1. Lost In You | 18+ (A Dark Mafia Romance Book) - Chapter 1

Words: 1203

Estimated Reading Time: 8 min

Niyati

I was supposed to be married by now.

By this time, I should've been surrounded by family, drenched in sindoor and laughter, my hands clasped in the man I thought would be mine forever. Instead, I'm here. Sitting alone in a bar I don't even recognize, the bitter taste of alcohol clinging to my tongue and betrayal coursing through my veins like venom.

The bangles on my wrists jingle with every movement, a cruel reminder of what today was supposed to be. My mother's red wedding saree feels heavier than ever. Each thread, each sequin, now stitched with pain instead of love.

I've never drunk alcohol before. Not even a sip. But today-today I need it. I need something, anything, to dull this sharp, tearing ache in my chest. I thought I'd be smiling with my husband by now, stepping into a new life. Instead, I'm crumbling alone, humiliated and abandoned.

Four years. That's how long I gave him.

Four long, precious years of my life. My heart, my trust, my secrets, my loyalty. Every inch of myself, I gave to Raj. And today-on the day that was supposed to be our beginning-I find out he never even loved me.

Not once. Not even a little.

I don't understand how that's possible. I don't understand how someone can fake it for so long. He knew me better than anyone. He knew about my fear of the dark, the way I talk to myself when I cook, how I hum under my breath when I'm nervous. I gave him the keys to my soul.

And still, I wasn't enough.

Now I sit here, drowning my heartbreak in some cheap liquor I can barely pronounce, mascara streaking down my face, lipstick smeared, hair tangled from the wind and my own restless hands.

The music in the bar is soft, jazzy, painfully out of place with the chaos in my mind. The lighting is low, and the world outside the window is dark, blurred by tears I've long stopped trying to wipe away.

"Hey! Why are you drinking so much?" a voice breaks into my haze, cutting through the murky fog in my head.

I blink slowly and turn my head. The bartender who had been serving me earlier is gone, and now there's someone new. Younger. Sharper. Softer. His eyes are a strange shade of warm brown, his smile teasing and oddly...kind.

If I weren't spiraling into emotional destruction, I might've thought he was cute. Maybe even charming. He had the kind of face that made you pause-a little bit of mischief, a little bit of soul.

"Hey, pretty lady," he continues with a smirk. "Did you elope from your wedding?"

I almost laugh. Almost.

Pretty?

I glance down at myself. The red saree clings to my body like a ghost. The gold jewelry feels cold against my skin. My eyeliner is probably smudged beyond repair, my lipstick faded, and I know I must look like a wreck. A bride without a groom. A heartbreak dressed in tradition.

Oh, right.

I was at the mandap about an hour ago.

Standing there like a fool, hands folded, heart full of hope. Waiting for Raj to arrive. Waiting for a dream that never came true.

Instead, I was told he had left.

Just... left.

Apparently, he chose someone else. A model. Someone vibrant and bold and pregnant. Pregnant with his child.

And me?

I was just the girl who dressed too modestly. Who didn't know how to contour her cheeks or flirt like the women in magazines. According to him, I looked like an aunty. Someone who wouldn't suit his lifestyle. Someone who didn't match his brand.

That was his reason. His serious reason for abandoning me at the mandap.

And yet, a part of me still defends him.

"He had a serious reason," I mumble to myself. "She's pregnant. She needs him."

"Hey, are you okay?" the bartender's voice turns softer now, his teasing gone.

Am I okay?

What a strange question. What does 'okay' even mean anymore?

I pick up my glass and drain the last of the drink. The burn in my throat barely registers. It's nothing compared to the blaze inside my chest. My heart feels like it's being torn apart with bare hands, slowly, mercilessly.

"I was loyal," I whisper to the empty air. "For four damn years. I gave him everything."

My vision blurs as memories flash before my eyes-late-night calls, secret letters, the way he used to look at me like I was his universe. I believed every word. Every lie.

And yet he felt... nothing?

How?

How can someone love a street kitten after five minutes of petting it and still not love a girl after four years of knowing her soul?

I push off the bar stool, gripping the bottle with shaky fingers. My saree drags across the floor, the weight of it threatening to pull me down. My anklets chime with every unsteady step.

"Ma'am!" the bartender calls out. "Wait! You haven't paid the bill!"

I pause, dazed. "I... I don't have any money."

He frowns, about to protest, but I tug off a ring from my finger and slide it across the counter.

"Take this," I say. "It's real. I promise. Just... don't give it away. I'll come back for it. I'll... I'll pay you later. Please."

He studies me for a second, his eyes searching mine. Then he nods.

I don't wait to say thank you.

---

The night air bites at my skin as I walk toward Marine Drive. My heels click against the pavement, my steps unsteady. I don't know why I'm going there. Maybe I hoped he'd be there. Maybe I just needed somewhere to fall apart.

And somehow-by some twisted miracle-he is.

Raj.

Sitting on the rocks, staring at the sea like it holds all his answers. His shoulders are slumped, his face unreadable, his hands tangled in his hair.

Why is he sad? Is she gone already? Did she lose the baby? Or is he just now realizing that actions have consequences?

I want him to look at me.

To say something. Anything.

But he doesn't even know I'm here.

A fresh wave of pain crashes over me, sharp and cold. My heart clenches as I bring the bottle to my lips again and take a long, bitter gulp.

And then the thought comes. Quiet. Dangerous.

Maybe he left because I wouldn't let him touch me. Maybe if I'd just... given in. Maybe he would've stayed.

If I offer that to him now-my body-would he come back?

Would he love me then?

I close my eyes and laugh bitterly.

It's just virginity, right? What is that compared to love? Compared to keeping him?

I could give him that. I could give him everything. I already have, haven't I?

He is my everything.

And if I have to break the last piece of myself to make him stay... then maybe I will.

"Sometimes, healing feels more painful than the heartbreak itself - because it forces you to remember what you've tried so hard to forget."

A/N Thanks for reading. Hello everyone, how's the chapter? Don't forget to comment and vote.

2. Lost In You | 18+ (A Dark Mafia Romance Book) - Chapter 2

Words: 1101

Estimated Reading Time: 7 min

Niyati

“It wasn’t the alcohol that made me reckless. It was the freedom of not feeling… just for one night.”

I was wasted.

For the first time in my life, I had alcohol. Before tonight, I used to think drinking was a sin. A crime. Something people did when they had no self-respect left. But now... now I get it.

Now I understand why someone would want to drown in a bitter liquid that burns your throat and numbs your soul. Because tonight, my heart has been shattered into pieces so small, I’m not sure I can ever put them back together.

Raj left me. He didn’t just leave me—he abandoned me at the mandap, in front of hundreds of eyes, in the middle of sacred rituals. One moment I was ready to start forever with him, and the next, I was standing there, alone... in silence.

It wasn’t just the abandonment. It was the reason he gave that pierced deeper than any blade.

“I never loved you.”

Those four words ripped through me like fire through dry leaves. Four years... four entire years, I gave him everything—my love, my trust, my soul. And he didn’t love me? Not even once?

How was I supposed to handle that?

I staggered my way to Marine Drive, half-dragging my saree, the red and gold fabric soaked with ocean breeze and broken dreams. My jewelry jingled with each step, echoing like cruel reminders of the wedding that never was. My vision was blurred, not sure whether it was the alcohol or the tears—or maybe both.

But when I saw him—Raj—sitting there, staring up at the sky like the world had broken him too, something inside me cracked even deeper.

Why did he look so lost?

Wasn’t he the one who left me? The one who told me I looked like an ‘aunty’? The one who walked away for a model who was supposedly pregnant with his child?

Why did he look like he was the one betrayed?

Suddenly, something took over me. Maybe it was the alcohol. Maybe it was heartbreak. Maybe it was just love—twisted and pathetic love—but I wanted to feel him one last time.

I wanted him to see what he was about to lose forever.

I reached him from behind, grabbed his collar, and spun him around. His eyes widened in shock as I leaned in and touched my lips to his. My first kiss. It was clumsy, unskilled... but honest.

I didn’t know what to do next. I just waited. Waited for him to take control, to hold me, to tell me he still felt something.

But instead, he tried to pull away.

My heart dropped.

No, please... not again.

Desperate, I grabbed his hands and placed them on my waist. His touch was warm. It made me shiver, made me melt. I wrapped my arms around his neck and deepened the kiss.

"I love you," I whispered in between the kiss.

And then... he responded.

His grip tightened. His lips moved in sync with mine, hungry, fierce, passionate. Like he wanted to forget the world. Like, for a moment, I wasn’t someone he didn’t love—but someone he needed.

I lost myself in that kiss. My fingers slid into his hair, and I kissed him like I was starving, like I was drowning and he was my only breath. Every fiber of my being screamed that this was right—that this was love.

When he finally pulled back to let me breathe, I whispered, broken and breathless, “I love you, Raj. I really do.”

And just like that... he froze.

His eyes lost the fire. His hands dropped. I could feel the moment slipping away again, like sand through my fingers.

Panic bloomed in my chest.

No. Please, no.

I grabbed his face with trembling hands. “What happened? Don’t stop now. You want this, right? I—I won’t back out this time.”

His brows furrowed, but I kept speaking, desperate to stop the distance that was creeping in again.

“You think I’ll change my mind like before? I won’t. I promise. I’m ready... I’m ready to give you everything. You can have your way with me.”

I bit my lip, trying to hold back tears.

“I know this is what you’ve always wanted... and I was the one who kept saying no. But I’m not saying no now. Please, just don’t leave me again.”

