Page 78 of The Defiant Wife

The children grin.Keshav deserves an Oscar.He stumbles dramatically right in front of Veeraj.As expected, Veeraj instantly reaches out and catches him before he falls."Now!" I whisper.

I step out and throw the water.Rani launches the clay.

Unfortunately . . . I completely forget that Veeraj apparently has the reflexes of a jungle cat.Without even looking our way, he pivots, pulling Keshav neatly out of danger.

The clay flies past him.Straight into the brick wall.

The water misses him completely.

And lands . . . Entirely . . . On me.Cold water splashes all over my legs.My kurti sticks to my shins.Silence.Then laughter erupts around the courtyard.The children double over.Even Meher bhabhi sa has to cover her mouth.

I stand there holding an empty cup, completely drenched by my own failed attack.

Veeraj slowly turns toward me.He glances at the clay stuck to the wall.Then at my soaked clothes.Then back at me.His face stays perfectly calm.

But then . . . The tiniest smirk appears.Barely there.Still absolutely devastating.He folds his arms."Your battle strategies are as bad as your storytelling, Trouble."

He takes one slow step closer."If you wanted my attention . . . "His voice drops lower so no one hears us," . . . you could've just asked. There was no need to involve an entire firing squad."

Heat rushes into my face. "I wasn't trying to get your attention," I protest. "I was . . . testing the paint."

"Of course you were."His eyes hold mine."But let me save you the effort."

He speaks so calmly it somehow annoys me even more."Whatever reaction you're trying to get out of me . . . "

" . . . it's not going to happen." He pause. "I don't react that easily."

I march right up to him until barely an inch separates us andtilt my chin up."I'll make sure you do."

My voice is low enough that only he hears it."I will break that perfect royal composure of yours, Veeraj."

His expression doesn't change. "Good luck, Trouble."

I glare at him for one long second before turning around with the most dramatic huff I can manage.I stomp toward the main building, yank open the screen door, and slam it shut behind me.

My heart refuses to slow down.When I catch my reflection in the glass, I stop.

I'm smiling.

Actually smiling.

I groan.

He is impossible.Completely infuriating.And without question . . . the most dangerous thing that has ever happened to my sanity.

26. VELOCITY OF LONELINESS

DIYA

My phone starts vibrating against the marble vanity, and the moment Papa flashes across the screen, my chest tightens.

For one stupid second, I let myself hope.Maybe he's calling to ask if I'm settling in.Maybe he wants to know if I'm okay.Maybe—the thought dies before it can even take shape. I am just being sentimental. I sigh before answering the call.

I pick up the call and step out onto the quiet balcony overlooking the palace gardens.

"Diya."His voice is as cold and formal as ever.

"I watched the interview yesterday. Your little story about the pillar seems to have satisfied the media, but that's not why I'm calling."