Chapter 8

The heavy thumping of the black Royal Enfield Bullet 500 echoed off the high stone archways of the porch before the ignition key clicked off. The engine died with a final metallic ping.

Swinging a long leg off the saddle, broad strides carried him up the front marble steps into the shaded main foyer. The leather gym duffel bag was tossed into the ground-floor laundry room, landing on a wooden bench with a heavy thud of zippers and wet athletic gear.

Silently gliding across the seamless marble floor, broad shoulders slipped through the wide custom doorway leading to the service wing.

Near the central brass stove, a tall figure stood with her back turned to the hall, overseeing the morning breakfast. She wore a soft, sheer white cotton nightgown beneath an unbuttoned burgundy satin robe that wrapped loosely around her broad, commanding hips. Her long, glossy chocolate-colored hair hung loose and unbraided down her back, spilling past her shoulders in rich waves. Bare heels rested directly on the cool floor, her chiming gold jhanjharan sounding with every small movement.

Closing the distance without a sound, broad hands reached out. Thick fingers caught a soft lock of her dark hair near her neck, giving a gentle, teasing yank that pulled her head back slightly. Leaning down over her bare shoulder, his lips pressed a warm, lingering kiss against her flushed cheek, his voice dropping into a cheeky whisper near her ear.

“Good morning, girlfriend! Did you miss me or not?” (Good morning, girlfriend! Yaad aayi si meri ya nahi?)

“HAI RABBA!”

Meher let out a sharp gasp, her hand flying up to gather her loose hair as she swiveled sharply on her heels. Her gold jhanjharan chimed wildly against the marble floor. Her dark eyes flashed with bright, intense heat as her gaze swept up his broad frame, taking in his tight t-shirt and dark track pants.

“Why do you do things that will get you killed? And what is this ‘girlfriend’ nonsense you’ve started first thing in the morning!” (Tu marn waale kam kyo karda ain? Te eh ki ‘girlfriend’ laya hoiya ae subah-subah!)

A rich, carefree laugh rumbled deep in his chest, deep cheek dimples cutting into his handsome face as he stepped toward the wide breakfast counter.

“I was just confirming yesterday evening’s conversation, Bhabi. Tell me then, where is my brother?” (Main te kal shaam wali gal di confirmation kar reha si, Bhabi. Dass fer, kithe ne mere Veer Ji?)