When I reached out, half-asleep, to pull my little wife into my arms as the most natural thing in the world, I only met something… soft. Well, she does have baby-soft skin, but this was different. This was furry.
I reluctantly opened my eyes, my irritation already bubbling. And there it was–the son of the devil himself–her damn cat, sprawled between us.
This cat was always a pain in the ass. Always craving her embrace when I craved her more.
As I reached to pluck the creature off the bed, it struck. Sharp claws swiped at my hand, leaving an angry red line on my skin.
"You little bastard!" I hissed, glaring at it.
"Meow," the damn furball responded innocently, curling closer to her.
"Stop cursing my baby, Rayan," Tania murmured groggily, her raspy morning voice stirring something deep in me as she stirred awake.
Baby?!
I growled. "Nope. He’s not your baby. I’m your babe, and I’ll be the one putting a real baby in your womb, Édesem ."
Her sleepy eyes snapped open, and her face turned a delicious shade of crimson.
"Kya bol rahe aap subah subah, besharam aadmi! It’s just a cat," she stammered, her shy voice betraying her flustered state. ("What are you saying so early in the morning, shameless man!"
"Oh, my Édesem got shy," I teased, letting my gaze linger on her. God, she looked so fucking beautiful like this–innocent and disheveled, her cheeks blazing under my stare.
"Nope. And I won’t let you do that," she said quickly, averting her gaze.
I chuckled darkly. "Huh…Édesem, you’ve already let me do plenty of things." My voice dipped lower, leaning closer to her. "And not only that, you moan my name louder every time. And you're gonna take everything I'll give you...like a good girl"
Her lips parted, her breath hitching as her blush deepened, spreading down her neck. She grabbed the nearest pillow and tossed it at me, desperate to hide her embarrassment.
"Besharam!" she muttered under her breath, burying her face in the sheets. (Shameless!)
I laughed, catching the pillow easily. Her mortification only fueled my amusement and my desire. But before I could press further, the cat let out another indignant meow, reminding me of its unwelcome presence.
I glared back at the creature. "You’re lucky she loves you, little devil, or you’d be out of here by now."
Tania peeked out from under the sheets, her lips twitching with suppressed laughter. "Leave Marshmallow alone. He’s harmless."
Harmless?! That thing was a menace in fur.
"Look at this," I growled, showing her the fresh red scratch on my hand. "This is his idea of harmlessness?"
Instead of sympathy, she scooped the cat up into her arms, nuzzling its soft fur. "Oho, Marshmallow, don’t be naughty. Don’t scratch him like that," she cooed, completely ignoring my frustration.
I sighed, knowing there was no winning against her affection for the little demon. "This can’t be helped," I muttered, sliding closer to her on the bed. With a resigned groan, I pulled her and the devil cat into my arms.
Tania let out a small gasp at my sudden movement, but then she relaxed, her arms instinctively wrapping around me. Warmth spread through me as her head rested against my chest.
It wasn’t ideal–I still hated the little devil–but for now, with her in my arms, I could endure anything.
__________________
A few hours later.
"What the hell do you mean by this? Taking my partner to the charity gala? Are you out of your damn mind?" I practically roared at Rahat, my fists clenching at my sides.
He didn’t flinch. Instead, he leaned against my desk, his expression calm and composed. "Relax, brother. It’s not my decision–it’s a requirement for attending the gala. You know how important it is to maintain our connections for both your company and our underworld operations, right?"
I glared at him, the tension in my chest refusing to dissipate. "Still. You know there’s someone out there–someone who wants to harm my family, my Hazel. I can’t afford to take any risks with her."
"Holy god! You are completely in love with her, aren’t you? Congratulations, bro" Rahat grinned breaking his calm composure and gave me a side hug.
Love?
If love meant feeling like the world went cold and empty when she wasn’t by my side… if it meant that my breath hitched every morning until I saw her face… if her tears tore at my soul in an inexplicable way… if her laughter was the only light in my darkness, soothing and pure… if the mere thought of another man near her sent me spiraling into a storm of rage, ready to destroy everything…..
