now conversing with his friends, yet Rudransh's eyes were fixed on me with a smirk.

Our eyes met, and I felt a jolt through my body, igniting a surge of something I couldn't name. It was rare for me to lose control, especially over a man.

Forcing myself to look away, I moved towards the Shekhawat's table. Viraj's ashen face was visible as he ranted into his phone, probably dealing with the fallout from their recent mishap. "What the hell were you all doing when this happened?" he bellowed, his outburst catching everyone's attention and forcing him to abruptly leave the gala. I knew this would significantly tarnish his company's reputation among the powerful underworld figures present, that is exactly what I wanted.

Later, turning to bid Kabir farewell, I found him and his friends still absorbed in Shekhawat's situation. Rudransh approached me just as the host announced the gala's continuation after Shekhawat's departure. Couples started heading to the dance floor, seemingly unaffected by what had happened.

"May I have this dance?" Rudransh's husky voice startled me, and though I glared, I accepted his hand. Maintaining appearances is necessary if I want my plan to work. 

He led me gracefully to the floor, his every move regal. As he held me, drawing closer, I felt his touch navigate from my hand to my waist, causing a momentary breathlessness that I concealed.

"Why a dragon?" he murmured, his proximity making me feel hot.

"Pervert," I retorted sharply, narrowing my gaze and attempting to distance myself from him as I continued, "Is that why you were staring at my back like a creep?"

"It's fine by me if you want to put labels on me, love, but when I ask a question, I expect an answer." 

Pulling me even closer with both his hands on my waist, he crushed our bodies together. In this position, he could feel every curve of my body, and I did not hate that fact.

"Why would you think I would answer all the questions of a stranger I met a few moments ago?"

"Hmm," he hummed, moving his lips closer to my ear and biting them gently.

I bit my lip as he licked the spot he had bitten, then slowly moved his face back, looking directly into my eyes, and said, "Sweet."

His actions and words made heat rush to my cheeks because no one had ever touched me like that.

He twirled me around and then pulled me back, causing his chest to collide with my back. I could feel his body against mine because of my damn backless dress. I couldn't speak for the rest of the dance.

As soon as the song ended, I immediately left the venue without looking back and got inside my car because I really needed to get out of there.

"How could I lose my composure like that?" I clenched my jaw and hit the steering wheel.

♤♤♤

I reached home and, after taking a shower, went to my study to review some files. 

When Rishi, my secretary, informed me that many people had started canceling their contracts with the Shekhawats because Viraj had messed up his deal with the Black Dahlia mafia, I wasn't surprised. He was supposed to deliver weapons to them, but they never reached their destination—well, because of yours truly.

Now everyone is waiting for the Black Dahlia's reaction because no one crosses them and lives to tell the tale and after the leader changed a few years back they are the most ruthless. 

But Viraj's case is different. I wanted him to face a threat from the Black Dahlia, but he might have the support of The Crimson Rose, led by Rudransh Singh Rajput—the man who is the son of Mrs. Shekhawat's brother, which is why I called him a hurdle.

A hurdle is what I called him initially, but after what happened today he has become more than just that. 

I never thought my body would react like that to the touch of a man who is nothing but a stranger. I can't help but think about what happened when he touched me, licked me, as if he had every right to do so—and the worst part is, I enjoyed it. I snap out of it and find my hands touching my ear where he bit me causing my body to shudder by remembering the sensation that is when I abruptly put my hand away. He might have had his way today, but there's no way I'll let him do that again.

He has both the money and the power to ruin my plan, but I will make sure he won't. The power of the Rajputs is the only reason I had to wait five years for my revenge, but now I won't let anything stop me. 

♤♤♤

It's 9 a.m. now, and I am in my car heading to the office when I get a call from Rishi, who tells me that all the news channels are displaying reports about one of the Shekhawat factories burning. This makes me smirk. I ended the call after telling him I would reach the office in 10 minutes.

I park my car and enter the office, meeting Kabir in the lobby. I nod at him while he gives me a suspicious look.

Well, of course, he would, after what happened to the Shekhawats last night and my presence at the party. He suspects that I have something to do with it, but where would the fun be if I admitted it?

We enter the elevator, and as the door closes, he turns toward me and asks, "Did you have something to do with what happened last night?"

Bingo. But I still acted clueless and asked "And what happened last night?"

"Acting clueless, huh? I'm talking about the Shekhawat."

"Do you think I'm dumb enough to challenge the Black Dahlia?"

"Well, that's true. So, you had nothing to do with what happened last night?"

I release a sigh as the elevator door opens and head toward my office, ignoring him. He finally gets the clue and heads off to his office.

I can't help but chuckle at how easy it is to fool him.