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Chapter 12: I am a woman and I was overthinking

The dim light in the kitchen casts long shadows across the room, emphasizing the tension in the air. I stand nervously in the centre of it, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my low-cut top. What was I thinking? I wasn't, that's what! Stupid Sania, she's to blame for this.

Nimit, my sexy imposing bodyguard, leans against the kitchen counter with a stoic expression that makes me look away from him, his arms crossed over his broad chest. His sharp eyes, normally vigilant and focused, now narrow slightly as he glares at me through those beautiful eyelashes. The air crackles with an unspoken understanding that a line has been crossed.

Come on, I can win this. Just talk. He's at fault here, not me. He's the one who left without a word. I was – I was just offering company to a man, that's it. Last time I checked that wasn't a crime. I am an adult, perfectly capable of making my own decisions. And he would've enjoyed my company if he wasn't such an ass and a coward. But I know my pep talk will only ever make it to the tip of my tongue and never reach his ears.

I take a deep breath, summoning the courage to meet his gaze. "I... I can explain," I stammer, the crack in my voice betraying the nervousness within.

Nimit raises an eyebrow, waiting for me to continue. He hasn't said a single word and that in itself is terrifying. His silence is more intimidating than any words he could utter. I shift uncomfortably under his scrutiny, acutely aware of the gravity of my actions.

"You left, without a word!" I play the part of the victim quickly, accusing him.

He is less than fazed by my outburst, his expression still unreadable, as if he had expected me to say that. The seconds tick by, each one amplifying my anxiety. Why will he not reply? And since when did he get so good at the silent treatment game? That is my forte! Ugh!

"Are you just going to stand there and stare at me? I can play that game too." I snap back, staring back at him.

Nimit sighs and straightens, unfolding his arms and pushing away from the counter. He takes a step closer, his towering figure casting a protective shadow over me. I lick my dry lips, my heart pounding at the sudden closeness. "That was a very foolish move. Flirting with my men to make me jealous, wearing such revealing clothes that leave little to the imagination, opening the door and provoking the guard. And more importantly, pissing me off."

"When are you not pissed off?"

"When you are asleep. That's the only peaceful time I have."

I narrow my eyes at him, lips thinning into a straight line. "Was that supposed to be a joke?"

Nimit shrugs, his lips twitching. "Maybe a joke, maybe a fact."

"Where were you?"

The smile drops. Nimit looks away and that makes me frown more. "Well? Where were you?"

"Had some work.'

"What kind of work?"

"The important kind. Bodyguard stuff, you don't need to know."

"You are being such an ass!"

"You are being such a bitch!"

I gasp, stunned by his outburst. Even Nimit looks astonished by his own words. He shakes his head and frowns at me. "That was-"

"Uncalled for. What happened?" I take a step closer, reaching forward to hold his hand. His warmth flows into my body and I entwine my fingers with his. His huge hand easily swallows my little one but I love how safe and protected it makes me feel.

"Nimit, please," I implore, my voice barely above a whisper. "I need to know where you were. I went crazy thinking why you left, why you are ignoring me, avoiding me."

His grip tightens on my hand, a firm squeeze but he doesn't reply. I scowl at him and try to take back my hand but his hold only tightens and he pulls my hand, I stumble forward, falling ungraciously on his chest.

His other arm comes around my shoulder and he's hugging me – hugging me! I stop breathing for a few seconds, afraid that if I do the moment might break. My hand is still firmly placed in his hand and I wouldn't want it to be anywhere else – except maybe on his sexy butt. Hopefully... soon.

The initial shock soon melts into comfort and I lean into the hug, feeling the strength and warmth of his presence. The boundaries between the personal and professional have always been blurred but this somehow feels a little more intimate. It's a sign of vulnerability and care.

I breathe in his strong scent of wood, masculinity and smoke? I sniff a little and then tilt my head back. "Did you burn something?"

His Adam's apple bobs up and down. "Not exactly."

I narrow my eyes. "Did you smoke?"

Nimit doesn't say anything and I get my answer. I try to step out of his embrace but his hold is too strong and I don't even try harder. I like being in his arms. But I am still annoyed. "Why did you smoke?"

"I was with your father. We were discussing some tactics and ways to keep you safe. He offered. He can be very persistent."

I roll my eyes. "He offered? Since when did you accept his offer to smoke? I have seen to politely say no a thousand times."

Nimit looks straight ahead at the wall instead of facing me. "This was different."

The realization slowly clicks and I gasp. "My Gosh! You took the cigarette because you felt guilty? Guilty about this ... what we have now?"

Nimit's shoulders slum but he still keeps the grip on my body. "It's difficult. I had to lie to him."

"Lie to him? I am pretty sure he didn't ask if you had any discussion about having sex with his daughter!"

"But he did ask if there are any complications in living with you."

My jaw drops. "Oh? Now the thought of having sex with me is a complication?"

"That's not what I meant."

I grit my teeth and punch him in the rib with my free hand. Nimit coughs and bends at the hit, his hand loosening and I quickly slip from his grasp.

"You know what? If you didn't want to do this one-night thing, you should've just said so. You didn't have to ignore me, go away to meet my father and start smoking from the unbearable guilt." I snap back, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Aisha, don't be ridiculous."

"You don't be ridiculous. And now you won't even tell where you were? You left saying you had something important to do, what was it? You were ignoring me!"

"Nothing is more important than your ! And your father found something he needed to share."

"At night?"

"You know how he can be. I was with him, ask him if you must."

I narrow my eyes, scanning his face for any sign of lies but his face is neutral like most times, his eyes seem sincere though, honest. "And the next day?"

"Had to go to my office for some work and then back to meet your father, that's when I um, smoked." Nimit replies. "I wasn't you, Aisha. I couldn't even if I tired."

"I told Sania, about our arrangement. Well, the discussion part of it."

Nimit's eyebrows shoot up and he looks horrified by that piece of information. "What the fuck? Why would you do that?"

"Because I am a woman and I was overthinking and I needed someone to talk to!" I snap back at him.

His fingers run through his hair in clear exasperation. "That was a very stupid decision. How can we trust her? What if she goes to the media with this? Imagine the headline 'Aisha Mehta's new fling is her very own bodyguard!' I mean – God, what were you thinking?"

My nose flares and my hands fist, I feel utterly insulted by his comment. "We can trust her, she's my friend! And it doesn't matter anyway. That one night clearly isn't happening after today. Have fun sleeping alone!"

I stomp my feet and turn around, but before I can take a step, he grabs me by the elbow and turns me around. He hauls me against the refrigerator and I hiss back at him. "What the hell are you doing? Let me go!"

With a growl, Nimit leans down and kisses me hard, bruising my lips. His hand is in my hair, fisting it roughly, holding me in place so I can do nothing but accept the sweet punishment.

"You shouldn't have worn such tempting clothes, Aisha."

~~~

Kinda, sorta love that last line! Hehe! ;)

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