Then yes. I was undeniably, inevitably in love with her.
With the daughter of my sworn enemy. With my wife, Tania Sarfaraaz Talukder.
"Yeah," I admitted aloud for the first time, the weight of the confession settling over me like a storm waiting to break. "I think I am."
"Then I’ll make sure nothing goes wrong this time. We’ll tighten security to protect our Queen, Your Majesty," Rahat said with a mock bow and a dramatic tone.
I rolled my eyes. "Nope. I need to ask Hazel about it first. If she’s not comfortable, I don’t give a damn about any so-called connections."
"Understood, Boss," Rahat said, nodding with an exaggerated seriousness. Then, his tone softened, carrying genuine warmth. "I’m really happy for you, man."
"Thanks, bro," I replied, a rare smile tugging at my lips.
Rahat froze, his eyes widening in mock astonishment. "Oh god. Sarfaraaz fucking Talukder just smiled at me! Am I dreaming?"
"Shut it, you idiot," I muttered, shaking my head, but his amusement was infectious.
The teasing expression on his face faded slightly as I asked, "How’s it going with Shanaya?"
His half-smile was telling, a mix of frustration and hope. "I’m not sure."
"Don’t lose hope," I said, surprising even myself with the sincerity in my tone. "She craves attention and love, but she just chose the wrong person to ask it for."
Rahat blinked at me, his shock evident. "Tania’s really done something to you, hasn’t she? Here we are, having a heart-to-heart conversation like this. Seriously, Sarfaraaz, are you even okay?"
"I’m fine, you bastard," I grumbled, shifting in my seat. "Just… take care of my little cousin."
His expression darkened for a fleeting moment, a shadow of something deeper crossing his eyes. "I will," he said quietly. Then, his lips curved into a bittersweet smile. "But only if she lets me."
________________________________
As my class ended, I gathered my things and headed toward the main gate. His car was parked there, its sleek black exterior a familiar and imposing sight.
As I stepped closer the door was opened for me. Sarfaraaz sat inside, exuding his usual air of authority, though something about his demeanor seemed different.
"Get in, Hazel. We need to discuss something," he said, gesturing for me to enter.
I hesitated for a moment before slipping inside, nervously closing the door behind me.
"What is it?" I asked, keeping my tone steady despite the sudden unease settling in my chest.
"There’s a charity gala tomorrow in London," he began, his voice calm but tinged with an unfamiliar edge. "It’s a significant social event. Businessmen, influential people, and even certain...mafias from across the world will be present. If I attend, I’m required to bring a partner. So...will you come with me?"
For the first time, he seemed hesitant, almost nervous. It caught me off guard.
I blinked, processing his words. A charity gala meant mingling with countless strangers, many of them potentially dangerous. The thought of dancing in front of a large crowd made my palms sweat.
As my mind raced with possibilities, he interrupted my thoughts. "If you’re not comfortable, it’s fine. We can skip it. No pressure."
His tone was soft, almost reassuring, but I sensed the importance of the event to him. And it was a charity gala, after all. I loved being part of initiatives like that.
"Do you want me to come?" I asked, needing to understand his true feelings.
He glanced at me briefly, his expression unreadable. "It’s an important event," he admitted, his voice steady. "But your safety and comfort matter more than anything to me, Hazel. So, it’s your choice."
I hesitated. "I want to, but I’m afraid I’m not a good dancer," I confessed quietly. "It’s a charity ball, and we’ll have to...dance in front of so many people."
A small smile tugged at his lips, softening his usual stern features. "Don’t worry about that. That’s why I’m here. I’ll guide you," he said, his hand reaching for mine. His touch was warm, grounding me as his other hand remained steady on the wheel.
His confidence made something inside me relax. "Okay," I agreed softly. "Then I’ll come."
"Good," he said with a nod. "A designer will come in the afternoon with a selection of gowns. Choose the one you like. She’ll make sure it fits perfectly for the gala."
