Chapter 39: Chapter 29: All I Want Is To Stay In Your Arms

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Ananya

I woke up to the bright morning light streaming through the windows, forcing me to squint. Blinking away the haze of sleep, the first thought that struck me was to check Arjun’s side of the bed.

Empty.

My heart lurched. He wasn’t there. He wasn’t beside me.

Panic surged through me as I threw off the covers and rushed to the bathroom. Empty. I checked the living room, the kitchen—every corner of the apartment. Nowhere.

No. He should be here.

I called out his name, my voice trembling, but there was no response. The silence around me felt suffocating. My vision blurred as tears welled up, spilling over before I could stop them. I clutched the edge of the bed, my chest tightening with a crushing ache.

No letter. Not this time.

He can’t be gone. Not again. He just came back yesterday. He promised he would stay with me. He promised.

Then why?

Why isn’t he here?

A sob escaped my lips, and once it started, I couldn’t hold back. The tears wouldn’t stop, no matter how hard I tried. I had never cried like this before—never for something like this. But I couldn’t help it.

Arjun left me again.

My breath came in short, uneven gasps as I wiped my face with trembling hands, but the tears kept falling. I felt like I was sinking, drowning in the emptiness he had left behind.

No. I refused to believe this. He wouldn’t do this to me again. He couldn’t.

Desperation clawed at my chest as I grabbed my phone, my fingers shaking as I dialed his number. The ringing tone stretched endlessly, my heartbeat thudding louder with each second.

Pick up, Arjun. Please.

Voicemail.

I tried again.

Voicemail.

A broken sob slipped from my lips as I clenched the phone against my chest. The room around me felt too big, too hollow, swallowing me whole. Just yesterday, he was here, holding me, whispering promises that felt so real. Just yesterday, I had believed him.

And now… he was gone.

I glanced at the door, half-expecting him to walk in any second, to smirk at me like he always did, as if my panic was unnecessary. But reality settled in like a weight in my stomach—he wasn’t coming back.

Not now. Maybe not ever.

And that thought shattered me all over again.

Just when hopelessness was about to consume me, a faint sound reached my ears. My breath hitched. A second later, the door swung open, and there he was—Arjun.

My heart lurched at the sight of him. Without wasting a single moment, I ran to him, throwing my arms around his neck. He caught me instantly, lifting me off the ground as if I weighed nothing. I clung to him, my tears still falling, my body trembling against his warmth.

His arms tightened around me, his voice laced with panic. "Firefly, what happened? Why are you crying?"

But I didn’t care about his concern—not right now.

Because all I wanted to do was snap at him.

And so, I did.

Arjun

I woke up early, careful not to disturb Ananya. She looked exhausted—more than I had ever seen her before. Yesterday had taken a toll on her, and the remnants of dried tears on her cheeks made my chest tighten. I could tell she hadn’t slept well in the past four days while I was gone. Guilt settled deep within me.

She needed rest. She deserved rest.

So, I slipped out of bed without making a sound and grabbed my phone. I had called Karan last night and asked him to meet me outside my apartment this morning—I had things I needed to figure out. Things that couldn’t wait.

When he texted me that he had arrived, I quietly left the apartment, making sure not to wake Ananya.

As soon as I stepped outside, I spotted Karan leaning against his car, holding a small box in his hand. He pushed off the car and handed it to me the moment I reached him.

"Here, take your new phone."

I took it from him and immediately pulled out my old phone, handing it over. "Thanks. Now take this and find out why only Ananya’s calls and texts weren’t coming through." My voice was firm, laced with frustration. Something wasn’t right, and I needed answers.

Karan gave me a nod before pocketing my old phone. "I’ll get back to you as soon as I find out." With that, he turned and left, and I made my way back upstairs.

But nothing could have prepared me for what I saw when I opened the door.

The moment I stepped inside, Ananya ran straight into me, throwing her arms around my neck. Her body collided with mine with such force that I instinctively held her, lifting her off the ground. I barely had time to react before I felt it—she was shaking.

And then I heard it.

She was crying. Hard.

Panic surged through me.

"Firefly, what happened? Why are you crying?" My voice came out urgent, desperate.

She only clung to me tighter, her fingers digging into my back as if letting go wasn’t an option.

"Where did… you go?" she sobbed between gasps. "You weren’t there when I woke up. I looked everywhere, but you weren’t there."

Her words shattered something inside me.

I exhaled sharply, pressing a hand to the back of her head, smoothing her hair as I held her close. "Baby, I just went downstairs to meet Karan," I murmured, trying to soothe her.

But she wasn’t done. Her voice trembled as she pulled back just enough to look at me, her teary eyes searching mine. "Then why didn’t you pick up my calls? I… I was calling you. You weren’t picking up."

I clenched my jaw, realizing too late the cause of her fear. "Because my phone was damaged, Firefly. That’s why I gave it to Karan for repairs."

Silence settled between us, except for her soft sniffles. She was still buried in my neck, still shaking in my arms. Then, just when I thought she was calming down, a broken sob escaped her lips.

And then she whispered words that absolutely destroyed me.

"I… thought you left… again."

My breath hitched. My grip on her tightened.

Her voice was so quiet, so fragile, but the weight of her words crashed over me like a wave. It broke me knowing that I had hurt her this much. That my absence—even for a few hours—had left her so terrified, so shattered, that she truly believed I had left her again.

I swallowed hard, my throat tight with emotions I didn’t even know how to process. I never realized that a small carelessness of mine had given birth to such deep fear in her.

I had done this to her.

I tightened my arms around her, holding her as if that alone could erase the fear I had unknowingly planted in her heart. But I knew it wouldn’t.

I felt her fingers clutch at the fabric of my shirt, as if she was afraid I would disappear the moment she let go. And that… that wrecked me.