My voice broke, and my throat burned. Not from the alcohol this time—but from the fear of losing him for good.

“You can do anything, Raj. Anything. Just don’t walk away from me again.”

I couldn’t even look at him properly. I felt so exposed, like I was standing in the middle of a battlefield with no armor, begging to be spared.

Was I pathetic? Maybe. But love does that to people. It reduces you to your knees, makes you beg for things you once believed were beneath you.

I wiped my face and took a shaky breath. Then, with trembling fingers, I reached for the pin holding my saree in place over my chest. I unclipped it, letting the cloth fall, revealing my vulnerability in the most literal way.

And yet... his reaction stunned me.

He stepped forward—slowly—and held the saree’s edge. Gently, he wrapped it around me again, covering me with quiet precision. I looked up at him, confused and broken.

“Why?” I whispered. “Why are you covering me now? There’s no point.”

“Utter one more word,” he said coldly, “and you’ll regret it.”

His voice wasn’t the same as the one I’d known over the years. It wasn’t irritated or cruel. It was deep. Quiet. Almost... pained. But firm. So damn firm.

And then, without warning, he pulled me into his arms. Tight.

His warmth enveloped me completely, and something about the way he held me made the pain crack just a little. I shut my eyes and let myself melt into him. His scent, his heartbeat, his breath near my ear—it drowned out everything else.

For the first time in hours, my heart wasn’t screaming.

I didn’t even realize when sleep came over me. But I slept. In his arms.

And when I woke up... I wasn’t in his arms anymore.

I blinked.

I was lying on a soft bed in a room I didn’t recognize. The morning light filtered through thin curtains. The ache in my heart returned like an old friend.

Where was I?

And more importantly...

Where was Raj?

A/n Thanks for reading. How's the chapter? Hope you guys like it. Don't forget to comment and vote.

Love you 💗

3. Lost In You | 18+ (A Dark Mafia Romance Book) - Chapter 3

Words: 1763

Estimated Reading Time: 11 min

Niyati

"Regret doesn't scream. It whispers in fragments - of touch, of breath, of a name you shouldn't have said."

The harsh sunlight pierced through my eyelids like a blade, dragging me out of the dark, blurry abyss of unconsciousness. My head throbbed mercilessly, my body ached in places I didn't even know existed, and there was this unbearable heat wrapped around me. A weight, heavy and warm. Something-no, someone-was holding me.

I cracked my eyes open with effort, only to be greeted by the sight of a perfectly sculpted, bare chest rising and falling beside me. My breath hitched. My heart stopped for a beat.

My body was tangled with a man's.

I froze.

His strong arm was lazily draped across my waist, anchoring me to the bed. His skin was warm against mine, and the sudden intimacy sent a jolt through my core. A scream bubbled at the back of my throat, but I slapped a hand over my mouth just in time.

What the hell have I done?

I slowly peeled his arm off me, careful not to wake him. Every movement felt surreal. I looked down at myself-and horror gripped me.

I wasn't wearing anything beneath the oversized cotton shirt clinging to my body.

No. No, no, no.

I sat up, clutching my head as a sharp sting tore through my skull. My memories were fragments-broken glass on a cold floor. I remembered drinking. Crying. Pleading. "Kiss me.." beneath shower.

Kissing...

Kissing Raj?

My stomach twisted.

I shot up and rushed to the bathroom, barely making it before I collapsed to my knees and threw up everything from last night. My hands trembled as I leaned over the sink and splashed cold water on my face. My reflection looked like a stranger-hair messy, lips swollen, eyes red-rimmed.

Who was that man?

Where am I?

The image of the man lying beside me flashed in my head again. He wasn't... Raj?

What did we do last night? I can't remember.

I was trying to regain my memories of last night when the bathroom door creaked open. It snapped me out of my thoughts. I jumped, clutching the hem of the shirt tighter around my thighs. My heart thundered in my ears.

Before I could speak, I felt my nipples throbbing and aching. air knocked out my lungs. I felt someone's eyes on me. I turned.

And there he stood.

Towering. Bare-chested. Eyes dark and unreadable.

"Did we...?" The words slipped out before I could stop them. My voice was barely a whisper. "Did we have sex last night?"

His jaw clenched, eyes narrowing.

He didn't respond.

Instead, he started coming closer. His moves were slow and.... elegant?

I really don't get why I was feeling this way. All of this was so new for me. I've never felt this in my five years of relationship with Raj. He never looked at me with.... This Eyes?

Fuck. I am truly fucked up. Why the fuck his gaze hits so hard and - and- I am out of words--- Intense? I could feel it in my bones. It's too much for me.

And then in a snap of fingers he was too close to me... Like I was feeling his breath brushing my face.

Heat crawled to my neck. I tilted myself backward, my back towering the sink platform.

He placed his both hands on either side of my waist on the platform's edge. I could feel his eyes on me, watching my every moves- every breath so closely.

It knocked out the air out of my lungs. My eyes flutter but I tried to look up and met his piercing gaze. He leaned on me.

"Wh-Wha..." I stammered. "Wha-"

But before I could even form a word properly his voice came out cold and detached. "Take a bath. And get out of my house." Totally opposite to his eyes.

I blinked, stunned. "Excuse me?"

"Don't make me repeat myself," he said, his tone like a blade wrapped in silk. "And wash that shirt before you leave."

The audacity of this man. A thousand curses swirled in my head, but all I managed to do was slam the door shut in his face. Tears burned the corners of my eyes.

Who does he think he is? Arrogant jerk.

I leaned against the door, heart racing, thoughts spiraling. My memories were foggy. The kiss... the hands on my waist... the way he pulled me into him... But it wasn't Raj, was it?

No. That man wasn't Raj. He didn't even sound like him.

But then why did it feel so... I can't name it. And don't even want to.

I wanted to scream.

I took a shaky breath and stepped into the shower, turning on the cold water to numb my senses. Only then did I notice my saree dumped in a soggy pile on the floor, drenched and unwearable.

Great.

I peeked out of the bathroom and, with all the dignity I could muster, muttered, "I... don't have any clothes."

There was a pause.

"Wear a robe. Or my shirt. I'll tell someone to bring something."

His voice was muffled, but there was a strain in it, like he wasn't used to speaking gently.

I wrapped a towel around myself and waited awkwardly. Surprisingly he didn't even raised his eyes towards my face and left.

Minutes later, he returned with a pastel-pink kurti set. I blinked at it. It was... perfect. Soft cotton, my size, even my style.

How the hell did he know?

"Thank you," I said hesitantly, clutching the dress to my chest. "You can tell me the price, I'll pay you back."

"No need," he muttered, turning away.

"I insist. I don't even know you, and-"

"Fifteen thousand," he snapped, turning to look at me.

My jaw dropped. I mean who the fuck wears a dress costs Fifteen thousand?

Congrats! You're going to be that fuck.

"Fifteen?! Are you out of your- Is it came with a bodyguard? Because I can't see any strings, strips or button made of gold."

His lips curled into a smirk. "Relax. I don't need your money. Just wear it and leave."

I stared at him, speechless. His gaze dipped, just for a second, lingering on the curve of my bare shoulder where the towel had slipped slightly. His eyes darkened.

And that flutter in my stomach returned. Fuck. This shouldn't feel this way. But I guess from the last night my life started ignoring the - Shoulds!

And this man is making me crazy. Everything about him is just too much. Arrogance, attitude---- beauty.

Fuck you. Stop it, Niyati. This man is rude, arrogant, and possibly a criminal.

"Do you need help?" His voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "What?" The question came out of my mouth before I could comprehend anything.

"Do you need me to change you into this?" He repeated. Heat crawled up my body and a shiver ran down my bones.

"What the hell are you saying? Can you hear yourself?"

"Can you watch yourself?" He snapped. "Why are you standing there staring at me? Do you want one more round?"

"What?" His words stunned me. My ears burned with the heat. I almost tripped at my place and the word came out more like a scream.

"I am going to believe- you have some serious kinda obsession with this word. But I prefer your version from last night - Who's obsessed with my c-"

"Shut up!" I screamed. Eyes wide and frustrated. "You're such a jerk!" My voice came out poisonous.

To my surprise he was smirking. I really wanted to punch that smug.

"Fuck you." I hissed.

"You already did." He snapped with that smug.

He was more than too much.

I went back to change, but I couldn't ignore the way his shirt had clung to my wet skin earlier, how my nipples had hardened beneath the fabric, how his eyes had flicked to them when he thought I wasn't looking.

He didn't touch me. He didn't try anything. But the tension-God, the tension-was undeniable.

And I hated that part of me liked it.

Just then a wild memory of last night stabbed - His mouth on my collarbone... and I said "Please don’t stop"—why the hell did I say that?

I stepped out in the new outfit. His eyes flicked up to meet mine-and then slowly roamed down my body. Not lewd. Not crude.

Hungry.

His fingers curled like he wanted to touch me... but didn't.

I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to hide the way my body responded to his gaze. "I'm leaving. And I'll pay you back. You don't get to throw pity gifts at me."

He exhaled sharply, brushing a hand through his tousled hair. "It's not pity. Just-leave."

"You keep saying that, but you don't stop staring," I snapped.

His jaw tensed. "Don't flatter yourself." aashole.

"Too late for that," I muttered, grabbing my things. "You were gawking."

"You're the one walking around in my shirt and towel, clinging to me all night, moaning some other guy's name," I flinched at his words. He took a pause then continued, "and pleading for my touch." he shot back, voice low and dangerous.

I froze.

He didn't just say that.

