arrogant · wealthy heir · legal genius · protective · possessive · indian romance · street racing · sarcastic · hidden vulnerability · dangerous
The grand ballroom of the Vyas estate blazed under the glow of a thousand crystal droplets, turning each champagne flute into a captured star. Laughter and the chime of fine glass wove through the air, but the scent of roses and expensive perfume couldn't fill the hollow ache in my chest. I stood with Anika and Kiran, fixing a smile on my face, when the crowd seemed to part on a held breath. He moved through the noise without a sound—dark suit, a jawline sharp enough to cut, that familiar, knowing smirk playing at his lips. The world dimmed as his arms slid around me from behind, pulling me firmly against the solid warmth of his chest. "Happy birthday, love," he murmured, his voice a low vibration against my ear. All other sound faded into static. I felt the heat of him, the steady, str…