When I felt conscious again I did not wanted to open my eyes. My breath felt warm and relaxed and I smiled when there was this warm feeling around me still. May be I am near the fireplace which kept me warm. A kind of new feeling engulfed me and I smiled with a weird content feeling. Moving my limbs I let a breath and inhaled relaxing my insides. My skin was feeling really good.

“Feeling better?” a soft voice ringed just very near to my ear and hot breath made me snuggle more relaxed.

Oh I know this voice. And that's when my eyes opened wide.

He was looking at me with a huge smile plastered on his face.

Oh god how much I hate him. After letting me freeze and die in the cold night he still got the gut to smile at me.

I fumed and looked around to find myself wrapped in his warm embrace. So it was him. He slept beside me hugging me. As much I hated agreeing to it the night was the best night I ever had. It was warm and soothing at the same time.

But him being so near to me made my blood crawl out. I pushed him hardly and moved to the other side of the bed holding my paining head. “Ouch” I winced. “Why are you here?” I asked not looking at him. “Technically you are in my room” he smirked. Startled at his words I looked around. It was really his room.

I looked at myself then. My coat was not on me, not even my clothes. I was wearing a huge sweater which covered me till my knees. And with this much minimum clothing I was sleeping beside him hardly in my senses. God.

“Oh god” I sat up rubbing my face annoyed. “How could you?” I looked at him furious and he gave me a confused look. “I was not in my senses” I fumed glaring him. “I know” he said casually and that made me more angry.

“And why am I in your room?” I asked still rubbing my temple. “And why am I not in my clothes?” I demanded him to answer.

Instead of answering he chuckled and dragged me back and hugged me. I won't deny I was craving this warm feeling but this idiot cannot get past me with this. I tried to get out of his hold and in response he only hugged me tight.

“Shhh” he whispered in my ear making my spine shiver and he chuckled when he realized his breath affected me. “Let go off me” I hissed. “You still need the warm embrace babe” he whispered again playing with my mind. “I don't need your embrace to feel warm. I better heat a stove and sit on it instead” I struggled again.

“There there. The fire inside you is building up” his jaws were rubbing against the skin behind my ear. “I am just taking back what I gave you last night to survive” he spoke huskily.

This was pure torture.

“Shikhar let go off me” I ordered this time. “Oh that was not what you said me last night” he acted innocent. “Last night? What happened last night?” I tried to turn to look at his face but he held me tight in the same position. “Oh I see. You don't remember the best night of your life” he faked concern.

“You are just playing with my head. And I know nothing has happened the way you are claiming” I retorted and he chuckled. “I wish you remembered when I brought you inside my room how you clung to my chest shivering and I placed you on the bed gently” he dragged me to himself groaning.

“Then you did not let go off my hand and I had to take of your clothes and make you wear this sweater teasing every inch of your skin with my fingers. And then you collapsed against my chest hugging me tight wanting to take all the heat my body radiated” he smirked and I fumed hearing him.

“I had no choice when you begged me to wrap you around with my arms” he tightened the hold on my wrist. “You're enjoying aren't you?” he whispered and I closed my eyes. “Shikhar let me go” I said a bit lowly this time.

“And then Ms. Saint you didn't let me sleep” he dragged me back. “And I guess I deserve some time of mine when I did so much for you last night” he whispered and I closed my eyes feeling helpless.

My lips quivered and eyes started to develop tears. Why don't I remember what happened last night? Was he telling the truth. “Shikhar please” this time I begged him.

Suddenly his hold on me loosened and he let me move and I got up from the bed still with swollen eyes. I couldn't look into his eyes.

“Hey” he stood in front of me and I backed away. “I was just playing with your head. I swear the lights were off when I changed you and you could have died in those snow covered clothes. I was just teasing you. Other than hugging you while you were unconscious I had nothing to warm you”

I looked up at him with my red eyes and closed them again frustrated. “Do you think so low of me?” he asked hurt. “I think you are worse than this” I snapped at him and walked out of his room.

***.***

The meeting with Mr. William went as expected and I got the signed copy of the contract from him. Every time I achieved something in my professional life that made me feel best.

After that we had a plane to board to Greece. Shikhar had not spoken to me after the morning incident. I am still pissed that he let me die in the cold but I couldn't blame him for trying to save my life. Somewhere I felt I am only drawing conclusions about him all the time not trying to understand him.

I am an open minded person but I don't know why my thoughts close and I only judge him. Will it make me a worse person overall?