He stepped closer. "You thought I was him. Raj, right? You begged for him. But he wasn't there." He leaned in, his voice barely a whisper. "I was."

My breath hitched. His proximity set my nerves on fire. I stumbled back, but he didn't follow.

"You still don't remember," he said, a bitter edge to his voice. "Figures."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, heart racing.

He smiled-but there was no warmth in it. "Nothing. Forget it. You'll forget me anyway."

His words cut deeper than they should have.

I turned on my heel, furious, confused, and utterly humiliated.

"I'm not someone who forgets easily," I muttered.

"Good," he replied. "Because I won't forget you either." I heard it so low that I thought I was imagining.

I paused at the door, clutching the handle, heart hammering. There was something about him that pulled at me, a twisted kind of gravity I didn't want to acknowledge.

I should run. But part of me... didn’t want to

But as much as I hated it...

I was drawn to him.

And I had no idea why.

A/N Thankyou so much for reading 💗 How's the chapter?

Please don't forget to share your views in the comments and tap the vote button.

4. Lost In You | 18+ (A Dark Mafia Romance Book) - Chapter 4

Words: 3034

Estimated Reading Time: 19 min

“Loving her was never the problem. It was the silence I had to live with… because she’d never love me back.”

_Rithwik_

The world I belong to doesn’t allow space for softness, care, or attachment. It was built on fear and blood, not feelings. And yet, the moment I saw her two years ago, something fractured in me. She was everything I shouldn’t want—gentle, bright, innocent—and yet, I felt that primal, obsessive need to claim her. To make her mine, even when I knew I didn’t deserve someone like her.

She had a boyfriend. Was in love. Even planning to marry him. But none of that changed the way I burned for her from the shadows.

I watched her,  learned her. Her favourite coffee, her favourite food. Style, dress everything. The way she laughs when she thought no one is watching. The soft way she pet stray animals on the street.

The more I know her, my desire to be with her grew.

Today, she looked like an angel wrapped in sin. More beautiful than any girl I'd ever met. Her divine beauty sparkled elegantly.

Draped in a red silk, adorned with ornaments- heavy earrings, a nose ring, and a necklace covering her upper chest. Hands were full of bangles catching the moonlight. Her waist cinched by that damn tempting waistband that tormented me.

She looked like a goddess designed to ruin men like me.

I almost considered taking her away from that marriage, from that world. Lock her away with me and no one else.

She would be mine, and I'd be hers for life.

But she was marrying her boyfriend today, the best man for her. I knew she wasn't mine, yet my heart ached badly. The thought of never having her clenched my heart.

Even knowing she didn't know I existed, these one-sided feelings hurt.

I'd never felt anything for anyone before her, the girl who was never meant to be mine.

Why? Why must I suffer? I didn't deserve love. All my life, I've received hate from everyone, and I hated every person on this planet. I was known for my brutality, heartlessness, and dark aura. Still, this girl made me feel my heartbeat for the first time.

My hands were stained with the blood of many, yet I never hesitated. But this girl made me feel hesitation, a racing heartbeat, and tears. I don't remember ever crying, even during my worst days. I always stood tall, unbothered. Today, I grieved and mourned, unable to even approach her.

"Why?" I stared at the stars, shining like they did in her eyes when she was happy. Nothing could stop me from mourning her loss or keep me from longing for a glimpse of her. I didn't know what situation I was in, but it hurt terribly. The pain of a thousand bullets would be less unbearable than this.

Before I could voice my remaining thoughts, suddenly someone grabbed my collar from behind, spinning me around.

Before I get to know or react to anything, I felt someone's cold lips pressed against mine. The only sound I recognised was the giggle of her ornaments. My eyes widened as I realised it was a girl kissing me.

Her lips felt incredibly soft.

But before I lost control in the moment, I held myself back and slowly but firmly tried to push her away to see her face.

But as if she already knew what I was up to. She dropped the bottle into the sand, which silently engulfed it.

In an instant she grasped my hands placing them on her waist. causing me to drop my bottle and coat too, as she made me hug her.

I felt her hands around the back of my neck and head, as she pulled me into hers to have more access to my lips.

Her hands wrapped around my neck and fingers were wriggling through my hair.

The moment I inhaled her scent, I couldn't resist her anymore or push her away. That cinnamon and vanilla scent with a hint of coffee caramel immediately made me give in. It's her smell.

She was kissing me.

My hands slipped around her waist, holding her delicately yet firmly. Her skin felt like butter beneath my warm hands, a perfect fit. As if they are custom-made.

I know she had never kissed anyone. The way she was kissing me was proof that she doesn't know how to kiss.

Knowing it was her first kiss, I took control, kissing her passionately. I pulled her closer, our body collided. She practically shivered in my arms and her breath hitched.

Her skin was cold; it puzzled me. I had bigger concerns--- why she was kissing me. Not her boyfriend who is also her groom and why she was here instead of her wedding.

But I was too selfish to prioritize those concerns over my first kiss with her. So, I decided to kiss her with intensity, pouring my heart into it, as if there was no life after this kiss.

Until I heard "I love you Raj! I really love you so much!" She gasp-Whispered in between the kisses.

It was the first thing she'd said to me tonight, it made me stop. I was frozen at my place, as if made of rock, my hands immediately leaving her waist.

I was about to take a step back and tell her that she was mistaken, that I wasn't her-- that man.

Truth be told I could never be, but- "What happened?" She gasped again, her voice pulled me from my thoughts only to catch her frowning.

Her brows creased, eyes glittering but because of tears, revealed that she was hurt.

Why was she hurt? The thought that he had hurt her fuelled my rage.

"What happened now Raj!?" She continued "Oh, Are you afraid that I will back out? No, I made up my mind this time."

Her words confused me, what the heck was she talking about? And why was she mistaking me for that man. Suddenly she scooped my face. Her soft skin against my subtle felt so comforting.

Her breath even, I could sense her uneven heartbeats.

"I won't back out this time, Raj!, I promise you!" She said and held my both hands with hers. Her closeness was driving me crazy. If only she knew what she was doing to me right now.

"You can have your way with me!" I heard her say. I was stunned. What in the world was wrong with this woman? How could she just hand herself over to a man like she was an object?

I swear, if that bastard is manipulating her to get physical, God knows no one can save him from me. He's surely going to regret the day he born.

But before that, I had to handle her. As I looked at her, thinking about how to make her understand that I wasn't that bloody male lizard.

I heard her say, "Please don't deny! Please don't leave me, Raj. Take me back! I'm allowing you to have your way with me. Do whatever you want, but please, just don't leave me!"

She was begging in front of me, fueling my rage. The thought of killing that bloody bastard was getting cocksure with each sob from her.

I held her arm, but she was wasted. She removed the part of her saree covering her chest; I wasn't ready for this move.

I immediately grabbed the hem of her saree to wrap her, but she held my hand, saying, "Why? Why are you covering me now? There's no need for this. Please, just do whatever-"

"Utter one more rubbish word, and you'll pay for it!" I growled in anger. That was the limit. She shivered at my voice and shut her mouth immediately. She looked at me, blinking.

Her blouse design revealed too much skin, so I avoided looking downward, focusing on her face instead.

I held her arm, pulled her close, and wrapped her in the saree cloth. Hugging her from behind.

Making a mental note to 'make sure that son of a bitch will surely regret for his birth.'

I bent my face to her ear and said in a deadly cold voice, "Listen carefully! I'm not your that fucking prince charming-basterd. You don't know what I'm capable of, so just do as I say. Come with me-"

As I spoke, her body collapsed onto mine. I tilted my head sideways and saw she was asleep.

Are you kidding me? She was already sleeping in my arms?

A tear on her cheek caught my attention, and I saw the tear marks imprinted on her face.

Unconsciously, my free hand reached to her face, trying to wipe away those imprints. I rested my head against the side of her head, closed my eyes, and inhaled deeply. I was exhausted.

'I can't believe I stole someone else's kiss. I've never thought of it to be like this.'

I don't steal. I win.

Yet my first kiss with her is stolen..... on someone else's name.

I couldn't think of what to do with her, but I couldn't leave her in this state either. So, I lifted my little drunkard into my arms, cradling her in bridal style, as I walked to my car. My driver opened the door for me and slipped into the driver's seat, while I settled in the back seat with her in my lap.

My driver hesitated for a second, probably thinking about Niyati and me, but he closed the door anyway and immediately took the driving seat. I looked at him, and he seemed lost in thought before starting the car.

"To my villa!" I instructed.

He nodded and started the engine. My focus was solely on the little drunkard in my lap. Her face pressed against my chest; I wonder if she could hear the insane beating of my heart, solely for her? I gazed at her, having only dreamed of getting this close.

Life was truly unexpected. She had kissed me, but in intoxication. I wondered what the next morning would bring.

Looking at her, this moment pushed me to the edge, tempting me to cross every line and make her stay with me.

I wanted to keep her for myself; I knew I was selfish. Truth be told, I could cross every limit of selfishness when it comes to her. That urge to keep her was growing stronger in my heart.

I'm not one to act on emotions, but when I see her in front of me, the only feelings I have are vulnerable ones. I hated appearing vulnerable, but I couldn't help this state, courtesy of her.

I was never like this before; I didn't know what was happening to me. I'd never had feelings for any woman in my life. I never thought I'd be with anyone. I was certain I'd be alone forever.

But this girl... I couldn't resist my emotions for her-emotions I never knew existed within me.

As I thought of her, the driver pulled the car onto the villa's porch. We'd arrived. I carried her to my room, catching glimpses of my servants' shocked faces through my peripheral vision. I ignored them and, once inside, placed her on the bed and closed the door.

