She looped the strap of her bag over her shoulder and, with one last wave, walked out. Seconds later they were alone, and the house was blissfully silent. Ajay dropped into the chair that Mina had just vacated. He tilted his head back and let out a deep breath.

“I’m assuming that not everyone is in agreement with the plan,” Raj said. “Mina mentioned that it was hard to get Zail under control. She suggested I ask you about that, but I think I can figure it out on my own. Your brother doesn’t want you to buy me out.”

“Unfortunately,” Ajay replied. His eyes remained closed, and the thick cords of his neck were fully exposed, above the open neck of his long-sleeved shirt.

Seeing him like this, relaxed in his home, Raj felt a little tingle in her belly. She was wound up because she couldn’t quite seem to understand what was happening between them. He was a little stressed because his brothers weren’t being as supportive as he’d probably envisioned. They could probably both use some physical exercise to ease the tension. Technically they weren’t in Ajay’s parents’ home, just on the same property. That had to be acceptable, right? It wasn’t as if she was going to seduce him under the same roof.

Raj took a moment to think about what underwear she had on. Yup, definitely seduction material. With a slow, knowing smile, she stood to retrieve a bottle of water for him.

“Now your father’s comment at the house makes more sense,” Raj said conversationally, as she brought the bottle to his side of the table. “There is no way you’ll be able to make everyone happy all the time.”

“Don’t I know it.” He peered up at her as she moved in to lean against the table at his side. She held out the bottle and waited for their fingers to brush before she let go.

Ajay gave her a confused look and drank deep.

Oh, buddy, you have no idea what’s about to happen.

Her skin prickled with awareness as she took the bottle and set it aside. “Do you want to know what I do?”

“For what?”

“To combat the loneliness at the top,” she said. She slid closer. “I work.”

“Mmm-hmm.” He brought her to his side so that her hip was pressed against the arm of his chair. Like a choreographed dance, she leaned down at the same time as his hand came up to cup the back of her neck.

He was being very accommodating, she thought, as his fingers kneaded into her soft skin.

“Is that all you do, Rajneet? Work off the stress and expectations?”

Her mouth curved at the sound of his soft words. “No, actually. Let’s just say I have someone help me release the tension when I need it the most.”