Chapter Forty One.
"H..hi, Sir." the boy stammered.
Devraj's head turned slowly, his gaze landed on the server boy, looking down at him with so much intensity.
The boy shivered, the tray in his hands rattling slightly. Devraj didn't speak..he just loomed over the teenager, waiting for a justification for the interruption.
"Um... Sir? A drink?" the boy squeaked.
Devraj's eyes narrowed. "Did I not already tell you that I don't want anything?" he rasped, his fist clenching at his side.
The boy trembled, nearly losing his grip on the silver tray.
"I... I'm so sorry, Sir... but... Um..." He swallowed hard, reaching down with a shaky hand to pick up the specific glass Alia had planted.
"Actually, Sir... someone told me to hand this to you personally."
"I don't want it. Get it out of my sight before I lose my patience.." Devraj growled, turning his back to return to his vigil.
"Miss Ira..."
Devraj halted mid-stride, his entire body locking into place. He turned back, his amber eyes burning with a sudden, desperate light.
"What did you say?"
"M... Miss Ira.." the boy whispered, shaking under the pressure of Devraj's stare. "She told me to bring this to you."
Devraj's gaze immediately snapped across the space, searching for her.
At that exact moment, he saw Ira leaning toward a young lady, helping her select a champagne from a passing tray. For a second, her eyes flickered toward him, catching his stare before she quickly looked away.
To Devraj's warped, obsessed mind, it was all the proof he needed.
So, she does care.
She had noticed he was standing alone, refusing the hospitality. She had seen his thirst and, in her infinite kindness, she had sent him a peace offering.
Oh, Ira. My Little Orchid.
Devraj looked back down at the server, the violent aura around him vanishing instantly, replaced by a strange, quiet reverence.
He reached out and took the glass with a steady hand.
The young boy stood frozen, stunned by how quickly the he had been tamed by a single name.
He wondered who this Ira could possibly be to have such power, but as he felt the weight of the promised payment in his future, he decided he didn't care.
His job was done. He walked away.
Devraj allowed a rare, ghost of a smile to touch his lips. He tipped the glass back, drinking the liquid in a few long, steady gulps while his gaze remained fixed to Ira.
He dropped the empty glass onto a passing tray without breaking eye contact and began to move towards her.
"I must say, you are incredibly lucky, Ira.." one of the elegant socialites in the circle remarked, sipping her champagne.
"Kunal is such a dashing, sweet man. And so respectful...a rare find these days."
Ira offered a soft, genuine smile, her eyes drifting toward the buffet where Kunal was deep in conversation with a group of investors.
"Please..." another woman laughed.."I believe Kunal is the lucky one here. Look at you tonight!"
"Ira, darling, you must tell me..where did you find that dress?" a woman named Reet leaned in, her eyes wide with envy.
"I've been obsessed ever since you walked in."
"Oh my God.." Reet suddenly whispered, "Is Devraj Singh Rathore actually coming over here?"
The air in the circle froze. Ira's smile didn't just fade, it vanished, leaving her face pale and mask-like.
"You're right, Reet. He is." another woman whispered, frantically checking her reflection in her compact.
"Do you think... do you think he's coming to talk to me?"
One of the woman scoffed, but Ira didn't hear the bickering. She turned her head just enough to see Devraj cutting through the crowd.
His pacing was fast, his expression is terrifyingly focused.
"Um... excuse me, everyone.." Ira stammered, her voice trembling. "I... I really need to find Kunal. Right now."
She didn't wait for an answer. She hurried away, her heels clicking desperately against the stone tiles as she tried to disappear into the crowd.
Devraj saw her bolt. A flash of irritation crossed his face, and he increased his pace, his long strides easily eating up the distance she had made.
He was moving fast, ignoring the gasps of the people he shouldered past.
As he surged past the group of women, Reet frowned, watching the back of his suit.
"Wait... is he following Ira?" she asked, confused.
~??~
"Ugh, I hate these heels.." Ira hissed under her breath, her ankles beginning to ache from the pace.