I strolled to the pool area, confused and consumed by thoughts of how to keep her. Even violent ones.

"That fucking lizard face man is going to die soon."

Reaching the poolside, I began undoing my shirt and jumped into the cool water. The coldness soothed me, but visions of her and our kiss flooded my mind. I resurfaced, inhaling deeply.

Just then, a servant rushed to me, saying, "Boss, that girl is mad! She's behaving erratically, breaking her bangles and pulling her hair."

My heartbeat accelerated wildly as I emerged from the pool and sprinted to my room.

When I arrived at my room's door, I saw my servants crowding at the door, but they didn't dare to enter, because I don't appreciate invading my privacy.

It pissed me off now because, she might have done something wrong to her and they are just staring while standing outside of the room.

I don't know how their mind works?, but it's  not the right time to throw anger at them, instead I have to check her.

I almost ran in the room but didn't get her on the bed, I checked in the bathroom and there she was, sitting under the shower and shivering badly under the cold water.

Oh God, what would I do to this woman. I ran to the shower and turned it off.

She was so consumed by her thoughts I guess, that she didn't realise that someone had entered and turned off the shower.

I sat on my toes in front of her and analysed her, her saree was drenched and glued to her as if it was her second skin.

I hesitated but held her arm, she didn't react, which actually surprised me. Then her wrist grabbed my attention, I grasped her wrist- my jaw clenched. shards of glass from the shattered bangles were lodged in her wrist.

With gentle precision, I extracted them using my teeth, taking care not to inflict more pain. A trickle of blood flowed from the wounded  wrist.

I scooped her in my arms and took her to the bed.

Placing her on the bed, I was about to go out and send a maid to help her change.

Before I could step away she held my wrist, her skin was wet and cold, a sudden urge to hold her and provide her warm invaded in my mind, but I shirked that thought away. Heat rushed to my groin.

"I am not loveable I know, but can you-"

"No, you're wrong." I cut her off as the words slipped through my tongue without thinking twice.

Though I was shocked at my words. I never said this to any woman, let's not talk about that I never let any woman step close to me, except Rayma.

I don't know how she will take it as her heavy eyes seeming, I don't think her intoxication has worn off. she’s drunk beyond recognition—just to firmly distance any uncomfortable implications and keep my consent/respect at the forefront.

Of course, after all she had alcohol for the first time. And I have no idea that what amount she had.

I was engrossed in my thoughts when my gaze fell upon her; she knelt before me, her knees touching the floor of the bed, and in a beat she was so close to me. More than she shouldn't be.

She gently brushed her lips against mine.

When she was this close to me I swear upon every fucking single thing- I can't keep my thoughts sane, still she was testing my patience again and again.

This is the most challenging night I have ever faced. It pushing me on the verge of doing everything that would make her hate me tomorrow.

fighting the line between rage at that fucker and my helpless desire was harder than die.

She was scribbling the suicide of my lovestory before before than it's started.

Oh for fuck's sake I was thinking of my lovestory.

People do stupid things in love.

People! Not me. I am not a fucking stupid man. Who would start day-dreaming. After a unintentional kiss of her. Which was meant for someone else's.

"Kiss me, please!" She whispered,

pulling me out of trance, her voice low and enough to drive me crazy.

I could feel her hands wrapped around my neck once again, this closeness is going to be death of me for sure.

I kissed her after saying, "Don't make me do this, I won't be able to take your hate."

While kissing her, I gently laid her on the bed, our breaths uneven and heartbeats racing. I parted our lips and tilted my head to place a tender kiss on her forehead.

"Please, I'm begging you, go change," I said as my lips brushed her forehead.

Before tonight, I had no idea how much possession she had over me. The way evil thoughts consumed my mind, I couldn't ignore the protectiveness I felt in my heart for her. She might catch a cold, and I really wouldn't appreciate that.

She remained still for a moment before standing up. I rose from hovering over her and sat on the edge of the bed. Lost in thought, she began removing her ornaments, her fingers fumbling. I swiftly grasped her hand, concern etched on my face.

"Careful," I whispered, my tone unexpectedly soft.

"May I?" I offered. She nodded, and I gently assisted her.

After removing her ornaments, I handed her one of my shirts. She disappeared into the bathroom, and I quickly changed the bedsheet.

When she emerged, I caught my breath; the shirt reached her thighs. She looked so small in it. Before the impure thoughts took the best of me- I looked away, collecting myself, before turning back to her.

"Come, let me tend to your wounds," I said, focusing on her injured wrist.

She settled on the bed, and I instinctively covered her bare legs with the sheet, struggling to maintain self-control. I applied ointment to her wrist, then gently laid her down.

"Sleep," I instructed, trying to sound calm.

As she whispered, "Can we hug?" I froze, but couldn't resist her. I lay beside her, unable to deny her anything.

She snuggled her head in my chest and I engulfed her into me. This is the beautiful night I have ever had in my life. Simultaneously the worst too because being this close to her- turning me on so deadly.

After she drifted to sleep. I rushed in the bathroom. After a cold shower and I came back to the room and laid next to her.

My fingers twirling one of her hair strand around themselves. Her soft smell consumed me I didn't realise when sleep took over me.

A/n
Thanks for reading. How's the chapter don't forget to comment and vote.
Love you all🕊️

5. Lost In You | 18+ (A Dark Mafia Romance Book) - Chapter 5

Words: 1623

Estimated Reading Time: 10 min

Niyati

He seemed dangerous, yet something about him stirred a strange calm within me.

The entire way home, my thoughts were consumed by him. It’s been two days since that night.

I took a break from work for a week because I can't bear the piercing and humiliating gaze of people- full of questions.

When I returned home, Appa hugged me tightly. His body trembled—visibly shaken.

I told him I was fine, that nothing happened--- that I had just spent the night at the beach. But I didn’t know if I was really fine. For the first time in my life, I lied to my father. It broke my heart… but did I have any other choice?

"Nia.." I turned my head to the source of the voice, my father was calling me. I picked up my coffee mug and walked inside the room.

“Haa, Appa…” The guilt still sat heavy in my chest. I couldn’t tell him I’d slept with a stranger—and worse, that it didn’t even make me feel sick.

I wasn’t used to this feeling. Intimacy with a man had always made me feel disgusted—that’s why I never let Raj get too close.

And now, here I am—having probably slept with a stranger while intoxicated—and my skin isn't crawling. Why?

How could this happen? I was jolted out of my trance of thoughts through the voice of my father "okay?"

"Huh?" What did he say?, I was zoned out.

"Ha, ha Appa." I nodded anyway, somehow appa get that I didn't heard him as he asked "are you okay?"

"Haa Appa!?" It came out like a question. Appa came closer to me and touched me cheek gently. I lowered my eyes and placed them on the floor suddenly tears were filling in my eyes.

Appa gently held my chin between his fingers, lifting my face to meet his gaze.

I was ashamed to make eye contact with him, the tears threatened to come out.

when Appa said " “Nia, I’ve loved you with all my heart. You’ve always been graceful to me—beautiful and extraordinary in every way. It's not your fault that that bastard left you in the middle of a holy wedding mandapa don't stress yourself, the right person will never fail to look at the beauty of my girl." He embraced me and his words soothed me from inside.

Appa has been like this since my childhood, he never judged me no matter how clumsy or nerdy I look, now I think that he said these things because he was an old soul but what about that man? How could he sleep with me and touch me? Hasn't he gotten disgusted with me?!

I know it's getting enough- from the moment I woke up I have been thinking about him constantly. I have to put a full stop on all of my thoughts.

"Have some rest and then come we will cook something together." I looked up at my father who was slightly stroking my hair. I meekly nodded and turned to get on my bed.

I pulled the blanket over me. Maybe a good nap in my room will erase all tensions. Maybe this is all just a nightmare.

Maybe I’ll wake up and none of this will have ever happened.

Are you sure you want that hottie to be just a dream?

Shut up! Snapped at the voice in my head.

Even my own brain was mocking me now.

I heard appa closing the door after switching off the lights. I also closed my eyes to sleep- but the thing I never thought of-- that his face would appear.

Those dark features. That sharp jaw. And those bewitching eyes—burning into mine.

I shot opened my eyes and sighed "why the fuck I am seeing his face? When I don't even know his name." I muttered under my breath.

It's like some kind of possession that he had over me. I can't think of anything else besides him.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

It's going to be a week since I woke up in that stranger's room (bed). I am on my way to his villa, but it constantly keep6ing me on the verge of nervousness. The thought of facing that man again with whom I had- stop don't go there don't think about that.

Just go hand the money to him and take back your mother's clothes and jewelry. I  inhaled, exhaled  and forced my feet to move towards the villa gate.

When I saw the security guards.  I was hesitant to even make eye contact with them "God, how am I going to face him?"

No. Don't think too much just go hand him the money and take back your stuff.

Let the bygones be bygones.

Yea- "who are you?" One of the body guards asked me.

My eyes widened in surprise. How could they not recognize me?

Last week I wa-

"Aah- I have to- I mean I came to take back my stuff, and return your Boss' money!" He looked me up to down constantly two times, probably analysing, then he said "we have to check on you."

My eyes widened at his words. I started blabbering  "ha- how- how could you-"

"What's going on here?" A strong voice interrupted me, I turned to look at the source of the voice, Towering. Imposing. Clad in a black tux that hugged his frame like a sinful second skin. His dark hair, carelessly tousled, fell over his forehead. For a moment—just a moment—his eyes softened when they landed on me. Or did I imagine it?

