Embers of Obsession

chapter 6

Under the golden glow of the late afternoon sun, Aaradhya found herself alone in one of the estate's serene gardens. This secluded part, hidden by tall hedges and fragrant blooms, was rarely visited by anyone other than herself. It had become her place of solitude, a sanctuary amidst the intensity of her emotions and growing plans. As she adjusted the flowers in the vases near the pathway, she heard footsteps approaching.

She turned to find Dev standing a few steps away, looking disheveled yet resolute, a subtle blend of longing and conflict in his gaze. His presence filled the air with an unspoken tension, and her heart raced as she tried to calm her emotions. His visits to this part of the estate were rare, and the look in his eyes stirred something in her—a deep, longing sensation she knew she shouldn't feel, yet couldn't deny.

Their eyes met, and she could feel the familiar pull between them. There was no need for words. She understood the ache that lingered in his mind, and she saw his inner struggle—the sense of duty clashing with the pull of desire that bound him to her, almost against his will.

"You're a long way from the house, Dev Babu," she said softly, her voice carrying an edge of mischief as she allowed a small smile to form on her lips.

He moved closer, his gaze locked on hers, his eyes filled with an intensity that both excited and unnerved her. He didn't reply immediately, but the look in his eyes was answer enough. The scent of roses and jasmine drifted around them, mingling with the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the evening breeze, heightening the sensations in the air.

"Aaradhya..." he began, but his voice trailed off as he took another step toward her. His hand found hers, his touch light but lingering, as though he was testing the boundaries he was about to cross.

"Yes, Dev Babu?" Her voice was almost a whisper now, filled with both anticipation and a subtle invitation.

In that moment, Dev seemed to lose the battle he had been fighting with himself. With a sense of urgency, he pulled her closer, their bodies pressed together, his breath warm against her skin. He held her face in his hands, his thumb tracing her cheek as his eyes searched hers for a sign of doubt. Finding none, he leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was both tender and fervent, as though making up for the moments they had resisted one another.

Aaradhya's mind spun as his touch ignited a fire within her. The feel of his hands, the warmth of his body against hers, made her heart race and her skin tingle. She had waited for this moment, fantasized about it, and now, with him so close, she felt an overwhelming sense of victory.

They moved further into the secluded area of the garden, away from prying eyes. The world around them seemed to fade as Dev's hands explored her waist, pulling her close. He buried his face in the curve of her neck, his breaths quickening as his lips trailed along her skin, leaving a searing path in their wake. She felt his hesitation and the weight of his guilt, yet in that moment, he couldn't seem to pull himself away from her.

Aaradhya's hands found their way to his chest, her fingers tracing the lines of his shirt as she relished the feel of him beneath her touch. His body was tense, each muscle drawn taut with desire, and she felt a thrill run through her as she realized the effect she had on him.

The passion between them grew, his hands caressing her back, pulling her even closer as their kiss deepened, their connection intensifying with every touch. She could sense his restraint, the way he held back, yet it only spurred her on, making her yearn to break down every barrier he had built.

For a brief moment, Dev pulled back, his eyes clouded with guilt, as though he was realizing the consequences of his actions. But Aaradhya wasn't willing to let him go so easily. She reached up, touching his face gently, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw as she whispered, "Stay with me... just this once."