THE PERFECT DECEPTION

Chapter 16

Jonathan King

My arms encircled her waist, fearful of letting her slip away like delicate glass, though she was anything but fragile. I was the coward, terrified she might flee from my delicate emotions. I was desperate to hold her close until nothing else mattered. She was the vast ocean I had lost, sinking ever so gently. Her scent, as sweet as honey and as potent as freshly ground cinnamon, filled my senses. I yearned to etch into my memory the warmth of her body and how it fit against mine like a perfect illusion.

Her breath on my neck sent a surge of warmth through my veins. My heart raced against my chest. I set her back on her feet, those petite feet that had traversed the board earlier that day. As I pulled away and her face flushed with a blush to match mine, I felt a pang of fear, but I quickly regained my composed demeanour, though she made it increasingly difficult.

"Aww, so cute," Kai mocked, causing Anupama to scowl subtly, attempting to conceal the lovely blush dancing across her skin. "I wonder if Mr. Jonathan would lift me next?" Naomi inquired with a smug grin, clasping her hands behind her like a genuine schoolgirl. "Not in a million years," I replied icily, casting a sidelong glance at Anupama, who seemed to narrow her eyes slightly. Was it jealousy, or was I imagining it? I had no intention of engaging with Naomi's flirtations, merely to provoke a reaction from her, despite the allure of her glare and those deep chestnut eyes. Yet, I resolved not to entertain another woman's advances unless it was her.

"Come on," Devika pouted, her eyes flickering continuously as she bit her lower lip. My gaze shifted to Anupama, who appeared to glare at me, almost daring me to give the answer they desired. Her eyes narrowed like a cat poised to pounce for toying with her kittens. Amused by her posture, I could feel her breath on my shoulder. I glanced at Devika leaning on Naomi's shoulder, who was shifting her feet. They feigned innocence, leaning in with fluttering eyelashes and blushing cheeks. My gaze stayed cool on their expectant chocolate brown eyes.

"No," I stated icily, prompting a collective groan as their shoulders slumped. Turning to Anupama, I caught her smirking, a reflection of the one forming on my lips. She relished the constant attention, my magnetic North. Her beauty was reminiscent of the aurora borealis, and her eyes twinkled like the Star of David. Why did Krishna create such an irresistible counterpart? Her gaze met mine, blinking rapidly before rolling her eyes to hide her blush.

"What are you looking at?" she challenged with her sharp voice. "You. Is that a problem?" I retorted, my stare piercing, noticing her discomfort and the slight twinkle in her eyes. If only I could undress her with my gaze, but that would earn me a slap into the next life. "You're a creep from hell," she hissed, striding past me. "Last I checked, I was the perfect gentleman," I quipped, my eyebrow raised in amusement. I longed to kiss her, to have her surrender that part of herself as I had to her.

"Since when?" she asked, puzzlement evident in the slight frown marring her innocent face. "Since now," I replied calmly, eliciting a groan from her. "Why?" she demanded, arms crossed, clearly exasperated with me. Kai's loud laugh broke through, shattering my daydream - the fool. Making men vanish was easy, except those she cherished, like Anuj. I shot Kai a glare, which he ignored, while Anupama's intense stare threatened my soul for any misstep. I was no saint. I was tainted, ruthless, a rogue. Some saw me as an evil brother and a bad son by others. I was consumed by ambition, embodying all that was vile. Yet, I would gladly embrace poverty and beg for forgiveness on bent knees before God if it meant having her in my life once more.

"You better be a gentleman; you have competition," Kai's eyes teared up as he wiped them away. Anupama's eyes widened as she shook her head frantically at Kai, whose laughter echoed like an insult to me. Devika and Naomi seemed to widen their eyes in irritation and warning to Kai, who appeared to disregard the ladies' warnings. My eyebrow shot up, "Kai, what are you talking about?" My voice was loud and stern, more a command than a question. Kai's laughter ceased quickly as my eyes trained on him, scanning and calculating his slight nervous swallow.