Inarah's POV,

I stopped my purple Lamborghini outside Zayaan's building. Yes, he owns the entire 30-floor building with the 2-floor penthouse and reception office below. People need to get an appointment to meet him, but in my case, my name was my entry pass.

Just the site of the lift made my heart jump to my throat. I went to the receptionist.

"Yes ma'am?"

"Hi, please call Zayaan Hashmi and inform him I'm here waiting for him in the lobby," I told her smiling.

"Ok, ma'am." She knew me well and so she made a call through the telephone without a complaint and within a couple of minutes Zayaan was in front of me. Seeing him my face split in a grin.

"You're here?" He asked with a straight face.

"I missed you." I shrugged. He rolled his eyes. Tsk! Meany!

"You can at least give me a smile when you see me. I'm a pretty girl!"

"Are you sure you'll be ok with the lift?" He asked completely ignoring me. I huffed.

"Then will you carry me bridal style through the stairs all the way to the 30th floor Penthouse?" I asked amused.

Without a word, he turned towards the lift. His way of ignoring me is annoying, yet he looks so sexy so I like to annoy him more.

I followed him quietly.

As we entered the lift...my breathing fastened, but as soon as the door closed and he typed the code, he gently pulled me in his arms hiding my face in his chest.

"Close your eyes. It will be over soon."
He whispered in my ear making me shiver.

"Hm." I just moaned. It was like my claustrophobia never existed.

I breathed him in. He wasn't wearing any cologne so he smelled natural... like my Zayaan.

Ting! We reached the penthouse. I felt disheartened a little. It was over soo soon?!

His 2 bodyguards were waiting on either side of the door, but I still didn't want to let him go.

"Inarah... we're here." He informed releasing his grip from me.

"Let's stay like this a little longer," I murmured in his chest.

"Inarah!" He warned.

"Zayaan!" I said mocking him lifting my head and giggling. He looked away...a bit flustered I guess.

I quickly kissed the base of his neck and ran out giggling before he could yell at me.

Zayaan's POV,
I looked away immediately as she lifted her head from my chest before she could make my heart skip. I would've loved to stay like that for an eternity with her. She suddenly kissed the base of my neck with her soft lips and I almost jumped...my heart raced. Thankfully, she didn't notice as she ran out giggling. How do I lose my guard in front of this girl every time?!

She went straight to my study.

"Did you get the proposals for the new product?" She questioned looking at the files on my table.

"Hm. Check them if you want. I'm doubtful about all of them. They lack something or another." I remarked.

"And that's where I come in..." She boasted taking a seat on my chair. I shook my head and stood in front of her leaning on the table.

She might be a flirty, fun-loving cheerful goofball, but when it comes to work... she's a whole different person. Just like her father used to be. She always reminds me of him...Ashfaq Qureshi.

"Always remember Zayaan... A person cannot live with just one emotion. He needs to feel and enjoy every emotion, he needs to live in the moment. Or else, life wouldn't matter. It's the same when it comes to work...do it like no one can be better than you! Be your own master! Yet, enjoy it as if it's the last thing you could do. That's when you're hard work matters or rather feels worthy of your time, efforts and is satisfying."

"This is copied!" She exclaimed loudly creasing her brows.
Lifting the file, anger evident on her beautiful face making her look exquisite. Her jaw clenched and her eyes... looked too intense. I swear to God she looks soo fucking sexy when she's angry like that!

"There are a few things that Inarah Qureshi can't stand...one of them is plagiarism!" She snapped and threw the file on the floor.
"Coping another company's plan for our own. Is the Qureshi group a joke?! Are the employees of Qureshi group amature?!" She raged.

"Whoever made this...give him an ultimatum of 5 days for getting something original in my hands...or else fire him!" She ordered boring her eyes straight into mine.

Whoa! When she takes over, the employees are in huge trouble. I smiled at that thought.

"I'll inform my assistant," I spoke.

She observed the other files while I... observed her.

"This is soo childish. Who are they targeting, 8year olds?!... This is dumb...Soo old-fashioned... Would cost a fortune without a reason... Who would pay for this bullshit!"
She sighed shutting the files and throwing her head back closing her eyes. I unconsciously licked my lower lip at the view of her exposed neck.

"Do I have to come up with a new idea too now?! Damn it!" She murmured.
"I'll plan something in two days." She spoke in her all business-like tone lifting her head.

"Ok." I just said.

She let out a breath and that wide dimply smile was back.
"Now that we're done with work... let's go on a date!" She hopped off the chair excitedly.

I raised an eyebrow at her.
"Date?"

She nodded.

"No!" I responded straight.

