As the music faded, our dance came to an end, but my heart refused to calm its erratic rhythm. I could still feel the warmth of his hand on my waist, the lingering heat of his gaze on mine.

"You must be hungry?" His voice broke through my thoughts, deep and smooth like a balm, yet carrying an edge that unsettled me.

I blinked, struggling to shake off the haze he'd wrapped me in. "Yeah. I'm hungry, Aren't you?" I tried to keep my tone casual, but even I could feel the shakiness in my voice.

He stepped closer, his movements slow, deliberate and predatory. "Oh, I am," he murmured, his eyes darkening as they dropped to my lips. "But I'm hungry for something else, Hazel. I'm craving your lips."

Heat rushed to my cheeks. My breath caught in my throat as I stared at him, wide-eyed, like prey caught in the hunter's eyes.

How does he say such things so effortlessly? As if these are the most natural things in the world.

"What?" he said, tilting his head, a mockery of innocence flashing across his face. "I just answered your question, Édesem. You have a solution to my hunger, don't you?"

"Nope!" I snapped in a high pitch tone that even surprised me. Grasping for composure, I added quickly, "I'm going to eat. Proper food."

I turned on my heel and marched toward the sitting area clutching my heavy gown, desperate to escape the pull he had on me. But even as I grabbed a bowl of fruit and popped a strawberry into my mouth, I couldn't stop the thoughts swirling in my head.

I can't keep losing ground to him every single time. I can't let him pull me under, into his world. Into him.

But it's getting harder. With each passing day, the man I thought was a monster feels more... human. More.....MINE

How can I deny it? The way he protects me, the way he shields me from every threat-even if it means taking a stab for me or spending a fortune. He didn't hesitate to snatch me away from his rival today. I felt strangely secure in his arms as he pulled me from Kaan's grasp.

I still remember how he stood by me when I was grieving at my mother's death anniversary. He didn't offer empty words of comfort. Instead, he stayed silent, his presence a quiet strength that I didn't know I needed.

The way he started looking at me with a gentler gaze, speaking to me with a voice stripped of its usual coldness, only raised my hope-hope that he could be my home.

A home that never closes its door to me.

I didn't know when my heart started to forget that cold, monstrous Sarfaraaz. He hurt me a lot, ripped me apart and yet he started to remold me again to a new me who only has one to hold on and that's him. And it terrified me.

Because how could I trust him when my own father and my sisters threw me out like dirty laundry just because I tarnished their so-called reputation. And they didn't even bother to hear my explanation even for a second. They didn't try to stop me when I was back on the street losing everything, family, shelter, career, my life!

But what scares me the most is the attraction I feel for him. It started with something as shallow as physical desire, but now...I'm sure that it's not confined to just that anymore.

In my 21 years of life, I never experienced such intimacy. He introduced me to it in a dangerous, consuming way-one that I hate to admit I surrendered to. I found myself melting under his touch, his kisses, the way he unravelled me.

And these feelings, so overwhelming and unfamiliar, make me crave him-not just physically but in a way that shudders me. I don't just want him; I want to find a place in his stone-cold heart, the part of him that softened only for me.

But how can I trust this man to be my home when I know the hatred for my father will always be there, lurking, waiting to destroy us? He did try to mask that hatred but it still lingered in his eyes no matter how he tried to offset it.

So I have to control myself. I have to keep my emotions in check before I lose the last piece of shelter I have left in this world.

The warmth, the belongingness, the fragile connection I've built with little Muneeb and him-if I let myself fall any deeper, I might shatter it all.
And I don't know if I'd survive that.
.
.
.
My trance broke, and I froze in shock as I found him hovering dangerously close to my lips. The strawberry I had been eating was no longer mine alone; he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine as he bit into the remaining piece.

The tangy, juicy flavor of the fruit mixed with something else-something far more familiar and intoxicating. Him.

It was the taste I'd grown addicted to, no matter how much I tried to deny it. My heart pounded as I realized how effortlessly he shattered my defenses, leaving me breathless, trembling, and utterly consumed by his presence.

I still tried to push him away by my hands but he caught with his one hand in a firm grip while his other hand went behind my neck to keep me still and he deepened the kiss.

This monster!

"What do you think you are doing, Rayan?" I managed to ask in between panting as he pulled away after being satisfied with the kiss which swollen my lips.

"What? I was meeting my hunger while you were fulfilling yours" he said cockily with a grin pestered on his face.

"You are impossible!" I said huffing.

"And you are effortlessly irresistible" here came his flirtious reply. Arrggh! Did he even know what was going on in my mind!

