Page 84 of The Redemption
Michael.
My security detail.
And standing right in the middle of them all, like a volcano waiting to erupt, isParag Reddy.
My stomach drops instantly. What ishedoing here? When did he arrive? Parag is dressed entirely in black, a long dark coat thrown over a charcoal shirt. An expensive watch. Heavy rings. The usual cold Southern Syndicate arrogance radiating from every inch of him. Two of his men stand behind him near the pathway, equally armed and just as intimidating.
Parag looks furious. One of my guards, the one usually stationed outside my cottage at night, is trying to explain something to him when Parag suddenly turns. And the second his eyes land on me, the entire atmosphere changes.
“There you are,” he says coldly.
An uneasy silence follows. All this time, I had managed to slip away unnoticed whenever I needed space from the constant security hovering around me. But tonight, I got caught. I’m sure by now Michael must have already informed Samarjeet about my little escapade because even he looks furious. His glare alone tells me he now knows how I’ve been sneaking past security for days.
I shift my gaze back to Parag, who is already striding towards me. “Where were you?” he demands.
Even with everything currently messing with my head, I don’t let him see my weakness. I straighten my shoulders and meet his gaze calmly. “I was at an event here,” I reply coolly. “That’s all.”
“And how many times have you disappeared without security like this?” he asks, his face darkening.
I stay silent, but then his gaze slowly drags over my appearance… on my traditional outfit.
“And what nonsense are you wearing?” he asks.
This is nonsense for him? Huh! I don’t bother answering because I suddenly remember how Raghav couldn’t take his eyes and hands off me tonight on seeing me in this attire. Parag really is blind if he thinks this outfit is nonsense.
The next moment, Parag steps closer as if about to grab my arm in anger. But I step back, and his hand freezes midair. That’s when my gaze accidentally drops to his hands. Bandages are wrapped around almost every finger on both hands. Before I can stop myself, a question slips out.
“What… what happened to your hands?”
For the first time since I arrived, his expression shifts. If he thinks I’m concerned about him, he’s seriously mistaken. I’m only trying to confirm whether the thought forming in my mind as I look at his bruised hands is true or not.
“I had a minor accident this morning,” he says dismissively. “It’s just a burn injury.”
My heartbeat falters as I recall Raghav warning me yesterday at the pool table to stop responding to Parag’s messages. There is absolutely no way this is a coincidence.Is this Raghav’s doing?
Parag suddenly studies my face more closely. “And why do you look so flustered?” he asks slowly. “Is it because I showed up here without informing you?”
I immediately clench my jaw. If only he knew that the reason behind my flushed face has nothing to do with him orhis ridiculous surprise visit. It has everything to do with a man who knows exactly how to kiss a woman until she forgets her own name. A man whose rough touch and possessive grip have completely ruined my ability to think straight tonight.
Parag keeps staring at me. “When I came here an hour ago and went to your cottage looking for you…” His eyes narrow slightly. “I was surprised not to find you there.”
He reaches for my arm again, but this time I catch his wrist midway and shove his hand away before he can touch me. He doesn’t like that. I can see it in the way his teeth grind behind his smile.
“I thought I would surprise you,” he says slowly. “But you surprised me instead.” His gaze sharpens. “Escaping your guards inside RK Estate, huh?”
I roll my eyes, refusing to answer that. Right now, my patience for Parag Reddy is hanging by a thread.
But then, he suddenly grins. Wide enough for me to actually see his gums. Something about that smile makes my stomach tighten uncomfortably.
“But…” he says, sounding almost excited, “I still have another surprise for you.”
My heartbeat quickens. Another surprise? Before I can even prepare myself, he drops the words casually.
“Our wedding isn’t happening next month anymore.” His grin widens further. “It’s next week.”
The world around me goes silent.Next week?
“No.” The word leaves my mouth before I can stop it.