"Oh come on..." She whined stomping her foot like a kid.
"All work and no play will make my Zayaan a dull boy!" She pouted.

I shook my head. There was a knock at the door and Asad walked in. He gave me a look and I knew he had something to report which wasn't possible in front of Inarah.

"Ah, look who's here. Hey beautiful!" Asad flirty eyeing her.

Inarah rolled her eyes.
"Hey, Asad. Always a pleasure seeing you!" She replied with sarcasm dripping in her voice.

"You guys going on a date?" He asked looking at both of us.

"I want to, but you're boss just wouldn't." She sighed.

"Aww. Don't be sad baby." He walked towards her.
"Why don't you go on a romantic drive with yours truly." He threw his arm around her shoulder. I glared at him, but he just smirked mocking me.

Inarah eyed his arm around her shoulder then turned her head towards his smug face with a bored expression. Lifting his finger between her thumb and index finger as if holding a dirty piece of rag cloth, she threw it down dusting her shoulder, cringing.

"Ouch, babe! That hurt!" Asad remarked dramatically with a hand on his chest.

I rolled my eyes...so did she.

"No thanks... I don't like clingy guys!" She snapped at him and I had to bite my lip to hold in my chuckle.

"Oh, come on. There's not just your Zayaan who's the handsome one. Don't miss your chance over this hottie." He winked pointing towards himself.

She smiled.
"Of course! How can I make that mistake? Rakshabandhan is coming soon... I'll remember this hottie brother of mine that day."

I choked on my laugh and cleared my throat. Asad laughed nervously.
"I'll...come some other time then... when Rakshabandhan is no longer in view." He blurted and turned to his heels.

She turned to me again and hooked her arm in mine.
"Let's go...we need to buy a lot of gifts for the kids remember?"

Then I remembered.
"Oh right! That. Hm... let's go then. I'll tell Raghu to get the..."

"No bodyguards! Just you and me. You're strong enough to protect me. You are my personal bodyguard." She leaned close to my ear.
"...and who's already protecting my heart and soul." She whispered, her breath fanning on my neck. I almost gulped.

I placed a finger on her forehead and pushed her away.
"Too close." I scolded and started walking ahead.

"Tsk! Too rude Mr Hashmi!" She complained from behind making me smile.
"Hey, wait for me, handsome!" She yelled running behind me.

Inarah's POV,
I came out of the study running behind my hottie when someone sank on one knee in from of me with his face covered with flowers in his hands.
I knew immediately who it was.

"A few flowers for the most beautiful flower ever born."

"Hi, Raghav." I took the bouquet from his hands as our fingers touched slightly, casually. They smelled lovely.
"Thank you," I smiled at him.

He fell back on the floor dramatically holding his chest making me giggle.
"The goddess of beauty thanked me. Oh God! I'm blessed!"
He then looked at his hand
"I'm never washing this hand."

I shook my head. He was overdramatic, but he was cute. He was just 18 or something Zayaan told me, but he was Zayaan's underling.

"Get up before you sink into the ground forever!" Zayaan hissed through grunted teeth.

I looked at him amused.
"Jealous?" I mouthed him.

"You wish" he mouthed back.

"I do!" I giggled.

Raghav got up.
"To want do I owe the honor that you grace us with your presence today my goddess?"

"Oooooo. Someone's learning to talk fancy. I like that."

He blushed showing his teeth and rubbing his nape.

"I just came for work. I'm leaving now. See you next time. Bye..." I waved at him and all my other admirers who had gathered to catch a glimpse of me. Zayaan was glaring at them, it made me giggle and I grabbed his arm walking towards the lift.

***
Papa's death anniversary was coming soon and on that day we buy clothes and toys for orphans, poor kids and provide them with snacks and food along with choosing a few capable kids for their entire education scholarship. Papa loved kids...and so to honor that and make him happy up in heaven, we do this every year.

But nothing is cheap or underrated when it comes to Inarah Qureshi. So we were at a Mall to buy the stuff. Also because I wanted to turn our little shopping spree into a romantic date. It felt like we were buying clothes and toys for our kids. Oh, how I wish that day to come...

Zayaan's POV,
"Right from here to there... everything please." She explained to the sales girl.

"Ok, ma'am."

She could just send anyone for this, why make me her errand boy? I'm a Ceo and a Mafia Boss. People fear just hearing my name. No one can dare to order me around!

"Here Zayaan, take these bags."

"Ah yes." I took the bags in my hands without a word.

Ok, maybe she can order me! Tsk tsk! The things you do for Love. If anyone sees me I'll be a laughingstock!