"Firefly…" I whispered, my lips brushing against her hair. "I’m so sorry."

She didn’t respond, just buried herself deeper into me, her uneven breaths warm against my neck. I gently ran my fingers through her hair, trying to calm her, trying to ground her.

"I need you to listen to me, baby," I murmured, pulling back just enough to cup her face in my hands. Her cheeks were damp, her lashes wet with unshed tears. My thumbs moved instinctively, wiping them away.

"I didn’t leave you. I will never leave you." My voice was firm, unwavering. "I swear to you, Firefly, no matter what happens, you’ll always find me right here. With you."

Her lips parted, but no words came out—just more tears.

"I didn’t know my absence would hurt you like this," I admitted, my voice raw. "I should have left a note, should have told you where I was going. I didn’t think, and that’s on me. But I swear to you, Firefly, I will never disappear on you again."

She sniffled, her hands trembling as they gripped my wrists. "You promise?"

I leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, lingering there for a moment. "With everything I have."

"Then… then promise me," she stammered, her voice trembling as she looked at me with tear-filled eyes. "Promise me you won’t leave without telling me. Even if I’m sleeping, I… I want you to wake me up and let me know before you go. Even if it’s just for a walk. Do you understand?"

Her voice was shaky, but there was no mistaking the urgency behind her words. She wasn’t just asking—she was pleading.

And I hated that I had made her feel this way.

I cupped her face gently, my thumbs brushing against her damp cheeks as I held her gaze. "I understand, Firefly. And I promise," I said softly but firmly. "From now on, no matter where I go, no matter how small the reason, I’ll let you know. I won’t ever leave without telling you."

Her lips quivered, her hands still gripping my wrists as if seeking reassurance. "You mean it?" she whispered.

I leaned down, pressing my forehead against hers. "With all my heart," I murmured. "You’ll never wake up and find me gone again. I swear."

She didn’t let go of me, and honestly, I didn’t want her to. I held her close, feeling the way her body slowly stopped trembling against mine. But the weight of what had just happened still lingered in the air between us.

After a long silence, I felt her shift slightly. Her fingers curled into my shirt, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You really scared me, Arjun."

Guilt stabbed through me again, sharper this time. I tightened my hold on her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

"I know, baby. And I hate that I did," I admitted, my voice rough with emotion. "I never want to be the reason you cry like this again."

She exhaled against my chest, her breath still uneven. "Good. Because if you do, I swear I’ll—"

"You’ll what?" I asked, the hint of a smirk tugging at my lips.

She sniffled, tilting her head back to glare at me, though the effect was lost with her puffy eyes and flushed cheeks. "I’ll make you suffer," she declared, her voice small but determined.

A chuckle rumbled in my chest, and I ran my fingers through her hair, tucking a loose strand behind her ear. "I believe you," I said, my tone gentle. "But I’d rather not find out what that suffering looks like. So I’ll just keep my promise instead."

She didn’t reply, just buried her face back into my chest, her arms still wrapped tightly around me.

And I let her stay there as long as she needed.

I felt her slowly relax in my arms, but she still wasn’t letting go. She just held onto me, her breathing steadier now, though I could still sense the lingering fear in the way her fingers gripped my shirt.

I knew what time it was. I knew we both had to get ready for work. But I also knew she didn’t want to go.

And more than that, she didn’t want me to go either.

She hadn’t said it out loud, but she didn’t have to. The way she clung to me, the way her body tensed slightly when the thought of separating even crossed her mind—it was enough for me to understand.

I ran a hand up and down her back, pressing another soft kiss to her hair before whispering, “Don’t worry, Firefly. I’m not going anywhere.”

The moment the words left my mouth, I felt her body relax completely in my arms. She pulled back slightly, looking up at me with wide, hopeful eyes, and then—just like that—her entire face lit up.

It was as if the weight she had been carrying vanished in an instant. The tears, the fear, the heartbreak—gone.

"Really...!!" Her big doe eyes stared up at me, wide and expectant, waiting for me to confirm my words.

I let out a soft chuckle, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear before meeting her gaze. "Really," I assured her, my voice firm yet gentle.

The way her face lit up at my confirmation made my chest tighten in the best way possible.

A soft, breathtaking smile spread across her lips, and for a second, I almost forgot she had been crying at all. No one—no one—would believe that just moments ago, she was breaking apart in my arms.

I couldn’t help but smile back, brushing my thumb over her cheek as I memorized every little detail of this moment. God, she was beautiful.

"That’s more like it," I murmured, my voice warm with relief. "I don’t ever want to see you that broken again, Firefly."

She didn’t respond, just rested her forehead against my chest, holding me tightly, as if trying to absorb every bit of reassurance I was offering her.

I wrapped my arms around her again, pressing my lips to the top of her head. "Today is all about you, baby," I told her softly. "We’ll do whatever you want—watch movies, eat your favorite food, just spend the day together. No office, no stress. Just you and me."

She hummed in response, and I could feel the way her body melted into mine, completely at ease now.

But then I remembered something.

"For now, though," I said, pulling back slightly to look at her. "You need rest. You barely slept these past few days, Firefly. Let’s get back in bed, okay? You need sleep."

Just as I expected, she frowned immediately.

"No," she said firmly, shaking her head. "I don’t want to sleep. I don’t want to waste today by sleeping, Arjun."

I sighed, amused but not surprised. Of course, she’d be stubborn about this.

"Firefly, you need it—"

"I don’t care," she cut in, pouting slightly. "I don’t want to sleep. I just got you back. I don’t want to waste a single second by being unconscious."

I exhaled through my nose, shaking my head with a soft chuckle. "You’re impossible, you know that?"

