You own my heart ( short story series)

Part-6

I'm thrilled to share my latest story, Sweetest Sin, an arranged marriage-themed novel with a unique twist—no pressure or forcing! If you love romance with complex characters and heartfelt moments, this one's for you. Your support means the world, and I'm confident you won't be disappointed! ❤️ You can find the link to the book in my conversation section. Happy reading!

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"The kiss meant nothing," Bondita declared defiantly, her chin lifted. "It was just frustration, or kuch bhi nhi."

"Frustration?" he asked, his voice mockingly soft. "Tell me then, how many others have had the privilege of experiencing this... frustration of yours, Bondita?"

"Aapko kya farak padta hai? When have you ever looked beyond your precious legal briefs? Too consumed with maintaining your flawless reputation as Tulsipur's crown jewel to see what was right in front of you?"

"See?" His voice dropped to a lethal whisper that sent shivers down her spine. "Oh, I saw everything, Shona." His grip tightened fractionally, keeping her imprisoned in his gaze. "Shall I tell you exactly what I've been seeing?"

Before she could respond, he pushed her lightly, backing her against the wall, His both hands slid from her to brace against the wall beside her head. "The way you shiver when I come too close," he growled, demonstrating by leaning in until their breaths mingled. "How your eyes follow me when you think I'm not looking. The way your voice changes when you're trying to hide what you're feeling – like right now."

His control was slipping, years of restraint crumbling under the weight of her accusations. "You think I didn't notice how you lean in unconsciously when I speak? The way you torture that lower lip when nervous?" He brought one hand to her face, his thumb brushing across her lower lip.

"Stop," she whispered, but her body betrayed her, leaning into his touch.

He released a laugh that held no humor. "Stop? I've been stopping myself for an eternity, Sweetheart... Every single fucking day, watching you. The way you move, the way your eyes light up when you're arguing a point, the way your saree slips just slightly when you're lost in thought." His hand slid from her face to her waist in one fluid motion, drawing her closer. "Do you have any idea how many times I've had to physically remove myself from a room because just the sight of you was driving me insane?"

"Then why didn't you—" she challenged, fire meeting fire.

"Why didn't I what?" he snarled. "Why didn't I show you exactly what you do to me? Why didn't I give in to every overwhelming urge that screamed at me to claim you completely?" Raw emotion bled through every word. "You were a child, Shona! You were forced into this marriage. And what did you want? To be 'normal'? To bear my children at twelve?"

"Do you think I'm that kind of monster, Bondita? That I would touch you just because society said it was acceptable?" His laugh was bitter. "No, sweetheart. When I take you- and mind you Bondita Anirudh Roy Chaudhary, I WILL TAKE YOU, it won't be because of society's expectations or your naive understanding of what a marriage should be."

He gripper her chin, making her meet his eyes, as she tried to turn away. "Look at me when I'm talking to you." 

"You think I saved you all this time, out of mere responsibility? Because of society's expectations?" He leaned closer, his presence overwhelming her senses. "I saved you because a world without you in it is unthinkable. You stormed into my house, my thoughts, my entire existence - challenging everything I believed in. And here's the truth that drives me mad: I welcome it."