Bound by Protection

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the lavish mansion. Ayushmaan stood at the grand entrance, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of trouble. As Shraddha's bodyguard, he was acutely aware of his responsibilities.

Shraddha stepped out of the house, her laughter ringing like music in the air. She wore a flowing cream-colored dress that hugged her curves, the fabric fluttering around her legs as she walked toward him. Ayushmaan's breath hitched. Damn, this girl had a way of stealing his focus.

"Are you going to stare at me all evening, or are you going to let me know if I'm safe?" she teased, a playful glint in her eye.

He forced a smirk, masking the rush of emotions surging through him. "Your safety is my priority, ma'am. I assure you, I'm always vigilant."

She stepped closer, their eyes locking, and the teasing faded into something deeper. An undeniable chemistry crackled between them, an invisible thread pulling them closer.

"Sometimes, it feels like you're more than just a bodyguard to me," she said softly, tilting her head as if studying him.

Ayushmaan's heart raced. What was happening? He cleared his throat, trying to shake off the vulnerability creeping into his chest. "I'm just doing my job. I'm here to protect you ma'am."

"And what if I don't want protection?" Her voice dropped to a whisper, her breath brushing against his cheek, igniting a fire in his veins.

He hesitated, torn between the duty he owed her father and the raw desire surging through him. "It's not about what you want. There are people out there who..."

Shraddha took another step forward, closing the distance between them, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ayushmaan, do you really think I'm just going to sit back and let you guard me without ever getting to know you? You're intriguing, and I'm curious."

"Curiosity can be dangerous, ma'am" he replied, his voice low and gruff, barely containing his desire. He longed to pull her into his arms, to explore the tension crackling between them.

"Maybe a little danger is exactly what I need," she challenged, leaning closer. He could feel her warmth radiating against his skin, and it took every ounce of self-control to resist the urge to kiss her.

But before he could respond, a noise echoed from the shadows, breaking the moment. Ayushmaan's instincts kicked in. "Stay back," he commanded, stepping in front of her as adrenaline surged through him.

"Is someone here?" Shraddha asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Just stay close to me." His gaze darted around, the tension palpable. With his heart racing for more than one reason, he positioned himself between Shraddha and the unseen threat. The moment had slipped away, but the hunger that lingered between them was undeniable.