12 . Jealousy

I stop the car in my mansion driveway because we have to get ready. Before meet to my parents. She rushes inside to get ready. I also go to my room.

I sit on the bed with my laptop. I have a few things to handle. I check the report Dante sent me.

My eyes pause on a picture, a little girl. My heart clenches at the sight of the picture - a scared, vulnerable, innocent girl looking at us and asking for justice that no one gave her.

I flip through the folders. Reyansh Rao - died with the bullet and due to extreme blood loss. Declared dead in the hospital.

But why is there no picture of his dead body? Just covered photos.

Something looks missing - but what?

She shot him. The maids saw it first. Then her mother entered. She called the police before calling a doctor or her husband.

That's why the police arrived first. Then the doctor came with her husband.

The police took her to the station, and Reyansh was admitted to the hospital.

He died there. I summarise everything once again.

Maybe they didn't want to post their dead son's picture in the media. That's why there's no photo of him after death.

I have to talk to Mrs. Rao about this case but with a good reason.

She's such an ambitious woman. I don't think she'll tell me everything so easily.

So, I need to think of another way to approach her.

I look again at her picture and touch the photo on the computer screen.

I rub her cheek, as if trying to wipe away her tears through the screen. I feel aches in my chest. That I don't feel so long.

My princess... I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me the most.

But trust me, I'll prove you're innocent. I'll prove that you didn't kill your brother.

She thinks I tricked her to marry me, but actually I was only trying to protect her protect her from the world.

She deserves all the happiness in the world.

And I'll burn down the world if it causes a single tear to fall from her eyes.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I need to calm down. She's the dearest thing I've ever had. I can't rush.

I can live without air, but I can't live without her. Now that I've tasted her lips, gotten addicted to the scent of her hair, her fragrance

I know I can't live without this anymore. I'll fucking die happily in her hand. Before living without her.

I don't even like another man breathing the same air she did. And if someone even tries to snatch her from me, I'll snatch their life from them.

Then I opened another folder. It's about the Dark ring crime. According to there previous pattern another crime going to happen soon.

I have so many things on my plate right now. But for now, my first priority is to stop the next crime. I can't let another victim suffer worse kind of hell. Girls are goddess. I don't let another goddess falling down.

If my plan with Kira works properly, then I might find clues about this dark ritual.

I was getting hard to think about. How much I'm going to torture the leader and those man's when I find them.

"Damn it, Aiden. Focus on the dinner right now," I mutter to myself, closing my laptop.

I need a cold shower.....

I look at the mirror, adjusting my shirt cufflinks. I check my watch once again - we're getting late. So I go to check if she's ready or not.

When I enter her room, my breath catches in my throat. For a few seconds, I forget to breathe.

She looks like a goddess in the red saree that hugs her curves in all the right places.

Goddamn, I just want to lock her in this room so no one else can see her.

I watch as she struggles to put on her earrings. Without thinking, I step behind her and take the earning in her hand. And put them on myself.

Her breath hitches as she suddenly feels my presence behind her. Her eyes widen slightly.

After hooking the earring, I lean in and press a kiss behind her ear. She gasp softly.

"Here, all done," I whisper in her ear. I can see a pinkish hue on her cheeks.

"Thank you," she mutter softly, in her innocent voice. Her eyes shinning.

She's like a puppy - give her one treat and she wiggles her tail.

My cute little girl.

I press another kiss to her cheek before stepping back. Before I could do something stupid.

"Let's go. We're getting late for the dinner," I say, offering my arm, half expecting she'll take it. But my eyes widen slightly when she does.

I think my apology worked.

We step out of my mansion to our waiting car. The driver moves to open the door for her, but I stop him and open it myself.

As we sit down, she speaks almost hesitantly, with a hint of nervousness.

"Do I look good?"

I turn to her - no one has ever asked me like that before. Does she even realize how beautiful she looks?

She looks delightful, ravishing... every word that describes beauty feels not enough to capture her.

"You look incandescent," I say. (Incandescent means shining with a radiant light and burning with strong emotion.)

She arches an eyebrow at the unfamiliar word, maybe unsure of what it means.

"Hmm?"

"I mean... you look stunning." So much more than that.

"Thanks... weird person," she mutters the last line to herself. I grin. I can sense her nervousness she always gets anxious before meeting people.

"Just act like we're a happily married couple. Not like you want to choke my throat in my sleep," I joke lightly, trying to ease her mood.

She just scoff and looks out the window.

I place a comforting hand on her thigh. She clenches her thigh slightly but doesn't push it away, so I leave it there - still, without any movement.

A few minutes later, the car stops in the Rossini mansion driveway. I step out and open the door for her. Helping her out of the car, we head inside together.

The guards bow their heads respectfully. I ignore it as I pass, but I notice she gives a small nod in return acknowledging their respect.

My hand rests on the small of her back as we walk into the living room. I see my parents seated there. My brother is sitting with them too.

He nods at her, and she returns the gesture. I try to calm myself, reminding my thoughts they're just friends, Aiden.

