At least it had given her an excuse to get away from the familial banter that made her feel like she was choking. Not to mention the suspicious glances from Vansh’s sisters and mother. His sisters’ disdain Naina could bear, but to have Mina Auntie look at her like that, like she was a stain spreading on the pristine fabric of their family, it made Naina want to throw up.

Desperate for some fresh air, she pushed her way out of the restroom and then out the back exit. The unseasonably warm air hit her face and she filled her lungs.

Just as her insides were settling, the door opened behind her. Naturally his rich scent flooded through her before she heard his footsteps approaching. How had she ever thought he smelled like anyone else?

“There’s the person I’ve been looking for.” How was his voice so beautiful? So soothing that she felt the knots inside her start to ease?

“I’ve been with you the entire night, Vansh.” She didn’t turn around.

His arms wrapped around her waist, those ridged forearms pressing into the delicate knit of her sweater and making her breasts pucker like hungry babies. He pressed his face into her neck and she felt light-headed, as though the full moon above them were casting a spell that lifted them off the ground.

“But then you left. And all I can feel when you leave is this need.” His lips kissed her skin, the gentle swell of his arousal pressed against her back. “This need that won’t go away.”

She should pull away, but the way he touched her was addictive, hit upon hit of a drug she couldn’t get enough of. Her body was seized with a mix of complete and utter comfort in itself and overwhelming wildness.

“Someone will see, Vansh. Your entire family is here.”

“Maybe it’s okay if they see. Maybe I don’t care what my family thinks.” The way he held her was too possessive. Like wanting her was something he no longer cared to hide. Something he couldn’t hide.

Her heart started to slam in her chest, the panicked dance that had taken to breaking out inside her unexpectedly throughout the day.

His body always picked up the nuances of her thoughts from her body, and he was about to pull away, or press closer. She’d never know which, because Nisha’s gasp cut through the night and Naina sprang away from him.

Mina Auntie followed. Great. Just great.

Nisha had both hands pressed to her face as though she’d walked in on a stabbing. For once Naina was in agreement with her. Naina felt slashed open. How had she allowed this to happen? Why had she tangled herself up in an arrangement that was doomed from the beginning? Again.

“Vansh, beta, what is going on?” Mina Auntie asked, her eyes fixed on Naina even as she addressed her son.