Page 207 of The Redemption
Something shifts in his expression. In a sudden move, he closes the rest of the distance between us, one slow step, then another, until my back hits one of the pillars. His hand braces beside me, not touching, but trapping me in place with his presence.
“Keep doing things like this,” he murmurs, his eyes locked on mine, “and I’ll start thinking you’ve already forgiven me for forcing you to marry me.”
My breath catches, but I don’t look away. “I never heard an apology,” I retort. “Maybe if you had given me a proper one… I might have considered it.”
His gaze falls on my lips. He’s about to lean in and claim my lips, right here in the middle of his resort lobby, where anyone could catch us. Just then, someone nearby clears his throat, breaking our moment. We both glance over to see Haider standing a few feet away, and the look on his face is enough. He wants to discuss something important.
Raghav exhales deeply. Then, stepping back, he gives me one last look before turning away and walking off with Haider. As they leave the lobby, Esha appears beside me. I frown, continuing to watch the two of them disappear down the corridor. I turn to Esha.
“I really don’t understand who Raghav’s actual partner is? Me or Haider?”
Esha bursts out laughing.
“Sounds like somebody is jealous,” she says, nudging my shoulder.
“I’m not jealous,” I protest, narrowing my eyes. “But don’t you think their bromance is getting a little out of hand?”
That only makes her laugh harder.
“Seriously, Esha. Every time Raghav and I are having a meaningful conversation, Haider calls. Or Haider appears. Or Haider interrupts. It’s always Haider. Haider. Haider.” I throw my hands up in exasperation. “Honestly, it’s not even funny anymore.”
Esha shakes her head, still chuckling. “Well, it’s a good thing he keeps interrupting. At least he’ll learn a thing or two from watching the two of you together. Someone has to teach that man what a relationship looks like, and how beautiful it can be. Just being alert and broody all the time is not life. It’s much more than that, isn’t it?”
Something in the way she says it makes me pause. There it is again. That look I’ve noticed before. And suddenly, everything starts making sense.
“Okay.” I fold my arms. “How long has this been going on?”
Esha instantly looks guarded. “What… what has been going on?”
“This.” I point at her. “Whatever this is that happens every time Haider’s name comes up.”
Her eyes widen. “Nothing is happening.”
“Right.”
“Siya—”
“No. Don’t ‘Siya’ me.” I shake my head. “I’ve been noticing this for a long time now. Ever since I first came here.”
She looks away, which is an answer in itself.
“You really like Haider, don’t you?” I ask.
At first, she says nothing. Then a small smile appears on her face, and she gives a shy nod.
I knew it. But before I can say anything, she continues, “But that man is impossible. He’s so emotionless when it comes to all this. It’s like he has no feelings. Like his heart is made of stone.”
I try not to smile.
“No, seriously,” she insists. “He’s like a mountain that refuses to move. A man who probably doesn’t feel anything. Ever.”
I chuckle. “How can you be so sure?”
She gives me a look. “Because it’s Haider. Although whenever I’m in any slightest trouble, he’s the first one to show up and check on me. I’ve hardly ever seen him do that for anyone else working here.”
Ah! That gives me hope.
“Great.” I shake my head. “Have you ever told him how you feel?”