My mom stands and hugs her tightly. They've always shared a good relationship. Our families have been close for a long time.

But what matters most is that my mom accepts her as her daughter-in-law.

She beams with joy.

"How are you, Saanvi? I'm glad you both came tonight at my request."

"No, no, Auntie. Thank you for inviting me." she replies in her sweet voice.

"Call me Mom, Saanvi. You're my daughter now too."

I smile, watching them the two most precious women in my life.

"Saanu!! Doll, welcome to our family!" Romano exclaims as he comes over and hugs her. I clench my fists tightly, my knuckles turning white.

She hugs him back a friendly hug. Still, I notice the amusement in Romano's eyes as he looks at me, like he's mocking me.

I clench my jaw and clear my throat. When she pulls away from the hug.

"Thanks," she says simply. I gently pull her a little closer to me. She gives me a slight glare but I ignore it.

We sit at the dining table. I greet my dad, who sits at the head, then my mom beside him.

I sit next to her, but arch a brow slightly when he takes the seat on her other side.

It irritates me. But I decide to ignore it for now. I don't want to create a scene in front of my parents, especially not when I don't want to scare her with the depth of my possessiveness.

"Saanvi, think of this as your home, okay? And don't hesitate to ask for anything. I've known you since you were a child. I still can't believe you're now my daughter-in-law," my mom says warmly.

"But I'm happy that my arrogant son is marrying you." I smile at her words and shake my head slightly in amusement. She never misses a chance to tease me.

I notice the blush creeping onto Saanvi's cheeks one she tries hard to hide.

I lean close to her ear and whisper,

"Stop blushing, or I might just forget we're at the dining table and kiss you until you can't breathe."

"Shut up," she mutters, then quickly turns her attention to talking with my mom.

I pretend to be offended, but I'm not.

As dinner goes on, my dad speaks up.

"I heard Romano has joined your company. I'm glad at least he'll learn something from his brother. You should guide him too."

I grin proudly, but Romano seems slightly irritated.

"Dad, I don't need his help. I can manage on my own."

"Yes, Dad, don't worry. I'll teach him." I say, turning to Romano with a smug smile on my face.

"Since he's my brother, it's my duty to teach him that not everything is meant for everyone."

My meaning is clear. I want him to know she's already taken.

"I mean, he should learn step by step, so this internship is good for him. It wouldn't be appropriate to hand him any big responsibility right away," I add, masking the underlying message.

"Oh ho! Honey, stop talking about business," my mom stop my dad.

"It's been so long since the whole family had dinner together. And tonight is special. We have our daughter-in-law with us!"

"You know, Saanu," she continues, turning to Saanvi.

"Aiden's always been so serious since childhood. He barely went outside to play with other kids. And I'm pretty sure he's terrible at romance too."

She coughs into her juice, clearly caught off guard. I can't help but smirk.

I know she was remembering every intense moment we've shared. Every encounter into her mind. I squeeze her thigh under the table, a subtle reminder of what we did.

"Mom," I interrupt calmly, my voice carrying a slight warning.

"I think you're misunderstanding my personality. Being introverted doesn't mean I'm incapable of romance or affection."

I squeeze her thigh gently again, this time letting my touch linger.

"Right, honey?"

She rolls her eyes at me slightly, then gives a small, awkward smile.

"Yeah... yeah, Mom. He treats me like a princess. I don't even have to ask for anything. He brings everything before I can even say a word."

Warmth spreads through my chest.

I silently promise myself. I'll fulfill every wish she ever thinks of, even before it reaches her lips.

"Well, Saanu," my mom says with a gentle smile, "I'm glad he does. Finally, he's found someone he can open up to."

Actually, she's not wrong with her, even my inner beast behaves and kneels in front of her.

The rest of dinner continues with lighthearted conversation, but my mind is elsewhere.

Romano sometimes talking to her or stealing food in her plate. It's boil my blood.

After dinner, my mom takes Saanvi with her to the kitchen for some help.

"Romano, I need a word with you," I say my voice deadly calm, leaving no room for argument.

I walk toward an empty balcony, expecting him to follow.

As soon as he enters and closes the balcony door, I grab his throat with one hand and slam him against the wall. He almost standing his tiptoes.

"What the hell do you think you're doing? You think I haven't noticed?"

I spit out every word through my gritted teeth.

"Calm down, brother. Why are you so angry?" he says with a smirk.

"We're just friends, you know. Besides, she trusts me more than she does you, and you know it. "

His smug smile only fuels my rage.

I tighten my grip around his throat.

He's not wrong. Maybe right now, my princess does trust him more than she trusts me. Because she thinks him her good friend and the thought gets under my skin.

"You should be ashamed of yourself - taking her kind friendship and twisting it into whatever you're thinking."

My voice is cold, laced with a clear warning.

"Yes, right now she sees me as just a friend," he snaps, "but I'll win her."

"Shut the fuck up!"

I hiss, my eyes blazing.

