Forever grateful to the love & support you guys show me! 

~~~

Chapter 2: I will tie your hands, there's a rope right here.

After a lot of contemplation, jotting down the pros and cons, speculating every foreseeable argument, and mulling over the consequences, I have come down to one simple conclusion – escaping Nimit is a tad bit easier than persuading my stern ass father.

And so here I am, sitting nervously and planning an escape route. I stare distractedly at the Disney movie playing on the large screen, I don't have the time or the mood to enjoy it. I glance to the side, Nimit sits on the armchair, both arms across the sides and his back upright and stiff.

He is typing something on his phone and I wonder if he is talking to a woman but it's his work phone – is he talking to my dad? Oh crap, no!

I lick my lips nervously, feeling my throat dry up. I haven't done anything rebellious since Nimit has come, I am sure he knows my wild history but he's never lived through it. And a part of me doesn't want to disappoint him or anger him but I need to think about myself – not him or my father or the hundreds of strangers dying to pass insulting remarks.

I have been a good girl for a few years now, time to let the devil in my head play outside for a while.

I deserve this, I have earned it.

I'll just say that I am feeling a little tired and go to my room, I'll escape through the window later.

I stand up and stretch my arms in the air, yawning loudly. Nimit stands up instantly, arms to the side and eyes attentive. It makes me grin a little. "Well, I am going to sleep."

"At 6 in the evening?" His tone is filled with disbelief.

Uh oh. "I am just so tired. I'll continue this movie in my room, do some assignments, study a little and then sleep early." I hope I sound convincing. Nimit's eyebrows furrow a little and he doesn't reply for a few seconds, the silence surges and makes me more anxious and uneasy. I chew on my bottom lip, trying my best to not delve into a series of lame excuses. I have a habit of talking too much when nervous.

Finally, Nimit nods and steps to the side. "If that's what you want." My sigh is audibly loud and Nimit raises an eyebrow at that. I force a smile and walk past him towards the bedroom. "You should get some sleep too. You have dark circles."

"What?" Nimit actually touches his under eyes and that make me smirk a little. He cares about his appearance, aww.

"I could give you a face mask if you wish. I'll be using one tonight, I have a few extras. You want a charcoal or a cucumber one?" He quickly catches on to my teasing tone and his lips lift a little, a ghost of a smile dancing on his handsome face. I blink a few times, taken aback by the effect it has on me. It's just a very light smile Aisha, get over it. You have seen dozens of smiles. "Um, it's really nice... the face masks I mean."

"I think I'll be fine. Thank you, though. I don't think you need it either, you are already beautiful." I have to blink a few times to register his words, his compliment. It's incredibly rare and I wish I had recorded it. I could set it as my alarm, oh what joy to wake up to his voice every morning.

"Aisha?" Even the way my name flows through his lips is thrilling and I shiver at the honey dipped tone. I quickly look away and climb up the stairs – two steps at a time. My heart is racing in my chest and there's heat rushing into my cheeks. Christ, Aisha, you aren't 14 anymore, why are you blushing like one?

I dare not look back at him. "Well, goodnight then."

"Goodnight. Sleep well."

I have a flirty response ready, it's at the tip of my tongue, eager to escape.

I'll sleep well if you are with me.

Why don't you sing me a lullaby so I can sleep well?

Do you want to join me... for more than just sleeping?

Of course, these replies go as far as my thoughts alone. And I turn to smile, avoiding his smoldering gaze. "You too." I open the door, rush into the room and slam it back shut. I lean back against the door and exhale heavily, staring at the pale ceiling, hand over my pounding heart. "Does he have to be that attractive? Couldn't my dad have picked someone who was in his forties, married with two kids? Ugh! Maybe this is my father's idea of torturing me. Giving me something I can't have! What a twisted bastard!" I rub my flushed face and jump into the bed, burying my face into the pillow.

"Should I act on it?" I have thought about it often, wondering if I should just give in and make a move on him. Just knock on his door and grab him by the collar, and press my mouth against his, see if he tastes as good as he smells.

But there are two things stopping me – 1. The fear of rejection. 2. The fact that if my father ever comes to know about it, he'll harm Nimit in ways I dread to think of. I sniff into the pillow and shake my head off these thoughts. "There's no time for this, I need to execute a perfect escape plan."

A few years back when I was on the rebel streak, my father had removed any trees and pipes out of my window's reach. So, the ways to escape were minimal. I cannot just walk out the door because there's constant security in and around the house. I cannot jump directly into the next house because the distance is too far, my house is a little on the isolated side.

