𝐌𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠'𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞

"Rani-sa," his deep voice broke through the silence, sending a shiver down my spine.

I froze, my breath hitching. He said it with such authority, yet there was something else in his tone, something that made my heart race faster.

"You are very quiet." His voice was closer now, and soft. "Are you nervous?"

I tried to steady myself, but my voice betrayed me. "No... I'm not," I whispered.

Suddenly, I felt his hand on my waist-strong, and warm. My breath hitched as heat spread from where his fingers rested. my skin was burning and I felt an ache, a strangely good ache.

"Lying doesn't suit you, rani-sa," he murmured near my ear.

I couldn't move. My heart pounded in my chest, and my legs felt like they might give way.

"Look at me," he said softly, but it wasn't a request-it was a command. Slowly, I turned to face him.

His eyes held mine, dark and unreadable, but filled with something intense that made me feel both small and drawn to him. I wanted to look away, but I couldn't.

"You are shaking," he said, his voice deep now, but still soft. "Do you not trust me?"

"I... I do," I stammered, though my voice wavered. I was nervous.

"Good." His hand moved up, brushing a strand of hair from my face. His touch was gentle, but his eyes made it clear. he had anything but gentle intentions in his mind.

"You are mine tonight," he said, his fingers lightly tracing the edge of my jaw. His hand slid down to my neck, and I felt the weight of his words settle over me. "And I won't let my rani-sa hide from me."

My lips parted as I tried to speak, but no words came out. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear. "Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you," he whispered, his voice softer now. "But I won't let you run from me either."

His lips brushed mine before I could even think. The kiss was strong, demanding, and left no room for hesitation. I gasped, the sound muffled as he pulled me closer, his arm tightening around my waist.