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Oh God.
Hoping he had changed over the past seven years, and also hoping she could avoid him for the rest of the party, she remained in her spot, forcing herself to listen to the group in front of her. She even forced herself to breathe normally and push away the panic.
Even as she desperately tried to focus on the conversation, her mind wandered.
Why is he here?
Is he here with someone?
Her mind tried to come up with a reason for the chance encounter when the prickling behind her neck turned stronger. She also felt a wild buzzing awareness.
She felt him even before she heard him.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” a familiar deep, masculine voice drawled from right behind her.
One of the scientists recognized him. “You are Air Force Wing Commander Aarav Rathod,the Daredevil! I recently watched the documentary made on you and the other Daredevils, sir!”
Soon, the others realized who he was as well.
“Commander Rathod! Such a pleasure to meet you, sir!”
“It is truly an honor to have you join us here, sir!”
Sitara didn’t speak or turn. She froze.
More people, especially women joined the group. They looked towards her, or rather at the person who stood behind her. She didn’t have to look to know he was right behind her. His presence made her skin prickle into goosebumps and awareness continued to buzz like live electricity. She could even smell the mild fragrance of his expensive cologne. Although it was different from what he had worn seven years ago, it held the same spicy citrus fragrance.
“I watched your interview last year, Commander Rathod,” one of the men said gushingly. “You and your two friends are rightfully called the Daredevils. The three of you starting your own airline company is very inspiring.”
“Thank you,” he drawled.
“It’s a surprise seeing you here, Commander Rathod. I hope you aren’t bored with our conversations about science,” a feminine voice gushed.
“Not at all,” he drawled. “I have a degree in aeronautical engineering, so I am familiar with science.”
“That’s so awesome, Commander Rathod!”
“Thanks,” he drawled. “I also used to have a girlfriend who was a science major. She liked talking about science a lot. Molecular biology and biochemistry in particular.”
There were loud excited murmurs at the information.
“Oh wow!” a woman remarked. “Then you must definitely be familiar to our conversations!”
Sitara felt angry and conflicted that he could still easily charm everyone. And the jerk had even made a comment based on his personal life to make a point.
“Excuse me,” she said, unable to take the buzzing awareness anymore. She tried to pretend like she was moving out of the way for them to continue the conversation with the war hero.
Her heart thudded as she managed to also step away from the group and walk away while the gushing conversation continued.
She knew he probably thought she was running away from him, but she didn’t care. She couldn’t be around his presence without falling apart or attacking him.
She was almost close to the exit of the party hall when she heard him.
“Tara,” his deep voice drawled.
Her heart jerked listening to him call her by the name that only he did. It was her childhood pet name that her parents and brother had used.
She stopped, just to ensure there was no attention drawn to them. She knew him well enough to know he didn’t care about what others thought. He would chase her and pin her, until he had her attention.
