Page 126 of One Hellish Desire

“Why?” I ask shakily.

His dark gaze meets mine as he grins. “You’ll know. I hope you have one in your bag.”

I do, yes. But why does he want me to wear a short dress? His phone buzzes, and Vikram walks away to take the call. This time, I need a cold shower before him!

***************

When Vikram returns to the bedroom to check on me, he looks confused seeing me in black Palazzo pants and a maroon full-sleeved top.

“I asked you to wear a short dress.” His face is composed, but I can tell he’s displeased I didn’t follow his orders.

“I packed one in my bag,” I reply curtly, pointing to my handbag. “I’m showing up for the first time at your office and that skirt wouldn’t be appropriate. Then I considered a salwar, but it felt too traditional for your office. So, I settled on this—casual and comfortable.”

He shrugs, still not understanding my point. I move closer to him.

“I want your staff to see me as your wife, not just some random woman visiting you.”

His face turns red. He gently pulls my chin up, forcing me to meet his eyes.

“I never bring random women to my office, but I like that you want to flaunt your status as my wife.”

A snort escapes me. “I didn’t mean to hurt you,” I quickly apologize. “Sorry if you felt that way.”

He keeps admiring me like I’m the most desirable woman in the world. He brings his lips closer to mine, and I quickly shut my eyes, giving in to the moment. Our new mantra—'No rules, no permission, and no pretense'—echoes in my head. I’m enjoying this new phase of our relationship. But knowing we only have four days before we part again kills the moment for me. Vikram places a warm kiss on my lips, which doesn’t last more than a few seconds, then pulls away, wiping the wetness from my lips to make me presentable again.

“Your attire doesn’t define our relationship, Maahi. You can wear whatever you like.”

I’m happy to hear that and give him a quick hug before he pulls away.

“I’ll check on Daadi. Come down soon and don’t forget your handbag.”

I nod, still puzzled about why he’s so insistent on that short dress. I have no clue what he has planned for today, but my whole body is on fire just thinking about his reaction to seeing me in his favorite type of attire. I took extra time in the bathroom today to shave my legs, and other personal grooming stuff. God knows I’ve never been this serious about my appearance before. Just the presence of a man in your life changes your desire to look beautiful for him, and I’m no different. That feeling tickles every nerve in my body. I take one last look at myself in the mirror and adjust the small mangalsutra around my neck to make it visible. I don’t care if I’m wearing traditional or western outfits; I’ll never take off my marital chain. Never!

**************

Vikram’s office is exactly how I imagined it—elegant, classy, and one of the tallest buildings in New York City, almost fully occupied. The Grover Group logo shines at every corner of the building, and I’m glad to be dressed presentably, not like a tourist in a short dress. Ajay, Vikram’s assistant who helped me get access to the penthouse the other day, greets us, and I give him a genuine smile.

“Welcome to Grover Group, Ma’am,” he says, then turns to Daadi. “How are you, Daadiji?”

“I’m good, Ajay. Thank you.” Daadi is as excited as I am to be here.

“Ajay will be your guide today and will tour you around the entire office,” Vikram mentions, putting his arm on my lower back.

“You won’t be accompanying us?” I don’t sound happy, and he knows that.

“Got to show someone her rightful place in my life, which is more important at the moment,” he whispers only for me.

I recall he’s meeting Sabrina today, and he’s right. That’s very important.

“I’ll see you for lunch after you’ve toured my office,” Vikram adds. “Ajay, ensure they are always accompanied.”

“On it, Boss.”

“Good.” He turns to Daadi and gives her a hug. “Have a good time.”

“We will,” we reply together and leave with Ajay.

CHAPTER 35

---