So that leaves me with one option, climb down a rope and escape through the old doghouse. Unbeknownst to my father, I had taken rope climbing classes 2 years back and I was good at it, so climbing down won't be an issue. The issue would be making sure no one sees me during this whole process.

I grab a red slit dress, the makeup kit, my silver stilettoes and stuff them into a small bag pack. I change into black trackpants, a black top and black running shoes. Tying my hair into a secure bun, I remove the rope from the back of the bottom drawer where I had hidden it. "Okay, let's do this." A part of me is terrified of the wrath that will come later but the wild and overzealous part of me is wining today. I have been a good girl for a long time, now it's time to give the bad girl a chance at living too.

I drop down the rope through the window, tie it securely to the bar on the side and test it, it's sturdy, firm. With an excited breath, I climb down the rope, feeling a rush of adrenaline and a sense of empowerment and independence. The anticipation of escaping my home brings back memories and it's an exhilarating experience but the anxiety of facing consequences is also a little terrifying. Within minutes, my feet hit the ground and I adjust the bag pack, proud of myself for doing it so flawlessly. And I didn't even get caught. Ha, this was too easy.

I am cheerfully satisfied as I look around the empty dark space. I know the rope won't come down and eventually someone will notice it and connect the dots but by then, I'll be long gone. A rush of cool evening air brushes against my skin, sending shivers down my spine, and a surge of adrenaline courses through my veins. I move stealthily towards the doghouse at the left side of the house, stepping slowly and surely over the grass.

"Going somewhere?"

I let out a sharp yelp of surprise, startling and staggering back at the sharp unamused familiar tone. Oh, shit! I knew this was too easy to be true. Damn you, Nimit!

I curse mentally and close my eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to calm down the spooked heart and get my alarmed breathing under control. Very slowly, I turn to face Nimit with an apprehensive smile. He walks out of the shadows, hands folded across his chest, his stance imposing and his eyes disappointed. "Did you really think I wouldn't know? You going to sleep at 6 in the evening was the biggest red flag. You don't sleep until 12 at midnight. And you saying that you will study... willingly. Another red flag."

"Crap! I should've used another excuse."

"You were nervous, you kept biting your lip, you do that when you are lying. I know you, Aisha."

I press my lips together at the new information. I didn't know I did that. I chuckle awkwardly and rub my neck. "Anything else?"

"I am not showing all my cards to you. Get back to your room now."

My nose flares at his dictatorial tone and I scowl at him. "No." I firmly stand my stance even though I am shaking a leaf from inside. "I will not go back to my room. I am going to attend this event because I want to."

"Does your father know about it?" He takes a threatening step towards me and it gets harder to hold my ground. "You didn't ask him, did you? Because you know he wouldn't allow. Look, I get that you want to rebel but don't waste your time on it. Have you no regard for your safety?"

I scoff and roll my eyes at that. "My safety? All I am is the daughter of a politician, that's all. Who would want to harm me at a Fab event?"

"Are you really dumb enough to ask that question?" Nimit retorts back, his lips pressed into a thin line. "Anybody could harm you. You have no idea about the threats that lurk just around the corner."

"All I have are potential threats. Potential. And I understand it but do you really believe that someone out there is constantly on the lookout, spending their entire life hunting down my whereabouts, following me around every second, just waiting... waiting for the right minute to strike me?"

Nimit's eyes widen at that, as if I know something I shouldn't and I blink at his dazed silence. My tone lowers from anger to concern. "Do you?"

The mask shifts back on his face and he glares at me. "You never know what kind of twisted sick bastards live in this world. Better be safe than sorry. Get back to your room or I'll carry you there."

My jaw drops to the ground at the last part, his eyes hold my gaze steadily, impassive and my heartbeat quickens and cheeks flush. It's unnerving to see the effect he has on me without even trying. And I almost give in and ask him to carry me back to the room. Now that'd be a milestone, Nimit carrying me bridal style in his muscular and strong arms. That is the closest I'd get to him. The temperature seems to rise significantly and despite the fact that it's chilly outside, I feel oddly hot. I rub the back of my neck and force myself to a grip on my thoughts – you are here for freedom, Aisha. Freedom! Don't let it slip away.

"You wouldn't dare."