She just smiled, looking up at me with those big, bright eyes—the same ones that had been filled with tears not too long ago. And damn it, how was I supposed to say no to that?

♡♡

The rest of the day passed in a blur of quiet moments and laughter, a much-needed escape from everything that had been weighing on us.

We watched movies, curled up together on the couch with a blanket wrapped around us. She made me try one of those ridiculous rom-coms she loved, and I pretended to complain, but truthfully? I didn’t mind. Not when she was leaning against me, laughing at the stupidest scenes.

We cooked together—or rather, she cooked while I stood behind her, arms wrapped around her waist, pretending to help when all I really wanted was to hold her.

We talked. About nothing and everything. About childhood stories, favorite books, future plans—just… us.

And for the first time in days, she looked happy.

By evening, we found ourselves on the balcony, sitting side by side as the city lights flickered to life below. The air was cool, a soft breeze brushing against our skin. She had a mug of hot chocolate in her hands, her fingers wrapped around the warmth as she leaned into me.

"This is nice," she murmured, resting her head against my shoulder.

"Yeah," I agreed, my arm naturally coming around her. "It is."

We sat there in comfortable silence, just enjoying each other’s presence, until suddenly, without warning, she shifted.

And then—she kissed me.

A slow, deliberate kiss. Soft, lingering… intentional.

For a moment, I froze.

This was new.

She had never taken the initiative before. Never kissed me like this.

And damn if that didn’t send a wildfire through my veins.

But I didn’t hesitate for long. My hands found her waist, pulling her closer as I kissed her back, deepening it, pouring every ounce of longing I had into the way our lips moved together.

Between kisses, I managed to murmur, "Firefly… I was planning to give you rest. But—"

She pulled back just enough to whisper against my lips, "I never asked for it, have I?"

And just like that, whatever restraint I had left snapped.

The days I spent away from her, the ache of missing her, the way she had looked at me this morning—everything surged through me at once.

With a quiet groan, I tilted her chin up, capturing her lips again, this time with more intensity, more need.

Because right now, the only thing I wanted was her.

The moment she whispered those words—"I never asked for it, have I?"—something inside me snapped.

I didn’t give her a chance to say anything else. I crushed my lips against hers, swallowing whatever breath she had left as I pulled her into me, my grip on her waist tightening.

Her fingers curled into my shirt, fisting the fabric, but it wasn’t enough.

I needed more.

With one swift motion, I lifted her into my arms, never breaking the kiss as I carried her inside. She gasped softly against my lips, but she didn’t protest—no, she clung to me, her arms wrapping around my neck as if she didn’t want even an inch of space between us.

I made it to the bedroom, kicking the door shut behind us, and the moment we were inside, her hands started moving—trailing up my chest, fumbling with the buttons of my shirt.

I groaned against her lips, heat flooding my veins as her fingers worked with a newfound urgency. My hands roamed down her back, gripping her hips as I deepened the kiss, my tongue sweeping into her mouth, tasting the sweet warmth of her.

She was intoxicating. And right now, she was mine.

I set her down, but only for a second—just long enough for her to push my shirt off my shoulders. The fabric hit the floor, forgotten, and before she could think, before she could even breathe, I had her back in my arms, pressing her against the bed as I hovered over her.

Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her lips parted, her eyes dark with something that sent a fire raging through me.

I brushed my fingers down her arm, my touch featherlight. "Take off your clothes Firefly. " I whispered, my voice rough, strained.

A shiver ran through her as my words settled between us, thickening the air with something undeniable. For a moment, she just looked at me—her big, expressive eyes filled with emotions too vast to name.

But she didn’t hesitate.

Slowly, deliberately, she reached for the hem of her top, her fingers brushing softly against her skin as she pulled it over her head. The motion was graceful, almost like a dance, and it left her skin bare to my gaze. She didn’t stop there—she unclasped her bra, revealing herself completely.

The soft, golden glow of the evening light wrapped around her like a warm embrace, casting delicate shadows that accentuated every curve of her body. She looked ethereal, breathtaking in a way that made my chest tighten with both awe and desire.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away, drinking in the sight of her with a quiet reverence. She was mine—no, more than that. She was everything. And in that moment, I knew there was nothing I wanted more than to cherish her, every inch of her, for as long as I could.

"Beautiful," I murmured, more to myself than to her.

She bit her lip, a slight flush coloring her cheeks, but there was no shyness in her gaze. Only trust. Only want.

I reached for her, my hands sliding over her bare skin, reveling in the warmth, the softness, the way she responded to my touch. I kissed her again, slower this time, savoring her—memorizing the way she tasted, the way her breath hitched when my fingers explored, the way her body pressed against mine like she belonged there.

And God, she did.

Her hands weren’t idle either. They moved over me with equal urgency, tracing the lines of my body, her touch lighting fires in places I hadn’t known were cold.

I groaned against her lips, my self-control slipping with every passing second. "You drive me insane, Firefly," I muttered, my voice rough.

She smiled against my mouth, her fingers threading into my hair as she whispered, "Then don’t hold back."

Without wasting a moment, I captured one of her sensitive buds in my mouth, swirling my tongue around it while rolling the other between my thumb and index finger. A soft gasp escaped her lips, her back arching instinctively into my touch.

Her skin was warm beneath my hands, her body responding to every movement I made. My free hand trailed down her waist, and in one swift motion, I slid her trousers down, leaving her completely bare before me. My breath hitched at the sight of her—beautiful, vulnerable, mine.

Before she could even process the moment, I thrust a finger inside her, feeling the way she clenched around me. A startled whimper left her lips, her body tensing for a brief second before melting into the sensation. I didn’t stop my mouth from lavishing attention on her as I worked her with slow, deliberate strokes, teasing, coaxing, watching as she fell apart beneath me.