Then, just like that, the softness vanished. A curtain dropped over his gaze, and he was cold again. Distant. Dangerous.

My heart pounded so loudly it was deafening.

He walked toward us with unhurried grace, and with every step, my knees weakened. Something about him unsettled me in the worst and most thrilling way possible. A part of me wanted to run.

The other part... wanted to see what would happen if I didn’t.

I instinctively stepped back—but forced myself to stand still.

I locked eyes with him, but he was the first to look away—his gaze flicking toward the guards behind me, jaw tightening with restrained fury.

"What are you guy's up to?"

His voice was really dangerous. Oh my God I can't take it! How could someone be this- I felt his eyes on me and I tried to explain without stammering. FYI Which was all in vain.

I don't know how could someone be this intimidating! This feeling is ugghhrr, I can't explain.

"I- I came here to return your money!" He rose one of  his eyebrow and looked down at me.

"F- for that dress!" I clenched my clothes in my fist to hold myself back.

"I don't want your money! Get lost." His voice was like ice.

My mouth hung at his words. How could he be so rude to me. I was not going to take this anymore.

"Wait a second," I snapped, he paused at my voice, and I continued "I don't know what problem you have with me! But I am not going to take this attitude of yours anymore!, I am here just hand you your money and take my stuff back."

I held his hand I can't define the reason but his eyes flicked at my touch but I ignored his reaction as I placed the money on his hand.

The moment my fingers brushed his, a current zipped through my arm. His eyes flicked to mine—sharp, unreadable—and for a second, the air thickened between us.

He looked into my eyes and I said "take this money and give me my clothes and jewelleries back."

He inhaled deeply and said "I told you I don't want your money, just keep it and get out."

"But I want, I need my things back!" I snapped.

He looked at me upside down and said “I burned it all,” he said coldly.  "Go find there. If you can..."

My jaw dropped. What the hell was he talking about? How could he burn my things?

Anger crawled up into me and I jerked back his hand to keep him standing still "I don't have time for your stupid jokes!, give me my things back!" I shouted this time with rage.

But I froze when I saw the dangerous glint in his eyes. “I don’t play jokes,” he said coldly. "And don't you dare pull me again or try to touch me! I will-" a loud noise of slap shut him down and his face bent to the side.

My hand connected with his cheek before I realized what I’d done. His face turned slightly with the force, and for a second, he didn’t move.

My palm burned. My heart ached. My eyes stung with tears.

“You had no right,” I said, voice cracking.

He turned his face back to me, jaw tight, gaze unreadable. His cheek had begun to redden, but his eyes… they burned. Not with fury.

With restraint.

My eyes brimming with tears. I saw him clenching his jaw. Hurt consumed my heart how could he just burn my mother's things? Who gave him permission to do so?

Rage consumed me from top to toe-- When I held his collar, jerking him and shouted at him "how dare you do that!? Who gave you permission to burn down someone's stuff!? You bastard!" He didn't bothered to apologise neither there was any hint of guilt in his face.

I shoved him, but he didn’t even flinch. I turned and walked away, tears streaking down my cheeks.

A/n Thanks for reading. How's the chapter? Hope you guys like it. Don't forget to comment & vote.
Love you 💗

6. Lost In You | 18+ (A Dark Mafia Romance Book) - Chapter 6

Words: 2501

Estimated Reading Time: 16 min

"There are times that come in our life when a stranger 's silent presence soothes and known-one's chaos disturbs."

Niyati

STUPID!, STUPID!!, STUPID!!!

What the hell was I thinking?

That he would treasure my belongings? That he'd keep my mother's jewelry safe like some damn fairytale prince?

For fuck's sake, Niyati!

I stormed down the beach, barefoot, sand burning beneath my soles, wind slapping against my cheeks, and my heart thudding like it was trying to break out of my chest. My vision blurred with tears and rage. I didn't care if anyone saw me. I didn't care if the world cracked open and swallowed me whole.

How messed up am I to believe in strangers? Just because he bought me a designer dress? Just because he looked at me like I mattered for a moment?

Fuck you, Niyati.

I dropped to my knees near the waves, the water cold and unforgiving as it licked my skin. My hands clutched the sand, trembling, nails digging into the earth like they could hold me together when everything else was falling apart.

I screamed into the wind. A choked, guttural sob tore from my throat.

What kind of girl sleeps with a man she doesn't know?

What kind of woman starts to crave the gaze of someone whose name she doesn't even know?

He wasn't a savior. He wasn't gentle. He was ice. Fire. Chaos.

And I...

I wanted to burn in him again.

God, I hate myself.

I curled forward, hugging my knees to my chest, forehead pressing against them as I let the pain crawl out in sobs. I cried until my shoulders shook and my throat ached. Until I had no more strength left to be angry at him. Or myself.

And then-

I felt it.

Eyes.

A prickling sensation danced along my spine. That primal instinct of being watched... hunted.

I slowly turned my head. A group of men-four, maybe five-stood about twenty feet away. Shadows in the dying light. One of them whispered something to the others and they all laughed. But it wasn't lighthearted.

It was the kind of laugh that made your skin crawl.

My breath hitched.

Oh God.

They were looking right at me.

No. No no no.

I wiped my tears quickly and stood, clutching my bag tight, trying to look composed even as my knees wobbled. Maybe if I just walked away calmly-

"Hey, sweetheart," one of them called out, loud enough to send a jolt down my spine. "You lost or just lonely?"

My heart slammed into my ribs. I turned and started walking, fast. My mind screamed don't run, don't show fear. But every nerve in my body screamed to flee.

Footsteps behind me.

No. Shit. One of them was following me.

"Hey! Wait up!" The voice got closer. Too close.

I turned a corner near the rocks, thinking I could lose him-but he was faster.

"Are you okay?" he asked mockingly, stepping in front of me, blocking my path.

I froze.

His eyes scanned me like I was some object on a shelf.

"I'm fine," I choked out, voice trembling.

The other three were approaching now, laughing, circling slowly. My pulse roared in my ears.

Panic surged.

I took a step back, only for my back to hit something solid. Another one had come around.

"Where you going, princess?" one of them sneered, his breath reeking of beer and smoke.

I couldn't scream. My voice wouldn't work.

I felt my skin crawl, the same disgust I used to feel when Raj tried to touch me too much, but ten times worse. My nails dug into my palm. My body was shaking.

Do something. Run. Fight. Anything!

And then-

A voice.

Deep. Deadly.

"Touch her, and I'll break every bone in your filthy bodies. That you all regret your birth motherfuckers."

I didn't even see where he came from. But when I turned-

He was there. Standing behind the group.

His eyes were ablaze. Cold. Unforgiving. Rage pulsed in the air around him like a storm on the brink of an explosion. He wasn't running. He wasn't shouting. He wasn't afraid.

He walked forward, sleeves rolled, jaw tight.

One of the guys laughed nervously. "Chill, man. We were just-"

"Leave, fuckers!" Rithwik said, voice like steel. "Now."

It wasn't a suggestion.

They scattered like cockroaches, mumbling excuses, disappearing into the night. The moment they were gone, I collapsed onto the sand, breathless, still shaking.

He didn't say a word. Just crouched down next to me.

And for the first time in hours, I thought of let myself fall forward.

Into his arms.

His strong, infuriating, terrifying arms.

And for some reason... they felt like the safest place in the world.

But before that a strong intoxicating and exclusively soothing cologne engulfed me. Then, I realised he had thrown his coat over my head.

I thought I would be crying hell my heart out but surprisingly, I felt safe and strong that not a single tear bothered to stream out.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It's been two days since the beach incident happened . He dropped me home safely at noon on that and I was drowned in thoughts of the things that happened in a loop, after changing into a pair of cotton-cream colour suit.

Still I am thinking of all those things. Happened between us.

The slap should've been the end of everything between us. But it wasn't.

I tried to walk away that day, convincing myself that I had done the right thing-stood up for my mother's memories, for my dignity. But the echo of that confrontation never left me. Not the silence that followed, not the way Rithwik's jaw had tensed under my slap, not even the emptiness in his eyes.

I hated how that silence haunted me more than his cruel words.

I thought I was done with him.

But the universe, apparently, wasn't done with me.

It started with Appa's cough. It sounded harmless at first-just a dry throat. But by evening, his body trembled and his hands wouldn't stop shaking. I rushed him to the hospital, my mind a mess of panic and helplessness. I clutched his hand, silently praying to every god I didn't believe in.

He was all I had.

And as I sat on the stiff plastic chair outside the ICU, I realized the terror of losing him was far worse than anything I'd experienced-even heartbreak.

I had barely blinked when I felt the air shift beside me. A heavy, consuming presence. Familiar. Unmistakable.

"Why didn't you call me?"

That voice.

I turned.

He was here. Again.

He was standing there in a charcoal suit, his jaw clenched, the shadows under his eyes deeper than before. His tie was slightly undone, like he'd dropped everything and rushed here.

I didn't ask him how he knew. Maybe I didn't want to know.

"How do you know he's here?" Or I am here. I asked, my voice dry.

His eyes darkened. "I have my ways."

Of course he did.

"And why would I call you? You've done enough already," I snapped.

His gaze dropped to my trembling fingers and the file in my lap. Without another word, he sat beside me.

Silence stretched between us-tense and thick like fog.

"I'm sorry about your father," he said, softer now.

I didn't respond. The fire of our last encounter still simmered under my skin.

But his presence... it calmed something in me. Or maybe I was just tired of pretending I didn't care.

