“I think I have a crush on Dash,” I blurt out, leaving my best friends stunned as soon as we lock ourselves into one of the rooms upstairs. They stare at each other with a look I can’t decipher. Pacing back and forth, I push past the rising scary feeling in my throat. “Actually, no. I’m pretty sure I’m falling for him.”
The second I admit it out loud, I wait for the wave of panic to hit and the impulse to run in the opposite direction, but strangely enough, none of it comes. All I’m left with is an exhilarating rush, a lightness in my chest like I’m about to jump off a cliff with no fear of crashing. Because my heart knows Dash will be there to catch me.
I face Rosa and Iris, who are wearing twin expressions of glee and satisfaction… Not shock, like I expected. What the hell? Why aren’t they in hysterics like I am and telling me I wasn’t supposed to develop feelings for my fake husband?
“Oh fuck! It’s too soon. Too fast. Right?” I yell, which puts them into action.
In a flash, they are by my side and guiding me toward the couch before pushing me down to sit. Rosa tilts my chin and commands, “Deep breaths, Bee. Slow and deep breaths.”
“I’m just like those stupid heroines you warned me about, Ro.”
“You’re not stupid,” says Iris, holding my hand. “You’re human.”
“I went and fell in love with my fake husband.” I shake my head with a soft laugh. “And I didn’t realize how much until he made me see it and basically told me it stopped being a pretend relationship for him, too, before you both interrupted us.”
“So that’s why he looked like I rained on his parade,” mutters Rosa.
“Did you tell him you love him?” questions Iris. She and Rosa hold their breaths while waiting for my answer.
“No.”
“Why the hell not?” hurls Ro.
Her reaction throws me off because she’s always been outspokenly against me catching feelings for Dash, warning me again and again to guard my heart and not cross the lines.
I narrow my eyes suspiciously. “Why the sudden change of heart, Ro?”
“Oh, her heart was always in the same place,” Iris rapidly says under her breath.
“What the fuck?” I curse, staring between the two of them. “What aren’t you two telling me?”
Rosa shrugs while looking at her nails as she confesses, “So maybe I had a hidden agenda in pushing you toward Dash.”
“Explain.”
“I pushed you into his arms because for the first time in years, I saw the spark in your eyes as you gazed at him, Bee. Beneath the hate, I saw that you wanted him. In the past, you constantly chatted about him and I bet he was the man who saved you outside the club when you went with Niall. Even when everything fell apart, you ran to him. Dash has always challenged you and I knew he was someone you could never scare away, like you’ve done to other guys over the years. So yeah, I took a risk.”
“So you decided to play Cupid?”
Her face scrunches but she rolls her eyes. “Yes.”
“And what if it had backfired and only one of us fell in love? It would’ve fucked with our plans.” Huffing out a breath, I shake my head. “We still don’t know if he’s in love with me or simply just likes me.”
“Oh, please. The man walks around with stars and hearts in his eyes every time he’s with you. It’s not even funny,” quips Rosa. “You should’ve heard his voice when he called me to ask how to take care of you because you were on your period. You hold on to a man like that.”
“Besides, everything worked out perfectly,” points out Iris.
“I still wish you had told me, Ro.”
“Then you would’ve never said yes, and I just want you to be happy like you deserve,” she softly murmurs before winking. “And lover boy clearly does. Besides, this will make a hell of a story to tell your grandkids.”
“Have I woken up in another dimension? You’re not Rosa.” Iris snorts from beside me.
“Shut up.”
The laughter dies down and they curiously ask, “Why didn’t you tell him how you truly feel?”
“Because I’m scared,” I spill to Iris, and she squeezes my hand soothingly as I continue in a dreamy voice, “I thought I could resist Dash, but he sneaked his way past my walls anyway. His bossy demands used to drive me mad, still do, and yet, I can’t get enough of them. Every feeling with him is heightened and uncontainable. He’s showing me it’s okay to trust; to free fall. He’s making me dream of a life I gave up on a long time ago, and it fucking terrifies me.”
“Then it’s time you took a risk.”
***
“Where have you been, Bianca?”
“Hello to you too, Mom,” I greet my beautifully dressed mother as she rushes to my side the moment I enter the hall with my best friends. “I was with Rosa and Iris upstairs.”
“Namaste, Aunty,” they both say to her, and she genuinely smiles before hugging them both.
“How is Nova? I thought you were going to come with him,” probes my mom curiously while Rosa gives a strained smile. Although my mother remains oblivious.
“He is traveling, so he couldn’t come.”
“Really? His mother forgot to mention that when I ran into her earlier.”
“I’m sure she didn’t know since Nova tends to forget to inform people sometimes. You know how it is, Aunty. Workaholic men,” Rosa smoothly lies, making my mom chuckle.
“Well, you girls enjoy.” Turning to me, she orders, “Don’t wander upstairs again. I’ll come find you later.”
As soon as she’s out of earshot, Iris eyes Rosa suspiciously and arches one eyebrow before demanding, “Is Nova even aware there’s a party?”
“Please tell me you didn’t lock him in a basement or something?” I’m not kidding because it’s a high possibility.