"Alright," I replied, my voice steady now, though my heart still fluttered nervously.
As the car moved forward, I stared out the window, wondering what the night would bring.
________________________
The Next Day At London
Sarfaraaz stepped out of the car first, extending his hand toward Tania with an effortless grace. Her gown, a stunning creation of shimmering fabric and intricate details, flowed heavily as she accepted his help. He carefully adjusted the hem of her dress, ensuring it wouldn’t snag as they approached the red carpet.
With one hand firmly placed on her waist, he leaned closer, his voice soft and reassuring. "Are you tired from the journey?"
They had flown to London early that morning, arriving just in time to freshen up and prepare for the gala. Sarfaraaz had arranged everything meticulously, from the hotel suite to a personal makeover artist, so she could get ready without stress.
Tania shook her head slightly. "No, I’m fine. Just...a little nervous," she admitted, her eyes darting to the red carpet ahead, alive with flashing cameras and elegantly dressed guests.
He tightened his hold on her waist, his dark gaze unwavering as it met hers. "I’m here with you, Édesem. Don’t worry," he said, his deep voice like a calming anchor. "Just be yourself. Take a breath." His eyes roamed over her appreciatively, his tone dipping lower. "You look so breathtaking tonight that I’m already regretting bringing you here. I don’t want any man daring to look at you the way I am. Looks like my patience is about to be tested."
Her lips curved into a faint smile, though her nerves still flickered. "Thanks," she murmured, her voice light. "But don’t cause a scene, please."
"Fine. I’ll try," he grumbled, though his possessive tone hinted otherwise.
She glanced toward the grand entrance of the gala, exhaling slowly. "So…shall we go in?"
"Yes," he said, his voice softening into something dangerously close to affection. "My Édesem."
With that, they stepped onto the red carpet, a striking pair that turned heads and commanded attention, their presence impossible to ignore. . . .
Once they stepped inside, Sarfaraaz’s hand never left her waist, a silent but unmistakable claim. He led her gracefully through the crowd, introducing her to his acquaintances and business associates. His charm was undeniable, and his sharp yet polite demeanor ensured Tania felt included in every conversation.
However, Sarfaraaz was deliberate in avoiding certain individuals–men with dark intentions, whose glances lingered too long.
As they made their way toward the seating area for the charity auction, his gaze suddenly locked onto someone across the room. Kaan. The man’s eyes were fixed on Tania.
Sarfaraaz’s hand on her waist tightened instinctively, pulling her closer. His jaw clenched, the sharp lines of his face hardening as his protective instincts flared.
Kaan, noticing this, allowed a slow, mocking smirk to tug at his lips. His gaze never wavered, almost daring Sarfaraaz to react. Tania, sensing the sudden tension, followed Sarfaraaz’s intense gaze and spotted Kaan. Her heart sank, the silent war of dominance between the two men palpable.
She gulped, her fingers moving to rest on Sarfaraaz’s hand, which was still firmly gripping her waist. "Rayan. Please," she said softly, her voice carrying a gentle plea.
The sound of her voice, coupled with her reassuring touch, worked like a magic. His stormy gaze shifted from Kaan to her hazel eyes, grounding him. Her soft, calming blink seemed to say, It’s okay. I’m here.
Sarfaraaz exhaled slowly, his rigid posture easing, though his protective hold on her didn’t falter. He gave her a small nod, silently promising to stay composed for her sake.
As the lights dimmed and the charity auction began, Sarfaraaz finally tore his gaze away from Kaan. But the tension lingered in the air, an unspoken promise of a confrontation brewing in the background. . . .
The grand hall shimmered with elegance, filled with society’s elite as the charity auction reached its most awaited moment: the "Dance with the Beauty of the Night" auction.
As the spotlight focused on Tania, she froze, her breath catching in her throat. The room erupted into murmurs of awe and admiration. Her fingers instinctively gripped the edge of her seat as panic flickered in her hazel eyes. She turned to Sarfaraaz, silently pleading for reassurance.