A nurse approached, handing me a form. I fumbled with the pen.

"Insurance?" she asked.

I froze. We didn't have one. My fingers trembled around the paper.

Before I could say a word, he reached into his coat, took out his black card, and handed it over to the nurse. It was then I got to know his name.

Rithwik Ahuja. I read on the card.

"Put everything under my name."

My jaw dropped. His voice pulled me out of the trance.

"No. Absolutely not." I shoved his arm away. "You don't get to-"

"This isn't about you and me," he cut in, his voice firm, eyes locked on mine. "This is about your father."

I couldn't say anything. His stare was so intense, it knocked the air out of me.

And for the first time since I got here... I felt something.... comfort? I couldn't name it but I feel obliged.

The door clicked shut behind the nurse, the echo of her heels fading down the corridor. I walked to the door of the ICU and stood there, frozen, staring at the pale blue bedsheet tucked around Appa's still body.

My eyes lingered on the tube in his nose, the IV drip, the mechanical beeping that marked time like a countdown I didn't understand.

I had done everything. Called the doctors. Signed the papers. Let that man-Rithwik-hand over his black card like it was nothing.

But now?

Now there was nothing left to do.

Just... wait.

And the waiting was unbearable.

I could feel it building up in my throat-the fear, the guilt, the sheer helplessness. My fingers curled into the fabric of my kurta as I took a shaky breath, blinking rapidly against the burn in my eyes.

Don't cry. Not here. Not now.

I turned my face away, trying to steady myself, trying to breathe through the rising panic clawing its way up my ribs.

Appa looked so small in that bed. So... fragile. Like a wrong breeze could take him away from me.

What if this was it?

The thought cracked something inside me.

A soft whimper escaped before I could bite it back, and I slapped a trembling hand over my mouth. My chest was tight, the kind of tight that made your lungs feel like they were drowning.

And then-

I felt him.

Not heard.

Felt.

His presence, dark and silent- but strangely comforting, standing just behind me. I didn't have to look to know it was him. That same pull, that same intensity-like the air around him didn't follow normal rules.

His fingers brushed my arm.

I flinched.

Not because I was scared. But because the touch was... gentle.

Steady.

Not possessive, not mocking.

Just there.

"I said I'm fine," I managed, though my voice cracked like shattered glass.

"You're not," he said, and somehow that simple truth hit harder than anything else.

Before I could step away, before I could bury myself in pride, I felt his arm slide around my waist.

My breath caught.

He pulled me into him.

And I let him.

His chest was warm, solid, and steady against mine. My forehead pressed into the space just below his collarbone, and my hands-traitorous and unsure-curled into the fabric of his shirt like it was the only thing holding me upright.

It was too much.

Too much to hold in.

The tears came in quiet waves-no sobbing, no theatrics, just raw, broken silence. The kind that soaked your soul. The kind you couldn't explain with words.

I hated this.

Hated how safe he felt in that moment.

How my body recognized his warmth even when my mind screamed to push him away.

He didn't say anything. He didn't move.

He just stood there, holding me like I mattered.

Like I wasn't just some broken girl who had fallen apart in front of a stranger.

A stranger whose touch still lingered on my skin from a night I couldn't forget.

And right then, in the suffocating quiet of a hospital room, something shifted between us.

Something I wasn't ready to name.

But it was there.

Thick in the air.

Unspoken. Dangerous. Inevitable.

---

Later that night

Appa was stable, but they kept him under observation. I refused to go home. Rithwik hadn't left either, occupying the chair beside me like a silent shadow. He hadn't said much after that-just sat there, arms crossed, legs stretched, watching every doctor that walked by.

"You can leave," I muttered.

"I won't."

The lights of the hospital hallway painted shadows under his cheekbones, making his face look even more unforgiving, carved like stone. And yet... the way he had stood up for me... how he watched over my Appa like it mattered to him...

I looked away.

My phone buzzed.

A message.

From Raj.

"Can we talk?"

I stared at the screen like it had burned me.

Before I could even react, Rithwik shifted in his chair and said, "Is it him?"

I flinched.

"Who?" I played dumb.

He chuckled dryly. "You forget who you're talking to, Niyati. You look like a ghost every time his name comes up."

I shoved my phone back in my bag. "That's none of your business."

"It is. The second he left you on that mandap, he gave up the right to even text you."

"You don't know the full story," I snapped.

"And yet you still defend him," he growled. "Even after what he did to you."

His voice was sharp, edged with something darker. Possessiveness? Jealousy?

I didn't want to think about that.

I stood abruptly. "I need coffee."

He followed me to the vending machine like a shadow I couldn't escape. I could feel his gaze trailing down my back, lingering.

It made my pulse race.

"You think I'm the villain," he said behind me. "But that night... I was the only one who stayed."

I spun to face him. "You stayed because I was drunk. You didn't have the right to touch me."

He took a step closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And yet, you haven't forgotten it, have you?"

My breath hitched.

His face was inches away from mine. I could feel the heat radiating from him, the scent of his cologne-woodsy, masculine, intoxicating.

My back hit the wall.

Damn him.

"You're trembling," he murmured, brushing a loose strand of hair from my face.

"I'm not."

He smirked. "Liar."

I hated how my body betrayed me. How I leaned into his touch. How his voice sent a shiver down my spine. How I wanted him to kiss me just to stop the war waging inside me.

"You don't get to mess with me, Rithwik," I whispered.

"I'm not messing with you. I'm warning you," he said, eyes locked on mine. "If he comes back, don't fall for his words again. You don't belong with him."

"And who do I belong with?" I challenged.

His eyes darkened. "Me."

"Get out!" I told him. Enough of this shit. Appa is in ICU and this man is too much to bear right now.

I can't deal with this right now. I don't want to. He didn't budget but stared straight into my eyes, his gaze intensely stubborn. Just when I thought he wouldn't go--- he left.

A/n Thanks for reading. How's the chapter? Hope you guys like it. Don't forget to comment and vote.

Love you 💗

7. Lost In You | 18+ (A Dark Mafia Romance Book) - Chapter 7

Words: 2454

Estimated Reading Time: 15 min

"The scariest moments aren't the loud ones. They're the silent ones where you feel your whole world slipping away."

Niyati

It had been a week since Appa was discharged. He was getting better, slowly but steadily.

Life was finally starting to fall back into place, one breath at a time. The nightmare of watching him lie helpless in a hospital bed still haunted me. Every second spent in that sterile room felt like a stone crushing my chest.

I've never felt fear like that before. The kind that clutches your throat, whispers all the worst possibilities in your ear, and dares you to hope.

But in the middle of that darkness... there was him.

I don't know when or how it happened, but somehow... his presence became my anchor. A silent promise that nothing bad would happen as long as he was there. He never said much, never held my hand, but I always felt him.

And somehow, that was enough.

Now that Appa was back home, he still needed care. The doctors had advised hiring a nurse, but I was a doctor myself - so I took a long leave to stay with him. To watch over him. To make sure nothing went wrong again.

That morning felt peaceful. He was sitting out on the balcony, soaking in the fresh air. I made myself a cup of coffee, ready to relax for a few minutes after checking his vitals.

But just as I was about to sit down on the couch, I heard it.

A sound from the balcony.

A thud.

And just like that - my heart stopped.

Panic exploded in my chest like a grenade. My mug slipped from my hands and shattered on the floor, but I didn't even notice. I ran, legs trembling, breath caught in my throat.

And what I saw knocked the air out of my lungs.

Appa was lying on the floor.

Unmoving.

"Appa?!" I dropped to my knees beside him, my hands shaking as I cradled his head in my lap. "Appa, please! Wake up! Can you hear me? Appa?"

His eyes didn't open.

My voice broke. Tears welled up, spilling before I could stop them. My vision blurred, and a scream built up in my chest.

I tapped his cheeks frantically, trying to nudge him awake. "Don't do this to me... not again. Please, Appa!"

I didn't wait. I ran next door, pounding on my neighbor's door like a maniac. I didn't care how I looked.

She opened, startled. Her son - a tall, kind college boy - saw the panic in my face and didn't ask questions.

He ran with me. Helped me carry Appa to the car. Helped me drive to the hospital.

I don't even remember how I thanked him. Everything after that was a blur.

Now, I sat alone in the hospital hallway.

Waiting again.

Praying again.

And this time, I wasn't strong.

This time... I broke.

Tears streamed down my face as I whispered every prayer I knew. My hands trembled in my lap, cold and empty.

"Please, God," I whispered. "Don't take him. Not yet. I can't lose him... I can't."

I wasn't even sure who I was talking to anymore.

Maybe God.

Maybe the universe.

Maybe... him.

The one who hadn't called. The one who hadn't come.

And somehow... the one I missed the most. The hollowness I feel in my chest is wrecking me.

The waiting room smelled of antiseptic and despair. I sat still, back pressed against the cold metal chair, fingers clenched together until the bones ached. Every passing second was louder than the last-each tick of the clock slicing into my chest.

The doctor finally came out, eyes serious, voice heavy. "Miss Niyati, your father's condition is critical. There's a clot in the brainstem. We have to operate immediately, or..."

He didn't finish that sentence.

I knew what the silence meant.

"Do it," I whispered, my throat dry. "Please, do anything you can to save him."

"We will try our best," he said gently, "But I won't lie to you. It's a very high-risk surgery. Success rate is less than five percent."

Five percent.

Five percent hope against ninety-five percent fear.

I nodded anyway, because that's what daughters do when there's nothing left but prayer.

As he left, I leaned against the wall and let the tears fall silently. There was no one to hold me. No strong arms or familiar warmth.