She could see Kunal just a up ahead, still deep in conversation, a beacon of safety in the crowded space.
But in her haste, her heel caught on an uneven stone. She gasped, but before she could hit the ground, a pair of strong arms caught her.
"Careful there, Beautiful." an unfamiliar voice murmured.
Ira righted herself instantly, putting a safe distance between her and the stranger.
She offered a tight, dismissive smile.
"T..thank you." she said, already trying to walk past him.
But the man didn't move. He was handsome, dressed in an expensive suit, and clearly used to getting what he wanted.
"My name is-"
"Fuck off."
The words didn't come from the stranger. They came from the shadow looming directly behind Ira.
Devraj stood there, glaring at the man.
The stranger's eyes widened, his face paling as he recognized the predator in front of him. He didn't say another word, he simply turned and vanished into the crowd.
Ira didn't turn around. She didn't need to. She could feel the heat radiating off Devraj's body, the heavy, suffocating weight of his presence.
Her breath came in shallow, shaky hitches. She tried to bolt toward Kunal, but Devraj's hand shot out, his fingers locking around her wrist.
She spun on him, her eyes flashing with a mix of terror and pure rage.
"Let go of my hand, Sir!"
Devraj didn't flinch. A dark smirk played on his lips..a look that was entirely unhinged.
"You're getting really feisty, Ira. I think I like this version of you even more."
Ira struggled, pulling against his grip with everything she had, but it was like trying to move a mountain.
Instead of letting go, Devraj jerked her toward him and began to walk, dragging her away from the lights and the music.
"Hey! You crazy man! Let go of me!" Ira hissed, as she tried to claw at his hand.
Devraj didn't respond. He felt a sudden wave of dizziness wash over him..a strange, spinning sensation that made the world tilt..but he shook his head violently, forcing himself to stay upright.
He led her toward a secluded wing of the place, a darkened corner where the fairy lights didn't reach and the music was nothing but a distant, muffled heartbeat.
Ira looked around, her heart sinking. They were almost alone.
The few people in this area were huddled in their own private conversations, their backs turned. The shadows here were deep.
"What is your problem?!" Ira yelled, finally wrenching her arm back.
"You can't just drag me away like I'm a piece of luggage!"
Devraj stopped dead. He didn't snap back... Instead, he slowly sank to one knee on the cold stone floor. Ira stumbled back, her heart leaping into her throat.
"What... what are you doing?"
Devraj didn't answer. His gaze was fixed to her feet. He reached out, his fingers hovering inches away from her skin as he looked at the raw, angry redness where the straps of the heels had bitten into her ankles.
His jaw clenched so hard the bone seemed to bulge.
He didn't look up. He simply fished his phone from his pocket and hit a speed dial.
"Bring a pair of women's flats to the east terrace. You have five minutes.." he commanded. He hung up before the person on the other end could even breathe.
Ira stood there, stunned into a temporary silence.
As Devraj reached out again, his large hand moving to steady her foot, she jerked away.
"Are you mad?! Don't you dare touch me!"
"Your ankle are going to swell.." he said, his voice strangely calm yet laced with a dark intensity.
He finally looked up, his amber eyes glassy and unfocused for a split second before looking back to her ankle.
"Take them off before they do permanent damage. Stop wearing things that torture you."
Ira blinked. For a heartbeat, she saw a flicker of a different version of Devraj.
but she quickly shook it off.
"Well... I can just tell Kunal to help me with-"
"Is he blind?!" Devraj erupted. He stayed still on his knee,"Is he so incompetent that he can't see you struggling in the first place? Can't see that you're in pain?"
"Hey! Don't you dare insult him!" Ira yelled back, "It's my fault, not his! I chose these shoes!"
Devraj surged to his feet, his movements sudden and powerful, but as he reached his full height, the world seemed to tilt violently.
Another wave of dizziness crashed over him again..a sickening, spinning heat that made his vision blur into a kaleidoscope of colors.