“Jeez. How evil do you guys think I am?” retorts Ro, but the almost serene and saccharine smile on her face gives it away. When she realizes she’s not fooling us, she begrudgingly admits, “Fine. I may have hacked into his calendar and changed the date to tomorrow.”
Iris and I gape at her. “You hacked into his calendar?”
“Fuck no. I just flirted with his assistant until he did it for me. I was almost tempted to ask he fuck up with his meetings, too, but didn’t want the poor guy to lose his job. Obviously, he has nothing going for him if he’s working for that arrogant vulture.”
I’m intently listening to Rosa that I miss the two hulking frames, Nova and Nathan, stalking in our direction, until Iris slaps my arm and flicks her chin behind Ro, who remains clueless to our diverted attention. She goes on with a smug smile while her fiancé, who wasn’t supposed to be here, stops right behind her with a dark glint shadowing his features.
Iris opens her mouth but after a shake of the head from Nathan, she glares at him but listens.
“Umm, Ro,” I whisper.
However, my best friend is unfamiliar with subtle clues and doesn’t notice the shift in the air. She doesn’t even pause as she continues her not-so-victorious speech.
“Besides, he’s more useful to me with his job safe. I mean, the possibilities to fuck with Nova are endless. This ought to teach his sexist ass to not hire a male assistant.”
“I thought you didn’t want to fuck me, Rosalie?” drawls Nova before leaning down and murmuring in her ear, “Have you changed your mind?”
Rosa freezes, mouth parted mid-sentence, and she blinks rapidly. It lasts only for a second before her expression deflates to someone who got told Santa isn’t real. But in true Rosa fashion, she perfects her resting bitch face reserved for her dearest fiancé before turning to him. He towers over her yet she still looks like his equal.
Nathan comes to stand beside Iris and wraps his arm around her waist so she’s tucked into his side. I smile inwardly when she melts in his arms trustingly and he gives her a wink. The three of us watch with amusement as Rosa taunts Nova.
“The only fucking happening between us is in your dreams.”
The vehemence in her tone is met with a sadistic grin and they look like they’re seconds away from turning the ballroom into bloodshed. People openly stare at our little group and Nova seems to sense it, too, because he smoothens his features. As though he’s done it a million times, he tugs a still glaring Rosa into his arms, smiling when she growls under her breath.
“Easy, sweetheart. You don’t want to cause a scene at your best friend’s party, do you?” At his softly spoken warning, the fight leaves Rosa’s body and once she has a smile in place, he delivers a threat. “Besides, you’ll have plenty of chances to fuck with me as you work for me.”
“Work for you?” repeats Rosa sarcastically. “Did you hit your head on the way over here?”
“You’re my new assistant since I had to fire my previous one.” When she opens her mouth to argue, a curse poised on her lips, he hardens his gaze and speaks in a domineering tone, “Behave, Rose.”
Rose. What the fuck?
He says it in the same baritone that I’ve been on the receiving end of for the past two months, courtesy of Dash. The spine-tingling commanding tone that equal parts turns on and infuriates me.
Do all these men learn it at a secret school or something? Or put something in their water? Maybe it’s black magic.
Whatever it is, it shuts Rosa right up, leaving Iris and me gaping with our jaw slack. Even scarier is the blush darkening our moody friend’s cheeks.
Yep. Black magic it is.
I blink when Nova aims his charming smile at me and says, “Congratulations on the nuptials, Bianca. I have to admit, I didn’t see it coming after the last time.”
Suddenly, I recall that he witnessed the scene at the club when I ran into Dash. Not flustering under his intense gaze, I shrug and reply, “The heart wants what it wants.”
“Indeed.” Still holding our friend captive, he informs us, “I’m going to steal my fiancée, if you don’t mind.”
“Well, I mind,” snaps Rosa.
“Nobody asked.”
Nodding at Iris and Nathan, he pulls Rosa after him until she has no choice but to follow. She gives me an apologetic smile over her shoulder. Nathan, who was quiet until now, smiles warmly at me. He looks ravishing in his all-black three-piece suit that does nothing to hide his ample muscles.
“Congratulations, Bianca.”
“Thanks, Nathan.”
Everyone knows Nathan as the good and perfect son of the Singhania clan, unlike his older brother, Kian, who is the black sheep of the family. He is ever the gentleman, charming and following in his father’s footsteps. However, considering he’s Nova’s best friend, I know he couldn’t be as flawless as the media paints him.
Nevertheless, he adores the world of Iris and it’s enough reason for me to trust him. Just then, she lightly smacks him on the arm and scolds, “Why didn’t you warn me about Nova?”
His lips curve to the side. “Just like you warned me about Rosa?”
“I just found out.”
“Mhmm… Dance with me.”
“But Bee—”
“Go on, Iris.” I wave her away. “I have to meet my parents anyways.”
As I glance around the grand room, I’m taken aback by the stunning decorations. The chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The stage, adorned with thousands of flowers to provide a gorgeous backdrop. Elegantly dressed men and women mingling and enjoying themselves around the vast room. Few, including my friend and Nathan, dancing while a live band plays soft acoustic music.
