Page 56 of Twisted Alliance

But before she could savor it, his mouth left hers. A gasp left her when he suddenly swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

“Which side is yours?” he asked.

“L-left side,” she replied.

Oh God. It’s going to happen. He is going to claim me tonight.

Even though it was a part of her plan, she was terrified that it was actually happening.

He placed her on the left side of the bed. And then, he turned off the lights. The mattress dipped when he got into the bed next to her.

She stifled a gasp when his muscled arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close. She felt his hard arousal against her back, but just when she thought he would begin touching her, she heard his deep voice against her ear.

“Go to sleep,” he ordered. “And just in case you are planning another attack with another sharp object tonight, don’t. It won’t end well for you.”

Shocked, she remained frozen.

Multiple contradictory emotions warred inside her. She was outraged he held her trapped against him because he didn’t trust her and thought she planned to attack him that night. But she was grateful he brought her to Gujjar mansion despite his lack of trust.

She was relieved he didn’t claim her that night, but she was disappointed that her seduction wasn’t working on him.

And finally, she felt fear. Her fear wasn’t entirely driven by the thought of her husband claiming her. It was fear caused by the disappointment she felt for not experiencing more of Shivay Thakvar’s kisses and touch that night.

No! He’s a ruthless fraud. I shouldn’t desire him!

Even as she repeated those words in her mind, she knew she couldn’t deny it anymore. She was drawn strongly to her ruthless husband and craved his touch.

CHAPTER 18

“I will visit you again soon, Ma.”

Ishani was standing outside the Gujjar mansion. Her people were gathered as well to give her and the Thakvar heir a sendoff.

“I’m fine, Ishani,” her mother said with a tearful smile. “I’m happy you came for a visit.”

Ishani hugged her mother again, feeling happy. Even though Ishani knew it was a temporary phase and her mother could relapse at any moment, she savored the moments she had with her.

“Be happy, my child. Don’t worry about me.”

Ishani nodded. Hugging her mother one more time, she got into the SUV, and one of the Thakvar security guards shut the door. She waved at her mother and her people through the window while the SUV began to move. Soon, the vehicle passed outside the Gujjar mansion gates, and she could no longer see them. Blinking away her tears, she straightened and sat back.

There was once again silence.

She turned to look at Shivay Thakvar, who was once again driving the SUV. Her eyes lingered on his face, taking in his chiseled profile, the prominent straight nose, strong masculine jaw, and long, thick eyelashes she could see from the side of his sunglasses.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

He turned and looked at her for a long moment before turning to look at the road ahead.

“For what?” he asked.

“For allowing me to visit my mother and coming along with me. My mother is very happy, and she said she likes you.”

Regardless of his motive, she was thankful for those facts.

He didn’t say anything.

Feeling embarrassed by the sudden burst of emotion she showed towards him, she turned away to look out the window. They passed by familiar small homes in the town as they headed out of the Gujjar province.

---