SHIVAAN'S POV

" Are you seriously sure, it's her?" I said looking at her unconscious form in Rian's hand. It was hard to believe it once I saw who she was. The girl with auburn hair and with those mesmerizing brown eyes. That one person I knew I'd never ever see again was right there in from of me. God, what have I gotten myself into?

He nodded, " Yes Boss. Where should we take her? To the usual place? "

" No. Help her in the guestroom and cover her up. Carefully, please. Nina will do the rest. She knows what needs to be done." I tried to follow the protocol but my mind wasn't functioning. 

" Are you sure you wish to keep her in the house?" Rian asked skeptically. 

" Yes, of course. " To be honest I wasn't so sure until I had seen her. But, now that I know who she is I can't let her out of my sight. 

I watched as they placed her delicate form on the bed while I collected her bag which was the only thing she had on her person when they took her. Later, we moved the party to my bedroom to discuss the further course of action and I had no idea why I was so adamant and repeatedly asked them to assure me that they had committed no mistake with this task. Yet, this was the reality. It was her. And I do trust them. We've been together for more than a decade now and they're like the brothers I never had so I know it's not a botched job. 

Suddenly we heard someone and it was none other than our dearest guest. Since I was drenched in the rain and since I'd lived by myself for quite some time I had a horrible habit of roaming shirtless and that's precisely how she saw me. And a special mention to my glaringly patent tattoo. I wasn't exactly proud of it but then I couldn't be not proud of it also. It was classy and perhaps a bit scary. I could see that in her eyes. 

OMG, her eyes. They were definitely not brown. At least one of them. She had been wearing lenses all this time? 

" YOU!!!" She screamed. I did expect this reaction from her.

I stood with my hands folded maintaining my calm.

Well, she looked furious for starters, seething too. 

" What the hell? Where the hell am I?"

" YOU are kidnapped," I replied, drinking more whiskey just to brace myself.

" Hey! Just because I came in front of your car doesn't mean you can kidnap me. Okay! It doesn't work that way. Now tell these men of yours to drop me home. Also, I want my cell back. I need to make a call." She spoke in a single breath while stretching her hand towards me and fumbling too.

Instead, I pulled her hand and whirled her around me in my arms, her back against my bare chest. She gasped. 

" Seriously..." I whispered wrapping her tightly. I understand this was unlike me but there was no way a rebellious girl like her would listen without a pinch of intimidation. 

" Oui! What the fuck? Leave me... I said let me go.." She shouted and along with it, she was kicking and struggling to loosen the grip too.

God!! She is tough. 

" Leave me..." She was really trying too hard and well you can't blame her. I felt sorry for a while but I had no other option. 

" Stop it! Girl, have you ever given thought to this predicament you're in? Do kidnappers usually treat their hostages like this? In a lavish mansion and without any restraints? Are you even hurt or bruised a bit? You're lucky.." She was dead silent now. She had ceased her actions to a complete halt. 

" Rian... It's fine. You can leave now and I'll take care of her. And I want that information ASAP. Bye. " I cut him and let them go. 

" Yes, Boss. " Saying so he left with Dane.

As soon as they left we were filled with silence and for a few moments, it felt as if time had paused but then she floundered again. I realized I was still holding her. 

" Please..." It was a soft plead and it seemed as if she might cry.  

" If you want a ransom you've caught the wrong person. I've no family and no money. Trust me, no one will even find me missing apart from a stupid friend of mine. I really have nothing to give you. Please, let me go. Also, you don't look like someone who'd need any money..." Wow, she did like to talk, and somewhere I could see how this would be the death of me if I didn't do damage control soon. 

" Also, your eyes..." I had to open my mouth. She was startled and then struggled again. I pulled her slightly to my left where she could the reflection of us in one of my glass wall hanging. 

