"In your office?"
"I have a blanket. And you fit perfectly here." His arms tightened. "Stay."
"Samarth—"
"Please, Nimisha."
The please undid her completely.
She settled against his chest, feeling his heartbeat under her ear, steady and sure.
"Okay," she whispered.
He pressed his lips to the top of her head. Just that.
And somehow, it was everything.
CHAPTER 16
One Week Later - Ranawat Estate, East Corridor, 3:14 PM
The estate was quiet in the afternoon. Most of the family rested or worked in their separate wings. The staff kept to the kitchen and service areas.
Nimisha had been returning from the library, her arms full of research books, when she heard footsteps behind her.
She turned.
Kabir.
Her stomach dropped.
He was dressed casually—dark jeans, a crisp white shirt. Out of place in the Ranawat estate at this hour.
"Kabir." She kept her voice even. "I didn't know you were visiting today."
"Tanisha invited me for lunch." He moved closer, closing the distance between them. "But she's taking a nap. I thought I'd explore the house."
"I see." She adjusted her books and turned to continue walking. "I should get back to my work—"
"Why do you ignore my gifts?"
She froze.
Turned back slowly. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't play coy." His voice had dropped the charming veneer, something harder underneath. "The bracelet. The flowers. The other things I sent. You never acknowledged any of them."
Her throat went dry. "Those were from you."
"Obviously." He moved closer, his smile too sharp. "I was beginning to think you didn't appreciate the effort."
"I didn't receive them," she said carefully. "They must have been intercepted."
"Intercepted." He laughed softly. "Yes. By your husband's men, no doubt. He's very territorial about you." His eyes swept over her. "I can understand why."
"Kabir—"
"You're wasted on him." The words were quiet, almost gentle. "He doesn't appreciate what he has. You deserve someone who sees you, Nimisha. Someone who doesn't treat you like an obligation."