Damn you! Sometimes I want to pull those regal mustaches of yours for playing with my stupid heart.

"You seemed too hungry. Okay I won't make you wait." he said staring at my frowning face.

And unexpectedly he kissed my forehead and murmured, "These creases on your temple don't suit you, Hazel. Eat"

And just like that I softened.

As I started eating to divert my mind I could not help but mutter, "You should eat too."

"Feed me. Then I'll eat, Hazel. Otherwise thanks for the offer." he said giving me a rare soft chuckle.

Sarfaraaz Talukder would always be a Sarfaraaz Fucking Talukder!

I could not help but let out a frustrated sigh, "What should I do with you?!"

"All the dirtiest things spiraling on my head" he said, his voice dropped to a sultry tone that made me shiver.

"Aapke dimaag mein hamesha wahi chalta rehta hai, hai na? Kya aap bhool gaye ki main aapse nafrat karti hoon?"
("Your mind is always stuck on the same thing, isn't it? Did you forget that I hate you?") , my voice rose and cracked with the hidden, vulnerable emotion I was feeling. And the last sentence I told was more to myself than to him.

His smile faded, replaced by a gaze so intense it made my breath hitch. "Pata hai, (I know)" he admitted, his tone low but steady. "But why do I feel like your body says something entirely different every time I kiss you... or when I had my fingers deep inside you, making you come undone?"

The intensity of his words hit directly to my core. Shamelessly I felt wetness in between my thighs.

He leaned closer and his breath fanned on my face making my heartbeat even faster.
"Stop lying to yourself that you don't want me, Édesem. We both know the truth. And..If I check now, I'll find your wet for me, won't I?"

This man knew some magic , didn't he? How did he know? I faltered, my thoughts scattered like dry leaves in the winds.

"And hate... Hate is a very strong emotion, Hazel", his voice softer but still impactful.
"If you still have this hate, that means I have that effect on you to evade- your mind, your veins and even your very soul"

The weight of his words and the fire in his dark brown eyes made me step back. Unfortunately, he followed until I reached the edge of the rooftop. I glanced behind me, startled to find myself so close to falling. But before I could lose balance, he pulled me into his chest, and I clutched him as though my life depended on it. His strong arms wrapped around me like armor.

"But" he continued his words that we left murmuring to my ears. "I am starting to feel something even stronger emotion for you, Hazel. Stronger than anything. You don't know what you've done to me, Édesem, az én örökké-my forever."

My eyes fluttered open to the translation of his words.

"Every time I touch you..." his hands roamed over my back and he buried his face into the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply. "Every time I breathe you in like this whatever storm inside me seems to halt. Every time I kiss you I feel alive. Even my nightmares have reduced their visit since you are here by my side."

The rawness in his voice twisted something deep inside me, shredding the last piece of defiance not to believe him.

"Why..why are you telling me all this?" That was all I could manage to say.

"Because..." He hesitated, muttering under his breath. "No more beating around the bush. Fuck, I didn't know I was going to say this..."

Sarfaraaz Talukder seemed dumb for the first time.

"What, Sarfaraaz? " I asked, my voice trembling as I looked at his eyes

"Szeretlek , Tania Sarfaraaz." he said in a velvety whisper. I didn't understand it but it sent butterflies into my stomach just seeing the softest look in his eyes. And the way he took his name with mines.... It sounded beautiful.
( I love you)

"Damn! you don't understand hungarian...." he let out a frustrated breath before continuing, his voice resolute "I'm fucking in Love with you, my Édesem"

And this is what I was fearing. Losing myself in him...completely.

Rabba help me!

_______________________________

I was sitting in a hotel room in London waiting for the night to pass so that we boarded back.

I'm here for the auction we had to attend though it turned out to be a complete mess. Because of Kaan - our old friend. The ex-bestfriend of Sarfaraaz. Those days were good when we had no rivalry between us. But an incident had changed the equation of our friendship and it was replaced by hatred.

That bastard Kaan not only misunderstood us but also declared a war against us until he was destroyed by an cunter-attack of Sarfaraaz.

Now he came back again to snatch something he shouldn't think about. Tania - the lifeline of my friend.

Yeah I saw the desperation, the fire in his eyes when he lost the auction because of the trickery of Kaan. If it weren't a civil event he could kill Kaan with his bare hands.

Thankfully he finally managed to pull his wife from Kaan's grasp though it cost him a fortune. But who fucking care about it when it comes to Love!

LOVE!

The moment it comes to my mind a face flashes in my mind.

Sana.