I released her nipple with a soft pop only to take both of them into my mouth at once, my tongue tracing over the sensitive peaks as her breathing turned ragged. Her hands found my shoulders, gripping them tightly, her nails digging into my skin as pleasure coursed through her.

Just when she seemed to settle into the rhythm, I withdrew my finger, only to thrust two inside her, stretching her more, making her cry out in surprise. Her body trembled beneath me, her chest rising and falling rapidly, her fingers tightening in my hair as she gasped my name.

"Arjun…!"

The sound of her voice, breathless and desperate, sent fire rushing through my veins. I quickened my pace, my fingers working deeper, faster, feeling the way she responded to every movement.

I watched her, mesmerized—the way her lips parted, the way her body arched toward me, the way her eyes fluttered shut as pleasure consumed her.

She was intoxicating. She was everything.

And I wanted to push her to the edge, to make her lose herself completely in me.

Because tonight, I wasn’t just showing her passion—I was showing her just how much she belonged to me.

Ananya

He captured my lips in a searing kiss, devouring me with an intensity that left me breathless. His tongue explored, teased, claimed—leaving no part of me untouched by his passion. I could barely think, barely breathe, lost in the way he consumed me.

And then—oh!—a sudden jolt of pleasure shot through me as he added another finger, thrusting deeper, hitting just the right spot with unrelenting precision. My body tensed, every nerve alight with pleasure so intense it sent me spiraling.

"Arjun!" I cried out, my fingers gripping his shoulders, my body trembling as waves of pleasure crashed over me.

He didn’t stop until he had pulled every last shudder from me, until I was completely undone beneath him. Only then did he slowly withdraw his fingers, his darkened eyes locked onto mine as he brought them to his lips—his tongue flicking out to taste me, savoring me.

The sight alone sent another shiver down my spine, heat pooling low in my belly.

His lips curled into a smirk, his voice rough as he murmured, “You taste just as sweet as I remember, Firefly.”

Before I could catch my breath, he pulled away, leaving me trembling, wanting, aching for more. My lips parted to protest, but before a single word could escape, he lifted me effortlessly into his arms. Instinctively, my legs wrapped around his waist, my arms clutching onto his neck for support.

"Arjun…!" I gasped, my heart pounding as he carried me toward the bathroom.

His only response was a kiss—firm, demanding, stealing the rest of my words as his lips molded over mine. The heat of him, the sheer dominance in his touch, made my head spin. When he pulled back just enough to whisper against my lips, his voice was a husky promise.

"Shh… I want to try new things with you, my Firefly."

A delicious shiver ran down my spine at the raw hunger in his tone.

The next thing I knew, he set me down on the cold marble counter. The contrast of the cool surface against my overheated skin made me shudder, my breath hitching. His eyes darkened as he took a step back, his gaze roaming over me with unmasked desire.

And then, slowly, deliberately, he undid his pants.

My pulse hammered as he slid them down, along with his boxer briefs, revealing all of him—strong, commanding, ready. My breath caught, anticipation coiling in my stomach as he reached for me, his hands spreading my legs wide, leaving me completely open to him.

His heated gaze met mine, holding me captive for a moment that felt endless.

Then, without warning, he thrust inside me in one deep, claiming stroke.

A sharp cry escaped my lips as pleasure and intensity crashed through me all at once, my back arching against the counter.

"Arjun…!" I gasped, gripping his shoulders as he filled me completely, stretching me in the most intoxicating way.

A groan rumbled from deep in his chest, his fingers digging into my thighs as he held me still.

"You feel so damn perfect, Firefly," he rasped, his forehead pressing against mine.

I barely had a moment to adjust before he pulled back and thrust again, deeper, harder, setting a pace that stole my breath and sent me spiraling into pure, unrestrained pleasure.

His breath was warm against my skin, mingling with mine as he held me there, pressed against the cold marble, our bodies molded together in perfect sync. His hands gripped my waist, fingers pressing into my flesh as if he needed to anchor himself, as if letting go wasn’t an option.

"Look at me, Firefly."

His deep, husky voice sent a shiver down my spine, but I obeyed, opening my eyes to meet his. The raw intensity in his gaze sent heat pooling low in my belly, making me tighten around him. His jaw clenched, his control hanging by a thread, but he didn’t look away.

"I want to see every expression on your face, every reaction," he murmured, trailing his lips down my neck, sucking gently before nipping at my skin.

A soft moan escaped me, my fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer, needing more. He rolled his hips, slow, deliberate, filling me so completely that I felt him in every nerve of my body. The pleasure was intoxicating, each movement sending sparks of heat through me, making my breath hitch.

He was everywhere—his touch, his scent, his warmth surrounding me, consuming me.

"Arjun..." I whispered, my voice trembling with need.

His hand trailed up my thigh, gripping the back of my knee and lifting it higher against his waist, adjusting his angle. And then he moved—deeper, slower, dragging out every sensation, making me feel everything.

"You’re mine, Ananya," he whispered against my lips, his forehead pressed to mine. "Every breath, every sound—you belong to me."

I could only nod, lost in him, in the overwhelming intensity of this moment, of us.

Arjun’s grip on my waist tightened as he adjusted his angle, his body pressing closer. My breath hitched when he leaned in slightly, his lips brushing over my ear, his voice deep and rough.

"Hold on to me, Firefly."

Before I could process his words, he thrust deeper—higher—hitting a spot that sent a sharp, intoxicating pleasure surging through me. A cry tore from my lips, my nails digging into his shoulders as my body arched against him. The overwhelming sensation built fast, spiraling out of control as he kept moving, relentless, precise, perfect.

