“Namaste aunty-uncle” I greet, bending down to touch their feet and seeking blessings. Her hand hovers briefly over my head as she murmurs a blessing. But my dear uncle stands stiff, his hands clasped behind his back, grumpy face — refusing to say a word.

And they say women are too emotional

I rise, my palms still joined together while forcing a polite smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes “Bahut time baad dekha hai. Bahut sundar lagri ho” my aunty says, tapping my cheek gently. Her warm words only make me wonder how she ended up with a man like him.

[Translation - I have seen you after a long while, you look beautiful]

My gaze shifts to my uncle, my father’s elder brother, who doesn’t even spare me a glance. My aunt nudges him with her elbow, asking him to say something. He only gives her a side glare and lets out an annoyed huff. “Bade papa se uncle ban gaya hoon. Dekho yeh foreigners ka influence” he mutters, his voice filled with disdain.

[Translation - I have become an uncle from big father. See the foreigners influence]

My face twists in disbelief, annoyance forming inside me. He never misses an opportunity to taunt my relationship huh.

I would never regret not calling him bade papa. He doesn't deserve that kind of respect or authority.

“Aare! kya baatein kar rahe hain, bhai sahab?” my father interrupts suddenly, his tone light but words sharp. Everyone looks at him, surprised by his intervention. “Agar itna hi foreign influenced hoti toh seedhe naam se bulati, rishte se nahin.” He laughs softly, but his words weights more

[Translation - What! What are you saying brother?

If she was so foreign influenced then she would have addressed you by your name, not the relationship]

“Ab toh aaj kal ke bachche, badhon ko bhi badal dete hain” my uncle grumbles under his breath.

[Translation - Kids these days, trying to change elders]

Before I can react, Maya’s voice cuts through sharply. “Ab kya karein. Jab itne bade hoke bhi samajh nahi paaye, toh abhi bachchon ko hi seekhana padhta hai,” she says, her tone mocking.

[Translation - Now what to do. When people are grown up yet still couldn't understand, then kids have to teach them]

She doesn’t even try to mask her bitterness. And who can blame her? A father who abandoned her mother simply because she birthed a daughter. What respect could she have for him?

Even my aunt stifles a laugh behind a cough.

I roll my eyes and turn away, moving towards my bua — Papa’s younger sister. Before I can bend down, she pulls me into a hug. Her smile is radiant, her eyes crinkling in corners with genuine affection unlike others. “Haye! kitni lambi ho gayi ho” she exclaims, still holding onto me. I haven't seen her in years.

[Translation - Aww you have grown so much!]

Her husband and Sonia’s father nodded with approval, patting my head. “Kaise ho beta?”

[Translation - How are you child?]

“Ekdam badhiya” I reply with a smile, hugging my bua tighter. I don’t get to see her often since she prefers her life in Canada. Truthfully she seems happier, healthier, freer — more herself. Independent in a way this place would never allow or most likely this family would never allow.

[Translation - Very good!]

I really appreciate my uncle for proving everyone wrong and breaking those stereotypes. Studying medicine with her and supporting her throughout the journey.

She leans in close, her voice teasing “Mujhe pata hai kyun itni khush ho.” She says, her eyes filled with mischief.

My eyes widens, heat rushing to my cheeks. “Aare aunty! aap toh mat kijiye please!” I pull back, embarrassed. She just laughs knowingly.

[Translation - Gosh aunty! At least you don't do this please!]

I know I am giving off everything just by blushing.

Definitely Sonia spilled everything

Almost everything.

Every relative I have met today has said the same thing — sly smiles, teasing remarks. And some boldly asking when I’m getting married. A few even steal glances at Lucas, trying to figure him out or pinpoint any flaws.

Of course they couldn't find any

My Lucas is perfect. And I could be by him proudly

But I have kept him away, hidden.

Zazar se bachana hai.

[Translation - To protect him from evil eye]

“Chalo chalo, haldi ka time ho raha hai,” Ma calls, urging everyone out of the hall towards the garden.

[Translation - Let's go, it's time for haldi.

Haldi is a pre-wedding ritual in Indian culture. Mostly held a day or two before the wedding. It involves applying turmeric paste (haldi), rosewater and others on bride and groom's skin]

The garden stretches before us but instead of the freshness I notice its grass is dry. It won’t look good in photographs. Why aren’t the sprinklers on today like usual?

We have planned everything, flower garlands, flower decoration, the haldi stand.The decorations are beautiful, the fountain filled with yellow marigolds and rose petals floating on top. A grand seat prepared for our bride and groom.

The guests are on theme — orange and pink, while Mira and Veer shine in yellow together. They look like a perfect couple.

I let out a sigh, tugging at the corset blouse which I foolishly thought would be chic and stylish. The silk skirt flows soft and weightless around me but the blouse? It’s stiff and literally digging into my ribs. A constant reminder that fashion comes with pain.

I quickly fix my hair before stepping into the warm sunlight. The chatter of relatives fills the air all around me. Smiling and greeting everyone I face on my way.