Once we arrived in Greece we were taken to Ms. Morgan's office by her driver. We finalized the contract and she handed me the papers inviting us for the night party. She looked very much interested in Shikhar. I can't deny that most woman swoon around him. I do understand this very well.

He agreed to attend the party and I politely refused stating that I had already booked my flight and I had some other commitments. She asked me about the flight and I told her it was in the night. She suggested me to take a tour of Greece. I looked at Shikhar who gave me a cold look and smiled back at her.

“No issues I can wait in the airport” I smiled and bid her bye. Shikhar watched me getting out of the cabin longingly and I should agree that I have not seen him with such feeling in his eyes ever.

I sighed deeply getting out of the building. “Can we talk?” he spoke startling me and I looked at him panting for breath. “I don't think we need to” I looked away. “Please Reeva”

Oh my God. That just made my heart melt in seconds. He had never called me by name and adding a please to it looked like cherry on the top. Smooth.

He grabbed my hand while I still was staring him dumbfounded and we walked on the streets of Greek. It was beautiful sunny country compared to France. France was really breath taking but Greece had its own charm.

We walked for a long distance without speaking. I was waiting for him to initiate the talk for a strange reason. I cleared my throat as a signal that I was waiting for him to talk. He fiddled with his finger and that suddenly looked so cute.

Reeva snap out.

I reminded myself. He turned to me staring in my eyes and I don't know why felt I am in new world suddenly. That was the look I have never seen in his eyes. And that made me anxious.

We both were distracted when we a heard a small girl cry. She was looking at the fallen ice cream and crying. We searched for her parent around but there was no one.

Shikhar bent to her and held her. “Aww. What happened to most beautiful princess in the world?” he asked concerned. His voice made me smile instantly. “Ice cream....” she showed the fallen ice cream. I felt bad for her. Shikhar stood and looked around. He crossed the road and bought one more ice cream and handed it to the girl who stopped crying and smiled looking at him.

“Now I got the most beautiful smile in the world” he cheered and she smiled wider. “Lily” a woman walked and looked at the girl. The girl hugged her mother.  “Mommy. This uncle brought me ice cream” she cheerfully told her mother who thanked Shikhar and he smiled back squeezing the girl's cheek and she placed a warm kiss on his cheek. He smiled this time with the most genuine smile I have ever noticed him give.

We walked further in silence and there was a knot forming in my stomach. “You would make hell of a dad” I commented and he stopped in his tracks and stared me like I said something I shouldn't. “What?” I asked a bit scared. He nodded his head with a smile.

“It's just that nobody has told me that ever” he twitched his lips. “That's because you don't show your this side to anyone”

He stopped in his tracks and turned to me. “What the hell are you doing to me?” he asked and I looked at him confused.

“I am not doing...” before I could complete his lips were on mine and everything around me was making me feel different. Like I was in a place which was more beautiful than heaven when his soft lips molded with mine and my breath went on hacking and I felt breathless but yet so good when he held my lips between his teeth still with his closed eyes and I had to dangle my hands around his neck to stand in my place and then he grabbed my lips again making one more wave of ecstasy engulf me in the sea of passion.

My mind was blank and I don't know why I kissed him back. It was a mistake. A huge mistake.

I dragged my hands back and stared the ground cursing myself. When he neared me I showed him my palm not looking up.

“It was a huge mistake” I ran from there not even waiting to look at him.

Why the hell did I kiss him back? What he might be thinking? After holding myself for such a long time why did I gave up as soon as his lips touched mine? When I touched my lips I could still feel as if they were craving for his lips. 

My stomach flipped uncontrollably and I felt my throat dry and knees weak. My head was refusing to stay focused while I crossed the road to reach the airport. And from there I knew I was not in my control anymore. I lost my control over my life.

***.****
It was midnight when I reached my apartment. The tiredness was taking a toll on my body. It wasn't that I have never been to abroad but this quick trip was something I did for the first time.

There was a parcel lying on the table when I reached my living room. May be it was placed by my neighbor Mrs. Iyer. She is a sweet lady whom I had given a spare key in case I was traveling and there was some parcel for me at that time because I keep ordering many things online.

But as far as I remembered I hadn't ordered anything in last month. Then who had sent me a parcel. Grabbing it I took the note which was below it.

“For the gorgeous date of mine a gorgeous dress. Please bless my creation by draping it around you” I smiled reading the note. Have I need to mention who is so smooth with words in my life?

I was awestruck when I opened the package finding the ravishing dress. This man is handcrafted by god with a stunning eye for detail when it comes to women's fashion. I have only seen the top models and rich female wearing such dresses and never knew I will have a occasion to wear one.  Not until I met Mr. Shresht Wadhwa. The demigod of fashion and craft.