"Arjun—!" I gasped, my head falling back, pleasure coiling tighter, stealing my breath.

His name became the only thing I could say, the only thing I could feel as he pushed me closer and closer to the edge. His pace never faltered, his movements purposeful, determined to unravel me completely.

And then—everything shattered.

My release crashed over me, a wave of pure, blinding ecstasy that left me trembling in his arms, my body clenching around him as I came undone. I buried my face in his neck, panting, my body weak from the intensity of it all.

But he wasn’t done.

Before I could fully catch my breath, he pulled away just enough to flip me around, guiding me until my palms met the cool glass of the mirror. My reflection stared back at me—flushed cheeks, swollen lips, eyes dark with lingering pleasure.

"Look at yourself, Firefly," he murmured, his hand sliding down my spine as he positioned me exactly how he wanted. "See how beautiful you look like this… all mine."

A shiver ran through me at the possessiveness in his tone, my body still sensitive, still aching for more even after everything.

And then he thrust back inside me.

A strangled moan escaped me, my knees threatening to buckle as the new angle sent a fresh wave of pleasure crashing through me. My fingers gripped the edges of the mirror, my reflection blurring as he moved behind me—deep, slow at first, then faster, harder, making my breath hitch with every thrust.

"Arjun…" I whimpered, my eyes rolling back as he pushed me to the edge all over again, dragging me deeper into the pleasure only he could give me.

Arjun kept thrusting inside me, each movement precise and relentless, hitting places so deep within me that I felt like I was unraveling. My hands gripped the bathroom counter, my nails digging into the cold surface as waves of pleasure crashed over me. My head hung forward, my breath ragged, moans escaping my lips uncontrollably.

Then, without warning, Arjun reached forward, grabbed my chin, and turned my face toward him. His lips crashed onto mine—hungry, possessive, devouring me completely. His tongue tangled with mine, stealing whatever breath I had left.

As I lost myself in his kiss, his hands suddenly left my hips and slid under my thighs. In one swift motion, he lifted me off the ground, forcing my legs to dangle in the air. A sharp gasp tore from my throat at the sudden shift, my entire weight now supported by his strong arms alone.

My body trembled as he thrust up into me, this new position making him go impossibly deeper. My back arched, my hands desperately clutching onto his arms for some semblance of stability, but it was useless—he was the only thing holding me up, the only thing keeping me from falling apart completely.

The depth, the angle, the sheer force of his movements made my eyes roll back, my lips parting in a silent scream of pleasure. It was overwhelming—intensely, exquisitely overwhelming.

"Open your eyes, Firefly," he commanded, his voice thick with desire. "Look in the mirror. See how perfect you look when you take me like this."

It took everything in me to force my heavy eyelids open, and when I did, my breath caught in my throat.

There we were—my body completely bare, my legs hanging helplessly in the air, his hands gripping my thighs as he held me up effortlessly. My skin was flushed, marked by his kisses, my breasts bouncing slightly with every deep thrust. My face—God, my face—was a complete mess. My lips were swollen, my expression utterly wrecked with pleasure. And behind me stood Arjun, looking dark, dominant, and completely in control, his gaze locked onto me like I was his sole obsession.

Humiliation flooded me, and I instinctively turned my face away.

He chuckled darkly, tightening his grip on me. "What’s wrong, Firefly? Getting shy just by looking at yourself?" His voice was laced with amusement, but the hunger in his tone sent another shiver down my spine.

Before I could respond, he adjusted his stance and thrust upward—a sharp, deep movement that sent pleasure exploding through me. A scream ripped from my throat, my hands flying to his hair, my body clenching so tightly around him that he groaned in response.

"This…" he whispered against my ear, his voice raw, almost desperate. "This is my favorite sight in the world. Us—connected as one."

His words undid me. My entire body tensed before pleasure crashed over me like a violent wave, shattering me into pieces, leaving me trembling and gasping in his hold. But Arjun wasn’t done.

Before I could even comprehend what was happening, my chest was pressed against the cool glass of the bathroom mirror. Arjun’s hands gripped my hips firmly, bending me over slightly. My breath hitched as his thick length rubbed against my entrance again, teasing, taunting.

Then, without warning, he thrust back inside me from behind.

My eyes widened, my mouth falling open in a soundless cry as the new angle had him stretching me all over again. My fingers scrambled against the glass, desperate for something to hold onto as pleasure took over every inch of me.

I met his gaze in the reflection—his dark, hungry eyes burning into mine. His jaw was clenched, his muscles tense, his control barely hanging by a thread.

And then he smirked. "Look at yourself, Firefly," he murmured, dragging his lips along my ear before thrusting even deeper.

I couldn’t bring myself to look in the mirror. The sight was too much—too intimate, too raw. My face burned with shyness, and I squeezed my eyes shut, turning my head away.

Arjun let out a low chuckle, the sound vibrating against my back. "Okay, Firefly," he murmured, his voice laced with amusement. "I’ll stop teasing you." But even as he said it, he thrust into me again, deep and unrelenting, pulling a gasp from my lips.

Then, without warning, he pulled out completely, leaving me trembling and weak. Before I could protest, he spun me around to face him. His dark, heated gaze locked onto mine as he lifted me effortlessly, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist.

The moment I clung to him, he thrust back inside me in one smooth, powerful motion. A broken moan escaped me, my arms tightening around his neck. He didn’t stop—he started walking, carrying me across the bathroom with ease, his cock still buried deep inside me, stretching me, filling me completely.

With a swift movement, he stepped into the shower, the cool tiles pressing against my back as he reached for the knob.

Warm water cascaded over us, streaming down our heated bodies, mixing with the sweat on our skin. The sensation made everything more intense—the heat of his body against mine, the slick slide of his movements as he kept thrusting, deep and steady. My moans filled the steamy space, his name spilling from my lips like a prayer.

