His heart beat steady and strong against her cheek, a rhythm that seemed to say mine, mine, mine with each pulse. The scent of roses surrounded them, heavy and intoxicating in the warm air.
A perfect ending to her perfect plan.
Chapter 17
Monday morning felt different. Ishani stepped off the elevator at precisely 7:30, same as every day for the past six months. But nothing about this morning was the same. Her body still remembered his touch—the heat of his hands, the pressure of his mouth, the weight of his words. She smoothed her perfectly pressed skirt, adjusted her blazer, and walked to her desk with measured steps. No one looking at her would guess she’d spent Valentine’s night in Raghav Khanna’s arms, or that she’d barely slept since, replaying every moment, every kiss, every promise.
The office was still empty, the executive floor quiet except for the gentle hum of the air conditioning. Ishani’s fingers trembled slightly as she booted up her computer.
After their dance, after those confessions, Raghav had driven her home with his hand resting possessively on her thigh the entire ride. He’d kissed her at her door until her legs threatened to give out, then forced himself to leave, promising to see her Monday.
And now it was Monday.
The elevator doors pinged. Her head snapped up.
Raghav stepped onto the floor, eyes instantly finding hers across the empty space. Something dangerous flashed in his expression—a heat that made her skin prickle despite the distance between them. He walked toward her desk with deliberate steps, his gaze never leaving her face.
“Good morning,” he said, his voice low and controlled, but his eyes said something entirely different.
“Good morning, Boss,” she replied, the title now a private joke between them.
Without breaking eye contact, Raghav reached down and took her hand, pulling her to her feet. “My office. Now.”
He didn’t wait for her response, just guided her with his hand at the small of her back, his touch burning through her clothes. The moment they stepped into his office, he closed the door with one hand, then reached for the blinds. In three quick tugs, the glass walls were completely covered.
“Time to say a proper good morning darling,” he murmured, backing her against the door.
His mouth found hers before she could respond. Hunger. Pure and raw. His hands framed her face, angling her head for better access. Her fingers clutched at his shoulders, trying to steady herself against the storm of sensation.
Raghav pressed closer, eliminating the space between them until Ishani felt the solid wall of his chest against hers. His hands slid down, one curving around her waist, the other finding the sensitive skin at the nape of her neck. He tasted like coffee and mint and need.
“Raghav,” she gasped when he finally let her breathe, his lips trailing along her jaw. “It’s office—”
“Mine,” he growled against her throat, the word vibrating against her pulse. “Office or not.”
The possessiveness in his voice should have annoyed her. Instead, it sent heat pooling low in her stomach. She tugged at his perfectly styled hair, pulling his mouth back to hers.
Minutes passed, or maybe hours—Ishani couldn’t tell. All she knew was the weight of his body against hers, the press of his lips, the fire spreading through her veins.
A discreet knock made them freeze.
“Boss?” Ansh’s voice came through the door. “Sorry to interrupt, but employees will begin rolling in soon.”
Raghav pulled back just enough to answer, his breath warm against Ishani’s cheek. “Thank you, Ansh.”
Footsteps retreated. Raghav rested his forehead against hers, both of them breathing heavily.
“I’ve told Ansh to keep watch,” he said, fingers tracing her jawline. “He’ll run interference if anyone gets suspicious.”
“Ansh knows?” Ishani’s eyes widened.
“Ansh knows I need privacy. That’s all he needs to know.” Raghav pressed a softer kiss to her lips. “These blinds stay closed from now on.”
She raised an eyebrow. “That won’t look suspicious at all.”
“Let them speculate.” His hand settled at her hip, possessive and warm. “I’ve spent months watching you from behind glass walls. I’m done with that.”
Ishani straightened his tie where her fingers had yanked it loose. “We should probably look... professional before people arrive.”
