VAANI - His Deadliest Desire

CHAPTER 23

UPDATE SCHEDULE
(from next week)

Every Tuesday & Friday

Vaani stirred to the weight of an arm draped across her waist. Her breath hitched when her gaze shifted toward the man sleeping beside her.

Rudra.

Chest bare, muscles relaxed, his face looked almost... peaceful in the dim moonlight. But even in sleep, he looked dangerous — like a storm.

She sighed, heart aching. How the hell am I supposed to escape this monster?

Carefully, she slid out from beneath his arm and padded toward the kitchen. Her fingers wrapped around a glass as she filled it with water, her thoughts spiraling.

I can't marry him. I just can't. There has to be a way out.

What if I apply for an on-site transfer? The company sends people abroad all the time. If I could just get out of the country—

She shook her head violently.

No. No, I can't. He'll find out. He'll hurt my family.

Her grip tightened around the glass.

I can't let him touch Dadi. Or Riti dii. Or uncle and aunt. They're all in his state — his city. I have no leverage. I've seen what he's capable of. I watched him shoot a man without blinking.

A scream of frustration threatened her throat.

I've already lost my parents. I won't let my recklessness cost me the rest of my family.

She placed the glass down on the counter, her mind racing—

And then the world jerked.

Glass shattered.

A scream tore from her throat as she was yanked by the arm, spun around, and slammed against the marble platform.

"Rudra!" she gasped, wide-eyed.

His eyes were livid.

Burning.

His bare chest heaved, rage pouring off him in waves.

"Why did you leave me alone in bed?" he hissed.

His voice wasn't raised. It was low. Dangerous.

The kind of whisper that promised destruction.

"I—I was just—" she stammered, due such sudden rough action of his.

"Why, Vaani."

Her wrist throbbed in his grip, pinned behind her back. Her body was arched against the cold slab as he loomed in front of her, fury tightening every line of his body.

"I woke up and you weren't there," he snapped. "For ten fucking seconds, I thought you ran. You know what that does to me?"

She flinched. "I just needed water."

"Then why did it took you so long?"

Her eyes widened. He looked insane.

His nose brushed hers, that close. "You were whispering to yourself. I heard everything."

Her throat dried. "Rudra—"

"You think you can leave me?" His voice dropped. "Escape me?"

She trembled under his gaze.

He leaned closer, lips brushing her ear. "There's nowhere on this planet you could run where I won't find you, Vaani."

Her breathing became shallow.