"Arjun..." I gasped, my fingers tangling in his wet hair, tugging desperately as pleasure coiled tighter and tighter inside me.

"I’ve got you, Firefly," he whispered against my lips before claiming them in a deep, searing kiss.

Arjun's kiss was deep, consuming, his tongue moving in sync with the slow, deliberate thrusts of his hips. The warmth of the water mixed with the heat between us, making everything feel more intense, more electrifying.

His hands gripped my thighs tighter, holding me up with ease as he pushed deeper inside me, hitting places that made my body arch against his. My moans were swallowed by his mouth, my fingers digging into his shoulders as waves of pleasure built higher and higher.

"You feel so good, Firefly," he murmured against my lips before trailing kisses down my jaw, his teeth grazing my skin just enough to make me shiver.

I could barely think, barely breathe. The way he moved, the way he controlled my body like it was his own—it was overwhelming, intoxicating.

"Arjun... I-I can't—" My words broke into a moan as he angled his hips, hitting deeper, harder.

"Yes, you can," he rasped, his breath hot against my neck. "Let go for me, baby. I want to feel you come around me."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and before I knew it, the pleasure crashed over me like a tidal wave. My body clenched around him as I shattered in his arms, a cry escaping my lips as pleasure surged through me.

But he wasn’t done.

Even as I trembled, still lost in the aftershocks, he kept moving—slow, deep thrusts that reignited the fire inside me. I whimpered, my body still sensitive, but the hunger in his eyes told me he wasn’t stopping yet.

"One more, Firefly," he whispered against my ear, his voice dark and full of promise. "I need to feel you come for me again."

I gasped, my body still shuddering from the intensity of my release, but Arjun wasn’t giving me a moment to recover. His movements slowed, but each thrust was deep, deliberate—dragging me back into the pleasure I thought had just consumed me.

The warm water cascaded down our bodies, mixing with the heat between us, making my skin feel even more sensitive. My head fell back against the glass of the shower, my breathing ragged as he nipped at my jaw before capturing my lips again.

"Arjun… I can’t—" I whimpered, my body trembling in his hold.

"You can," he murmured, his voice rough, strained with his own pleasure. "And you will, Firefly."

His grip on my thighs tightened as he angled me just right before slamming into me again. The sound of water hitting the tiles mixed with our ragged breaths and the sinful sounds of our bodies meeting.

I could feel everything—every inch of him stretching me, every brush against that sweet, sensitive spot that sent sparks through my veins. My fingers tangled in his wet hair, nails digging into his scalp as he fucked me deeper, harder.

"Look at me," he demanded, his forehead pressing against mine. I barely managed to force my heavy lids open, but when I did, his eyes held me captive. Lust, desire, possession—it was all there, burning so fiercely it made my breath hitch.

"I love watching you fall apart for me," he groaned, his pace increasing, his control slipping.

The pressure coiled inside me again, unbearable, impossible. My entire body tensed as he thrust faster, his name a breathless plea on my lips.

"Come for me, Firefly," he ordered, his voice deep and commanding.

And I did.

My world shattered, my body arching against him as I screamed his name, pleasure hitting me so hard I thought I might collapse if he weren’t holding me up. My walls clenched around him, pulling him deeper, and with a strangled groan, he followed, his body stiffening as he found his own release.

We stayed there, panting, trembling, the water still running over us as he held me close, his arms wrapped tightly around me.

"I think we need another shower," he finally muttered, breathless, making me laugh softly against his shoulder.

Arjun slowly set me down, making sure my shaky legs could support me. But the moment my feet touched the wet tiles, my knees buckled. Before I could collapse, he caught me, a smug smirk tugging at his lips.

"Easy there, Firefly," he murmured, his hands firm around my waist, holding me upright. "Seems like I did a number on you."

I huffed, swatting weakly at his chest. "You’re too smug for your own good," I muttered, though my body betrayed me by leaning into him.

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to my damp forehead before reaching behind me to grab the body wash. "Let me take care of you," he said softly, squeezing a generous amount into his palm.

I sighed, my body still humming from everything we had just done, as he lathered his hands and began running them over my skin. His touch was gentle now, soothing, as he massaged the soap over my arms, shoulders, and down my back. The intimacy of it made my heart ache in a way I wasn’t prepared for.

"You always take care of me," I whispered, tilting my head back to look at him.

His expression softened, his fingers tracing slow circles along my spine. "Because you’re mine," he said simply, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

My chest tightened, and before I could stop myself, I reached up, cupping his face in my hands. I kissed him, slow and deep, pouring everything I felt into it—everything I couldn’t quite put into words yet.

When we pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine. "Come on, let’s get cleaned up," he murmured. "Then, I’m taking you to bed—not for more of this," he added quickly when he saw the wary look in my eyes, "but because you need to rest, and I’m not letting you out of my arms anytime soon."

I smiled, feeling warmth spread through me. "Fine," I relented. "But only if you stay with me the whole time."

His eyes darkened slightly, something unreadable flashing through them before he kissed me one more time. "Always, Firefly. Always."

Arjun wrapped a towel around me, his touch gentle as he dried my skin. He didn’t let me do anything—just held me close, his strong hands moving with a tenderness that made my chest tighten.

"I can do it myself, you know," I murmured, though I made no effort to stop him.

"I know," he said, smirking. "But I like taking care of you."

I bit my lip, warmth flooding my cheeks. I really missed all of this. I really missed him in the past days. He always had a way of making me feel things I wasn’t ready to admit out loud.

Once I was dry, he pulled one of his shirts over my head. It smelled like him—like musk, spice, and something distinctly Arjun. The fabric draped over me, falling past my thighs, making me feel small in the best way.