Placing it on the table there I walked to my room to get enough sleep. I had messaged Adi that I won't be coming to the office Friday. Where as Shresht himself insisted me to take a day off and be ready for the date and I had no objection in complying to it.

My sweet bed welcomed me and I slept soundly trying to relax myself.

****.****

I heard a bang on my door when I was all dressed and just finishing with my heels. “Coming” I spoke and rushed to the door. Shresht was standing with a huge smile on his face and a handful of Tulips wrapped in a bouquet. “Aww these are for me?” I asked him taking them.

I am sucker for flowers especially Tulips. He nodded his head widening his smile. “How did you know that I love them?”I asked him a bit shocked. “I have my sources” he teased me and I nodded my head. “Just a moment” I excused myself walking back inside the apartment and placed them in the vase.

Then walked back to the door where Shresht was waiting for me. “Ready to leave?” he offered his hand and I happily grabbed it. Locking my door I descended the stairs beside him. I have never felt all this in my life.

Someone grabbing me so possessively and protectively, bringing me my favorite flowers, designing a stunning dresses just for one night. I think I like the idea of being treated nicely after I met Shresht. He makes me feel not just special but treasured. And that's something I have never felt. But at times I am scared. Because I read people very well. That is why it scares me to think that this is all too good to be true. And I know Mr. Shresht Wadhwa. He is a very calculative man. The way I don't let emotions cloud my reasoning, he doesn't too. So this is all a part of his calculations may be.

I feel I am worrying too much for no reason. It's just feeling easy and loosening up a bit and he is a great partner for it when you are not looking for long time relationships and just want to try how this all works.

But somewhere what Shikhar told me was holding me back. What if he is too much invested in this? Am I playing with his emotions which he had let surface only in front of me? I have felt his attraction towards me from day one. And that gave me a weird comfort that he is not going to be too involved in all this.

He pulled his car in front of a big mansion whose name I read at the gate as Wadhwa's. I was not sure why had he brought me home on the first date. When I was still thinking the answer it looked like he guessed my confusion.

“It's not that I have brought you to meet my family Ree. The mansion is empty and I am not expecting anyone for a week” he said and I relaxed. “That's still bizarre idea to bring home your date” I looked at him and he chuckled. “I do understand you're creeping out but I thought it would be best if I feed you what I cooked than some fancy dinner at a five star restaurant” he unbuckled his seat and I did the same and got out of the car.

“You cook?” I was shocked. “I do. On very very rare occasions” he nodded his head offering his hand and I held it. “That should scare me?” I giggled. “You will know” he smirked. “This makes it all so comforting” I sighed entering his mansion. He looked at me quizzically. “I mean you not taking me to a fancy restaurant makes me think that you just want to have dinner not to trying impress me again” I sighed and he lowered his head smiling.

“Isn't it a way to impress showing you my mansion and how eligible of a husband material I am?” he leaned to me and I was caught off guard and my legs twisted. He grabbed me by my petite waist preventing the great fall I had signed myself for.

“I'm sorry” he licked his lips and made me stand straight. “I know you are not willing to be in a relationship and neither me” he nodded his head and I don't know I did not feel his words convincing enough.

I adjusted myself and walked further inside the mansion. He took me to the right part of it where the door opened to the beautiful garden and a pool beside it. A table was arranged with candles and a vase holding single Tulip. I was really amazed by the atmosphere.

Pulling the chair for me he made me sit and I smiled at him for his gesture. I have started liking all this queenly treatment lately. “I will be back in a moment” he smiled and walked from there. I looked around resting my elbows on the table.

The place was marvelous. The light from the pool reflected making it look like a virtual sky. Suddenly my ears sharpened hearing music and I found a speaker near the flower bed on the right side.

Shresht walked there holding few vessels and some plates. When I was about to help him he signed not to bother. And I can't refuse that he had muscles to handle all this weight anyways.

He placed them and set them on the table and poured champagne in two flutes and sat on his chair. I smiled when he clinked his flute of champagne with mine and we gulped it. Then he served me the food neatly like an experienced host.

I was admiring his every way which was so perfect. “What?” he looked up holding his fork when he found me staring him.

I just nodded my head with a smile. “You can appreciate my efforts if you like them. I am not gonna take it too seriously” he pointed his fork and placed it inside his mouth.

“I can?” I asked him bending a bit and he nodded his head. “Then Mr. Wadhwa” I gulped the first chewed bite and he glared me. “At least for the sake of my fragile heart which is breaking with your formal tone can just not call my name?” he asked begging and I chuckled.

