The Heir and the Humble

love and care

Hours later, Devraj stirred awake, feeling a sense of clarity that had been absent before. He blinked against the soft light, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. As he shifted slightly, he became acutely aware of the warmth of Anika's body pressed against his. They were both only in their underwear, the bedsheet barely covering them, and he felt a rush of heat flood his cheeks.

His heart raced as he realized the intimacy of their situation. He could sense her soft skin against his, and the urge to pull her closer was overwhelming. But a part of him hesitated, knowing that the full moon rituals loomed ahead, and he wanted to be sure that they were both ready for what was to come. He didn't want to rush anything, especially not when it came to taking her virginity.

Despite his resolve, his hands seemed to have a mind of their own, wrapping around her waist and pulling her tighter against him. Anika stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she felt the warmth of his body enveloping her. When their eyes met, an electric tension filled the air, and they both froze for a moment, caught in an awkward yet charged gaze.

"Uh... hi," Devraj managed to say, a sheepish smile creeping onto his face.

"Hi," Anika replied, her cheeks flushing as she realized the closeness of their bodies. "I didn't expect to wake up like this."

"Neither did I," he admitted, his voice low and teasing. "But I can't say I'm complaining."

Anika raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming on her lips. "Oh really? You're not just a little tempted to look under the bedsheet?"

Devraj's heart raced at her words, and he chuckled nervously. "I mean, I could... but I'm trying to be a gentleman here."

"Gentleman, huh?" Anika teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Is that what you call it? Because it feels more like you're trying to resist a very tempting offer."

"Tempting is an understatement," he replied, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But I want to make sure we're both ready for... everything."

Anika's expression softened, and she nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "I appreciate that, Devraj garu. But it's hard to think about anything else when you're holding me like this."

Devraj chuckled, his grip on her waist tightening instinctively. "Well, I can't help it. You're just so... irresistible."

"Is that so?" she said, her tone playful. "Maybe I should start charging you for all this irresistible warmth."

"Consider it a free trial," he quipped, his eyes glinting with mischief. "But I might need an extension on that trial if you keep looking at me like that."

Anika laughed, the tension between them easing as they shared this moment of playful banter. "Alright, but just know that I'm not responsible for what happens if you keep holding me like this."

Devraj's heart raced at her words, and he felt a surge of desire mixed with affection. "Then I guess I'll have to be careful," he said, his voice low and teasing. "But it's hard to be careful when you're this close."

Anika's cheeks flushed, and she bit her lip, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You should eat something. Yuvi was so worried about you, he came to check up on you time to time and said maa also worried about you but yuvi said you were taking rest."

Devraj chuckled softly, the sound warm and inviting. "I appreciate the concern, but I think I'm more worried about how I'm going to face Yuvraj after this," he said, a playful glint in his eyes. "I mean, I can't let him think I'm weak."

Anika rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips. "You're not weak, Devraj garu. You just had a rough night. Besides, I think Yuvraj is more concerned about you than anything else. He cares about you."