"Perfect," he said, his eyes darkening slightly as he took me in.

I rolled my eyes. "You say that when I’m wearing your clothes but not when I’m in my own?"

His lips twitched. "I say that because you’re mine, and seeing you in my shirt reminds me of that."

Before I could argue, he scooped me up effortlessly, carrying me toward the bed. I let out a soft squeak, clinging to his shoulders.

"Arjun—"

"Shh," he hushed me, settling us both under the covers. He pulled me flush against him, his body radiating warmth. "You need rest, Firefly. No arguments."

I wanted to protest, but as soon as my head hit his chest, my body betrayed me. The exhaustion from everything—his absence, my emotions, the way he completely wrecked me—settled in. His fingers traced slow, lazy circles on my back, his heartbeat steady beneath my ear.

"Close your eyes," he murmured. "I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere."

With his warmth surrounding me, his scent lulling me into comfort, I finally let go, surrendering to sleep in the arms of the man who had unknowingly become my home.

♡♡

Next morning

I stirred awake to the feeling of soft fingertips tracing idle patterns on my back. My body still felt heavy, sore in the best way possible, but the warmth surrounding me made it impossible to move. I buried my face deeper into Arjun’s chest, inhaling his scent, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing.

"Awake?" His voice was husky, laced with amusement.

I hummed in response, my fingers skimming over his bare skin, enjoying the quiet intimacy of the morning. A soft smile tugged at my lips as I realized something—I had woken up with him beside me. Unlike before, when uncertainty and fear gripped me, today, I found him here, holding me close.

Shifting slightly, I peeked at the window, noticing the golden rays of late morning light streaming in. My eyes widened slightly. "I slept for long again…" I murmured, more to myself.

Arjun’s arm tightened around me, his lips pressing against my hair. "You needed it," he said simply, his fingers still tracing my spine.

"Because I was starting to think I tired you out too much."

I peeked up at him, my cheeks heating instantly at the teasing smirk tugging at his lips. The memories of everything we did in the shower, against the mirror, on the bed—came flooding back, and I groaned, burying my face again.

His chuckle rumbled beneath me. "Shy now? You weren’t so shy when you were screaming my name yesterday."

I smacked his chest without lifting my head, earning a deep laugh from him. His arms tightened around me, and for a moment, we just stayed like that—wrapped up in each other, the world outside forgotten.

Then, as if a sudden thought struck me, I shifted abruptly, reaching for my phone. My fingers fumbled as I checked the time, my heart skipping a beat.

"It’s late," Arjun murmured beside me, his voice unbothered as he idly scrolled through his own phone.

I gasped, sitting up slightly. "Arjun, we missed work!"

"Hmm." His response was maddeningly indifferent.

I blinked at him, disbelief creeping into my voice. "And you don’t seem to care?"

Without a word, he tossed his phone aside and pulled me back into his arms, his grip firm but gentle. His warmth enveloped me, but my mind was still caught on the fact that we had skipped work.

"I don’t," he admitted easily. "Not today. I’m staying with you today too."

I pulled back just enough to look at him. "But… wasn’t it just for yesterday? You never said you’d stay home today too."

He cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing over my skin with that same unwavering tenderness. His gaze held mine, deep and resolute. "There is no schedule when it comes to my wife."

My heart clenched at his words. Arjun Malhotra, the man who built his empire with ruthless dedication, had willingly abandoned work for me.

"You’re staring," he murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

"I’m just surprised."

His fingers traced my jaw. "You shouldn’t be. You come first, Firefly. Always."

Something in my chest melted, and before I could stop myself, I reached up, pressing my lips softly to his. He responded instantly, deepening the kiss, his hand sliding into my hair.

"Mm," he hummed against my lips. "Don’t start something you’re not ready to finish."

A shiver ran down my spine at his tone. I pulled back slightly, a smirk curling on my lips. "Who said I wasn’t ready?"

His eyes darkened, his grip on me tightening. "Dangerous words, sweetheart."

I giggled, only to gasp when he suddenly flipped me onto my back, hovering over me with that familiar, wicked glint in his eyes.

"I hope you’re ready, Firefly. Because I have no intention of stopping this time."

And just like that, the world outside ceased to exist once more.

And just like that, the world outside seemed to vanish. All that mattered was the moment we shared, wrapped up in each other’s presence, in the warmth of the day. We spent the entire day together, not just indulging in passion, but savoring each other in every way possible.

It wasn’t just about the intimacy. We watched movies, laughing together, enjoying each other's company. Arjun, ever the charming tease, insisted on cooking while I watched, his every move calculated to get my attention—whether it was a sly wink or a playful comment. Even in the midst of chopping vegetables or stirring a pot, his hands would linger on me, brushing my skin, his touch sparking a flurry of sensations that made it impossible to focus on anything but him.

And despite the playful teasing, the day felt peaceful. We were in our own little bubble, a world where time didn’t exist, and the outside noise faded away. We laughed, we talked, we shared, and we loved. By the time the day came to a close, I realized that I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so completely content, so at home in his arms.

Arjun

I had been waiting for Karan to arrive at my office. After spending two full days with Ananya at home, we had finally returned to work today. Ananya seemed like her old self again—cheerful and focused as she worked alongside her team.

I noticed Karan walking toward my office, his figure visible through the glass walls.

"It took you long enough to get here," I remarked, my tone laced with boredom.

He grinned and took a seat across from me. "Look who's talking—the one who spent two whole days at home, avoiding work."

I didn’t respond immediately, my gaze still fixed on my desk. Karan’s eyes narrowed in teasing as he continued, "Oh come on, yaar. I have my personal life too."