It had been a week since I last saw her, after making a bold confession of claiming her as mine.

FLASHBACK

We spent the entire day together-me and my Sana.

I mean Shanaya.

For the first time in what felt like forever, I saw her real smile-a smile that reached her eyes, the kind that made her dimples more enchanting. It wasn't forced, nor was it laced with bitterness or desperation. It was just... pure.

Seven years ago, this smile wasn't rare. Back then, she wore it like a crown, lighting up every room she walked into. But time has a way of stealing things from people, and as she moved away from her family and into her glamorous but lonely world, that smile became a rare sight.

Now, her eyes betray her pain every time Sarfaraaz ignores her. But it's not his fault. To him, she's just a cousin, nothing more, nothing less.

She doesn't see it that way, though. She's stubborn. Always has been. To her, there's no life without Sarfaraaz. No other possibility. She can't stand the thought of him with someone else.

Yet, here I am-foolishly, hopelessly in love with the same woman who openly rooted for another man. A married man, no less. The same woman who, in her weakest moments, moaned his name while I was the one in her bed, trying to make her forget her pain with my touch.

It shattered me then. It still shatters me now. But when she smiled at me today, just once, it felt like the pain lifted, even if only for a moment.

I couldn't ignore her. Not even if I wanted to. She has that hold over me. So, when she asked me to come with her today, I agreed.

I took her to the aquarium park. It was her idea, but I couldn't have chosen a better place. Watching her light up at the sight of the shimmering waters and colorful fish, I saw a different Shanaya. One who was carefree, laughing without restraint, her eyes sparkling with wonder.

And for a brief moment, I let myself pretend. Pretend that this Shanaya, the one who smiled for me, could one day love me back the way I love her.

But deep down, I knew. It was just that-a fleeting dream.

"Rahat! Look at that tiny creature! It's so beautiful!" Her cheerful voice broke through my thoughts.

I turned to see her pointing at a small tortoise, her pale blue eyes shimmering with excitement. She looked... radiant.

"I just want to swim like it, forgetting everything sometimes, you know?" she said, her voice soft, her eyes closed.

"Why not? You should do what gives you peace."

"Yeah, I should," she murmured, her gaze again shifted on the tortoise. Then she turned to me, beaming. "I never thought I'd have so much fun coming here."

Her happiness was contagious. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her smile.

"You should find little joys like this more often. Life is so much more beautiful than those wild flashy parties and endless shopping sprees, Sana," I said, gently tucking a strand of unruly hair behind her ear.

"Seems like I should," she replied, blinking at me, her expression softer than I'd seen in years.

"Let's go. Let me take you somewhere," I said, the idea forming in my mind.

Sana looked taken aback. "Now... where?"

"You'll see," I replied, taking her hand in mine.

In the car, I made a quick call to the owner of a nearby resort.

"We're going to a resort with the largest infinity swimming pool," I told her.

She looked excited for a moment, but then her smile faded. "But I don't have a swimsuit."

"Don't worry about it. There's a mall nearby. We can buy some," I reassured her.

After a brief stop to pick out swimsuits, we reached the resort. I booked a room so she could change comfortably. When she finally stepped out, dressed in a stunning three-piece swimsuit, my throat went dry.

Her look was nothing short of breathtaking. The black bandeau top and high-leg bikini bottoms hugged her figure perfectly, while the sheer sarong, tied at her hip with a daring slit, showing glimpses of her long legs. She was utterly captivating, and my mind screamed one thing: Fuck, how can she look this gorgeous every damn time?

But then reality hit me. Men. Lustful Eyes. I grabbed a large towel and wrapped it around her securely.

Her surprised gasp broke the silence. "What are you doing?"

"You can remove it before getting into the pool," I muttered. My voice was calm, but my possessiveness had already flared.

I couldn't risk the men out there seeing her like this. I'd end up fighting every single one of them-and I wasn't in the mood for that. Not now.

I quickly changed into swim shorts and grabbed towels for both of us before heading to the pool. I had made sure it was empty beforehand, wanting this moment to belong to just us.

When she saw the pool, her eyes widened in awe. "This is the most beautiful pool I've ever seen!"

She removed the towel and the sarong and dove into the water, moving with the grace of a fish. She looked like she belonged there.

I stood at the edge, watching her. For a moment, I hesitated to join. The sight of her, so serene, so stunning, made it hard to breathe. But eventually, I slid into the water, letting its coolness soothe me.

Before I could gather my thoughts, she swam over and threw her arms around me, nearly knocking me off balance.

