Chapter 15: The Truth Between Us

Diya stumbled back, her pulse hammering.

How?

How did Abeer know the truth?

Her breathing was ragged, panic clawing at her chest. "You're lying."

Abeer took a slow step forward, completely relaxed. "Am I?"

Diya swallowed. "I—"

"Your eyes, your body language," Abeer murmured, studying her. "You never looked at me like Sia did."

Diya's stomach twisted.

"You don't love me," he said, his voice smooth, dangerous. "But you do fear me."

Her throat tightened.

"Which means," Abeer continued, his gaze locking onto hers, "you know exactly who I am. And what I'm capable of."

Diya wanted to deny it.

Wanted to run.

But something in his eyes told her—there was nowhere left to go.

Abeer walked closer, his presence suffocating.

"How did you get here, jaan?" His voice was silk and steel.

Diya's breath caught. "I don't know."

Abeer tilted his head. "Liar."

Diya clenched her fists. "Even if I told you the truth, what would you do? Kill me?"

Abeer chuckled, low and amused. "Kill you?"

His fingers brushed her wrist, feather-light but firm.

"No, jaan."

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear.

"I'd rather keep you."

Diya's entire body locked up.

She yanked her wrist back. "I'm not yours to keep!"

Abeer smirked. "Aren't you?"

Her pulse went wild.

This wasn't just about control.

This wasn't just about power.

This was about Abeer wanting her.

Not as Sia.

As Diya.

And that?

That was far more dangerous.

The room felt smaller.

Abeer stepped even closer.

Diya tried to move back.

But he grabbed her wrist and pulled her flush against him.

Her breath hitched.

"Still pretending you don't feel this?" Abeer murmured, his voice like a dark promise.

Diya pushed at his chest. "Let me go."

Abeer's grip tightened. "Say it like you mean it, jaan."

Her entire body betrayed her.

Because his heat, his scent, the raw dominance in his touch—

It was too much.

She hated him.

But she wanted him.

And he knew it.

Abeer leaned in, his lips barely grazing her jaw.

Diya shuddered.

"I hate you," she whispered.

Abeer smirked. "Good."

And then—

His lips crashed into hers.

This was not a kiss of love.

This was fire meeting fire. A battle of dominance.

Abeer's hand slid to the back of her neck, tilting her head up, taking what he wanted.

Diya fought back.

Her fingers fisted in his shirt, pushing, pulling—losing herself.

His lips were rough, demanding, teasing.

A slow, wicked assault.

Diya gasped, and Abeer took full advantage.

His tongue slipped inside, claiming, possessing.

A dark groan rumbled in his chest.

Diya felt it everywhere.

She hated him.

But God, she wanted more.

His grip tightened around her waist, pulling her closer, until there was no space left between them.

She was trapped in his heat, in his hunger, in the way he devoured her like she was his to ruin.

And maybe, for this moment—she was.

Abeer pulled away slowly, deliberately.

His thumb brushed over her swollen lips.

"Still want to run, jaan?" he murmured.

Diya was shaking.

Not from fear.

But from how much she had wanted that kiss.

She swallowed hard. "This... this doesn't change anything."

Abeer chuckled, low and dangerous.

"You keep telling yourself that, jaan."

His dark gaze locked onto hers.

"But we both know..."

His fingers traced her jaw, trailing down her neck, slow and deliberate.

"This is far from over."

Diya staggered back.

She had played with fire.

And now?

She was burning.