Just the echo of my own sobs and the suffocating weight in my chest.

I ran to the bank the next morning, tried withdrawing every penny I had-savings, FDs, whatever I could scramble. But it wasn't enough. Not for the surgery, not for the post-op care, not for anything.

Then the nurse told me-"There's only one surgeon in the city who can do this surgery. Dr. Raj Malhotra."

Raj.

Destiny had a cruel sense of humor.

I hadn't seen him since that night I tried to close the last chapter of my life. And now, he was the only person who could save Appa.

I called. Texted. Emailed. No response.

The receptionist at his hospital finally answered with a brittle, "Dr. Raj has left for the day. He's going on vacation tomorrow morning."

Vacation? My blood ran cold.

I didn't have time to think. I grabbed my purse and headed straight for his house.

When I rang the doorbell, I never expected her to open the door.

Saniya.

Her round belly pushed through the thin satin robe she wore, her hair tied in a bun, face sharp with smugness and fury.

"Look who finally remembered the way here," she spat before I could say a word. "The ex who can't stay away."

I swallowed my pride. "I need to talk to Raj. It's urgent."

She crossed her arms over her chest, expression hard. "He's busy. With me. And our baby. You remember what that feels like, don't you? Losing someone because you weren't enough?"

Her words stung, but I stayed quiet. I wasn't here for a fight.

She stepped closer, venom dripping from every word. "You think you can crawl back into his life whenever you want? Just because you're pathetic and alone?"

I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palm, forcing myself not to react.

"Listen, I just want to talk to him before he leaves for the vacation. It's urgent. Try to understand."

"How the fuck did you know about our vacation?" She yelled, suprised. "Why are you here, bitch?"

Just then, Raj's voice came from inside the house. "Saniya, who's it?"

He stepped into the hallway, hair messy, eyes wide with surprise as he saw me. "Niyati?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but Saniya cut in. "She's here to ruin your peace again. Just like old times." and then she looked at me "listen, you bitch! I won't let you ruin my vacation this time!, if you are here to stop him from going with me! You can't! You hear me?" She yelled, hysterically.

He moved toward her quickly. "Darling. Please don't stress. It's not good for the baby." he scooped her face in his palms.

The moment shattered whatever was left of my pride.

I turned and left before either of them could stop me.

The front door slammed shut behind me, but the sound echoed in my chest. My legs moved on their own, out of the driveway, out to the main road. The cold wind hit my skin, but I didn't feel it.

I walked and walked until my knees finally gave out.

Right there on the pavement, with cars passing and lights flickering, I knelt down and cried.

I cried for Appa. For the pain he was in and the fear of losing him.

I cried for myself. For the loneliness that seemed endless.

The headlights of a car fell on me. I squinted through the blur of my tears as the car slowed down. For one second, I felt something flutter in my chest.

Please... let it be him. I silently wished it be him.

But it wasn't.

Raj stepped out of the car, panic etched on his face. "Niyati? What are you doing here?"

I wiped my tears harshly, trying to stand up before he could touch me.

"I'm fine," I said stiffly.

"You're not. You're crying in the middle of the road!" He moved toward me.

"I said I'm fine!" I snapped, pushing his hand away.

I got to my feet, brushed the dust off my clothes, tried to breathe.

He reached for me again, this time more gently. "I'm sorry, for Saniya... for everything. I didn't know you'd come. I wouldn't have-"

"Don't," I whispered.

His apology didn't mean anything now. Not when the man I needed wasn't even here. Not when my father's life was slipping away from my fingers like dry sand.

"I didn't come to ruin your peace," I said, looking him in the eye. "I came because my Appa is dying. And you're the only one who can save him."

Raj froze.

And for the first time in a long time, I didn't see him as the boy I once loved.

I saw him as a stranger. I joined my hand in front of him and begged, "Please," I whispered in between my burning tears, "Save him, I need him."

There was concern filled in his eyes and he came closer to me. And wrapped his arms around me. His touch disgusts me, but it was Raj the man once I've loved.

I couldn't think of anything at that moment. I didn't try to protest. Maybe because I was too wrecked to think of anything. Maybe because I needed someone to lean on or I can't name out the emptiness was still there.

The unsettling feelings and thoughts was still there. But I was too exhausted to do anything.

I felt him patting my hair as he whispered "I'll do my best." And with that I passed out.

I woke up in the morning and searched for my phone. I see the time it was 6 am in the morning.

I left the bed. Showered- got dressed. Without wasting any second I left for the hospital.

When I reached the hospital I saw Raj in front of my father's ICU room.

I reached to him and he looked at me. He patted my arm with a assuring gaze and left with the doctor.

I followed him to the cabin. He looked at me as he noticed "Give us a moment," he gently requested to the doctor. The doctor nodded and left then he looked at me "Come,"

I entered the cabin and the question was at the tip of my tongue slipped out "What are you doing here?"

"I told you I'll do my best." He said unbothered.

"Listen, you don't have to-"

"Or do what? Go on vacation? I didn't thought you'll think of me that little. I can't leave you and uncle in this crucial condition, specially not you!" He announced with some unsettling feelings. Which has no room there.

I exhaled and reached in my purse and took out the money I withdrawed from the bank. I placed it on his desk.

I could feel his confused gaze following my actions- which I decided to ignore as I said "I know it's not enough, give me sometime I'll arrange the rest of your fee-"

"You don't have to- I won't take this." I froze, he continued, "This isn't about money, Niyati." He said.

And I met his gaze this time as I said, "And I don't need your charity!"

"This isn't charity for God's sake, Nia." He looked in my eyes, softly, "I'm... sorry you're going through this."

"Spare me the sympathy, Raj," I said, folding my arms tightly. "I don't need it from you."

There was a pause. His voice softened. "I never meant to hurt you."

I laughed bitterly. "Funny. That's exactly what you did."

He flinched.

I hated that he still had that effect on me. That after all this time, just seeing his face brought back memories I'd buried so deep.

"I'll take the case," he said, finally. "And I'll make sure your father gets through this."

I nodded slowly. "Good. Charge your cost-"

"Forget it."

"Excuse me?"

"You don't have to pay. I'll take care of it."

Anger flared in my chest. "I'm not here for your guilt, Raj."

"It's not guilt. It's responsibility."

I took a step closer, jaw tight. "You don't get to feel responsible now. Not after you walked away like I meant nothing."

His expression cracked-just a little. "I didn't walk away. I-"

"You did," I snapped. "You did and now we're here. So just... do the surgery. Nothing more."

I turned before he could say another word. I needed to breathe. I needed to get away from his presence, his cologne, his voice that made me feel like I was nineteen again and falling for a lie.

But as I walked down the hallway, something twisted inside me.

This wasn't guilt about Raj.

It was guilt about someone else.

Someone who had been silent for days.

But I could feel his presence. I look around for him. There he was standing at the end of the corridor. Looking at me with empty eyes.

But it felt like there were so many things they were saying- his eyes- I could feel it.

He hadn't called. Hadn't texted. Hadn't even asked if Papa was okay.

And maybe... maybe he was doing the right thing. Maybe I needed space.

But his silence?

It hurt more than I expected.

And now, walking away from Raj, all I could think of was him.

I hated how unsettled I felt. Like I was cheating on someone I had no claim over. Like I had broken something fragile between us that never even got a name.

Why?

Why did it feel like I was losing someone I never really had?

He seemed tired- distant? He looked like a ghost of himself-pale, exhausted, his jaw clenched as if swallowing words he'd never say.

"Nia..." Raj's voice came behind me.

"Can- Can we have a talk? About... Us," he said as he stood in front of me. Blocking my view, I couldn't see Rithwik anymore, but I can clearly feel this strange sense- which is keep reminding me of his presence.

I lift my gaze to meet Raj's and said "There's no us now! Not anymore." And with that I walked away- but he grasped my wrist, stopping me.

A/n Thanks for reading. How's the chapter? Hope you guys like it. Don't forget to comment & vote.

Love you 💗

8. Lost In You | 18+ (A Dark Mafia Romance Book) - Chapter 8

Words: 2261

Estimated Reading Time: 14 min

Rithwik

I know. I know I don’t have any right over her. She’s not mine. She was never mine. And maybe she never will be.

We aren’t in a relationship. She didn’t promise me anything. Hell, she barely even remembers the night we shared. So I have no right to feel this fire clawing at my chest every time I see her getting closer to someone else. Especially him.

Raj. That little piece of shit. The man she still cries for. The one she still runs to.

I should walk away. Focus on work. Pretend none of this ever happened. But I can’t.

I saw her today after a week of telling myself I was done. That I could move on. But the moment I laid eyes on her, all of it came flooding back. That night. Her body curled against mine. Her breath on my neck. Her fingers tangled in my shirt like I was the only thing anchoring her to this world.

God, if I could go back to that night—I’d do anything to relive it. Anything. It wasn’t just sex for me. We haven't did that yet. It was her. Even if she thought I was someone else.

It plays on repeat in my head like a fucking curse. I’ve touched her once. Just once. And now I can’t breathe without remembering the taste of her lips, the sound of her voice slurring out someone else’s name while she kissed me.

I would burn down this entire city just to have that moment again.

But I can’t have her. And I sure as hell can’t stop her from running back to him. Even though every cell in my body screams to drag her away.

And then I saw it— That lizard-faced bastard grabbing her wrist.

My vision tunneled. My breath caught fire.

She turned to him. Told him to leave her. But he didn’t.

That was it. That was my cue.

