KHUSHI

I sighed, closing my eyes for a moment. Why the hell did my night have to be ruined like this? He could've been anywhere-but here.

Fuck me.

"Khushi Khatri." That calm, deep growl slithered into my ears.

I spun around, only for the heat of rage to crawl back over my skin.

"I'm really in no mood to spoil my night further. Kindly fucking leave." I gestured past him, but his eyes only darkened at my words.

"What did you just call me?" he asked, his voice dropping dangerously low.

A shiver traced down my spine, ensnared by his icy demeanor.

I lifted my chin in defiance, arms crossing over my chest.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Considering the heated... interactions we've had in the last few minutes, I'm not sure which one you're referring to." I made sure to speak loud enough to cut through the pounding bass of the club.

His gaze raked over me, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake.

"You called me impotent. And you really thought you could just walk away after that?" His eyes locked on mine with a fire that made my throat go dry.

I'd never seen him like this-so calm and yet so dangerous at the same time. He usually radiated one or the other. But tonight?

"I hit a nerve, didn't I?" I winked, a slow smirk curving on my lips.

My arms dropped as I stepped closer, my eyes never leaving his.

"You're playing a very bad game, baby. Don't do things you'll regret later." His smirk mirrored mine, but there was something darker behind it.

"I'm not your baby. Not now. Not ever." I narrowed my eyes, hands clenched into fists at my sides.

His smirk deepened as he leaned in, our noses nearly brushing, eyes locked like a loaded gun and its trigger-Challenging the other.

"Khushi Khatri," he murmured, voice dipped in poison and sin. "I've never wanted someone to regret their words so badly. But you? You'll wish you never opened that pretty little mouth. Keep pushing my buttons, baby. One more, and I'll lose my shame, my morals, and show you exactly how potent I really am."

The way he said it made my insides twist in both temptation and disgust.

"You think you can scare me?" I matched his tone, low and lethal.

"I don't scare anyone, baby. People scare themselves... once they realize my potential-either in killing..."

His hand slid to my waist, pulling me flush against him. I gasped. "...or fucking."

He sealed his words with a kiss-rough, claiming, unapologetic.

My nails sank into his arm, enough to draw blood. Not that he cared.

He licked my lips slowly, my eyes half-lidded. I wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or his cologne that made my mind spin.

"I never knew red wine could taste this good. Guess, it tastes better off your lips, apparently," he whispered, pulling back just enough for me to see the shadows in his eyes.

"I hate you," I hissed through gritted teeth. "From the very core of my heart."

He laughed darkly, finally stepping back. His arm fell from my side as his gaze dropped to the blood slowly trailing down his arm, the wounds from my nails fresh and raw.

"Wanna see the same artwork on my back." he smirked. "When I finally show you what a real potent man can do. When I make you see stars-the ones your precious hated fiancé would make you see."