Chapter 29 Drowning in You
The mansion was quiet as the night deepened. The world outside had slipped into a peaceful slumber, but inside their bedroom—the tension was anything but peaceful.
Ira stood near the dressing table, her fingers gripping the edge as she tried to ignore the intense gaze burning into her skin.
She didn’t need to turn around to know he was watching her.
Aarav Malhotra—the man who had effortlessly slipped into her life, tangled around her existence like a slow-burning addiction.
“Baby.”
Her breath hitched at the dark, husky tone behind her. The way his voice wrapped around that word, like a caress against her skin, made her stomach tighten.
She swallowed hard, keeping her eyes on her reflection in the mirror.
“Come here.”
She should have resisted. Should have shaken her head and created distance.
But her body betrayed her.
Slowly, she turned—only to find him lounging on the bed, one hand resting behind his head, the other tapping lazily against his chest. His sharp jawline was shadowed by the dim light, his midnight eyes locked onto her like a predator watching its prey.
"I—I was about to sleep," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
“You can sleep, baby. But in my arms.”
Before she could even process his words, he extended his hand toward her—a silent command wrapped in the guise of a request.
Her heart pounded against her ribs.
Just go to sleep, Ira. You’re overthinking this.
But she had barely taken a step when he moved.
Fast. Too fast.
In the blink of an eye, he was in front of her, his fingers curling around her wrist, pulling her into his heat.
"Aarav—"
"Hmm?" He hummed, his lips ghosting over her temple, his scent—woody, masculine, intoxicating—invading her senses.
Her skin tingled. This is dangerous. He is dangerous.
But wasn’t that what made her crave him even more?
"You—you’re standing too close," she stammered, trying to step back.
His hold tightened.
“I’m exactly where I should be, sweetheart.”
Her breath hitched.
Aarav reached for her other hand, bringing both to his chest, pressing them over his heart. It was beating fast—just like hers.
"You feel that?" His voice was dangerously soft. "It only does this when you’re around."
A deep warmth spread through her chest. How does he say things like this so easily?
"Aarav, I—"
He cut her off by lifting her hand to his lips, kissing each of her fingertips, one by one.
"You’re trembling, baby." His smirk deepened as he traced his lips down to her wrist, pressing a lingering kiss there.
Ira felt her knees go weak.
"It’s just—" She cleared her throat, looking anywhere but at him. "The AC is too cold."
He chuckled, low and deep.
“Then let me warm you up.”
And before she could react, he pulled her flush against his chest.
A gasp escaped her lips as her hands landed on his broad shoulders.
"Aarav—"
"Shh." His fingers tilted her chin up.
And then—he rubbed his cheek against hers.
Slow. Torturous.
His stubble scratched against her soft skin, igniting something deep in her stomach.
"You smell like vanilla," he murmured, his lips brushing dangerously close to her jaw.
Ira’s lashes fluttered shut.
"You’re drunk," she whispered.
He chuckled, his lips grazing the corner of her mouth.
"On you? Always."
Her breathing became erratic.
And then—just as his lips were about to meet hers—
She froze.
The contract.
The reminder hit her like cold water.
With whatever strength she had left, she placed her hands on his chest and pushed him back.
"We should sleep."
For a second, he just stared at her. His dark gaze flickered with something unreadable.
Then—he smirked.
"Sleep?" He cocked his head. "Fine. But don’t blame me when I pull you in the middle of the night and remind you exactly who you belong to."
Her stomach flipped violently.
Without another word, he walked to the bed, throwing himself onto it like he didn’t just steal her sanity.
Ira exhaled sharply, trying to compose herself. This man will be the death of me.
But it wasn’t over.
Because the moment she slid under the covers, she barely had time to breathe before strong arms wrapped around her from behind.
"Aarav—"
"Hmm?" he murmured sleepily, pulling her closer, his face buried in the crook of her neck.
"You—you can’t just—"
"Sleep, baby," he mumbled. "You’re mine."
His arms tightened around her.
She lay stiff, her heart hammering against her ribs. His warmth was all-consuming, his scent wrapping around her like a cocoon.
She should have pulled away.
But she didn’t.
Minutes passed.
Then—his lips moved against her skin.
Soft.
Barely there.
Right at the nape of her neck.
She shivered.
Aarav chuckled, his breath fanning against her ear.
"Are you cold, sweetheart?"
Liar. He knew exactly what he was doing.
She didn’t answer.
He shifted, pressing closer. His legs tangled with hers, his grip tightening like he was never going to let go.
And then—he intertwined their fingers.
Ira swallowed hard, staring into the darkness.
How was she supposed to survive six months of this?
How was she supposed to pretend when every part of her body was already his?
Her lips parted to protest—
But his next words left her breathless.
"Goodnight, baby."
A kiss.
Right behind her ear.
Soft. Gentle.
Deadly.
Ira shut her eyes, her fingers tightening around his.
She never stood a chance.
Morning arrived too soon.
Ira stirred, blinking against the soft sunlight peeking through the curtains.
Warmth.
That was the first thing she registered.
The second—Aarav’s arm draped possessively over her waist.
Her breath hitched.
His grip was firm, as if even in sleep, he refused to let her go.
Ira turned slightly, only to find his face inches from hers.
His dark lashes rested against his sharp cheekbones, his lips slightly parted, his breaths deep and steady.
He looked… peaceful.
So different from the ruthless businessman the world knew.
Her fingers twitched.
For a second, just one second, she allowed herself to trace the faint stubble on his jaw with the tip of her finger.
Big mistake.
Because the next moment—his hand shot up, grabbing her wrist.
Her eyes widened as he cracked one eye open, a lazy smirk tugging at his lips.
"Caught you, baby."
Ira’s face flamed.
"I—I wasn’t—"
"Hmm?" Aarav hummed, pulling her closer.
And before she could react—he nuzzled into her neck.
Ira stiffened, every nerve ending in her body going haywire.
"Aarav!" she yelped, trying to push him away.
He groaned. "Stop moving, baby. You feel too good."
Her cheeks burned. "You—you’re ridiculous!"
But he only chuckled, pulling her onto his chest, caging her completely.
Her heart pounded.
"Aarav, let me go!"
"Not a chance." His voice was husky, deep, dripping with sleep.
And then—his lips brushed against her forehead.
Soft. Lingering.
Ira’s breath caught.
"Stay," he murmured.
And God help her—she wanted to.
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