Just then... I sensed something suspicious, or rather someone. I subconsciously slipped my hand in my jacket for my gun as realization hit me. There were Latifa Banu's men. That fucking vixen. She had her eyes on Inarah for years now even after knowing whose daughter she is and under whose protection she is. That bitch dared to defy me. I should just kill her.

Fuck! I don't have my gun.

I left it in the car as we would get caught by security at the entrance to the mall. Looking around, there were a lot of people. It would cause a huge ruckus. Also, Inarah was with me so I couldn't take any direct action. Calling Asad and the men could turn it into a bloody mess.

We walked out and their eyes landed at us. I knew it! They were here for us. Fuck! I grabbed Inarah's hand throwing the bags near the counter and started running to somewhere safe.

"Hey, Zayaan! The bags...where are we going... I can't run, I'm in heels..." She was complaining trying to catch up.

Damn those heels of her's!

I looked around hastily and dragged her into a clothing store. There were changing stalls with curtains. I pulled her into an empty one.

Before she could say anything I covered her mouth pushing her back towards the wooden compartment.

"Shhh. It's not completely packed. Look up... it's open. So calm down ok?!" I assured her. She nodded looking at me with wide eyes. That's when I realized...we were too close. I stepped back immediately mortified.

"Sorry."

"Hm." she looked down pushing her hair behind her ears shyly.

"What's... going on Zayaan? Who are we hiding from?" She whispered.

"It's... Some bad guys." I tried to dismiss the details.
"You don't have to know. Don't worry... I'll keep you safe. We just need to hide here for a while." I assured her.

"I know... I trust you that much." She smiled, but it turned into a scream soon enough and I hastily covered her mouth pushing her back to the wooden wall again as it made a thud. Her scream muffled through my hand but it would've been still audible outside. I could hear those men outside. They were in the store.

"Shhhh. What's wrong!" I whispered angrily. She pointed beside her head looking at me horrified. I followed her finger...and sighed shutting my eyes to control my temper.

This girl... It was just a small lizard!

I pulled her away from there and took her to the opposite wall still covering her mouth. Her eyes were fixed on that harmless creature horrified.

"It's not going to eat you," I whispered.

"But it's soo ugly...i... it's so black... I've never seen a black lizard... ewwwww!" She whimpered.

"Shh...if those men catch us they're going to make you eat that lizard!" I scared her.

"Huh..." She shook her head petrified. I almost smiled at her cute reaction.

My hands rested on either side of her head. Her eyes were struck by that lizard while mine was on her. Her shaking black pupils on her honey-colored orbs. Those tiny lashes, her pink cheeks turning red every second on her porcelain white skin. Her perfect, plum lips slightly parted as her breathing fastened. Her breath fanning on my face. She smelled like Lavender. Her soft hair fell down her shoulders in waves shining brown over black and a few strands fell on her face. I gently tucked them behind her ear with my fingers as I let my finger run down slowly from the side of her neck. She was too distracted to notice anything.

My head unconsciously dipped down to place a small kiss at the side of her neck...to have a taste of her creamy white skin...just then...

"Aaaaaaa..."

I came back to my senses as she screamed in my ear deafening me and I covered her mouth again.
Her eyes dipped down and then shut tightly as she was stamping her feet letting out muffled screams and cries.

This girl was going to get us killed today!

"Inarah...shut up!" I  muttered.
Actually, the lizard just fell from the wall and was running towards our direction, but because of her feisty stomping that poor thing changed its direction and ran away... outside finally!

"It's gone... it's gone Inarah calm down!" I grunted.

But she just kept on panicking... throwing her hands... hitting my chest and gripping my shirt, digging her face in my chest. She even broke the top buttons of my shirt with her fiesty hands scratching my chest a little with her long nails. I winced.

I grabbed both her wrists, but she bit the side of my neck making me groan in pain.
"Ugh...agh... Inarah stop!"

Just then the curtain of the stall flashed open revealing a shocked young sales girl gaping at us with her hand on her mouth. We both froze gapping at her equally shocked.

"S...sir...m... ma'am. Please! You can't do this here." She stammered, mortified.

Do what?!

Then I realized as my eyes went to the mirror to my right. Her hair was messed up and I was gripping her wrist. My shirt was torn and scratched on my chest along with a bite mark that looked like a hickey at my neck. Any person would think that...we were doing something indecent in a public place.

I immediately stepped back mortified.

"It's not what you think..." I began my hopeless explanation, but this girl just looked at me and the girl, then giggled acting all shy and ran out.

The sales girl looked at Inarah and then at me embarrassed. Her eyes lingered on my chest.

I gripped at my shirt self-consciously giving her a nervous smile.
"Um... excuse me," I mumbled and carefully walked past her as her shocked eyes were still glued on me.