Page 135 of The Love Position

He raised his hands and smiled. ‘I didn’t mean to startle you.’

Flustered, Sophia bent to pick up the mop. ‘I didn’t hear you come in.’

‘You were multitasking. Meditating whilst performing your karma yoga.’

He strolled towards her. ‘Leave that and sit with me.’

Carefully lowering himself to a step on the side of the temple, he patted the space next to him.

Putting the mop to one side, Sophia sat. What on earth did he want?

‘This morning’s incident must have given you a bit of a scare,’ he began. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Um… A bit better now. I just hope Grace is okay.’

‘I’m sure she will be. I’ve seen far worse accidents in my time. Did you know before I became a Swami, I used to coach gymnastics back in England?’

Sophia shook her head.

‘I was County Champion in my teens, but not quite good enough for the Nationals. And anyway, I found my calling in teaching rather than competing. I’ve seen far more serious incidents than what happened earlier.’

Swami Vishnu’s expression was affable. He seemed so different to the man who’d taken the kriya class the day before.

‘What made you decide to become a yogi?’ she blurted, trying to imagine his life in gymnastics before leaving for India.

Something flickered in his eyes, and he adjusted the hem of his robe.

‘Several things. Politics, burnout… The British weather…’

He winked, and Sophia forced a smile.

‘But I found my calling and have never looked back.’ He stared intently at her, his glacial blue eyes shrewd and assessing. ‘I’ve spent my life learning people. Seeing their demons and setting them on a better path. I see you, Sophia. I know you.’

Her stomach lurched. Had Isaac told him what had happened between them?

His expression was sympathetic. ‘You are a sweet soul, but also a young one. Fresh and innocent. Easily led.’

‘W-what do you mean?’

Letting out a sigh, he took her hand.

Sophia was too shocked to pull it away, then embarrassed about the thought of doing so. She didn’t like Swami Vishnu, but he was still a spiritual man and the revered leader of the entire Devanandara organisation.

‘My child, I know what happened to you back in the UK. Hanuman shared your story with me.’

What? How much had Isaac told his guru?

Swami Vishnu sandwiched her hand between the two of his and squeezed. ‘You were taken advantage of, and I do not want it to happen again.’

This was like James. Yet another man warning her off Isaac.

‘I am deeply sorry, Sophia, to have to tell you this, but you are not the first woman Hanuman has deceived for his own ends.’

Her throat was dry. ‘I don’t understand.’

His smile was benevolent. ‘The easiest way to get a woman into bed is to make her believe she is the only one with the power to break his vow.’

No. No, no, no, no, no.

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