Page 184 of One Hellish Love

That means no red, no backless, and no short length?

Rudra muttered to himself, suppressing the temptation building up inside him. He quickly typed back, his pulse picking up speed.

Wear something red. It’s been too long since I’ve seen you in that color.

The other end, Kashish’s heartbeat quickened. Was he really that eager to see her in red? The intensity in his reply sparked something inside her. She typed back playfully.

And who will guarantee your decency if I do?

Rudra’s grip on the phone tightened as he read her teasing words. He knew she was pushing him, testing the limits. But he had been holding back for too long. He wanted more, and tonight, he planned to ask for it. He needed to know where she stood.

I’m tired of being decent, Kashish. Can we forget that for tonight?

Kashish, in the middle of drinking water, almost choked as she read his message. The bottle slipped from her hand, and she quickly grabbed a tissue to wipe the spill from her dress. Was he serious? She typed back nervously.

You’re scaring me, Rudra.

He could almost feel her hesitation through the screen. Stroking his thumb over her message, Rudra softened his tone in his reply.

I like you scared when it comes to this.

Kashish’s nerves spiked as she tried to concentrate on her work, but her mind was far from the task at hand. She had never imagined they’d be having such an intense conversation over text.

What do you intend to do?she typed cautiously.

He paused. He didn’t want to push her too far. She was scared, and that wasn’t his goal. He needed to ease her into this, not overwhelm her.

Nothing, if it bothers you. We can stick to Plan A—dinner, and I’ll drop you home. Simple as that.

Her chest tightened as she read his message. Though he had assured her, the underlying tension between them made it hard to think straight. She typed back, almost trembling.

Is there a Plan B?

His response came immediately.

Yes, but only if you’re ready for it. It’s entirely up to you.

Kashish stared at the screen, biting her lip. She knew what her heart wanted, but her mind warred with the societal norms they were bound by. Could she take that leap tonight? Could she let herself give in?

You’re making me nervous again. My palms are sweating,she confessed.

His next reply sent a wave of emotion through her.

Then we’ll stick to Plan A until we’re married officially. I don’t want you to feel pressured, ever.

She released a breath she didn’t know she was holding, but something inside her wasn’t satisfied. She didn’t want to push him away. Maybe she had been the one who started this playful conversation, but now it seemed she was the one who couldn’t stop thinking about it. Would he think she didn’t trust him? That she wasn’t ready for more? Her thoughts raced until her phone buzzed again, making her heart skip.

It was a message from Anjali, asking her about her outfit for the dinner. Kashish’s mind spun back to the conversation she had just had with Rudra. What had started as a casual question about what to wear had spiraled into an intense discussion about their future. Her phone buzzed again. This time, it was Rudra.

Stop worrying. It’s Plan A—only Plan A. See you tonight at the restaurant.

Before she could put the phone down, another message from Rudra appeared.

Are you okay, Kashish?

Her emotions churned. She was confused, torn between the physical tension and the worry that she might have hurt him by pulling back. Just as her thoughts settled, her phone buzzed again.

You’re making me nervous now. Should we cancel everything? Even Plan A?

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