Don 3: Heart's Desire

Chapter 19

Roma didn't know where Don had left, she was expecting him to come back any minute. But he didn't. When she realized an hour had passed she got off the couch and began inspecting his shopping bags, carefully.

She wasn't surprised to see various high end brands on the labels, and couldn't help but admire his sense of style. For some reason, Roma had always assumed he had some sort of personal shopper that assisted him, but now it was clear that was most probably not the case. He just had excellent taste. And money. Roma forgot all the nice thoughts when she remembered how he acquired that money.

As she sat up and walked over to the kitchen, contemplating, something stole her attention. It was her cellphone, resting on the counter. She gasped. Had he left it there accidentally? No, Don wouldn't be so negligent. She quickly thought of calling the office, anyone- but then she almost dropped the cellphone back onto the counter. She couldn't. Don had been very clear. Her heart ached even thinking of what he'd do to Anushka and her parents. She couldn't. Right then she realized what a huge conflict of interests rested now on her shoulders. Her job right then demanded she'd work towards finding where Don was, and there she was- hosting him in her apartment, unable to disclose this. She was not only keeping this from her department, she was also an accomplice now.

She realized she couldn't confide in anyone now, not even Anushka. She couldn't keep a secret like that, she would probably try and help her out, unknowingly causing her and her family harm. Then again, she couldn't even think of telling her over the phone, as her phonecalls were taperecorded. She wouldn't, couldn't tell Anushka. She then remembered her appointment with her shrink, Juhi. She decided to call her instead, and cancel it. Surely Juhi won't think too much of it.

'Hello, Roma. I'm surprised you called'

'I know we have an appointment, Juhi... can we please cancel it? I really can't make it'

Juhi paused 'I can't help but wonder what made you change your plans, I know you were very keen on meeting today to talk'

'I know...' uff, this was getting off-track, Roma thought 'It's just that I'm back at the office and I'm a little swamped. I can't take time off as I had planned. And I think it's better that I keep my mind preoccupied for a while'

'That's alright, don't worry. Feel free to call and we'll reschedule our meeting, ok?'

'Sure' Roma smiled 'All the best'

'Take care' Juhi hung up.

Roma sighed. At least she had her phone now. Although she couldn't really call anyone to talk to about what was happening. She contemplated on whether she thought Don trusted her or ... trusted her to know better than to let anyone on to what was happening.

Roma opened her eyes, and the darkness took her aback. What time was it? She remembered lying on the bed, she must have fallen asleep. She suddenly stood up, had Don come back? Tiptoeing to the living room, she almost flinched at the sight of Don fast asleep on her couch. More so, he was half naked, only wearing his unbuttoned jeans, his D&G boxers peeking around his waist.

She bit her lower lip. The moonlight was caressing his toned muscles and his manly features as he kept one hand beneath his head, instead of a pillow, the other resting on top of his chest, raising and lowering with his body as he breathed slowly.

He was slightly frowning even in his sleep, but that only made him look even more sexy. She gazed back to his torso and noticed his muscles were slightly damp, as it was a hot night indeed. "Too hot, actually" she thought.

Suddenly she noticed two piercing eyes staring at her. She stared back at them for a few moments, unsure if she was just imagining it, but sure enough he broke the silence 'It's not polite to stare, sweetheart...'

She blinked at him several times 'Uhm... I wasn't, I'm sorry'

He stood on the edge of the couch now, picking up his shirt from the floor and wiping himself with it 'Is it hot, or what?' he muttered

She bit her lower lip again "Is it ever..."

'You know, you can sleep in the bedroom, I've got air conditioning in there'

He locked her gaze and raised an eyebrow 'Are you inviting me to bed?'

'N-No!' she crossed her arms 'But I've slept the whole afternoon and I'm awake now, so you can take it'

He rested his back onto the couch 'I'm not interested then' he winked at her as he threw his wrinkled shirt aside

'Suit yourself' she shrugged

'Remember, you can always change your mind' he slowly stood up and walked close to her 'I'll be waiting'

He was dangerously close now.

'Don't hold your breath' she snapped

He tilted her chin 'You know nothing could stop me' he frowned 'I could take you right now and make you mine'

She swallowed nervously 'You wouldn't' she whispered

'Oh, trust me, I would' he caressed her arms with his fingertips 'But I won't. I've never taken a woman to bed without her consent. And even though you want me to...' he moved his fingertips to her waist, digging his fingers slightly into her skin

She pushed him 'I don't'

He chuckled and then quickly pulled her into a kiss. She didn't resist it. He kissed her urgently and she responded. He was not being brutal but was not tender as the first time on the ferry either. He was- passionate, exploring her mouth gently but ardently. But before she knew it, he pulled away 'I think you do' he said as he panted 'But I enjoy this foreplay. No woman has resisted me this long. You're intriguing'

She turned to leave but he grabbed her wrist 'Stop fighting it, Roma' his voice deep

She pulled herself away and said 'I need some fresh air'

'Let's go for a walk then'