He staggered, his hand flying to his temple as he shook his head, trying to fight off the fog.
"So it's your fault you're dressed like this, too?" he rasped, his eyes traveling over her with a feverish intensity that made her skin crawl.
"Making every single man in that room stare at what belongs to me?"
"It is none of your business what I wear! And i don't belong to you!" Ira snapped.
She turned to bolt back toward the lights, but Devraj was faster. He reached out again, his hand wrapped around her waist and jerking her flush against his chest.
Ira let out a choked gasp, her hands rest against his suit jacket to keep some semblance of distance. But there was no distance to be had.
He held her so close she could feel the heavy thud of his heart...or perhaps it was her own.
"It is my business, Ira.." he whispered, leaning down until his lips were inches from her ear.
His voice terrifying vibration that seemed to bypass her ears and strike right at her nerves.
"Every breath you take, every look you give, every single thing related to you... it is all my business. And you belong to me!"
"L..let go of me.." she stammered, her eyes darting around the shadows for a way out. "Let go, or..."
"Or what?" He smirked, his eyes dancing with a manic energy.
"I will scream rapist at the top of my lungs!" she hissed, glaring at him.
Devraj froze, stunned by the audacity of her threat.
Then, to her horror, a low rumble started in his chest. He began to laugh..a deep, vibrating sound that made his whole body shake against hers.
"Fuck." he whispered, his forehead dropping to rest against hers for a second.
"You really will be the death of me, Ira."
"This is inappropriate, Sir! Let go of me!" she cried, her struggle becoming more desperate as she tried to wedge her arms between them.
"Devraj.." he corrected. "Call me Devraj."
"No! Let go of me, Sir!" she yelled.
"Then I'll just keep holding you like this.." he countered, his smirk returning as he tightened his hold, trapping her arms against her sides.
"And trust me, My Little Orchid, I wouldn't mind staying like this forever."
"You are absolutely mad!" she gritted out through clenched teeth.
"Oh, trust me.." he teased. "You have no idea how deep this madness actually goes."
"Let. Me. Go!"
"Call my name.." he whispered, his gaze dropping to her red lips before snapping back to her eyes.
"Call my name, and I'll let you walk away."
Every nerve in her body screamed at her to bolt, to find sanctuary back in Kunal's arms. She just want to break free from his clutch.
"D..Devraj." she whispered, a soft, trembling vibration, but to him, it sounded like a symphony.
A blissful smile spreading across his face as he savored the way she finally acknowledged him. For a moment, the madness settled.
But then, the world tilted again, another wave of dizziness crashed over him, this time it was more violent, a nauseating surge of heat that made his grip loosen.
Ira didn't hesitate. Sensing her moment, she jerked back, her heart screaming at her to run, to find Kunal, to get back to the light.
But before she could take a single step, Devraj's hand shot out again, his fingers locking around her wrist once more.
"Stop running away from me!" he roared
His voice was raw, cracking under the pressure of the heat building in his blood.
"Do I have to chain you to me to make you stay?!"
He groaned low in his throat, his body swaying as the chemical trap Alia set began to take full control of his senses.
Ira froze, her breath catching in her throat. She looked at him, her fear suddenly mingling with a intuitive concern.
He wasn't just acting possessive anymore..he was acting... sick.
"A..are you okay?" she asked, her voice small.
Devraj didn't answer. He was still holding her with one hand, while the other moved to his throat, frantically loosening his tie.
His breathing had become shallow and heavy, his chest heaving under his suit jacket.
Despite the cool night air, beads of sweat were beginning to roll down his temples.
He looked back at her, a strange, glassy-eyed smile fixed on his face.
"I just need to have you by my side forever, Ira... and then I'll be fine. I'll be perfect."
Ira gulped, her eyes darting around the dark terrace.
He was spiraling, lost in a delirium she didn't understand.
She tried to pull her hand back, but as she moved, the moonlight caught the glint of metal on her finger.
Devraj's gaze followed the light. His eyes locked onto the ring Kunal had placed there.