" Shit..." She cursed trying to touch her face with her hand and that is when I realized that she had icy blue eyes and not the brown ones I first saw. If I was of the opinion that those had captivated me before I was so wrong. That one blue orb and the mere imagination of the other one beside it was beyond something I could realize. It was silly but it was something. It was so blue, pristine, and perfect. They were icy blue but they might be a shade between the sky and the ocean. if only I could see both of her eyes properly and more closely I could describe it better. However, I don't know if I'd have because she was blinking a lot and her hair was always in the way.  

I loosened my hold but as soon as I released her she quickly ran out of the room. I followed her, walking. I knew what she was about to do with her survival instincts kicking in but there was truly no way to go. 

She rushed downstairs, but the doors were already locked. She was banging on them when I went behind her and caught her again.

" You're a rebel. You need to calm down and understand that there's no escaping now."

" Don't. Don't. Touch. Me. And leave me at once. Or else?" She warned. To be honest, I was not at all good at taking hostages, and in fact, this was the first time I had been forced to do this hence my incompetencies to handle the situation can be overlooked. 

" Or else you can't do anything," I declared.

" Of course, I can..." Saying so she bite my hand which was around her.

" Aahhh!!! What the...." I loosen my grip and she was about to flee when I grabbed her flowing auburn hair and pulled her closer to stop her from running and exhausting me. It was my worst behavior ever and I'm so ashamed of doing that but she wasn't even ready to listen. This time I held her assiduously so she couldn't bite me.

" Oh God, you're a wild cat. Don't worry, you'll be just fine. Nina... Nina..." I called my housekeeper.

" Yes, Shivaan... "

" Can you please put a plate of food in this lady's room?"

I picked her up from her thighs and put her on my shoulders.

" Ooo... What are you doing? Put me down. NOW! Don't... " She went on bladdering and I was dying to put a muzzle on her.

Nina did as requested and set her up with a decent dinner. She knew what we did and had been with our family since I was a kid so we were cool.

I put Naira down. She looked at me and her dual-colored eyes changed colors from anger to fear. She was scared and I had made her feel that. It wasn't a good feeling at all. There was a pit in my stomach. 

" I think a proper introduction can wait after you calm down and accept the situation you're in. I don't want to do this but I will have to. Your clothes are in that closet. Have some food and sleep." Saying so I turned around to leave.

" I don't want your food or your clothes. I want to go home." She pleaded and I saw her eyes were brimming with tears. She had no idea what was happening but I did intend to tell her once she was intelligent and settled enough to have a talk. 

" You'll need energy to fight, right? Eventually? And about going home... This is your home for now. Good night, Naira. " I said going out of the room.

" I don't know why you're doing this but trust me you'll regret this." I heard her say when I locked the door.

" Also, you might wish to freshen up and get rid of your lenses as you've lost one of them already," I yelled and had to smile at that statement. 

I was a bit surprised when she didn't resist anymore as I know that she won't accept defeat easily. I made a mental note to be more alert around her. I moved my party along with some files and my laptop into the living area so as to just keep a watch for her in case she decides to venture out at night. I had a better view of the guestroom from my living than my room which was almost adjacent to it. 

I called Rian, " Hi, just got your mail, will glance through and let you know. Also,  go to her house in the morning. You know the drill. Cool, bye."

I wanted the guys to fetch some of Naira's important stuff as this matter isn't gonna die down in a matter of few days. I just wished for her to feel as much at home as possible which of course will never be true but I truly want her to get along easily. That is too much to ask but I'm been overly optimistic that once she understands the situation she might see sense in it. And I've just the idea to get her on board this. 

" Shivaan, dinner?" Nina asked before leaving for the day.

" Nah... I'm not hungry. "

Nina has always been like a mother figure to me since I was a kid and I believe she's the only one I've had after Dad. I respect her and I know she loves me like her son and it feels good to have someone like that in one's corner. 

" Fine! Don't exhaust yourself too much. I still have some work before I leave. If you feel like having some food then check in the microwave." 

" Nina... Please check on Naira before leaving. And then don't lock the door."

" Hmm... I'll do it."

