A Spell Too Far

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The rain had been falling for hours drumming against her windows like some impatient storm god. Vanya stood by the glass, wearing one of Ranveer's black shirts-too big, slipping off one shoulder, the collar still carrying his cologne.

She wasn't expecting him.

So when the door slammed shut behind her, she jumped.

Ranveer stood in the entryway, drenched from head to toe, his hair slicked back, jaw clenched. There was something dangerous in his silence.

"Ranveer-what-"

He was on her in seconds.

His wet hands cupped her face, his voice raw and rough. "You didn't answer your phone. For three hours."

"I fell asleep. I-"

Vanya's breath hitched, heart galloping in her chest. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to-"

"You drive me insane," he whispered, dragging his fingers down her sides. "Look at you. Dressed in my shirt. Waiting for me."

"I wasn't waiting-"

He cut her off with a sinful smirk, backing her up against the wall.

"You were, baby. Your body's always waiting for me. It knows I'll come back to ruin you again and again."

She hiccupped-soft, innocent, nervous. That made his pupils dilate.

"God, Vanya," he growled. "Everything you are... every soft sound, every innocent look-it's filthy now. Because of me."

Her knees weakened.

"You don't even know the things I want to do to you. The things I dream of when I close my eyes." He leaned in, his lips skimming her throat. "You think this is love?"

She blinked up at him, wide-eyed.

"This is worship, sweetheart," he murmured against her skin. "Sinful, dirty, damnation-worthy worship."

His hands gripped her waist, fingers playing with the chain he had fastened there days ago.

"Even this little thing around your waist?" He palmed her belly just above the chain. "It moans when I touch it. Just like you."

"Ranveer..."

"I'll make you forget every name but mine. Every god but me."

And then-he kissed her.

Like she was his prayer and punishment.

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