"So, our beauty of the night is this Hazel-eyed enchantress, Mrs. Talukder!" the announcer declared with theatrical enthusiasm, his words echoing through the hall.
The crowd cheered, and some even clapped, but the celebratory air froze as Sarfaraaz stood abruptly, his towering figure exuding rage. His dark eyes blazed with fury, the muscles in his jaw ticking ominously as he descended from his seat.
Without hesitation, he began walking toward the stage, his every step radiating power and menace. Tania had no choice but to follow, clutching her gown and quickening her pace to keep up.
"Rayan, please…" she whispered urgently, clutching his sleeve. Her voice trembled with a mix of fear and determination. "Don’t make a scene."
He stopped abruptly, turning to face her. His dark, piercing eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to blur. "This is absurd, Hazel"” he growled, his deep voice low and menacing. "I won’t let anyone..."
"It’s for charity," she interrupted softly, trying to steady her breathing. Her voice carried a hesitant resolve. "It’s not… personal."
His nostrils flared, his fury barely contained. "So, You expect me to stand by while a room full of vultures bids for the chance to get close to you?"
Her hand brushed against his, grounding him ever so slightly. “I don’t enjoy it either,” she admitted, her voice trembling. "But if it’s for a good cause… we can’t back out now without drawing more attention."
Silence stretched between them as his jaw worked furiously, his protectiveness clashing with the logic of her words. Tania could feel the tension radiating off him, thick and suffocating, yet there was a flicker of restraint in his gaze.
Finally, he exhaled sharply, his hands gripping her waist possessively. "Fine," he bit out, his tone sharp as a blade. "But listen to me, Hazel. I’ll make damn sure I’m the one who wins this. No one else will touch what’s mine." His voice dipped lower, dangerously soft. "Understand this: no one gets to lay a hand on my wife."
Tania swallowed hard, her pulse racing. She nodded slowly. "I understand. I’ll be waiting."
With that, he turned and guided her to the stage, his hand firm on the small of her back. As Tania stepped into the spotlight, Sarfaraaz shot the announcer a look so cold it seemed to chill the air. Even from a distance, the restrained fury in his gaze was palpable.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer continued, his voice now more cautious under Sarfaraaz’s steely glare, "let’s begin the bidding for this exclusive dance with our beauty of the night."
Tania forced herself to stand tall, her fingers trembling as they gripped the fabric of her gown. Her nerves screamed, but she schooled her expression into calmness, acutely aware of Sarfaraaz watching her every move.
"Rayan please win this bid" she chanted.
From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Kaan. His smug smirk was aimed directly at her, and her stomach twisted with unease.
"The bidding for a dance with our stunning Beauty of the Night starts at $5,00,000!" the auctioneer announced.
"1 million dollars" Sarfaraaz’s deep, commanding voice echoed across the hall, silencing whispers instantly.
A ripple of gasps swept through the room.
Kaan, seated a few tables away, smirked. He tapped his fingers against the table thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Sarfaraaz. The man had everything—the power, the wealth, and now, the attention of the most enchanting woman in the room. But Kaan was not one to back down easily.
"$1.5 million" Kaan called out, his tone confident and smooth.
Tania’s eyes darted to him, her unease growing. She didn’t trust Kaan–not after the sly remarks and lingering stares he had sent her way earlier.
Sarfaraaz leaned forward, his jaw tightening. "$2 million ."
The room stilled. All eyes were on the two men now.
Kaan chuckled under his breath and raised a finger lazily. "$2.5 million ."
Sarfaraaz’s lips curled into a cold smile. His voice was calm, yet it carried a dangerous edge.
"$5 Million."
Another round of shocked murmurs filled the air.
But Kaan wasn’t playing fair tonight. He discreetly gestured to one of the event coordinators, whispering something into their ear. The man nodded, slipping away into the shadows.
As the auction continued, Sarfaraaz’s attention was momentarily pulled away by Rahat, who leaned in to murmur urgently in his ear. "We’ve got an issue–security spotted someone suspicious near the west entrance."
