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“Sure. Enjoy,” Dev Malik left the spot.
Maya shrugged his hand from her waist after they were away from prying eyes of the media.
“What was this? A test?” she blurted out in anger.
Ranveer rolled his eyes.
“You never accept things quietly, do you?” he snapped.
“Not when the matter is so upsetting. Do you realize I was feeling guilty for not being able to tell you about Kunal’s plan?”
He came closer.
“Guilt is good sometimes. It lets you give control to others.”
Maya's chest tightened. What was that supposed to mean? She kept staring furiously into his eyes, and he decided to clear her doubts.
“Yes, it was a test. I wanted to see if you really tell me Kunal’s plan. If you hadn’t made that effort, it would mean you are double-crossing me. That you are favoring the Maliks over me.”
Maya clenched her jaw.
“How could you think like that? I am not someone who can double-cross. I don’t trick people, Mr. Malhotra. I cannot do that even in my dreams.”
“I know,” he came closer again and this time stroked her cheek. “I believe it now.”
Maya shrugged her hand away from Ranveer's touch, still stung by his accusations. Without a backward glance, she slid into the backseat of the car.
Ranveer's gaze followed her, his eyes burning into her back. After a moment, he climbed in beside her. Maya kept her body angled away, staring resolutely out the window. She refused to even acknowledge his presence as the drive began.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Ranveer pick up his phone, conducting business calls in a low voice. Maya blocked out the sound, feigning indifference. Inside though, she was shaken by the heated exchange with him.
As the ride progressed, weariness began to overtake her. Finally, exhaustion won out and she slumped against the seat. Her head slid to the side, coming to rest on Ranveer's firm shoulder.
Ranveer's breath caught as her head came to rest on his shoulder, her silky hair brushing against his jaw. He tensed, acutely aware of her slender arm draped casually across his thigh. Her closeness was affecting him in ways he couldn't comprehend. With great care, Ranveer put his phone away and shifted to accommodate her, while ensuring no inappropriate contact. Maya murmured in her sleep, nuzzling against him. Ranveer suppressed a groan, his body tightening traitorously. He forced himself to take deep, calming breaths. She was off-limits, he reminded himself sternly. This alliance between them was strictly business. Yet as she nestled against him, he couldn't resist the urge to gently smooth her hair back from her face. His fingertips lingered, tracing the delicate curve of her cheekbone. Maya sighed softly, leaning into his touch even in slumber.
What was this power she held over him? Ranveer withdrew his hand reluctantly. He had never craved a woman so intensely before. Everything about Maya enthralled him - her strength, her spirit, her sensuality. As she slept in his arms, Ranveer accepted the truth - he was utterly captivated by Maya. The depth of his need for her scared him. But he knew one thing for certain. Before this alliance ended, he would make Maya his, no matter the cost. But he knew Maya wasn't going to fall easily into his arms or bed like his previous conquests. Maya had fire and spirit - she would challenge him every step in this false alliance. He found himself grudgingly respecting her for that, even as it frustrated him. Ranveer wasn't used to being denied what he wanted. And he wanted Maya, badly. But she was stubbornly resistant to his charms and advances. This alliance forced his hand, requiring new levels of patience and perseverance. But Ranveer never backed down from a challenge, especially with the allure of such an exquisite prize awaiting him if he succeeded - Maya's complete surrender. He would find a way to tear down her defenses, no matter how long it took. She would be his.
************
The car halted, waking Maya from her sleep. She opened her eyes, but her head was still on his shoulder. The moment she realized it, she raised her head and looked away. When did she fall asleep?
“You're welcome,” he mocked, as if she had just unknowingly thanked him for taking care of her sleeping position. She gave him a scornful look but Ranveer didn’t care. He got out of the car and then waited for her to join him. She stepped out and scanned the unknown surroundings.
“Where are we?”
“Sand Dunes,” he replied. “It’s a resort with an artificial beach. We are around 90 kilometers away from the city.”
Maya’s jaw dropped. They came so far? When did he plan this? And is that why he had asked her to inform home that she would reach by midnight?
“Come on, we have a party inside.”
“A party?” Maya said incredulously as he shut the car door.
Ranveer turned to Maya and backed her against the car, caging her there with his arms. “I won the race, if you recall,” he said smoothly.
Maya suppressed an eye roll. Of course, Ranveer would arrogantly plan a celebration before even knowing the outcome.
“And if you had lost?” she challenged.