"Count yourself lucky that you're my brother and that I care too damn much about Mom. If you were anyone else, I'd rip your tongue out with my bare hands."

I squeeze his throat before release it and step back.

"And for the record, she's not an object. Not some prize to win. She's a person."

I turn away, trying to rein in the storm inside me.

But he doesn't stop.

"She's been with me for so long. We were together and you, You ruined everything. You came out of nowhere and destroyed it all.

Our friendship, our bond... it's you who snatched her from me. If your bride ran away, why didn't you marry someone else? Why her brother?"

he snaps bitterly.

I close my eyes, trying to calm my nerves. Trying not to let rage swallow me whole.

This idiot-does he even know what he's saying?

I planned that wedding. The runaway bride? I knew. I wanted her when he didn't even know she existed.

I've wanted her since I was just twelve years old. And he really thinks his attraction outweighs my obsession, my love, my possession?

"I don't think important to answer you," I say calmly, without even looking at him.

"Why her? You've gotten everything you ever wanted since childhood. Dad always loved you more. I just love her, Bhai. Why did you have to take her too?"

His voice trembles slightly with emotion.

"You need to understand something, Romano. We don't always get what we want. And it's better if you stay away from her. She's taken. That's my last warning. And dad love us equally."

I turn to leave, but pause mid-step at his next words.

"I'll prove you wrong. I'll show you she's more carefree with me than she's with you." he barked out.

"Yes she's more free with you. Because you're her friend. And she's not so much free with me because... I pause let my word hang in the air. "Well it's a husband and wife secret." I smirk.

My calm voice echoes the empty balcony. I walk out of the balcony without looking back at him.

My expression instantly softens the moment I show her. She's helping my mom carry out the snacks.

I take the snacks plate in her hand and place it to the coffee table. Before sitting on the couch. As we're sitting.

Romano come and ask "Saanvi, do you mind to come with me few minutes? Actually, Anaya sent me our treat plan, and I want to show you."

Damn it. My brother never backs down.

I glance at her and notice she's already looking at me, as if asking for permission.

Jealousy burns through me, but strangely, there's satisfaction too. That she's asking my permission to go with my brother. I nod curtly.

"Mom, Dad, I'll borrow my friend for a few minutes," he says. They smile and wave it off, but I know his hidden intention.

I clutch my coffee cup tightly as I watch them disappear into his room. Just few minutes pass, but it feels like an eternity. My eyes keep drifting toward the door. I can't take it anymore.

I pull out my phone and type a message:

"You have exactly 3 minutes to come downstairs. We're leaving and It's not a request. Come downstairs. Right. Now."

I hit send a little too forcefully.

I wait restlessly, and then I finally see her coming downstairs. I sigh in relief not realizing I'd been holding my breath that long.

I walk over and wrap my arm around her waist. She stiffens slightly, but I don't pull my hand away.

"Mom, Dad, it's getting late. We should go now."

"Wait! " My mom call before we get up the couch.

"Saanu you know how the marriage happen. We don't find chance to gift you something. So me and Aiden father arranged a Paris honeymoon tickets. " My mom say patting her hand.

Her eyes widen and I'm not lying I'm little shock too. "Mom! Really? " I asked trying to clarify.

"Yes! And we want you both go. Or I'll be so angry over you. If you don't accept this. " My mom say.

"Yes Aiden your mom arranged hotel jet's and everything in her own hand. So don't say no. " My dad speak.

Sensing her silent I agree this. "Okay mom we'll going this trip. Thank you so much you both thinks this much." I speak before getting up. I being her up with me.

Because I'm still coursing through the jealousy. The reminder of my brother and my conversation.

"Safe ride, Aiden," she says. I nod, though my thoughts are elsewhere. The jealousy burning through me.

"Bye, Mom, Dad," she says politely.

My mom hugs her one last time, then turns to me.

We walk to our waiting car. I don't say a word as I open the door for her. As soon as she gets in, I slide into the seat beside her still silent.

My mind replays every moment he touched her.

And worse what happened when he took her inside his room. I know I'm being irrational... but I can't help it.

The entire ride, I stay silent. My fists are clenched. My expression unreadable.

I can feel her curious glances, but she doesn't speak probably sensing the storm behind my eyes. The air in the car shifts heavier,darker.

As soon as we arrive at my mansion, I step out of the car, almost pulling her out with me as we head inside.

"What are you doing?" she protests.

I ignore her, holding her wrist firmly - not painfully, but with purpose.

Once we're inside, I slam the door shut.

Then I pin her to the wall. She gasps in surprise. And I take that moment to crash my lips against hers.

"Mmph!" She try to pushed me but I don't even budge. She kick my leg I don't move. I was grabbing her chin to keep her mouth open. As I kiss more forcely.

When she keep fighting I groan and lift her.

"Shh wifey! Just feel me."

I shush her with another rough kiss my hand roaming over her body with possessive intensity.

I want to consume her claim her until her mind her soul don't think anything else. Expect my touch on her body my name on her mind.

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