Sarfaraaz cursed under his breath, his focus split. "Handle it," he ordered, his gaze flicking back to Tania.
Kaan seized the opportunity, signaling to the auctioneer.
"We have a new bid–$6 million from Mr. Kaan!" the auctioneer declared.
Sarfaraaz snapped his head back, fury blazing in his eyes. "$7.5 million," he growled.
But before the auctioneer could confirm the bid, the coordinator stepped up to whisper in his ear. A brief exchange followed, and the auctioneer cleared his throat nervously.
"Unfortunately, Mr. Talukder’s bid cannot be accepted. There seems to be an error in the payment registration."
The room erupted in murmurs as Sarfaraaz shot up from his seat, his glare cutting through the auctioneer like a blade. "What nonsense is this?"
"I’m sorry, Mr. Talukder. It’s protocol. Without a verified account–"
Sarfaraaz’s voice dropped to a lethal calm. "Fix it. Now."
But the auctioneer was already moving forward. "Sold! To Mr. Kaan Barci for $6 million!"
A smug grin spread across Kaan’s face as he stood, his victory undeniable. He approached Tania, who was now frozen in shock, and extended his hand.
"Shall we, Beauty of the Night?" he said smoothly, his tone laced with arrogance.
Tania hesitated, her eyes darting to Sarfaraaz, who stood like a storm about to unleash. His fists were clenched, his jaw tight, but for the sake of appearances, he couldn’t lash out here.
"You won’t get away with this," Sarfaraaz gritted darkly as Kaan walked past him, leading Tania to the dance floor.
Kaan only chuckled, leaning closer to whisper, "Oh, but I just did."
_____________________________
As the announcer declared the highest bid, my heart sank. Kaan stepped forward with that smug smile of his, each step exuding confidence that sent a wave of unease crashing over me. The crowd faded into the background as he took my hand, his grip lingering far longer than necessary. The way his fingers wrapped around mine felt oppressive, suffocating.
He leaned in, his voice low, smooth, and unsettlingly intimate. "What if I want you like this in my arms forever, Angyal?" The Hungarian endearment dripped off his tongue like poisoned honey, wrapping itself around me in a way that made my skin crawl.
Kaan’s intentions loomed like a shadow, dark and predatory, and I cursed myself for agreeing to this. I cursed Sarfaraaz for letting it happen.
And then I felt him.
A shift in the air, electric and charged, announced his presence before I even saw him. Sarfaraaz was there, his towering frame radiating an authority that made everyone pause. He didn’t say a word at first, but his hand was on me–firm, protective, possessive–pulling me from Kaan’s grasp like I was being rescued from a fire. Relief flooded through me, loosening the knot in my chest as I leaned instinctively into him.
"Some things are better left in daydreams, Kaan," Sarfaraaz said, his voice a low, deadly growl that sent a chill down my spine. "Before they’re shattered along with the fool who dares to reach for them."
I glanced at Kaan and saw the smirk on his face falter, though he tried to mask it. The tension between the two men was suffocating, and I suddenly wished I could disappear. This wasn’t just about me anymore; it was a battle of dominance, and I was caught in the middle.
"This is illegal," Kaan said, his voice dark and edged with defiance. "I won fair and square. Let me enjoy my prize."
Prize? My stomach churned. Sarfaraaz’s grip on my waist tightened as if he could sense my discomfort.
"Fair and square?" Sarfaraaz’s voice was laced with mockery, a cold smirk tugging at his lips. "You expect me to believe that?"
Kaan’s jaw twitched, but he held his ground. “What are you implying?”
"Let’s just say the ‘error’ in the bidding has been corrected," Sarfaraaz replied smoothly, his smirk widening. "I’m generous when it comes to protecting what’s mine. An extra few million dollars and my legal charm were more than enough to fix the matter."
I sucked in a quiet breath, my mind reeling. He’d done it. He’d made sure I wasn’t stuck with Kaan.
"You want to play dirty?" Kaan challenged, his voice dropping.