“Okay. Shresht” I looked at him and found his smile widening. “Oh the one word I always wanted to hear from your mellow voice” he said dreamily and I giggled looking down. “Okay stop flirting will you?” I reprimanded him. He raised his one hand in surrender.

“I am really baffled knowing that you are very good with your crafting. Like this dress, this food, arrangement and I really am pleased by your eye for detail” I relaxed back and he looked up nodding his head.

“Oh finally you are impressed” he sighed. “It's not that type of impress okay” I spoke as I continued to eat. “I know. And I told I won't take it in that manner. So you can relax” he said and smiled at me.

“The food was delicious” I wiped my mouth with the tissue and he bowed his head taking the compliment.

“Wanna take tour of the mansion?” he offered. “I would love to” I said excited and he offered his hand and I walked beside him grabbing it happily.

The mansion was amazing, elegant and cozy at the same time. “Who designed this?” I asked him. “Um I like all the designing works actually. So when we were building it I offered to design it” he caressed the back of his neck. “Really. You are blessed with this type of talent Mr. Wadhwa” I looked impressed. “Again Ree” he whined. “Okay... okay... Shresht” I giggled and he joined me.

“Okay. It's time for me to take your leave Shresht. Thank you for this wonderful evening” I smiled standing in front of him. He bowed and accepted the compliment.

“I wish to have this very often” he said and looked into my eyes and I was feeling difficult to breath. I just smiled back weakly.

He took my hand and kissed it. I smiled tucking the hair strand behind my ear. And I don't know what got inside him he cupped my face and stood just inches apart staring my lips.

My heart went galloping when his breath fanned my quivering lips.

The door opened and he sighed leaning to touch my forehead with his. Then we both turned and found Shikhar standing at the door. He was not pleased the we he looked at us. Twitching his lips unpleasantly he walked further inside the mansion.

And for no reason I felt low, dizzy under his accusing gaze. Why am I even bothered? It is not that I am his girlfriend or bound to him or obliged to explain.

“Hey Shikhar” Shresht hugged his brother greeting him. “Reeva told me the meeting went well and we have one more contract” he beamed happy while Shrikhar looked at me.

“Did she just talked about business or something else also?” he was still looking at me. Shresht looked at him confused.

“I was just joking brother. I am happy that you had a great first date” he congratulated and in turn taunted me. “It was the best date I ever had in my whole life. And all thanks to Ree for accepting it” he looked at me smiling and looked down. “Yeah that's her charm”

I snapped my head to look into his eyes. There was pain and there was accusation. Who the hell he thinks he is? Am I marked to him or something. It's totally my decision with whom I want to be.

“What?” asked Shresht who didn't heard what Shikhar said. “Nothing bro. I was just asking her whether I disturbed you people?” he turned to his brother smiling.

“Not at all. Ree was just leaving. I will drop her and come back” Shresht signed me and walked out of the mansion. I was about to follow him but Shikhar dragged me holding my arm.

“What the hell are you doing?” I hissed. “What the hell am I doing? What are you doing? You thought if you tell me it was a mistake I will just forget it isn't it?” he asked fuming and I jerked my hand from his hold.

“It was a mistake. Not just mistake but a huge mistake” I spat at him. “And why are you even making it such a huge issue?” I asked and he looked at me hurt.

“Even when I told you what I feel for you, you came on a date with my brother? You thought I cannot give you what he can give you?” he asked and I slapped him hard this time.

“What do you think I am? A whore? Even if you think so it's not my damn problem. You told me what you feel but did I tell you I feel the same? Did I even tell you to feel so? Whomever I go out with it's not your fucking business to poke your nose. Did you got that?” I warned him.

He did not let me go and dragged me back. “You think this is easy don't you?” he gritted his teeth. “What are you talking about?” I asked confused. “I am not going to let go of this easily Ms. Reeva Singhal. If you are dreaming any fairy tale with my brother then just remember I am standing just in front of you and I won't let anyone take you from me and now at any cost I need you in my life. You might have spent the most beautiful evening with my brother. He might have made you feel best but the night I will make love to you. You will forget every thing a man has ever done to you. And that's my promise to you” he smirked and pushed him away.

Rubbing my paining elbow I walked out. “What happened?” Shresht asked concerned. “I just hit my elbow” I rubbed it. “You should be careful” he held my elbow and rubbed it carefully. My eyes moved to the door where Shikhar was standing with the devilish smile on his lips.

This is going to be hell of a ride.