Page 39 of Always With You

Moving further into the kitchen, I open a couple of cabinets until I find the pan I am looking for. Placing the frying pan on the stove, I walk to the fridge and take out some tomatoes, garlic, and chillies. I place them on a cutting board before taking a knife and begin chopping them.

“Morning,” I bounce as I hear Ranveer’s voice behind me.

Holding my shaky hand to my chest, I feel my heart accelerate as I turn to face him. His eyes are on me, studying me silently, leaning against the doorframe with his hands crossed over his chest. My eyes almost pop out when I take in his appearance. Heis in his track pants but without a shirt. I gulp athis muscular body and tan abs that are on display.His hair is still damp, indicating he is just out of the shower.I watch as he pushes away from the door and walks to the fridge while flexing his muscles, which makes me mentally roll my eyes at him.Can’t he wear a shirt?Dang, he looks hot though! Wait, what the hell am I thinking?

He then turns to me and his eyes rake over my body, making me feel hot with each passing moment. The atmosphere is so thick that you can cut it with a knife. And I can’t let this be. Breaking the silence, I attempt to speak.

“I… thought of cooking breakfast for us.”

“I am sorry but I should have informed you last night that I gave the staff a day off today. However, you don’t have to cook. If you want, we can order something?” he suggests.

“I don’t mind. I love to cook. If it’s okay with you, can I handle our everyday breakfast?”

“Of course, go ahead. This is your house. You don’t need permission. Just let the staff know your requirements, and they will have everything arranged,” he says as he saunters over to me.

I bite my bottom lip. The sudden rush of butterflies surprises me, while the goosebumps and tingles down my spine make it even more difficult for me to remain unruffled when he stands in front of me. He is standing so close that my nostrils fill with his masculine scent.

“You… okay?” he asks as he tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear.

My breath catches in my throat from the touch that is like an electric shock, forcing my heart to pound against my will.

No, I am not. My body is on fire. I am shaking. Actually… shuddering.I need to bring some distance between us.

I quickly take a step back as I divert my eyes from him. Might as well get done with it before it slips from my mind. “I am okay. Though I do have a small request. If you want, you can refuse. There is no pressure.” My voice is weak.

“What is it?” he asks in a husky voice, once again crossing his arms across his chest. The bulging muscles in his arms make me gulp, and I almost forget what am I supposed to say. My brows furrow for a second as I try to focus, and then it dawns. Oh yes, right. Evening plans.

“I…I… I have to go to my parents’ home today for thepag pheraritual. Mom called up, asking me if you could join us for dinner. If you are not comfortable, I can make an excuse. Just wanted to let you know.” He keeps staring at me and I start faltering. “I… I will not mind. I totally understand. Actually, I don’t know why I asked you. It’s a silly thing. Just forget I even asked.” I am a blabbering mess. I close my eyes, hoping to get a hold of myself.Why does he always make me nervous?

“What time do you want me there?” His voice is neutral.

My eyes pop open and I can’t help but give him a stunned look. “You sure it won’t be out of your comfort zone?”

His eyes glue to me, as he regards me with a grim look. “Alisha, whether you accept it or not, I am your husband, and I won’t put off my duties which are expected of me as your husband.”

I gulp. “Thanks, it means a lot to me.”

“Are you okay with Audi?” He asks out of the blue, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Huh?” I stare at his face with a stunned look.

“Your new Audi is parked outside with the driver. He will take you to your parents’ house. I wanted to first check with you if the car is to your liking.”

There we go again. I don’t know how I go from one moment of being nervous in his presence to the next moment of being mad at him. Bossing me around won’t work. Also, I cringe at the amount of money he is spending on me. I need to draw a line on him buying such expensive stuff.

Crossing my hands over my chest, I say in a firm teacher like voice. “I don’t want the Audi.”

“Ah… somehow, I knew you wouldn’t like Audi. You are more of a Porsche girl. Lucky for me, I had that on standby. Give me a few minutes, and I’ll have it here for you before you leave. Do you have any colour preference?”

My jaw drops to the floor.Is he insane?From the looks of it, he definitely needs psychiatric help. “I don’t want your car; neither Audi nor Porsche or whichever other exorbitant car you have in your mind. I have my car, and I am happy to drive that. And about the driver, I don’t need one. I am capable of driving myself around.”

“But your car….” He begins to speak and I notice his entire body fill with tension.

“That’s mine, so Mister, you dare not say a word,” I cut him off as I pin him down with a stare. I know he wants to give an honest try to our relationship, and I am certain he thinks he is being protective and is showing his care, but it’s too much. It’s only been a few hours and it’s already making me feel as if I will be banging my head against a brick wall more often than I had anticipated.

After a few minutes, his shoulders slump in defeat. “Okay, but that doesn’t mean I am happy,” he concedes.

It’s a small victory, but I feel like I have conquered the world. I offer him a small smile. “Thanks. I will be leaving in an hour.”

---