Sarfaraaz leaned closer, his presence more intimidating than ever. His fingers caressing my back, both reassuring and staking his claim. His voice was a lethal whisper, low enough that only Kaan and I could hear. "Play dirty? I am the father of the game, Kaan. Touch her again, and next time, it won’t be words you’ll face."
The air between them felt like it might crackle and spark. Kaan glared at Sarfaraaz, but when it became clear he wouldn’t win this round, he stepped back, his smirk returning as if to save face. "Enjoy your dance," he said, his tone sharp, before walking away.
As Sarfaraaz turned to me, his grip on my waist softened, though his possessive aura remained. "Are you okay?" he asked, cupping my face, his voice quieter now, laced with concern.
I nodded, though my hands trembled slightly. "Thank you," I whispered, unsure what else to say.
He tilted my chin up, his dark eyes locking with mine. "You no need to thank me, Hazel. I just protect what's mine. No one gets to claim you–not even for a dance. Don’t ever forget that."
Saying this, he took my hand in his and moved forward. As we crossed the dance floor, I couldn’t help but ask, confused, "Aren’t we going to dance?"
"Not here, Édesem," he replied in a steady tone, his words carrying a hint of mystery.
I didn’t press further and simply followed him.
He opened the car door for me, helping me hop in before settling beside me.
As the car started, curiosity got the better of me. "How much did you spend to rescue me from him?" I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief.
"You don’t need to know," he replied, pulling me closer. His tone softened, a trace of vulnerability slipping through. "Just know that my heart twisted at the sight of you in Kaan’s arms."
His words silenced me for a moment, but I still wanted to know. "I still want to know."
He sighed, his gaze flickering toward me. "If you’re insisting... ten million dollars."
I gasped, my mouth dropping open. "No fucking way!"
"Don’t curse, Édesem," he said, chuckling softly. "You love charity, don’t you? Consider it a contribution to help those in need."
I couldn’t argue with that. He was right, after all.
_________________________
"Hazel, wake up. We’re here," his deep voice stirred me from my daze.
"Did I fall asleep? I mumbled.
"Yeah. Seemed like you needed a power nap, so I let you. Are you feeling better?" Concern laced his tone, and I found myself nodding.
"Yeah, I feel fine."
"Good," he said with a faint smile. "Now, let me enjoy my winnings."
His words left me confused until he led me to the elevator, his hand guiding me. When the elevator stopped, I realized we were on the top floor–not where our room was.
"Sarfaraz, this isn’t–" My words froze in my throat as I stepped out and saw the breathtaking sight before me.
The rooftop was illuminated with soft fairy lights, their glow mingling with the silvery light of the moon. A cozy seating arrangement stood in one corner, surrounded by light refreshments. A small sound system rested nearby, adding a touch of modernity to the enchanting ambiance.
"When... when did you arrange all this?" I asked, awe dripping from my voice.
He leaned casually against the railing, his dark eyes studying me intently. "While you were napping. Do you like it?"
"Like it? I love it!" I exclaimed, my heart swelling at the effort he’d put into this.
"Then grace me with your millions-dollars dance, Édesem," he said softly, extending his hand to me. "May I have this dance?"
This man... he never failed to surprise me.
"Of course," I replied with a smile.
"Wait," he said, his tone dropping to a softer register. "Let me make it worthwhile."
He reached for my hijab, his fingers hesitating as his eyes sought my permission. I blinked in agreement, and with gentle hands, he removed it. Carefully, he untied my straight black hair, letting it fall over my shoulders. Once satisfied, he turned on the music and took my hand.
His other hand rested securely on my waist, and he guided me in a slow, effortless rhythm. The tension of the evening melted away as I followed his lead.
I rested my head on his shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my cheek. The night seemed to wrap around us, cocooning us in a moment of pure serenity.
"This," he murmured, his voice barely audible, "this is going to be the most peaceful moment of my life, Hazel."
________________________
For spoilers follow me on Instagram Id: author_safiyah2617
Write a comment ...