"Thank you, Rahat," she murmured against my neck. "I feel like that tortoise now-free and happy. It's been so long since I've felt this way."

Her words, her touch-it was too much. My chest tightened painfully, but I managed to keep my voice steady.

"I'm lucky to have a friend like you," she whispered.

A friend. The word hit me like a splash of ice-cold water.

"Fuck! A friend?" The words blurted out before I could stop them, louder than I intended. Shanaya's head snapped back, her expression confused as she put distance between us.

My chest tightened, a wave of frustration and years of longing crashing over me. "Am I really just a friend to you, Sana?" I asked, my voice low, taut with restrained emotions, my eyes locking onto hers.

She didn't answer, but her silence spoke louder than any words could. I closed the gap between us, the cool water clinging to our damp skin did little to the heat radiating from our bodies.

My hands found her waist, her bare skin trembling beneath my touch. I couldn't stop myself, my fingers tracing slow, deliberate circles that had her breath catching in her throat.

I leaned in, my face dangerously close to hers. Her eyes widened, her lips parted as our breaths mingled. And then, giving in to the storm brewing inside me, I crushed my lips against hers.

To my surprise and relief, she didn't pull away. Instead, she kissed me back, fiercely. It wasn't tender; it was like fire meeting fire.

Her lips moved against mine with an intensity that matched my own, our tongues battling for dominance. It felt like everything I'd ever wanted and feared, her taste flooding my senses, her lips claiming me as much as I claimed her.

When we finally broke apart, our breathing ragged, the tension between us was heavy, tangible. I couldn't stop myself. My voice, now husky and rough, escaped before I could think. "And you let your 'friend' kiss you like that?"

Her cheeks flushed, but she didn't reply. Her body said everything I needed to hear, leaning into me as my hand slid upward, tracing the wet fabric of her bikini top. My thumb brushed over the sensitive peak of her breast, earning a loud, involuntary moan from her.

The sound was the death of me, my undoing. My other hand drifted lower, skimming the water until it reached the thin fabric of her bikini bottom. I hesitated, giving her a chance to stop me. But she didn't. Her head fell back, her body arching toward me in silent invitation.

I couldn't resist. My fingers slipped beneath the fabric, finding her heated core. She gasped sharply as I circled her clit, her voice breaking on a shaky moan.

"Touch you like this?" I whispered darkly against her ear, my tone a blend of possessiveness and restraint. I wanted to lose myself in her, to give her everything she unknowingly asked for. But something inside me stopped me from going further.

"R... Rahat," she murmured, her voice trembling with a mix of arousal and uncertainty. Hearing my name on her lips, laced with such vulnerability, shattered my resolve.

I pulled back, slipping my hand away and lifting her effortlessly out of the water. I placed her on the edge of the pool, the cool stone a stark contrast to the heat we'd just shared.

"I don't know what's on your mind, Sana," I said, my voice thick with resistance. I stood between her legs, water cascading off me, my fists clenched at my sides to keep from touching her again.

Her wide, questioning eyes met mine, but before she could speak, I silenced her with a finger against her lips.

"And I won't be the man you use to forget him," I said, my voice soft but firm. "I won't let you destroy yourself like that."

My hand cupped her chin, my thumb brushing over her damp skin tenderly. "You're worth so much more than that, Sana. More than wasting yourself at bars, more than wild parties, more than chasing after someone who doesn't deserve you."

Her lips parted, her confusion clear, but I pressed on. "You're far more precious than that. Far more important to me."

"And I won't let any man have you," I added, my voice dark and possessive. "Not him. Not anyone. You're mine, Sana. You've always been mine."

Her eyes widened at the revelation. But her body betrayed her, leaning into my touch, her thighs trembling under my fingers as I rested my hand dangerously close to where she still ached for me.

I pulled back abruptly, the loss of contact leaving her trembling and breathless. But I couldn't stay. Not like this. I turned away, my chest heaving, knowing I'd crossed a line I shouldn't cross.

And yet, I didn't give a damn about it.

For years, I'd buried these feelings, silenced the words that wanted to come out every time I saw her. I told myself it was wrong, that it was better to keep them hidden. But standing here, her taste still on my lips, her touch still burning my skin,, I couldn't regret it.

Finally, I said it. The truth I'd carried for what felt heavy. It was better to let it out, better to face whatever came next, than to live with the weight of regret forever.

Flashback Ends

______________________________

(Three days Later after their arrival from London)

A cute, tall boy with dark brown eyes and pale skin radiated excitement as he lay in bed, wide awake. Tomorrow was his birthday, and he could hardly contain himself. He was turning nine...another step closer to growing up.

