Page 74 of One Hellish Love

He noticed her shadow before he saw her face, thanks to that dim light and his hands stopped playing as he slowly looked up at her.

She froze, her eyes locked with his. When had she even walked inside? She hadn’t realized it until now. Clearing her throat awkwardly, she scrambled to find an excuse for her presence.

“Uh... you’re disturbing others,” she blurted.

No, that wasn’t what she meant to say. But she wasn’t about to take it back either. His expression remained cold.

“I don’t see ‘others’ in this house complaining. Just you,” he replied, his voice indifferent.

Kashish swallowed, her throat dry. “Whatever. I know this is your room, your house. You can do whatever you want. But next time, close the door. I was sketching, and I couldn’t focus.”

“Focus, Kashish Bedi. Learn to focus through the noise,” he retorted, his voice sharp. “Life is full of distractions, and you’ll meet all kinds of annoying people. Ignore them. After all, you’vemastered that with me. Just like I’ve learned how to be ignored from you.”

His words cut deep, sharper than she expected. When had he become like this? In the beginning, he had never taunted her, never provoked her. Now, he seemed to relish it. She couldn’t make sense of him anymore—he was a puzzle beyond her comprehension. But since she was already here, she might as well change the subject.

“Have you decided about the barter system deal?” she asked.

He sighed, standing up slowly. She instinctively stepped back as he put the guitar away in the closet and approached her.

“Keep your deal. I don’t care anymore,” he said coldly.

Her eyes widened in shock. He didn’t care? This was her only leverage to discuss the repayment matter. Crossing her arms, she glared at him.

“I haven’t met a more pigheaded man in my life,” she growled.

His jaw clenched as he stepped closer. “Pigheaded?” he repeated. She narrowed her eyes and nodded.

“Yes. You act like one with me. Or are you like this with every woman?”

Now she was crossing a line, and she knew it. His eyes darkened with anger.

“Who are you to question my relationships?” he snapped.

“I’m no one. But your Daadi seems to think I can help you find someone to marry. Isn’t that ironic?” she shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

His expression shifted—so this was what Daadi had been discussing with Kashish. Something shifted in Rudra’s eyes, and Kashish suddenly realized her mistake. She had just told him exactly what he’d been trying to find out - about her conversation with his Daadi. How could she have been so stupid? This had been her one chance to make him discussrepaying his debt to her, and she’d ruined it with a few careless words. As she backed away from him, panic rising in her chest, she found herself trapped. Her back hit the wall next to the door, and there was nowhere left to go. Rudra blocked her only escape.

Now she stood cornered, both literally and figuratively, watching as a dangerous smile spread across Rudra’s face. In trying to outsmart him, she’d only managed to outsmart herself.

“I’m glad you refused her,” he said, his tone suggestive. “You shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.”

Her mouth fell open. Nowhewas provokingher.

“Don’t underestimate me. If I wanted to, I could find a woman who’s just your type and get you married in no time,” she challenged.

He leaned in close, his presence overpowering, but she refused to back down. She was too focused on winning this verbal battle.

“You don’t know my type,” he whispered.

She laughed bitterly. “Oh, really? Then why don’t you enlighten me?”

A dangerous glint sparked in his eyes. Should he tell her? Or leave her guessing?

“Forget it. You wouldn’t be able to handle the truth,” he said softly, a smirk playing on his lips.

The insult stung only growing her determination. She would prove him wrong. She would find someone for him, if only to show him she could.

“Stop stalling and just tell me,” she demanded again, prodding him.

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