My parents really went all out for this party. Extravagant and over the top. Except I know it’s another act to show off their wealth to their friends, our extended family, and business rivals. You know, to make up for the fact that their daughter eloped and had a private court marriage.
They don’t realize it’ll only feed the gossipmongers.
These are the people I’ve grown up around, yet I wouldn’t trust any of them. Few rush to my side and congratulate me, and I give them a polite smile with a thank you. I’m so glad I didn’t choose a heavy dress to wear. Otherwise, I’d be limping like a duck. I honestly just want to survive the next couple of hours without any drama. And if luck isn’t on my side, then thank fuck there’s alcohol.
Among the throngs of people, I search for Dash, but he’s nowhere to be seen. Probably mingling with the guests since he has also invited a few of his colleagues. I think I even glimpsed Kian, which is a surprise since he never comes to these gatherings.
As I gaze at the familiar faces, I hate to think Dash has no family remaining, which makes me wonder if he’s still in touch with Niall and his mother. Did he keep in touch with them after the death of his father? The urge and curiosity to ask about them always strikes me, but I hold my tongue. His relationship with them was complicated and tumultuous enough. I don’t want to touch any bad nerves, which I unknowingly end up doing.
Maybe he’ll tell me on his own.
“Bianca beta.” My mom emerges out of nowhere, intent glimmering in her eyes. Grabbing my hand, she pulls me in the direction she came from. “Come on, there’s someone I want you to meet.”
“Have you seen Dash, Ma?” It’s been almost an hour since I left him in the hallway. I especially begin to worry when there’s no glimpse of my father either. “Where’s Dad?”
“They are both together. Your father is introducing him to his friends.”
Before I can interrogate her further, we come to a halt in front of one of her longtime friends. Mr. and Mrs. Patel are our neighbors and they have an export business. They are actually one of the nicest couples I’ve met and have practically seen me grow up. Beside them, I notice their tall son, whose name I can’t recall, but last I checked, he was studying abroad.
“Namaste, Aunty.” I face Mr. Patel before greeting. “Uncle.”
“Oh my god! Look at you, Bianca,” Mrs. Patel praises before wrapping me in a warm hug, her bangles clanking softly as she pulls back. “Just as beautiful as I remember.”
“Thank you, Aunty. So glad you came.”
“Do you remember Dhruv, Bianca?” My mom introduces us with that same sparkle I saw earlier. Twice as bright now. “He just returned from London and is set to work in your father’s firm.”
Alarm bells start to ring in my head as my mother’s voice takes on a high quality, her expression almost sickly and adoring as she gazes at Dhruv. He certainly looks like he’s enjoying the attention, or maybe it’s simply because she’s his future boss’s wife.
My intuition, on the other hand, screams something fishy is happening. I would excuse myself if it didn’t seem rude. So, masking my annoyance, I play along. “I remember. My dad must think highly of you.”
“I’m just honored he took me under his wing,” he replies and while he gazes at me, I get a queasy feeling in my chest. It rises to my throat like smoke when my mother speaks.
“I was thinking you could show him around the city, beta. A lot has changed since he lived away for years.”
Oh hell no. I sharply look at her and that’s when I recognize the earlier spark for what it is. My own mother is trying to set her very married daughter up on a date. No, not a date. A freaking affair. Dhruv suddenly looks hopeful and salivating at the prospect.
Dude. You’re literally at my wedding reception party.
“Oh no, she doesn’t have to,” intervenes Mrs. Patel, albeit reluctantly.
“I wish I could but my work is hectic at the moment,” I immediately cut in before my mom could.
Dhruv isn’t deterred. “How about a dance then?”
“Don’t be rude, Bianca. One dance won’t hurt.” Then my dearest mother all but thrusts me into his arms before I have a chance to politely decline.
Dhruv doesn’t notice my reluctance or simply chooses to ignore it as he boldly rests his hand on my back and guides me to the dance floor. My heart thunders behind my rib cage as I nervously search for Dash.
He isn’t going to take kindly to another man dancing with his wife. Especially after his intimate confession that has settled like an intoxicating elixir in my veins.
“I almost didn’t come to the party but I’m so glad I did,” says Dhruv flirtatiously as he pulls me close and takes my hand to lead the dance. “You’re more gorgeous than I remember.”
“You do realize I’m a married woman?” I scornfully ask. Politeness be damned. “And this is my wedding reception party, not a season of Bachelor in Paradise, right?”
The jerk laughs before revealing, “That’s not what your mom said.”
“Excuse me?”
“She told me your marriage isn’t going to last once you realize Dash is not the perfect partner for you. She would like us to be together, someone close to your age, and a man your father respects with a family, not an orphan like your husband.”
Each word is an arrow viciously stabbed in my back.
Everything fades into the background until a searing pain beats in my heart. My mind is so disoriented that I miss the atmosphere in the room shift until a cold chill sucks all the warmth. It raises the hair on the back of my neck and I feel his presence before I hear his granite voice.
“Hands. Off. My. Wife.”
