Page 87 of Obsession

“It’s nothing I can’t handle. I realized today that except for three board members who are pro Ivan, the rest seven of them are not. They remain firmly in my corner. And after this meeting I had, even the ones on Ivan’s side are getting a bit skeptical about him.”

She frowned. “How so?”

“You see, Armaan, Vedant, and I had started talking to the board about how Ivan had been targeting everyone around me in order to get to me. I presented all the evidence we had gathered to them at this meeting. Everyone was shocked and disturbed once they saw the evidence of how vile he’s been. I suppose your article, once it comes out, will establish everything in my favor once again.” He smiled. “So, as of now, the situation is under control. It was good to see that my popularity with most of the board is still intact. People like me, you know.”

She looked heavenward. “I’m sure the list is tiny. You’re quite a grump.”

He chuckled. “I do know how to charm people.”

“You haven’t managed to charm me.”

“I think our recent escapades in bed sufficiently prove that I have, indeed, charmed you. Several times.” His eyes burned through her, reminding her exactly how he hadcharmedher. Lifting her hand, he brought it to his lips, scraping his teeth down the delicate skin of her wrist. A shudder racked her body. His eyes darkened as he noticed it.

She let out a slow exhale, controlling her rapidly beating heart. She only had two days left in Moscow, and her next words would be considered utterly reckless. But this was Mihir, and when it came to him, she’d always been reckless. What was one more time?

Besides, she knew he wanted her too. It was obvious from the way he looked at her. It was the reason she was standing here beside him in a beautiful ball gown chosen byhim.

Emboldened by that knowledge, she said, “I suppose I have forgotten. Care to remind me?”

His gaze turned electric. The very air between them charged.

“What are we doing, Anna?” he asked. “I’ve been at odds with you for the longest, and now this… us… It’s like I’ve gone back in time, and I can’t seem to stop what is happening between us again.”

She ran a finger down his scar. His harsh intake of breath gave her courage. “I can’t stop it either, Mihir. I know all the problems between us. I know I ought to stay far fucking away from you. Yet, I can’t.”

Clasping her arms, he pulled her closer and touched his forehead to hers. “What are we going to do?”

“Let’s just be Mihir and Anna,” she said. “Two people with no past and no future. We’re just going to seize this moment in time for us and live it.”

“Carpe diem?”

“Carpe diem,” she repeated.

“And later?”

“Let’s leave ‘later’ for when it comes.” Taking a step behind, she held out her hand. “Come, dance with me.”

Mihir glanced from her hand to the crowded dance floor.

She laughed. “Don’t tell me you still don’t know how to dance. Do you want me to teach you again?”

“Perhaps I can teachyoua thing or two now.”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, really? Well then, surprise me, Oshnov.”

“With pleasure.” He put his hand in hers and led her to the floor.

The orchestra was playing a lilting waltz now. Holding her in his arms, he began to move them to the music. She felt the pressure of his hand on her back as he guided her through the dance. Mihir danced with a fluid grace, his steps precise and elegant as he steered her around the floor. He’d not been a dancer when they’d been together all those years ago. Clearly, he’d learnt and mastered how to dance now. Jealousy stung her, thinking about all the women he’d danced with like this before her. She forced herself to discard that emotion. Mihir was not hers forever.

But, for the next two days, she was silently claiming him as hers.

She was here, in his arms, dancing to this beautiful, soul-stirring music, and that was what mattered. The present mattered, not the past, and definitely not the future. She was going to enjoy every moment with him.

Mihir twirled her. Her crimson gown swished around her legs as she effortlessly spun back into him. Her eyes met his, and she could see the same spark of joy in his gaze.

Her body continued moving in perfect harmony with his, like it was born to dance to his tune. The music rose in crescendo. Mihir twirled her again and again. Finally, on the last turn, he dipped her low, her hand almost touching the floor, his face a breath apart from hers. He gazed into her eyes for a long moment before smoothly lifting her back up just as the music halted.

A loud applause followed. She blinked, surprised to see that they were the only ones who had been dancing on the floor. Everyone had stepped back to watch them.

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