Page 17

Another step from him, and then another until finally her back hit the doorframe. Before she could even think of escaping, Shaurya caged her in, his palms resting against the doorway on either side of her, his sudden proximity stealing her breath.

Nandini swallowed hard. Big mistake.

His clean, fresh scent, with a hint of something dark and intoxicating, wrapped around her, making it impossible to think.

She willed herself not to look at him. But naturally, her eyes betrayed her.

He was all muscle and heat, his skin warm and flushed from his workout, his chest rising and falling in controlled breaths. Her gaze trailed lower, tracing the ridges of his abs, down to where his joggers hung dangerously low on his hips.

Oh… Oh.

Heat coiled in her stomach. She felt underdressed, standing there in her night shorts and an oversized tee, her bare legs exposed to the winter air and his sharp, observing gaze.

Wait. WHAT?

Was he… checking her out?

Her heart stuttered as his dark eyes flickered over her, as if he was slowly assessing her too, before his expression hardened again.

No. He wasn’t.

The man was probably just calculating how fast he could throw her out. Still, her skin felt hotter, despite the fact that it was freezing cold outside.

Shaurya’s jaw ticked before he leaned in just a fraction closer.

“It’smyhouse, Miss Raichand. I can do whatever I want. Who the hell are you to question me?”

She swallowed, her mind blanking at how close he was.

“I’m Nandini… your vigilant neighbour and a responsible resident of Serene Meadows.” She cleared her throat. “I wasjust making sure you weren’t getting robbed. And instead of thanking me, you’re scolding me!”

Shaurya let out a low, sarcastic sigh. “Thanking you? For almost knocking me out with that silly cricket bat?”

“I was here to hit a thief, not you!” she scoffed. “It’s not my fault you sneak around your own villa like a damn intruder!”

Their eyes locked, fire meeting fire.

“Maybe you should put up a sign outside.‘If you see shadows inside, don’t worry, it’s not a thief—it’s just me, creeping around like a living ghost.’”

Suddenly, Shaurya stilled, and his expression darkened, as if she had said something that didn’t just prick but stabbed his soul.

“Do. Not. Say. That. Again.”

The warning in his tone made her stomach twist. Clearly, that phrase hit a nerve. But what part of it? And why?

But before she could question it, the doorbell rang.

Ding dong!

Her eyes widened in horror as she heard the voices of her grandpa and his other elderly friends.

“Oh God. Santa Claus is here!”

“What?” Shaurya’s frown deepened.

“Daadu! He’s outside, going villa to villa, distributing gifts. If he sees me here—” She spun around in panic. “Hide me!”

“Hide you?” Shaurya stared at her like she had lost her mind.