Page 128 of She will Always be Mine

“Let me take a shower and then we’ll have breakfast.”

Turning around, I walk into the bathroom and quickly freshen up. When I come out, Nyra looks up from her perch on the bed, hair in a messy bun and wearing my shirt. Sometimes, I think she likes my clothes more than she likes hers. Then again, I’m a possessive guy so I love it whenever she wears my clothes.

Another innocent habit of hers that drives me crazy is the dreamy look that crosses her eyes when she stares at my body. Even now, I feel it on my back as I go into the closet. I drop the towel when she follows me inside and sits on the dresser, watching as I get dressed.

“The blue one would match your suit perfectly.” She chooses my tie for me and I pick it up. “Let me.”

I smile at the gesture, imagining doing this every day. Closing the distance between us, I stand and pass it to her. I rest my hands on her thighs while she slides it underneath my collar. She bites her lip while concentrating on her task and I can tell she’s done it many times.

“Who taught you?” I question, caressing her skin with my thumb.

“My dad,” she replies. A faraway smile pulling at her lips. “I used to do it every day before he went to the office. It was my favorite part of the day as a kid.”

“You’re closer to him than your mom, aren’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“I remember you could never sleep without him by your side,” I say with a chuckle, the memory playing in my head. “You were also very possessive. Threw a fit when you thought Zain and I were stealing him from you whenever we visited.”

Her cheeks tint with embarrassment. “I did not.”

“Liar.”

“Whatever.”

Once she’s finished tying the tie, she flattens her palm on my chest and I tilt her face toward mine. “Are you afraid he won’t accept us?”

Her shoulders tense and a dark shadow crosses her features. “You saw how Mom reacted, Riaan.”

“Doesn’t mean he will react the same way.”

“You don’t know that.” She shakes her head with a sad laugh. “I feel so overwhelmed sometimes. I feel angry that our love isn’t enough. It isn’t even seen as love, only as wrong or inappropriate. I thought my parents wanted me to fall for someone who loves me back just as hard, treats me with respect, and makes me happy. You are all of that and more. If you were any other man and not my cousin, they would give their blessings in a heartbeat. But no, it’s not enough. So, was it all a big fucking lie?”

Tears of sadness and frustration fall down her cheeks and I push them away. Her anguish is breaking my heart.

Taking a deep breath, she continues, “After the anger comes guilt. Like I’m being selfish and greedy for wanting and expecting more from them. I love them and can’t bear to hurt them but it’s only a matter of time. Because when they ask me to choose, I already know it’s going to be you. I thought I could survive without you but I was wrong. I only pray they forgive me.”

I wrap my arms around her small, trembling frame and kiss her forehead.

I want to say it’ll be okay but it’s the only thing I can’t promise her.

When she eventually calms down, she inches back. “Sorry.” she winces. “I ruined your shirt.”

“It’s only fair.” She laughs and the sweet sound eases away my tension. Once she’s quiet again, I let her know, “We don’t have to go tonight if you aren’t ready, baby.”

“No. It’s okay. I’ve missed Auntie Vandana.”

“All right. I’ll be home early and we’ll leave around six.”

“Perfect,” she answers and leans forward to kiss me. However, before I can take over, the little brat dashes away from me and shouts behind her back, “I’ll cook breakfast.”

One hour later, I finally reach my office and nod at Snehil as I pass her desk. She knocks on my door before coming inside while I take a seat behind my desk.

She pushes two documents toward me and straightens up before speaking, “I need your signatures on those. Your afternoon meeting with Mr. Kapoor got rescheduled to tomorrow. Also, you have a call waiting from Karan.”

“Put him through,” I reply curtly.

She nods and leaves the room. A second later, my phone rings and I pick it up.

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