When Fire Meets Ice - Completed.

77. M E N D

I N A Y A

“Oh yes, about that… we'll have to postpone it for now, the investments will flow the other way, I'll give you the details when we meet tomorrow, okay?” I explained to Zara on the phone as I strolled around in the room.

She hummed, saying something further but my attention drifted to a knock on the door.

I turned, then stifled a grin as I called out, “Yes?”

Ahad's tone made it clear that he was annoyed when he yelled from the other side, “Ina, open the door.”

I chuckled, running a hand through my hair before saying to Zara, “I'll meet you tomorrow,okay?”

She hummed and we hung up before I neared the door. “What if I don’t?”

“Then I’ll break it.” His answer was immediate, followed by another firm knock.

I raised my eyebrows, humming in appreciation before replying, “Well, that’s a very romantic phrase. But, Mr. Qureshi, I’m the legal owner of this place. And you could be imprisoned for harming my property.”

Silence.

I pressed my fingers to my lips, holding back from laughing out loud. I could see the face he might’ve made in my mind when he yelled, “Are you serious?”

“Very serious.” I declared, my voice firmer than ever.

He huffed loudly, his voice muffled due to the barrier. “This is not fair. Open the door at least!”

“You figure that out. I'm sleeping, don't disturb me now.” I said, pressing my ear to the door to hear his next words. I frowned when I heard only the voice of his footsteps like he was pacing.

Wasn’t his knee hurt?

I opened my mouth to scold him, but held back, waiting for a response.

Just then, I heard him hiss. My heart dropped, the voice was faint but I couldn't ignore the way he grunted something in pain.

And before I knew it, my fingers held the knob as I twisted it and opened the door. Rushing out, I gasped when I found him seated just beside the door, hand holding his leg folded close, with his forehead resting on the knee.

“Oye!” I moved, already sitting beside him as I asked, “What is it?”

He lifted his face up, brows furrowed like he was in deep pain. “It hurts.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, staring simply at his pain-wrecked face. And in no time, his mouth twitched like he couldn’t keep the act going. My jaw dropped open, eyes narrowing further as I stood up.

His loud chuckle rang out in the hallway, the voice deep and familiar. I barged past him to get into the room, but he moved faster.

He was already in when the door slammed shut and—don’t ask me how—I was caged between him and the door.

My back pressed against the firm surface, eyes blinking as I looked up at him. His face was a sight of smug victory, eyes glinting with mischief as he stepped closer.

“No, stay back!” I snapped, my eyes wide as I shook my head in warning.

He just smirked, supporting himself by placing his arms on either side of my head. Leaning in, his breath fanned my forehead as he whispered, “Why?”

I inhaled, suppressing the warmth creeping up my neck as I tried—and failed—to maintain my composure.

“You aren’t allowed to come this close, and you acted to be hurt, so I’m double angry now.” I stated firmly, even though my voice was anything but strict.