Wicked Desires

chapter 29

Reyansh gently pulled away, his eyes scanning her face, which was awash with a sea of emotions. Something in her gaze made him pause—an unspoken vulnerability that caught him off guard. He stepped back slightly, taking her in fully, as if trying to decode the thoughts running through her mind.

Before she could say anything, he reached out again, his hand finding hers effortlessly. Without a word, he led her toward the sleek open-roof car parked nearby. Pulling the door open for her, he motioned for her to get in.

Kriya hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting his. There was a softness in his expression, a rare tenderness that made her heartbeat quicken. She slid into the seat, and before she could gather her thoughts, Reyansh circled around to the driver's side, settling in and starting the car with a smooth purr of the engine.

As they began to drive, the cool morning breeze caressed her face, making her hair dance in the wind. Kriya tucked a stray strand behind her ear, her eyes widening as she took in the breathtaking view unfolding before her. The endless shades of blue from the sky and sea blended seamlessly with the whitewashed buildings dotting the coastline. It felt surreal, like stepping into a postcard or a dream she never wanted to wake from.

The open road ahead seemed to stretch infinitely, winding through picturesque cliffs and framed by the shimmering waters of the Aegean Sea. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm golden glow over everything. Kriya couldn't help but smile—an unguarded, genuine smile—as the beauty around her seeped into her soul.

Reyansh glanced over at her, catching the quiet joy on her face. For a moment, he allowed himself to savour the sight of her like this—free, happy, and utterly captivating. He said nothing, but a small, satisfied smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he kept his eyes on the road.

Kriya leaned back into her seat, her fingers lightly brushing against the edge of the door. The tension she'd been carrying seemed to dissolve with the wind, replaced by a rare sense of peace. Whatever lay ahead, for this fleeting moment, everything felt perfect.

The car came to a gentle stop, and Kriya turned to Reyansh with questioning eyes. "Let's grab some food," he said casually, parking the car outside a lavish café perched on a cliffside, overlooking the endless blue sea.

The view was nothing short of magical—waves shimmering under the sunlight, their rhythm blending harmoniously with the soft melodies of live music floating through the air. The café buzzed with life, with colourful parasols swaying gently in the breeze and dancers moving gracefully to the tunes of a local band.

As they stepped inside, Reyansh guided her to a table perfectly positioned for the best view. The warm sea breeze and the faint aroma of fresh bread and herbs added to the café's charm. Within minutes, plates of delicious food were set before them, the presentation as exquisite as the surroundings.

Kriya's eyes lit up, scanning the vibrant scene around her. The soft sounds of laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the joyous energy of people enjoying the moment made her feel alive in a way she hadn't in ages. She took a few bites of her food, but her attention was quickly stolen by the sights and sounds—the lively dancers twirling in colourful costumes and the heartfelt notes of a violinist playing nearby. Her face was radiant, her eyes sparkling with wonder as if she were a child discovering something magical for the first time.

Reyansh leaned back in his chair; his gaze fixed on her. He couldn't help but smile as he watched her soak in the beauty of everything around them. There was something pure about the way she marvelled at the world, her joy so unfiltered and genuine. For a moment, he forgot about his carefully laid plans, lost in the simple pleasure of seeing her happy.