Since it is already around 7 P.M. when we leave the fashion house, Manik decides to go to the club directly. It is lucky that I had already done some touch ups of my makeup in the bathroom at the fashion house or else I would have had one of my famous fits.

My clothes already make me look smoking hot, so that is definitely not a problem. Yes, I know what I just said, but seriously modesty is just not my thing anymore. We arrive at the club and notice of line guys waiting outside by the bouncer.

If there is something I'm good at that is getting into clubs without waiting in line, now it is time to see if my talent worked in London or not. Manik and I make our way to the bouncer and I bite onto my bottom lip in a very seductive manner, batting my eyelashes a bit. The bouncer smiles and lets me in, while Manik's eyes grow wide in shock. The bouncer stops Manik from following me inside so he quickly says to the bouncer, "I'm with her!" I nearly laugh hearing that. Manik catches up with me asking, "How the heck Nandini?" I smirk at him replying, "You're welcome Manik!"

I proudly walk off towards the bar, while noticing Manik is still standing there shocked over viewing all that just occurred. I have no doubt Manik had no problems getting into clubs in India since he is quite popular; however, he doesn't have that luxury in London. I love having that edge over Manik, it is without a doubt very entertaining for me.

I quickly get myself a martini, while Manik walks over to join me. He turns to the bartender and gets a beer for himself. He sits down scanning the crowd, his eyes purposefully lingering over the women. He gives me side-glances, which don't go unnoticed by me. I snort while taking a careless sip out of my martini. As I eat the olive from my drink, I watch as Manik goes over to a woman to ask her for a dance. Our eyes connect for a second and then I roll my eyes, which eventually land on the man standing in front of me.

If I am to describe him in one word it would definitely be hot. He is Indian too that much is obvious along with a gorgeous head of hair and a dashing smile. He is definitely in the same league as Manik, meaning he's perfect to play out my plan. I smile, twirling my hair and walk with him towards the dance floor. I pass by Manik giving him a brief glance. He stiffens immediately as he sees me with another man. Honestly, did he think I would sit at the bar and watch him all night? Seriously is Manik blind, just look at me? I grin like a fool knowing he is boiling in anger as I dance with this cutie.

I whisper to the guy, "I'm Nandini." He smiles, "Kunwar" I smile and continue to dance with him, gradually bringing my body closer to his. From the corner of my eye I see that the closer I get to Kunwar, the further Manik gets from the woman he is dancing. Apart from getting further from the woman he is also turning an angry shade of red.

I eventually get so close to Kunwar that I am practically grinding with him. I guess that is the last straw for Manik because he darts over towards us, forgetting about the woman he was dancing with. I smirk and turn away from Manik before he comes up behind me. Manik asks trying to mask his anger, "Can I cut in?" Kunwar looks at Manik weirdly and then to me. I nod my head at Kunwar, subtly letting him know it is okay. He says to Manik, "She's all yours" while walking away.

As soon as Kunwar leaves, Manik pulls me towards him making me collide with his chiseled chest of pure perfection. Nandini shut up, you can't say that!! I shake my head lightly to dismiss any romantic thoughts and look into his eyes for a moment, seeing an unnerving amount of passion. I mentally smirk. I have been doing that a lot lately, smirking mentally I mean! I ask cheekily, "Jealous much?" All he does in response is bring me closer to him, staring into my chocolaty brown eyes. Not being able to look into his eyes, I turn my body around in his arms so that my back is pressed against his warm body. His hands wander towards my waist and also play with the hem of my dress.

We start grinding on the dance floor and I make sure to keep my hormones in check. I really didn't need to wake up next to Manik for a completely different reason other than the one from this morning. He keeps sniffing my hair like some kind of dog. Seriously, what's with guys and sniffing hair? And another thing, Manik sure can't keep his hands to himself. It is definitely not easy preventing my mind from wandering like his hands are wandering over my body. It takes loads of self-control to keep myself from getting caught up in the passion that is our dancing. I let my mind drift to the reasons I am doing this. Let me just tell you, not looking into his eyes helps so much! You see I was always a sucker for his gorgeous steely gManik eyes. It was definitely a good call to turn around when I did. I am a woman on a mission, falling into the depths of his eyes is not an option.

He softly groans into my ear, "What are you doing to me Nandini?" I grin, "I can't help it that you want me!" Manik smirks, "Like you don't want me?" I laugh, "Manik I thought I said I would maintain a professional relationship with you!" Manik snorts, "Oh yeah? So what do you call this?" I grin, "If I remember correctly it was you who pulled me away from that gorgeous guy so that you could dance with me, not the other way around honey!"

I smirk leaving Manik stunned and alone on the dance floor, while I exit the club and head towards the parking lot. I know Manik is seriously thinking over what I have just told him because well he isn't here yet. I'm sure he has no clue why he let his jealousy get the best of him. That's a positive thing, him being confused. Confusion can only be sorted out through analysis, which is what he is doing right about now. The fact that Manik hasn't followed me out and still is not here is definitely a good sign.

Manik eventually comes out of the club five minutes later. He is speechless that much is evident. His ego definitely took a little blow, but hey that's good for me. I quietly sit in the seat, making sure not to gloat in victory or else he would probably throw me out of the car. It wouldn't be the first time he did something so heartless. Anyways we arrive at the hotel in silence and we head towards the elevator. Surprisingly Manik still hasn't said a word to me. I glance towards him to see his brows furrowed in confusion as if fighting a losing battle in his mind.

He walks me to my door and I see him still lost in his train of thought. I nearly laugh and then lean over giving him a lingering kiss on the cheek. His eyes grow wide in shock, but I am not done yet. I cup his face in my small hands and I softly press my lips against his for a brief moment, then murmuring, "Goodnight Manik!"

I abruptly turn around and walk into my room with a grin plastered on my face. Just to see that one look of shock on his face is enough to make me kiss him again. I bet I made the "poor" guy even more confused about his feelings towards me now... oh man this is fun!

The next morning I take my sweet time getting up. I am so happy not to wake up to see Manik's face in front of mine. It's no fun seeing that your enemy is in your personal space. I yawn loudly and smile thinking of the development I achieved last night. I just hope it affected Manik because I don't want my sacrifice of kissing him to be in vain. Okay, so it barely qualifies as a kiss, it was more of a brush of the lips, but still my lips touched his so end of story! I lazily get up to take a hot shower. After having a relaxing bath, I realize I left my clothes outside. Now yesterday that would have been a problem, but today I have my own room! Heck I can walk around naked without a care in the world because there is no one from, which I need to hide. I quickly wrap a towel around my body and step out the bathroom whistling in delight. I freeze as I hear a deep voice say, "God, it's like you're trying to turn me on!"

I slowly turn around in complete and utter shock. There is Manik sitting on my bed, leaning back onto his elbows for support. He is wearing white suit with a black button down shirt, looking ridiculously hot.

Meanwhile I stand before him, with only a towel wrapped mercilessly around my body. I stutter, "H-How d-did y-you g-get i-in m-my r-room?"

He smirks, "I swiped your extra key yesterday."

I scream, "WHAT? WHY?"

He steps closer to me, forcing me to walk backwards. I end up being backed up against the wall. Great this is just what I need, to be backed against a wall wearing only a towel!

I look towards the side, trying to avoid his eyes. He takes hold of my chin, forcing me to look into his passion driven eyes. He tucks a loose strand behind my ear, while smirking at my awkwardness. He softly whispers, "I really like you Nandini..."

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What will be Nandini's reaction to this proposal?? 🤔

Was Manik genuinely saying or as a flirt? 🤔

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