If he didn’t let her go in the next three seconds— He was going to find out what it meant to touch what was never his to touch again.

“One.” My voice was low, deadly, barely more than a breath. But it cut through the evening silence like a blade.

Raj turned. His grip still tight on her wrist. Niyati’s eyes widened when she saw me. She looked… tired, broken. Fragile. Hollow.

But I didn’t look at her. Not yet. I only looked at him.

“Two.” He let her go.

Smart. He might be an idiot, but he wasn’t suicidal.

“Get lost,” I snapped, stepping between them like a shield. Like a man who had something to lose.

Raj scoffed. “And who the fuck are you now, her bodyguard?” His voice had that familiar arrogant edge. The same one that must’ve charmed her once upon a time.

“She said she didn’t want to see you. That means leave before I make you regret ever touching her,” I growled.

He glanced at Niyati like he was waiting for her to speak, to stop me maybe. But she didn’t. She just stared at the ground, trembling. Her arms crossed over her chest like she was holding herself together.

Raj clicked his tongue and shook his head. “This isn’t over, Nia. We have to talk about it. You can't avoid me forever.” And then he walked away.

Coward.

I turned back to Niyati.

She still wouldn’t meet my eyes.

“Are you okay?” I asked. My voice softened—only for her.

No response.

“Niyati,” I stepped closer. She flinched.

That did something to me. Twisted something deep and ugly in my chest.

“Don’t,” she whispered. “Not now.”

She pushed past me, walking toward the road like she didn’t care what happened next. Her steps were uneven, almost aimless, like her body was moving but her mind had given up.

I followed her. I couldn’t not follow. She collapsed on a bench by the corner, burying her face in her hands.

I stood there, helpless. Wanting to fix something I never even had the right to break.

“I begged him,” she said quietly. Her voice was empty. “I'd no other option. I begged him to save my father. And his fiancée laughed at me. Called me names. Accused me for seducing him. Stopping him. Trying to win him back. But I didn't. I didn't go to him for him to take me back. I did not tried to seduce him-” Her shoulders shook. Not from crying. From exhaustion. From something deeper. Something colder.

I couldn’t listen to another word. I sat beside her and without thinking, I pulled her into me. "I know." I wanted to say something more. But I don't know what to say.

She stiffened. And then—slowly—her head dropped against my shoulder.

“I thought I had nothing left to lose,” she said. “But even my self-respect wasn’t mine today.”

She didn’t cry. She just stayed there. Breathing, barely.

“I'll handle it,” I whispered.

She didn’t ask what I meant. She didn’t ask how. She just nodded.

Like she wanted so badly to believe me.

***************

Niyati

The surgery was over.

It had taken nearly six hours-- six soul-wrenching, breath-choking hours of waiting, pacing, praying, and losing hope in cycles.

And Rithwik hadn't left my side for a second. Not once.

Even when I'd zoned out, even when I'd snapped at him, even when I'd say on that cold hospital floor, silent and numb-- he had just stayed by me. Silent. Present.

When the doctor finally came out and said that my father was stable and the surgery was a success, I had broken. Not into tears. But into silence. The kind that came from surviving something I hadn't expect to go through.

I hadn't even realized that I was holding Rithwik's hand until the doctor walked away. Raj came out and his eyes flicked to my face and then hand. He left and I felt my fingers still curled around his. I silently abandoned his hands when I felt my nails digging deep in his skin.

Crimson spread through my ears to neck. I followed the doctor to ask him if I could see my father now.

After almost eight hours later, Appa's concious again.

I went inside the room. Appa looked weak. Pale. But alive.

The beeping of the monitors was the most comforting sound I'd heard in days.

When he opened his eyes, I leaned over, my voice stuttered. "Appa...."

He returned a weak smile. "My fighter." My throat clenched. I bit back the bile rising up in my throat and kissed his forehead.

I heard a soft voice of door cracking. And then his eyes shifted. To the tall figure behind me.

His brows furrowed. "Who..?"

I glanced back at Rithwik. Standing silently by the door, like he wasn't sure he was welcome.

I turned back. "He's... my friend, Appa. He's been here the whole time."

Appa's gaze softened. "A good man, then."

Rithwik didn't react. Not visibly. But something flickered in his eyes. Something unspoken. Like that one word-- friend-- I said, burned more than it should have.

Later that Day-

Rithwik asked to drive me back home.

I asked him to first stop at Raj's house. His jaw visibly clenched I saw it. But decided to ignore.

.............

I stood at the same door where my dignity had been torn apart.

Saniya didn't answer the door this time. Thank God. Raj did. He looked exhausted. Guilty. Human.

But I saw his eyes flicked as soon as he saw me standing there. I stood tall even when everything inside me felt hollow.

"I am here to pay your money for the surgery."

Raj blinked. "Nia-"

"I'm not here to talk about us, and not even I am interested," I cut him off. My voice was sharp. Clean. Like edge of glass. "Just the payment."

He exhaled deeply as he shook his head. "I'm not taking anything."

I started at him. "You did this to clear your conscience, not out of charity. And I've told you I don't want your charity. So send me the bill."

"I'm not gonna take your money, Nia-"

"Stop calling me that first of all." I cut him off.

Silence. Heavy. Charged.

"You don't get to call me that! Not anymore." I said, staring into his eyes.

He stepped closer. "I just... I was wrong. I know. About so many things. I shouldn't have treated you the way I did. I shouldn't have-"

"I'm not here to discuss what you should or shouldn't. You had your chance, Raj." My voice cracked, but I held my chin high. "You chose someone else. I begged you... and you looked me in the eyes and said no. And that it's done, now that it did the damage, now you're sorry?"

"I am."

"That's not enough." I turned to leave.

But he spoke again. Softer this time. "Is it him?" I froze.

"That man?" he said, almost like it hurt. "Is he the one who's with you now?"

I didn't look back. "I don't owe you that answer."

And just when I was about to walked out he held my hand pulling me near him... He looked me in my eyes as he said "Oh you absolutely owe me that answer. It's not been even a month and you're already with someone else? Do you think I am stupid? You don't get to make me feel guilty when you're roaming around with a new guy within a week."

I wrenched my hand free, my voice trembling but firm. "You don’t get to ask me that. Not after what you did. Not after what you said."

And then I heard it—the low, cold voice that made the hairs on my arms rise. “You should not have touched her.”

Raj froze. I turned around.

Rithwik stood there at the doorway. His eyes were black fire. His fists clenched at his sides. His jaw ticking in barely restrained fury.

"Rithwik…" I breathed, but he didn’t look at me. His gaze was locked on Raj.

Raj scoffed. “Wow. Look who followed her home like a loyal dog.”

That was it.

Rithwik moved like a storm.

One second he was at the door. The next—he was on Raj.

A punch. Hard. Brutal. Straight to the jaw.

Raj stumbled back, crashing into the wall.

"Rithwik, stop!" I shouted, stepping forward, but it was too late.

Rithwik grabbed Raj by the collar, slammed him against the wall again. "You don’t get to talk to her like that. You don’t get to touch her. Not now. Not ever."

Raj tried to shove him back, but Rithwik’s fist collided with his gut, knocking the wind out of him. "You made her beg. You made her cry. And now you think you get to question who she’s with?"

Another punch. Blood oozed from Raj’s lip now. He groaned, his hands going up in defense, but Rithwik wasn’t finished. "You threw her away like she was nothing. And now you're jealous because someone else sees her worth?"

Raj coughed, spit blood onto the floor, and snarled. "You don’t even know her!"

"But I know I will not treat her like shit," Rithwik growled, throwing him to the floor like trash. "That’s the difference."

“stop!” I yelled again. He didn’t. Not until I stepped between them and touched his chest. Only then—only at my touch—did his fists still.

He stood over him, chest heaving, a storm barely contained.

"Next time you touch her," Rithwik said, voice low, dangerous, "I'll break more than your nose."

Silence stretched. Raj didn’t move. Didn’t speak.

I didn’t know what to say.

My heartbeat roared in my ears.

And then Rithwik turned to me. His expression softened the moment his eyes met mine—like he remembered who he was standing in front of.

"Let’s go," he said simply.

I didn’t protest. I couldn’t.

My hands trembled as I stepped around Raj’s body, lying breathless on the floor. And as I followed Rithwik out into the sharp night air, I didn’t know what hurt more—

Raj’s betrayal.

Or the way Rithwik made me feel protected… even when I didn’t know if I deserved it.

Blood on his knuckles. Fire in his eyes. But when he looked at me, everything changed. “You okay?” I nodded. He nodded back. And then, without a word, he opened the car door for me.

---

An awkward silence streched in the car. Which I decided to break.

"You don't have to do that-"

"I know I am sorry, I should not have intrude in your personal life. It won't happen again. I know you still love him--"

"Thank you," I cut him off in the middle.

I can't undo the things. But I don't want to hear this from him. Yes, I loved him, but that was past and I don't know if I could ever unlove him but I know one thing I don't want Raj in my life back.

My gaze flicked to his face and landed on his lips. They were looking soft, elegant and cold.

I inhaled sharply. A foreign thought of tasting them invaded in my mind. When I heard him clear his throat.

Averting my eyes from his lips I looked away. My palms became sweaty. And I scratched at my neck. Suddenly I was feeling hot.

For God's sake I've never felt this much need of kissing someone ever in my life.

A/n Thanks For Reading. How's the chapter? Hope you guys like it. Don't forget to comment & vote.

Love you 💗

9. Lost In You | 18+ (A Dark Mafia Romance Book) - Chapter 9

Words: 0

Estimated Reading Time: 0 min