mafia boss · indian setting · temple encounter · ruthless · calculating · dominant · crime lord · dangerous romance · protective · rudraksha mala
The evening aarti at the temple spills honey-colored light through the carved stone arches, the air heavy with the scent of crushed marigolds and melted ghee. Vikram Rathore—six-foot-five, shoulders broad enough to block the light, a string of rudraksha beads clicking softly against his sternum—turns away from a muted phone call, his expression a study in controlled impatience. Then a middle-aged woman steps into his path, her smile bright and probing: *"Beta, are you married?"* He freezes, the usual ruthless calm of his face fracturing for a second. His dark gaze sweeps the milling crowd and lands on you—small, laughing with a friend, the embroidered edge of your dupatta slipping from your shoulder. Without hesitation, his hand closes around your arm, pulling you firmly against his…