He takes a challenging step towards to me and I gasp, taking one back instantly. Eyes widen with surprise and suddenly I am desperate to escape. I need to be away from him, but freedom isn't the reason now, it's because I am losing self-control and distance is what I need from him to regain control on my wavering thoughts. "Look, Nimit." I rarely say his name, so it's no surprise when his eyebrows shoot up at the mention. His lips part ever so slightly but that's all the reaction he gives me. "I know you have a job to do but this is a safe event. There will lots of security and my friends. I'll be fine. Please, I really want to go. I haven't gone anywhere nice since months now...you know that. I have been stuck at home for over 6 months. This is my chance, it's Monday, I had a tough day. I just want to watch a fashion show, laugh with my friends, get a drink and come back home happy. Can I not even have that? Am I not allowed to live my life? Have a little innocent fun?"

There's a light pause and I make my gaze pleading, innocent, sympathetic. I part my lips and stare at him with puppy eyes, seeking support. And I hope it's as irresistibly endearing as I think it is. It works well on Ryan and other men but I never had to try it on Nimit before. So, I mentally pray that it affects him too. "Please, Nimit." I blink and pout out my lips.

He stares at my expression and I try to gauge his train of thoughts but he is so good at his keeping his face blank and unfathomable. "Do you really think that will work on me? Good try, but no. Get back into your room."

I hiss and grit my teeth, annoyed and exasperated at the defeat. Dammit, his will is strong. I need to use a different tactic since this isn't working. I fold my arms and glare at him. "No, I am going to the event. You want to force me to my room by carrying me in front of all the security and all the maids? Suit yourself. But I warn you, I will scream, I will fight and I will scratch your face till you bleed."

Nimit inhales sharply, his eyebrows raise, a cool gleam in his eyes that is enigmatic even in the late evening. He cocks his head to one side and I gulp nervously, not daring to take my eyes off him and show defeat. "I will tie your hands, there's a rope right here. Thanks to you."

Oh, kinky!! My cheeks flame and I have to clear my throat to get back my voice. "Okay. But I'll hate you forever then. All I am asking is one evening, one." I lift up a forefinger and shake it in front of him to prove my point. "You'll be there too so I'll be safe. Shouldn't I get at least one evening to be happy? Is that too much to ask?"

He falls silent for a whole minute, the longest minute ever. I mentally pray that he doesn't make me go to room again, I have already used all of my debating points. Finally, he sighs and his shoulders slump. He gets out the small work phone from his suit pocket and presses a button. "Ms. Mehta will be out for an event this evening. If her father calls, let him through to me."

My jaw drops and I stare at him in utter and complete astonishment. I can't believe he actually agreed, he is actually letting him go. I am beyond astounded and thrilled, but mostly stunned.

His eyes narrow at me. "If I lose my job, it's on you."

I can't help the wide beaming victorious smile dancing on my face. I clap gleefully and fight the urge to swing my arms around his neck and hug him in gratitude. "You won't. I'll make sure of it. Thank you. Thank you so much. You are the best!"

"You got the address?"

"Yes. Yes. Thank you!" I jump on my feet, excited, thrilled and insanely happy. Now that Nimit is on board with me, it makes me feel safer and more elated than before. I follow him towards the car, unable to stop smiling like a fool.

"We have to be back by 11 though. Got it?" He swiftly turns around to face me and since I am mere feet away from him, I steadily slam into his broad chest and stumble back with a surprised squeal. "Shit!"

"Aisha!" His reaction is impulsive and the next second, I am in his arms and his hands are around my waist, holding me close. My heart skips a beat before starting to pound frantically and I forget how to breathe. I can't believe that I am in Nimit Verma's arms – my sexy bodyguard has his arms wrapped around me, firm yet gentle. And I can swear that time has slowed down in this fleeting moment and my heartbeat is so loud that it rings in my ears.

"Sorry about that, are you okay?" he whispers, his warm breath brushing over my flushed face.

Why is he sorry about this? This is my dream come true, now all he needs to do is bend a little and kiss me!

His fingers flex on my waist and the touch burns through the barrier of my black clothes. My lips part and eyes widen ever so slightly, wondering if he can see the raw desire in them. I get my answer when I hear his breath hitch. My back arches a little and I have to hold on to his arms for support. I can feel the strong biceps, the distinct bulges and suddenly I want to trace every curve and touch every muscle. The thought is rousing and I can't move, paralyzed by the sudden and unforgiving need to kiss him. He is looking down at me, his eyes darkening, pupils dilated.

Does he feel this too? This tension between us... this carnal attraction.

The words leave my lips without a thought, echoing through the silent evening. "Kiss me."

~~~

Don't forget to vote and comment! It means a lot to me!

I am always dedicating chapters to my Fam! So drop some love!

You can follow me on Instagram - @womanonrampage- #wattpadfam, so I know it's you!