I leaned back in my chair, pushing aside the casual banter. "Let’s get to work. Have you figured out why my phone didn’t receive any of Ananya’s calls or texts?"

Karan’s expression shifted slightly, his tone turning more serious. "Someone hacked your phone," he revealed matter-of-factly.

"Why? And who? Did you manage to figure it out?" I asked, the surprise and frustration evident in my voice. Ananya had cried to me, convinced that I had been ignoring her. I had to know what had happened, and, more importantly, who was responsible. Whoever this was had made Ananya fear that I wouldn’t return, and that thought infuriated me.

Karan ran a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. "It wasn’t from our country. Your phone was hacked from overseas. It’ll take some time, but we will find out who did this."

His words brought me back to reality. My jaw tightened as I spoke through gritted teeth, "Once I get my hands on that person, I won’t spare them."

Karan nodded grimly, his voice darkening. "Neither will I. Because of that bastard, my sister went through all of this."

I was silent for a moment, reflecting on Karan’s words. He really did care about Ananya. I couldn’t fault him for his protectiveness; if anyone had a right to be angry, it was him.

Karan’s gaze met mine, and he leaned forward slightly. "You know," he began, his voice turning more serious, "you’re also partly responsible for what happened to Ananya. So, I’ve got a few words for you too."

I didn’t flinch, knowing exactly what he meant. "I know," I admitted quietly. "I’ve hurt her, and I will make it right."

Karan’s tone softened, but there was an edge of sincerity that remained. "Arjun," he said, his voice dropping lower. "I’m not just talking about this one incident."

I felt a heaviness settle in my chest. "Karan," I interrupted, my voice firm, "not today."

He looked at me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "Fine," he said finally, standing up from his chair. "But just... take care of her."

Just as Karan was about to leave, Ananya walked into the room, her voice filled with amusement. "Karan bhai…!" she exclaimed. "You’re here? When did you arrive? I didn’t see you."

Karan turned toward her with a dramatic flair. "I just got here, Ananya," he replied, then in a mockingly sorrowful tone added, "Oh... I haven’t seen my sister in so long."

As he moved to embrace Ananya, I stepped in between them, pulling Ananya gently to my side. I knew that for Karan, she was his sister, but the possessive side of me couldn't help but make its presence known.

"Okay, okay," Karan relented with a smirk, raising his hands in mock surrender.

He turned his gaze to Ananya and said, "But I really need to go now. I have some work to take care of. See you next time, Ananya."

Ananya smiled warmly, nodding in understanding. "Sure, Karan bhai. Take care."

Karan gave a final wave before leaving the room, and once he was gone, I pulled Ananya closer, feeling a wave of possessiveness wash over me again. She was mine—now, and always.

As the door closed behind Karan, I turned to face Ananya, my gaze softening as I looked at her. She seemed so carefree, so bright, a stark contrast to the anxious, hurt version of herself from just a few days ago. My heart swelled with relief, but there was still an ache in me, a lingering sense of urgency to protect her, to shield her from anything that might hurt her again.

I took a step toward her, reaching out to gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "You’re looking better today," I said softly, my thumb grazing her cheek.

Ananya smiled, her eyes locking with mine, and she nodded. "I feel better, Arjun. Much better."

I couldn’t help but pull her into my arms, my hands sliding down her back to hold her tightly. "I’m sorry," I murmured against her hair. "For everything. For making you feel like I wasn’t there when you needed me."

She pulled away slightly, lifting her hand to touch my face. "You don’t need to apologize. I understand now. I just needed you close." Her voice was tender, her touch gentle.

"I’ll always be close, Ananya," I whispered, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Always."

She looked up at me with a softness in her gaze that made my chest tighten. "I know, Arjun."

♡♡

As the evening settled in and everyone had finished their work, Ananya’s tasks were also wrapped up. I could see the exhaustion in her eyes, but there was something else too—a softness, a calmness, like she had found her balance again.

I told her to go home first. "I still have some work left," I said, trying to sound casual, though inside, I was already preoccupied with the task ahead. The CCTV footage.

The footage of our apartment. I had planned to watch it the day I came back, the day Ananya had broken down. But I knew it wasn’t the right time. She needed me by her side. Today, I finally had the time to look.

I told her the driver would drop her home, just to ensure she didn't have to deal with a taxi ride. Though the driver was hired for emergencies, I preferred to be the one to take her wherever she needed to go.

Once she left, I pulled up the CCTV footage of the days I had been away, my fingers hovering over the keys as I selected the first day's footage. I hit play, and at first, everything seemed ordinary. But then, as I watched closely, I saw something that made my breath catch in my throat.

I wasn’t expecting it—what I saw on the screen was beyond anything I had anticipated. It left me feeling numb, a strange knot tightening in my stomach. It wasn’t just a one-time thing either. I moved to the next day’s footage, then the next, then the next. Each one showed the same thing.

I was frozen, unable to comprehend the scenes unfolding before me. The familiar surroundings of our apartment, the comforting normalcy of our home, had been shattered by something that made no sense. Something that left me questioning everything.

I leaned back in my chair, staring at the screen, a cold sense of dread creeping over me. What I had seen... I didn’t know how to process it. It was too much. But one thing was clear: this wasn’t just about what happened while I was gone. It was about the choices I had made.

I couldn’t stop replaying it in my mind.  What was the real story behind what I had just witnessed?

I shut off the monitor, feeling a chill run down my spine. My thoughts were tangled, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. But I had to know more.

This wasn’t over. It couldn’t be.

The questions that ran through my mind—what could have done?

But now, the first thought that consumed me was that I was at fault. Everything that had happened, everything she had gone through—it all stemmed from my actions. I was the reason. The weight of that realization hit me harder than anything else ever could.

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