Born To Be His Only One

CHAPTER 3

The tension in the air grew thick as Sonam and Vishakha walked further into the party. Chandeliers glittered overhead like scattered diamonds, reflecting off the polished marble floor, and the soft murmur of conversations filled the grand room. Everyone's eyes were still locked on the two women. They weren't just beautiful-they carried an aura of power that demanded respect.

Sonam, ever the indifferent participant, nodded politely to the guests who tried to approach her. Her sharp eyes scanned the room, her instincts as a mafia queen always on alert. But beneath her composed demeanor, a storm brewed. She hated these parties. They were a game of manipulation and power, and she had grown tired of the endless charades. Tonight, she was here only because Vishakha had insisted.

Vishakha, on the other hand, thrived in such environments. She smiled and exchanged pleasantries effortlessly. Her mind, however, was elsewhere-on Aarav. She knew he wasn't someone to be taken lightly. He had a reputation, and if Sonam were to get involved with him, it would mean both power and danger. Vishakha wasn't willing to let her best friend walk into that without a fight, but she also knew Aarav was no ordinary man. His promises seemed genuine, but Vishakha's instincts told her he had his own agenda.

As they reached the cocktail bar, Sonam sighed in relief. Finally, a moment of peace. She leaned against the counter and glanced at Vishakha, who was still observing the crowd like a hawk.

"You're going to keep hovering over me all night, aren't you?" Sonam asked dryly.

"Well, someone has to keep you safe," Vishakha replied, her voice light but her eyes serious. "I don't trust half the people in this room."

Sonam gave her a faint smile. "I can handle myself, Visha."

Vishakha shrugged. "I know you can. But I made a promise. And you know how I am about promises."

Before Sonam could reply, a sharp whistle rang through the room, causing heads to turn. Sonam followed the noise, her eyes narrowing slightly. A figure stood at the entrance of the ballroom. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and exuded an air of authority that could not be ignored. It was Aarav.

He walked in slowly, his gaze scanning the room, but when his eyes landed on Sonam, they softened ever so slightly. His presence sent a ripple through the crowd. Everyone in the mafia world knew who Aarav was-the King of the Italian Mafia, one of the most powerful and dangerous men in the world. His every move was calculated, his every word a weapon. Sonam had heard about him, of course, but she'd never thought much of him. Until now.

He made his way over, his eyes never leaving hers, and for a brief moment, time seemed to slow down. Sonam straightened herself, already preparing for the exchange. Vishakha, noticing Aarav's approach, gave Sonam a reassuring nod before stepping aside. She had already made her warnings clear to Aarav, and she trusted that he wouldn't cross any boundaries-yet.

"Miss SAM," Aarav said smoothly as he stopped in front of her. His voice was deep and commanding, but there was a softness to it that caught her off guard. "May I join you?"

Sonam gave him a cool, appraising look before nodding slightly. "As long as you don't bore me."

Aarav chuckled lightly. "I doubt I could bore you even if I tried."

He signaled to the bartender, ordering a drink as he settled next to her at the bar. There was a moment of silence, one that hung between them, neither uncomfortable nor inviting. Just...waiting.

"I've heard quite a bit about you," Aarav said, finally breaking the quiet.

Sonam arched an eyebrow. "And what exactly have you heard?"

"That you're strong, capable, and someone who doesn't take kindly to games." Aarav's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I respect that."

Sonam smirked, swirling her mocktail in her hand. "Good. I don't have time for them."

Aarav leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. "Neither do I."

For a second, Sonam felt something shift. There was something in his tone, in the way he looked at her, that was different. Most men in this world were either intimidated by her or tried to play some kind of angle, but Aarav seemed...genuine. It was unnerving.

"I'm not here to waste your time, Sonam," he continued. "I admire what you've built. It's not easy for someone so young to rise to power the way you have. You've got an empire that rivals even the oldest families."

Sonam's eyes flickered with interest. "And what does the Italian Mafia King want with my empire?"

Aarav smiled slightly. "Let's just say I believe we could be beneficial to one another."

Sonam narrowed her eyes, leaning back against the bar. "I'm not in the habit of making alliances without knowing what the other party wants in return."

Aarav's gaze held hers steadily. "What if I told you I didn't want anything in return? That I was simply interested in you?"

Sonam felt a flicker of surprise, but she didn't show it. She had dealt with smooth-talking men before, and she wasn't about to be swayed by a few charming words. But Aarav...there was something different about him. He wasn't trying to manipulate her, at least not in the obvious ways.

"And why would the King of the Italian Mafia be interested in me?" she asked, her voice dripping with skepticism.

Aarav's smile widened slightly. "Because I see something in you that others don't. Strength. Resilience. And...loneliness."

The last word hit her harder than she expected. She wasn't lonely-at least, she didn't think she was. But the way Aarav said it, the way he looked at her as if he could see right through her defenses, made her question herself for a moment.

Sonam scoffed lightly, shaking her head. "You think you know me after one conversation?"

"I think I've known people like you my whole life," Aarav replied, his tone softer now. "People who carry the weight of the world on their shoulders because they don't trust anyone else to do it for them."

Sonam's gaze faltered for a split second, but she quickly regained her composure. "You're wrong."

"Am I?" Aarav asked, tilting his head slightly. "We'll see."

Before Sonam could respond, a sudden commotion broke out at the entrance. A group of armed men barged into the ballroom, their faces masked, their weapons raised. The entire room froze as chaos erupted. Screams filled the air, and people scrambled to find cover. Sonam and Aarav both reacted immediately.

Aarav stood up, his hand instinctively reaching for the gun holstered at his side, while Sonam's eyes scanned the room for Vishakha. She spotted her on the other side, already drawing her weapon, her face set in a cold, deadly expression.

"Stay behind me," Aarav ordered, his voice sharp.

Sonam glared at him. "I can handle myself."

Before Aarav could argue, one of the masked men spotted them and fired a shot. Aarav grabbed Sonam and pulled her down behind the bar, the bullet missing them by inches. Sonam cursed under her breath, pulling out her own gun as the sound of gunfire echoed through the room.

"This was supposed to be a party," she muttered, her eyes cold and calculating.

Aarav smirked, loading his gun. "Guess, we're the entertainment."

They exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. Whatever game had been playing before, it didn't matter now. They were both fighters, survivors, and tonight, they would have to rely on each other.

"Ready?" Aarav asked, his voice steady despite the chaos around them.

Sonam cocked her gun. "Always."

With that, they both sprang into action, moving as a lethal, synchronized force.