Page 58 of Fixation

She laughed as he laid her down on the desk. Leaning over her, he covered her body with his. Their mouths met, and she lost herself in him as he gave her everything she’d been craving for.

19

Twenty minutes later, Reina headed outside Vedant’s study, a contented smile on her face. She patted her hair as she climbed down the stairs. She went straight to the lounge and found the others there already.

They all looked up as she entered.

“You took a while,” Laila said.

“Yes, we had to discuss some things.”

Laila’s lips flattened. Before she could say anything, Su Min stood up. “So, what did he say?”

Reina smiled. “You can leave right away.”

Her friend pulled her in a hug. “Thank you.”

“You are welcome.” She faced the other two and explained everything to them. In the end, she said, “Laila, you can leave with Su Min.”

Laila shot to her feet. “I don’t want to leave.”

“Why?”

“Oh please, don’t pretend that you don’t know that I have a thing for Vedant.” Laila spread a hand out at the rest. “They all know it. Vedant is finally back on his feet, and he looks better than ever. He’s even better looking than in his pictures. Oh, whata dream boat,” she gushed, “I wouldn’t mind havinghisbabies. And I can do that only if I stay back. So, I’m staying.”

Red hot jealousy slammed into Reina. She didn’t like the way Laila took his name so casually. She didn’t like the way Laila spoke of him like the only thing to be valued about him was the fact that he was hot and rich. Of course, he was all that. But he was much more than that. He was intelligent, caring, and fun to be with.

“Laila, please stop this loose talk about Mr. Oshnov. It doesn’t suit you,” Reina chided.

Laila made a face. “Don’t be a prude. I’m sure you’d bed him if he showed some interest in you. Not that he’d ever show interest in you. You are so dull and boring after all—a Plain Jane.”

“Sure, let’s resort to name calling now,” Reina fumed. “I can call you a whole lot of words too—words which accurately depict the way you are behaving and your character, but I won’t stoop to your level.”

Laila’s jaw dropped and her face turned red. “How dare you?”

“Ladies, that’s enough,” Stefan cut in. He looked at Reina. “I don’t mind staying back. I like Mr. Oshnov, and I definitely like the freedom I have here. Once we return, we will be back in the grind. So, thank you.”

Saying that, he left.

Laila pointed to Stefan’s departing back. “Also, what he said.”

Reina clenched her jaw, holding back her anger. “Please gather your things. You are leaving.”

“No, you leave,” Laila said. “You were anyway the most reluctant amongst us when this arrangement started. I want to stay back and care for him.”

Fresh anger rushed through Reina. “Why? Just so you can continue your plan of seducing him?”

“Since you already think so highly of me, why not?”

Reina lifted her nose. “Su Min and you will leave these premises as soon as you can collect your things.”

“On whose authority do you get to decide?”

“I’ll schedule a call with Dr. Williams as soon as I can.”

“Dr. Williams doesn’t like you,” Laila said. “Why will he approve of this?”

“While he may not like me, even he will understand that this makes perfect sense.”

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