It wouldn't be too bad to admit that I was moonlighting on my promise to Dad which was to run 'his' empire and 'his' legacy. However, I couldn't let my ambitions run dry as it was never my dream to be a 'Mafia' boss so I did what I always wanted to do. I built my own empire which wasn't as huge as my father's but it was legit and despite the late nights I put in, it made me feel better and gave a purpose to my life. 'Infinity' as I had it named was an amalgamation of 4 casinos, 5 resorts, and 9 luxurious 7-star hotels strategically located across various cities all over the world. It wasn't a day's work but years of commitment and I was proud. So, being the CEO I had a lot on my plate, and then as a part-time, I was also a kidnapper. So, go figure out the workload. 

After almost three hours my eyes got weary and the cushy sofa never looked any more appealing.

" Shivaan... She didn't touch a single thing." Nina walked in as I was just about to pass out. 

" Oh! Nina... You still here?"

" I was just about to go. Look..." She showed me the plate of untouched food.

" One can't blame her. Let it be. You can go." I think this was expected.

" Is she asleep? " I needed to know. 

" Yes, I have kept the door unlocked. Goodnight. "

" Good night... "

In the most furtive manner, I crept into her room. I shouldn't have done that but I just wanted to. I saw her sleeping peacefully with the windows open and the cold late-night breeze blew in caressing her auburn hair. She was smart enough not to act on her impulse of jumping out of there as it would've been a fatal fall because of the height, of course. Did she really think I was that stupid? Never mind, she doesn't even know me. I noticed she had changed into shorts and a tee which was quite audacious considering the cool climate. I saw her squirm a bit so I covered her and lowered the windows. Maybe, she'll be better tomorrow. 

" Hey! Naira. I'm sorry but you'll have to endure." I whispered before shutting the door on my way out. I had been enough creepy for the day. 

♣♣♣

NAIRA'S POV

Frustration was an understatement. How could he do something like that? Who the hell was he? I was so angry, so exhausted and I just wanted to curl up and cry. This was the worst day of my life, period. The bathroom didn't have a single window and the only one in the room was useless as there was no way I could jump from it. Even if I did gather the courage the fall might kill me and I was not ready to die, not yet. So, I admitted defeat for the day and choose a pair of light clothes from the tons in the closet and it fitted perfectly. It did make me think why would someone go to such lengths to provide for a hostage but I was too tired to think. I had lost my right lens somewhere in the struggle so I had to get rid of my left one too. I didn't even have any spare right now to replace them. God! What a mess!

Since I had lost my appetite despite starving I slept and it was indeed a surprise that sleep overcame me in just a moment's time. I saw the food on the table but I didn't have an appetite. And also, I was locked so all I could was sleep. 

I must've slept with the curtains open as the sunrays pierced in and made my face feel warm. 

" Simi, can you please..." I got up yawning and then my heart raced. This wasn't my home and Simi wasn't here. God! I was kidnapped yesterday. How did I forget that? Man, this is the worst but I was ready for the fight and then my stomach grumbled. I didn't remember the last meal I had. It must've been more than 30 hours as I don't remember putting a single morsel of anything in my mouth yesterday. 

So, I dashed into the bath, brushed my teeth, and quietly tiptoed to check the door. It clicked. Wow, I wasn't locked in the room anymore. It was startling but could he be that irresponsible? I remember that he had definitely locked me up yesterday night.

Then I took another bold step outside and walked into the corridor and peeped around. The house had an eerie silence and then as I rotated my head to brace myself, I saw him. Not him exactly, but his sleeping form. He was all cramped on the sofa, evidently not at all comfortable. Why would he pass out here when he lived in a mansion that could house a hundred people or maybe more? A man of his stature could even fit on a sofa was a surprise in itself. Hell, why does he not wear shirts or t-shirts? Or anything? Does he not own enough or he just loves to flaunt his chiseled abs and his unusually intriguing yet somewhat sexy tattoo that took the most part of his right chest till his mid-torso? It was a magnificently drawn red dragon with bold black strokes and fangs. it was indeed a sight to watch and I took my time to notice the man who had me kidnapped. Practically, I was staring at my kidnapper and it wasn't feeling weird at all. He looked quite pleasant while sleeping. How's that for a twist? 