When he grew up, he would rule the world around him like a king and pamper his sister like the princess she was. His dream was simple: a happy life with his parents and his little sister.

He tossed and turned in his bed, eagerly awaiting midnight. His parents always came to wish him at midnight on his birthday. It was his favorite part of the day-the love, the smiles, the warmth.

But this year was different.

The clock struck 12:02, yet his parents hadn't come. Confused and a little disappointed, he glanced at his younger sister, who was fast asleep in her bed. She was afraid to sleep alone, so she'd joined him for the night.

Unable to wait any longer, he decided to check on his parents. Silently, he slipped out of bed and tiptoed to their room. The door was slightly ajar, and through the gap, he saw his father on his knees, head bowed, while his mother tried to console him.

A painful sob escaped his father's lips, making the boy's heart ache.

"Saliha, you trust me, right?" his father, Jahangir Talukder, said, his voice cracking. "You know I would never do such a thing."

His mother knelt before him, her eyes glassy with unshed tears.

"They've banished me from the party, stripped me of my title as Minister of Roads and Transport. I've never felt so humiliated in my life. All the years I worked to build my reputation, my honor-it's all been destroyed by a single inquiry report. And it's all lies! They're accusing me of embezzling funds from government projects and annexing relief funds meant for the poor. Me! They even claim I bribed my way into the election."

The boy's small hands clenched at the door. He didn't fully understand the words, but the weight of his father's sorrow was crushing.

"I tried to contact Major Shafiq, who led the inquiry, but he wouldn't even listen to me. I begged him for a reinvestigation, but he turned away as if I were a plague-a criminal who tarnished the nation. But I swear to God, Saliha, these are all lies! I'd rather die than steal from my people. You know how much I love my country, don't you?"

"I know," his mother whispered, pulling his father into a hug. "I believe you."

"But how will I face the people, Saliha? They're mocking me for crimes I didn't commit. How will I face Rayan and Safina? They'll suffer because of this too. And the police can come anytime to arrest me"

"Nothing will happen to you. I know you are honest. And nothing will happen to them" his mother said, her voice resolute despite her tears. "We'll get through this together."

The boy leaned too far against the door, and it creaked loudly. His parents startled, quickly wiping away their tears.

"Oh, we forgot-it's our little king's birthday," his father said, forcing a smile as he looked at his son. "Come here, Rayan. Happy birthday, my king."

The boy hesitated before stepping forward. His father ruffled his black hair, and his mother kissed his forehead.

"Happy birthday, my child," she whispered softly.

"Baba? Are you okay?" Rayan asked, his small voice filled with concern.

"Yes, my king," his father said with a smile, though the sorrow lingered in his eyes. "I forgot to tell you-we're giving you a party. I'm sorry it won't be a grand one this year, but I promise to make it the best."

"Really?" Rayan's face lit up despite his lingering confusion. "That means everything will be okay, right?"

"Of course," his mother said, her voice warm and reassuring. "Now go back to bed, my love. You need rest for tomorrow's big day."

With kisses and reassurances, Rayan returned to his bed, though the conversation he overheard weighed heavily on his young mind. Eventually, sleep claimed him.
.
.
.
But his slumber shattered with the piercing scream of his sister.

"Bhai! Wake up! Mom and Dad won't wake up! They're lying on the floor!"

Drowsy and disoriented, Rayan stumbled into his parents' room. His small voice called out to them, but they didn't respond.

"Mom? Dad?"

His eyes caught the bottle of sleeping pills on the bedside table, but he didn't understand. He kept calling them, desperation rising in his voice.

"Mom? Dad? Please, wake up... You need to arrange my party, right? Please, wake up. Mom... Dad...?"

And then it hit him.

"MOM! DAD! NOOO!"
___________________________

Sarfaraaz woke with a start, his screams echoing in the room. His chest heaved, his breaths ragged, sweat drenching his trembling body.

"Don't leave me... Please," he chanted repeatedly, his voice breaking, until a pair of arms wrapped around him from the side.

It was her. His Hazel.

Tania gently pulled him into her embrace, her hands rubbing soothing circles on his back.

"I'm not leaving. It's alright," she murmured softly into his ear.

For what felt like an eternity, he clung to her, his body shaking as the remnants of the nightmare refused to release their grip. Slowly, his breathing steadied, and his trembling eased.

Exhausted, he fell asleep again, his face buried in her chest, holding onto her as though his life depended on it.

_________________________

How was it?

Story gonna more intense.... ✨🔥

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Id: author_safiyah2617.