Page 99 of Twisted Alliance

Ishani was in the Thakvar school office, reviewing the extension plan for the school building to accommodate the new students coming from the clans who had signed the peace treaties.

“Please go ahead with the proposal,” she said. “I would also like the committee to come up with a proposal for a new school building on the Eastern side of the Thakvar province. It will make it easier for students coming from the Eastern clans to commute.”

The committee members nodded.

She knew it was relatively new for them to take orders from someone other than Mihir Thakvar. But they didn’t mind or oppose her since her father-in-law had called the trust board and let everyone know his daughter-in-law would be making decisions until he resumed his duties.

Ishani enjoyed being a part of the Singoor development that included children’s education. It gave her a sense of purpose.

“Thank you, everyone.”

She got up and left the meeting to head back home.

As she sat in the SUV, she suppressed a small yawn. Her cheeks heated as she recalled why she was tired. She had waited up for Shivay the previous night and fell asleep a little after midnight. She woke up to his touch. He had wanted her to sleep, but she had begged him to take her.

He had listened and made love to her. Her body still reveled in the memories of his kisses and touch. It felt different from previous times. Although it was intense and exciting as always, it also felt sweeter. She felt cherished and safe when she slept in his arms.

A dreamy sigh escaped her, wondering if she could ever stop herself from falling deeply for her husband.

“Madam, we are home.”

She was jerked out of her thoughts when she reached the Thakvar mansion. Her cheeks heated slightly as she had to be reminded due to her daydreaming.

“Thank you, Gagan,” she told the driver before stepping out of the SUV and going up the mansion steps.

She was halfway up when her legs faltered seeing Shivay’s tall form at the mansion’s entrance talking to Mr. Bahadur and the security head.

She knew he must be leaving to meet with a clan as he was in his traditional clothes rather than the suits or buttoned shirts that he wore to the city for his business meetings. Sensing her presence, his gaze fell on her.

Her heart jerked and thumped at meeting his gaze. She had missed having breakfast with him as she had to leave early for the school committee meeting.

They rarely had lunch together because he was mostly away from home to attend clan meetings or busy with other work in the city. She didn’t mind because she knew his work was important.

Her cheeks heated as he held her gaze while she slowly walked up the steps, recalling the passionate moments from the night.

She had almost reached the top when her anklet came loose and rolled down a few steps.

Before she could reach for her anklet, she sensed his presence next to her. She saw him going down a few steps and picking up the anklet. She thought he would hand it over, but she was stunned when he bent and fastened it around her ankle. She shivered as his fingers brushed against her feet.

Her cheeks heated when their eyes met.

“I’ll see you in the evening,” he said. “I’ll come home for dinner.”

Pleasure rushed inside her chest as she nodded.

He turned and went down the steps where security was waiting for him with the vehicles.

He was just about to get in when she called his name.

“Shivay, wait!”

He paused and looked up.

She hurried down the steps. She was nearly breathless, but she quickly removed the small thread from around her neck. And then she reached for his hand and held it up.

He didn’t resist when she tied the thread with a rudraksh bead on it. “This will protect you when you meet with the clans,” she said.

He looked at her for a moment, and something flashed in his eyes. “Thank you,” he said before getting into the vehicle.

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