| Dark Devotion |

15

I R A

I let out a sigh of relief when I was done packing and flopped on the bed. The softness of the bed cushioned my tired body and my eyes started to droop.

“Done packing?”
I raised my head to see Abhiman giving me a soft smile as he closed the door behind him.

“Yeah. I think I’m going to take a nap.” I still had time to kill since I was leaving late in the afternoon, and a nap sounded so heavenly now.

Abhiman sat down on the bed and handed me a small, velvet-lined black box. I sat up and saw the glimmer of the diamond earrings he had gifted me.

“I want you to wear these at all times. Don’t take them out.” He insisted
sternly.

“Isn’t it a bit too much for an everyday look?” I asked.

“No. I want you to always wear them. Put them on.” Abhiman urged.

“So bossy.” I teased but put them on. “How do I look?” I put my hands on my face and dramatically fluttered my eyelashes at him.

“Beautiful.” Abhiman smiled softly, tucking some of my hair behind my ear as he looked at me. “One more thing; Lakshya and Gautam  will stay with you until you come back.”

“Abhiman, nahi” I immediately protested with a shake of my head.

“It’s not up for discussion. They are staying with you.” He frowned at my protest.

“My mom will freak out at the sight of them, and I’m not exactly planning on telling her why two men are with me, posing as bodyguards.”

“They are going to stay out of sight. I need to make sure you’re safe when I’m not with you.” Abhiman emphasized.

“And I will be. Didn’t you say you caught the guy already?” I asked.

“Yes, but he wasn’t working alone. Until I get my hands on the bastard that sent him, you’re not going anywhere without security.” He said, leaving no room for discussion. I sighed.

“You realize that I’m coming back a week before the wedding, which is eight weeks away. Are you really making Lakshya stay away from his girlfriend for seven weeks?” I tried one more time.

“I gave him time off to spend time with her. He just came back from Italy.” He explained, not giving me any wiggle room to argue back.

“Oh, she lives in Italy?” I raised my brows in surprise, and he gave me a nod. I guess they were used to not seeing each other all the time then.

“Don’t fight me on this, Ira. I will not have it.”

“Fine.” I sighed. “But they better be invisible. I don’t want them to scare my mom.” I said, plopping down on the bed again.

“I’ll make sure of it.” Abhiman promised.

“Thank you.” I smiled and patted the pillow next to me. “Come, take a nap with me.”

“I’m not tired.” He stated, shaking his head and offering a faint smile.

“How? You barely get any sleep.” I was slightly frowned.

“I get the amount I need.”

“No, you don’t. Now, take off your shirt and get in.” I ordered him.
Abhiman looked at me with a raised brow.

“And why do I need my shirt off?”

“Because I’m addicted to seeing you shirtless. Hurry, I don’t have all day.” I said impatiently.