His pupils dilated until his amber eyes were almost entirely black.
The dizziness was still there, but it was being drowned out by a pure fury.
"Y..you... why?" he rasped, his voice breaking as he stared at the ring on her finger.
"Why his... why the ring?" His breathing was a ragged, terrifying sound.
Ira, caught between her fear and her instinct to help, reached out and pressed the back of her hand to his forehead.
She let out a horrified gasp.
"What the! Devraj, you're burning up! You're literally on fire!"
She tried to pull away, her eyes wide with panic. "Let me go get help! Where is Advik?-"
"Don't leave me again!" he choked out, his grip on her wrist tightening with desperation.
"Please, Ira... just stay here. Just stay."
"I need to get someone to help you! I might not like you, but you look like you're about to collapse!"
"Is that why you took it?" he whispered, his body beginning to tremble with an uncontrollable chill.
"Because you don't like me? Because you... you want him?"
"Let go of me! I need to-"
"No! You'll just leave again! You'll follow him back into the light and leave me in the dark!" Devraj's voice was fading, his strength beginning to fail him as the drug took its toll.
"Fuck.." he hissed under his breath, his vision blurring into a dark, pulsing haze.
Worse than the dizziness was the sudden ache, a tightness in his trousers...a traitorous, heavy throb that made his head swim even more. It was insane.
An gonizing hunger to pull her against him that was becoming impossible to ignore.
His breathing hitched, his gaze dropping to the curve of her neck.
"Ira!"
Kunal's voice boomed through the area, sounding restless and desperate. Ira spun toward the sound, her heart leaping.
Her face lit up, she saw him searching for her, and a smile of pure relief broke across her face.
She opened her mouth to scream his name.
But, Devraj evraj moved with a sudden, final burst of strength.
He jerked her back against his chest, his palm slamming over her mouth to stifle her cry.
"Mmmph...Kunal!" Her voice was nothing more than a smothered vibration against Devraj's palm. She watched, devastated, as Kunal turned his back and hurried toward the gardens, his shoulders hunched with stress.
Devraj dragged her deeper into the shadows, his strength jagged and desperate.
As he moved, Ira could feel the unnatural heat radiating off him. He was trembling violently now, a low groan of agony vibrating in his chest.
It wasn't just anger anymore.. he sounded like a man being burned alive from the inside out.
Ira thrashed in his grip, her heels scuffing against the stone as she fought for air, for freedom.
"Stop moving, Ira.." Devraj hissed through gritted teeth, his voice a ragged edge of pain. "You're making it... so much harder... to stay in control."
Suddenly, his knees buckled. The strength that had seemed infinite only moments ago vanished.
He released her abruptly, staggering back until he collapsed onto the cold floor.
His breathing was coming in shallow hitches. With shaking fingers, he tore off his suit jacket and flung it aside, frantically unbuttoning the top of his shirt as if the fabric were choking him.
He looked up at her, and the sight made Ira's blood run cold.
He was drenched in sweat, his amber eyes dazed and clouded with a terrifying, drug-induced euphoria.
He offered her a small, broken smile..a look of pure, delirious obsession that made her take a step back.
"Go now Ira.." he suddenly rasped, his voice cracking. He slumped against the stone wall, his head thumping back as he fought for breath.
"Go... Now! Leave this event!. Before I lose what's left of my mind!"
Ira didn't need to be told twice.
She turned and walked fast toward the light, her breath hitching in her throat. But after a few yards, her feet slowed. She stopped, her chest heaving, and looked back over her shoulder.
Devraj was a crumpled shadow on the floor, his body wracked with tremors.
He looked small, broken, and in undeniable agony. The caregiver in her..the part of her that had spent a month tending to him..tugged at her heart, he looked restless and weak.
What do I do? she thought, her gaze darting between the safety of the gala and the man suffering in the dark.
He's a crazy man... but he's in pain. And if I leave him like this, what will happen to him?
"Miss Ira."
???