Page 75 of Every Move You Make
He dipped his chin in acknowledgement before leading her back into the main house and upstairs to the floor above. Heshowed her the four bedrooms. Most of the rooms were still bare, with just wallpapers and lights in place.
“Do whatever you want with all of them,” he said easily. “Colors, furniture, layouts. You decide how you want to make this a home for yourself.”
He was really trying to make this home feel hers as well. And that was… really sweet of him. It was hard to come to terms with this side of him.
He pushed open the final door and led her inside the master bedroom.
Unlike the others, this room already had some furniture. A massive bed in dark gray dominated the center, the sheets on it a stark black. To one side of the room was a large walk-in wardrobe, already fitted with shelves and drawers, while a dresser was tucked neatly in the corner, with a center console for more storage. Beyond that, she caught sight of the ensuite bathroom. It was spacious, elegant, with dual sinks and warm lighting. It struck her then that this room hadn’t been designed casually. It had been built to be shared by a couple. With a future in mind.
For Akash and… his wife.
Which would behernow.
The thought made her pulse quicken.
During their initial discussions, she’d asked for separate bedrooms. He’d asked her for how long. They hadn’t spoken about it again, but they would have to at some point.
“You said you wanted a separate room,” he said quietly, as though he could hear the turmoil in her thoughts. “So, you can choose whichever one you like upstairs.”
He took a slow step closer.
“Or,” he added, his voice lower now, “you can stay here. With me.”
Her pulse stumbled, then raced. She knew what he was asking. He was asking her to take a chance on this attraction simmering between them and give in to him. And she was tempted. Deeply.
Even now, standing next to him, breathing in his scent, her body wanted to be near him, to hold him, to feel his hands on her.
She immediately shut down her spiraling thoughts.
She inhaled slowly. Everything was moving too fast between them. She needed things to slow down and figure everything out first. She hadn’t had the space to truly process everything she had agreed to. The reality of it hit her with a force that stole her breath. Her heart raced faster.
“I… I’m not sure yet,” she replied honestly. “As of now, let’s just stick to two separate rooms.”
“Alright. Whatever you want,” he said with a small smile.
Akash was being so calm. So reasonable. So effortlessly composed, as though this ease between them, this quiet companionship, had always existed.
But it hadn’t. Not even close.
And suddenly, it felt like she was being crushed beneath the weight of it all.
“Why are you being so nice?” she blurted out.
He frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”
“You’ve never been nice to me before. And now you are. You’re being kind and sweet, and I don’t know how to handle it.” The words tumbled out of her. “And then there’s… this.” She gestured vaguely between them. “This attraction, this pull. I don’t know what to do about it. Or about you. It’s all so confusing. I’m usually so sure of myself, Akash. About everything. But when it comes to you, I’m always flustered. And I don’t like feeling flustered. I don’t like not being in control. And yet with you, it feels like I’m not in control.”
A tear slipped down her cheek, and she brushed it off angrily. Another tear rolled down her face, annoying her even more. She turned away from him, hating that he was seeing her like this. Hating that she was feeling so conflicted.
Akash caught her by the waist and turned her around to face him. He tilted her chin up until she had no choice but to meet his eyes.
“Breathe,” he said softly. “Okay? Just… breathe.”
She did, her chest rising and falling with every breath. He caught a tear with his finger and wiped it off her cheek gently.
“You’re not alone in this,” he said softly, holding her close. “I’m feeling overwhelmed too. I hadn’t planned on marrying so soon. I hadn’t considered even marrying you. You were always off-limits. But now, all of a sudden, I’m going to marryyou, the only woman who has the power to destroy me. I’m afraid too. All this is too much for me too. But I am willing to try. Can you do the same?”
Off-limits. What did he mean by that?
