THE IInd DECISION

26. In his Shirt , Out of my Mind

ASHI POV:-

I woke up with a pounding headache, the kind that makes you want to crawl back under the covers and forget the world exists. I groaned, placing a hand on my forehead, trying to steady myself. As my eyes fluttered open, I noticed Ayan sitting at the edge of the bed, fully dressed, a cup of coffee in his hand. He was already looking at me, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

I blinked, trying to clear the fog in my mind, but the throbbing pain didn't subside. Vague, blurred images flashed across my memory-someone kissing, the sensation of hands trailing over skin from head to lips , hands caressing lips. My heart skipped a beat, panic rising. I threw off the covers and glanced down at myself. I was wearing a white shirt-his white shirt.

My breath hitched. What the hell? I wasn't wearing anything underneath. The top two buttons of the shirt were undone, exposing a glimpse of my collarbone and the skin below ,exposing more skin than I was comfortable with. . My mind reeled. I pulled the duvet tightly around myself, my pulse quickening with fear and confusion. This couldn't be happening. No, no, no.

Desperately, I looked at Ayan, trying to keep my voice steady. "Ayan... did something happen last... last night?"

He raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips. "You don't remember?" he asked, his tone dripping with mockery and something else-something dark and dangerous.

I swallowed hard, my mouth suddenly dry. I shook my head, unable to speak. The smile on his face widened, almost predatory. He set his coffee cup down with a deliberate slowness, his eyes never leaving mine. "Well," he began, drawing the word out, "something did happen."

A wave of nausea rolled through me. "What... what do you mean?" I managed to stammer, my voice shaky.

I shook my head frantically, anxiety gripping my chest. He leaned back, rolling up his sleeves slowly, savoring every moment of my discomfort. "Well," he began, his voice low, "something did happen."

My eyes widened in shock. My throat went dry. "W-what do you mean?" I stammered again.

He stood up, taking slow, deliberate steps towards me. "A lot happened," he continued, his gaze never leaving mine. "Things that shouldn't have happened... as per our contract."

A cold shiver ran down my spine. I gulped, taking a step back. "What are you talking about?"

He kept coming closer, his eyes dark and intense. "You didn't stop," he whispered, almost accusingly. "I told you it was wrong... but you..." His words trailed off as I stepped back again, only to find my back pressed against the wall. My breath quickened. He was so close now, the heat radiating off his body. His arm came up, resting against the wall beside my head, trapping me between him and the wall.

I took a shaky breath, trying to summon some courage. "I... I trust myself," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

His smirk widened, his face inches from mine. "Really?" he challenged.

"Yes," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "What proof do you have?"

He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against my ear. "You were wearing strawberry lip balm yesterday," he murmured, his breath warm against my skin. "And you have a mole on your thigh..."

My heart stopped. "Stop," I blurted out, panic lacing my voice. "Just... stop."

Tears welled up in my eyes. This couldn't be happening. Not like this. I couldn't have... without remembering it. My worst fear was coming true. This wasn't how it was supposed to be-this wasn't how I wanted my first time, without memory, without consent. I felt sick. This wasn't how I imagined my first time, not even close. "Ayan, I'm so sorry," I choked out, my voice cracking. "I promise..." my voice trembling with emotion," I'll make sure this doesn't happen again... I promise..."