I slowly descended so as not to wake him up. I spotted his laptop and knew what I needed to do. A bright smiling face of his along with a man popped up as I turned it on. Probably his father. I wonder where his parents are. They definitely don't seem to be living here. Never mind, I had the right plan to execute. Simply drop in a mail to Simi. 

" Hmmm... You smell good in the morning too. But you can't email any of your friends. Are you so naive to think that I won't secure my laptop?" I heard that same husky voice that has been haunting me for the last 24 hours and I flipped and then I jumped.

" Huh! No... I wasn't doing anything." Of course, I had thought about it but can someone blame me for even trying my luck? To save myself, from any more embarrassment I got up but then entangle my toe in something, perhaps it was the garish carpet and tripped. Typical Naira. Welcome to more embarrassment and voila I fell. ON HIM. Can life get any more cliche? 

 My hands were on his chest and his around my waist. We were mere inches away and despite the morning he did smell achingly good and it was suddenly so hot. In a second, thank god for my instincts and reflexes, I got back to my feet. 

" Nice way to wake up. Isn't it? " He spoke smirking. 

God!! I will kill him. 

" Why don't you ever cover yourself? A shirt or t-shirt may be good for starters." I retorted in absolute frustration, " Some decency wouldn't kill you. It seems as if you've never been taught how to behave around respectable ladies. How does your mother or sister tolerate you? " I went on like a brazen maniac. But, this was me, without any filters. He should know what he's in for. 

" Well, then it's a good thing I don't have either. " He replied in the calmest tone. I had never felt so bad for saying something like that, but, how would I know? I went silent. 

" Besides, I see you like me better this way, don't you?" He flipped the subject and for a second I was glad because as much as I wanted to ask him more about what he said I couldn't dare. It was too personal. I did feel sorry for whatever he didn't say but hey, I was the victim here. Sorry for not feeling sorry. 

" Huh!! W-what? FYI, I've got a boyfriend. " I added without any reason.

" Good for you and I'm not interested. What I am is hungry." This guy is nuts. Declaring that he made his way to the kitchen. Did he mean he wasn't interested in me? If yes, then what the hell am I doing here? 

" You don't have to... It's good you aren't so let me go. I want to go home. " I shouted.

" You aren't making sense. I don't have to be interested in you to kidnap you. If I was then everything would be moot, right? You should eat something. I'm helping myself with an omelet. Would you like one?" In a second he was a different man. His tone seemed as if he really cared and honestly, I was starving. 

" Yes, please, and thank you. " He might've lost his humility but I haven't and then he gave me a smile. It was the warmest of any smile I had ever seen but mostly it was genuine. 

" Tea or coffee?"

" Milk..." I said entering the gigantic kitchen. It was the size of our living room.

" Help yourself. There's chocolate powder too if you'd want some. " He pointed to some cabinet and I was relieved. I did love some hot chocolate milk. 

When I turned around my eyes caught something in his pocket. It was a popping pink color. That was my cell phone resting peacefully in the back pocket of his tracks. Of course, since the man didn't own any shirts that is the only place for it. 

I could've jumped for it being my usual capricious self but I cautioned myself and stealthily went to grab it. But, in an impulsive reflex reaction, he whirled and caught my hand and swirled me with my back against his bare chest, again for I don't know the nth time in just 30 hours. What is with this man and his reflexes? 

" YOU. Thief, Scoundrel, Kidnapper, Gangster, give me my phone. That's mine... You...." I bounced, jerked, and yanked but to no avail. He's a goddamn mountain. 

"Shhh... Naira..." He whispered my name achingly close in my ears. It was a first. 

" Relax. Stop calling me names. I'm no thief. It's Mafia." Next, shivers ensued the shudders. 

_______________________________________________

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Vruksha.