Page 92 of Born in Sin

“Do you trust me?”

She groaned. “Of course I do! But do you have to treat me like an imbecile? Like a fool with not enough brains to comprehend what is going on.”

“That’s not what I’m doing.” For the first time ever, Virat’s voice rose in temper. “Does it not occur to you that if I’m not telling you something, it’s because I have a damn good reason for it.”

“No, of course it wouldn’t,” she sniped. “Because I don’t know anything. How will anything occur to me?”

“You’re acting like a child, Celi,” he snapped.

She shoved him backwards and jumped to her feet. “And you’re acting like an old man,” she said furiously. “I’m done, Vir. Goodnight.”

“Wait.” He grabbed her hand and held her back, stopping her from storming off. “Just one goddamn minute.” He heaved a defeated sigh. “I’ll tell you everything.”

Celina crossed her arms over her chest and waited, her temper refusing to abate even for a second.

“Celi –“

A loud shout sounded from the direction of the school building. “Who’s there?” Light from a torchlight bobbed along the path leading to them.

“Celi,” Virat breathed. “Run!”

Chapter Thirty

CARA

She drew lazy circles on Virat’s chest, her fingers tangling in the curly mat of hair that covered it. The peace that blanketed her was one she’d spent a lifetime chasing. It might be short lived but for now it was hers and she’d cherish it.

A phone chimed in the silence of the room. Cara groaned, burying her face in his chest, refusing to accept the fact that the real world was knocking on their little cocoon. Virat chuckled, ruffling her hair and reaching for his phone.

“It’s not me,” he rumbled, after a moment, the vibration of his voice reverberating through her cheek.

Cara burrowed further, shaking her head. “Uh huh. No. I don’t care. I don’t want to talk to anyone.”

She felt Virat still beneath her and exhaled. Of course. “It’s the burner,” she said resignedly, sitting up, all semblance of peace fleeing in the face of reality. She reached over to the side table and pulled it over. Behind her, Virat sat up, the sheet falling to his waist, his bare chest against her back. He dropped areassuring kiss on her shoulder but it did nothing to calm her down. Instead, it sent a sizzle of sensation through her.

You’re in danger, Celina. Please let me help you.

She knew Virat was reading the text over her shoulder, his fury a third party in their little, hotel room.

“That fucker never gives up, does he?” he murmured.

“And I always find it hard to disbelieve him.” Cara sighed. “What does that say about me?”

“That you’re a fool with not enough brains to comprehend what’s going on,” Virat said deadpan.

Cara turned to look at him, her hand slipping under the sheet to grip him, her fingers closing around his hardening length in a soft yet tight hold. “Say that again?” she said sweetly.

Virat laughed, the sound shockingly loud and free. And everything Cara held close, every last fear, hurt, and grudge melted at the sound, leaving only love behind. She cupped his face, bringing his lips to hers for a sweet, sweet kiss, one that healed every lingering past wound.

“I love you, Virat Jha,” she whispered.

“I never stopped loving you, Celi.” He kissed her back, his heart in every stroke and caress of his lips.

Virat rested his forehead on hers, breathing deeply, his face, for the first time ever, relaxed, unlined, and at peace.

And then his phone started to make the strangest beeping noise. Cara drew back, staring at it. “What in the world is that horrifying ringtone?”

Virat smiled wryly. “It’s either Amay or Virat. I have set it to that so I don’t ignore it even when I’m occupied with something important.”