Chapter 28: Into the Lion's Den

The SUV moved swiftly through the night, cutting through the empty roads.

Inside, the air was thick.

Not just with danger.

Not just with the scent of gunpowder and the promise of war.

But with something darker.

Something hotter.

Diya's breath came out uneven.

She had been silent since they left the basement.

Not because she was afraid.

But because she could still feel Abeer's hands on her.

Not soft. Not hesitant.

Possessive. Unrelenting.

Like he was reminding her who she belonged to.

Her skin still burned from the way he had tilted her chin up, whispering in that lethal voice—

"Are you scared of me yet, jaan?"

And when she hadn't answered?

His smirk had only deepened.

Because he already knew the truth.

Diya exhaled sharply, trying to focus.

"We're almost there," Aditya murmured from the front seat.

Abeer didn't respond.

His eyes were locked on her.

Watching. Waiting.

Like he could see every single thought running through her head.

Like he knew she was still thinking about what had happened back in the basement.

His hand moved.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

And then—his fingers brushed against her knee.

Diya froze.

A light, teasing touch.

Barely there.

But enough to make her heart stumble.

She turned toward him, her breath unsteady.

"Abeer," she whispered.

He leaned in, his lips ghosting over her ear.

"Yes, jaan?"

His fingers trailed higher.

Diya's pulse skyrocketed.

She should have pushed him away.

Should have reminded him that they were heading into a war.

That now wasn't the time for this.

But instead?

She found herself leaning in.

Drawn to the fire only he could ignite.

"You're playing dangerous games," she murmured.

Abeer chuckled.

"Sweetheart," he whispered, his hand tightening just slightly, enough to make her shudder.

"You have no idea how dangerous I can be."

The car came to a halt.

The warehouse loomed in the distance—dark, silent, waiting.

Aditya turned. "This is it."

Abeer didn't look away from Diya.

His fingers brushed against her one last time, slow, deliberate.

Then—he smirked.

"Let's end this."

Diya exhaled sharply, forcing herself to focus.

Her body still hummed from his touch.

But this was not the time.

Not yet.

Abeer stepped out first, adjusting the gun in his hand.

Diya followed.

As soon as she stepped out, the air shifted.

Something felt wrong.

Too quiet.

Too still.

Then—

A sound.

A slow, mocking clap.

Diya spun around.

And there she was.

Tara.

Standing in the doorway, smirking.

"You took your time," she said.

Abeer's grip tightened on his gun.

"You should've run farther," he murmured.

Tara's smile widened.

"Why would I run," she said softly, "when I've already won?"

And then—

The lights flickered on.

Diya's breath caught.

Because standing behind Tara—

Were at least a dozen men.

Armed. Waiting.

This wasn't just a final confrontation.

This was an ambush.