Chapter 26: CHAPTER 23: CRUEL JOKE

Neti

The silence in my room is suffocating.

I sit at the edge of the massive bed, my fingers gripping the silk sheets as if they can ground me. But nothing feels real anymore. Not the luxury surrounding me, not the weight of my own breath, not the man who has spent years playing with me—only to now whisper things that make my pulse race against my will.

What does he want from me?

Why is he doing this?

I could spend forever debating whether to fight or surrender, whether to demand answers or brace myself for whatever cruel game he’s playing.

But then, I hear it.

A melody.

Soft. Haunting. Beautiful.

It curls through the air like smoke, slipping under the door, weaving around my limbs, pulling me toward it as if invisible strings are tugging at my soul.

I know this song.

My breath catches.

It’s ours.

The one he used to play for me when we were young. When he wasn’t a monster. When I wasn’t his prisoner.

I rise without thinking, my body moving before my mind can catch up. My heart pounds with every step as I push the door open.

He’s there.

Sitting at the grand piano, his fingers gliding effortlessly over the ivory keys, his head slightly tilted, lost in the music. The warm glow of the chandelier casts soft shadows across his face, making him look almost ethereal. Almost human.

I don’t recognize this version of him.

The ruthless, calculating man who shackled me in chains… now playing a melody that once belonged to us.

A cruel joke.

But then he speaks.

“Do you remember this, Neti?”

His voice is smooth, dark silk wrapping around my throat, tightening, making it impossible to breathe.

He doesn’t look at me, but I know he feels me there.

I swallow hard. “You still remember it?”

A low chuckle. It shouldn’t make my stomach twist the way it does. “I remember everything.”

Finally, he turns, those piercing eyes locking onto mine, and I swear my legs almost give out.

“Come here,” he murmurs.

I hesitate.

He smirks. “No muerdo, mi reina.” His voice drops an octave, teasing, wicked. “Unless you beg me to.”

I don’t bite, my queen.

My face flames. “I don’t want to learn.”

His smirk deepens. “Liar.”

Before I can move, he reaches out, fingers curling around my wrist, pulling me forward. I gasp as he tugs me down onto the piano bench beside him.

Too close.

The heat of his body seeps into mine, his thigh pressed against me, solid and, unyielding.

“I used to teach you this,” he murmurs, his breath brushing against my ear. “You were terrible at it.”

I scowl. “I was twelve.”

“And now you’re not.” His fingers slide over mine, guiding me to the keys. His voice dips lower, like a predator coaxing its prey. “But I wonder… are you still as stubborn?”

Before I can answer, his grip tightens on my waist—

And suddenly, I’m in his lap.

A strangled gasp escapes me as my hands fly to his shoulders for balance, my heart nearly leaping out of my chest.

“What the hell are you doing?!”

He hums, tilting his head as if contemplating. “You learn better when you’re comfortable.” His fingers press lightly against my back, keeping me there. “And I like you like this.”

I glare at him, even as heat floods my cheeks. “Let me go.”

He leans in, his nose grazing my jaw, his voice a sinful whisper. “But you fit so perfectly here, piccola. Like you were meant to be mine.”

My breath stutters. “I hate you.”

He chuckles, his fingers tracing lazy circles against my lower back. “You keep saying that. But your body?” His smirk deepens. “It tells me something else.”

I try to shove away, but he tightens his grip, his lips ghosting over my ear.

“Tell me, mi reina,” he purrs, his voice drenched in amusement. “Do I make you nervous?”

“No.” The word comes out too fast. Too breathless.

His chuckle is dark, knowing. “Liar.”

My pulse is a wild drumbeat in my ears, my body betraying me in ways I refuse to acknowledge.

His hand moves, fingertips grazing up my spine—

And then—

“Ayy, Neti bhabhi and my beloved brother!”

The moment shatters.

I practically leap off his lap, my entire face burning as I whirl around.

Pranav.I guess

Yes it's him only

Standing in the doorway.

Grinning like a devil who knows exactly what he just interrupted.

I clench my fists, humiliation burning through my veins. “Idiota!” I hiss, shoving past him before he can say another word.

I don’t stop until I’m back in my room, slamming the door behind me.

My heart is still racing.

And the worst part?

It’s not from anger.

It’s from him...

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