My cheeks ache from grinning too much

“Jasmine! Theek ho?” Maya’s voice pulls me back. She approaches with a tray of thandai, her eyes scanning my face with concern.

[Translation - Jasmine! Are you okay?]

I exhale, my eyes dropping on the chill drop dripping from the glass “Haan, abhi toh haldi shuru bhi nahi hui hai aur main already thak gayi hoon,” I mutter

[Translation - Yeah, the haldi haven't even started yet but I am already tired]

Her expression softens “Bola tha mat kar itna kaam!” She scolds gently, pressing a glass into my hand. “Yeh pi lo aur thoda rest kar lo. Nahi toh phir kaam aajayenge”

[Translation - I told you not to work so much!

Drink this and rest. Or else more work will come]

I nod, accepting the cool drink, watching her walk away into the seating area filled with relatives.

Mira sits gracefully at the decorated spot on a low wooden stool. Glowing in her simple yellow suit, minimal jewellery, makeup barely there.She doesn't seem to be extravagating herself. Aryan clings to her side, his small hands clutching her dupatta as she tenderly caresses his hair while her friends gush about something.

Her family isn’t here — both her parents passed years ago. Instead her circle of friends and colleagues has filled the gap. And I am thankful for their presence.

But beneath Mira’s bright smile and sparkling eyes. I noticed a quiet detachment when others aren't looking. A weariness she tries to bury under her smile.

Beside her, Veer is dressed in his yellow kurta, his attention not on the guests, not on the rituals — but on Mira and Aryan.

The look in his eyes isn’t casual.

It’s devotion.

A silent promise that goes deeper than words.

The family knows about Aryan now — Veer made sure not to hide him. He and Mira told everyone together. Though they never mentioned the biological father. But the truth shocked everyone in our family.

I remember the tense conversation Papa and Ma had with Veer afterwards privately. I don’t know what they talked about but since then, no one has dared bring it up again.

Maybe Veer told them to.

Among everyone it’s Dadi who has been most welcoming towards him. Showering Aryan with love and sweets. He is her first great-grandson afterall.

It’s a unique balance — between joy and tension.

And somehow the main person was missing. Kunal.

Since the cricket match, he’s been keeping away. I don’t know if he will even show up today. But if he does, will he be able to watch his ex marry his cousin? Take in the sight of his child being adopted and loved by someone else? I can't even say his child.

If he has even an ounce of shame, he will stay away.

I hope he is guilty and regrets it.

“Don't stress your face, milaya”

A hand suddenly covers my eyes, blocking my view of the crowd. My lashes flutter against his palm and the faint fragrance of fresh flowers fills my nose.

“Lucas, what are you doing—” I say, turning quickly to push his hand away. But the words get stuck on my lips the moment my gaze meets his.

There he is

Smiling

Dressed in a vibrant pink kurta that wouldn't look good if he wasn't the one wearing it.

His hair falls slightly over his forehead, in the most perfect and boyish way.

For a moment, my heart actually stumbles in my chest

Why is it moving in the first place?

He looks devastatingly handsome.

I would be looking away and stealing glances but now that he is my boyfriend. I will stare shamelessly

“Being a full-on foreigner, you clean up nicely Mr. Williams. Fishing for compliments?” I tease, dragging my gaze slowly from his head to toe. Is that giving off that I am very much aware of how good he looks? And that I am swooning over him?

He shrugs with smooth casualness but I can see the glimmer of pride in his eyes. Then he leans in — too close “I don’t need to fish. You are my best compliment” His voice drops to a playful murmur

My breath catches.The heat starts forming across my cheeks so fast that I am embarrassed at how much he affects me. “Oh gosh” I mutter, flustered. “I could never win against you in flirting.”

Then my eyes catch on the way he is keeping one hand tucked behind his back, as if hiding something. My curiosity peaks in “What’s that?” I ask, tilting my head to get a glimpse.

For a split second, his eyes flicker with an unreadable expression “Well” he starts slowly, “You have been running around so much with all these preparations that you forgot to wear those flower thingies like others”

My eyebrows furrow “Flower thingies?”

He nods, gesturing toward my cousins. I follow his gaze, noticing Sonia and Maya engaging with others. Their hair is adorned with gajras.

[Gajra are made with fresh Jasmine flowers and worn my women in their hair]

My hand instinctively touches my hair, feeling their absence. A pang of disappointment tugs at me “Oh, right. I forgot….” I have been so busy fussing over everyone that I forgot my own things.

“I didn’t”

He finally reveals the things in his hand and my breath hitches. His hand holding a small gajra, white Jasmine woven together and radiating. My hand gently graze over them, fearing I would somehow ruin them. It's not just the gajra but the small colourful flowers woven between them by him.

“You made this for me?” I whisper, my voice almost breaking.

His smile deepens warm and loving “I wanted to make sure it's the prettiest and perfect one among everyone ” he steps closer, lowering his voice until it's only for me “But it’s beauty will only be visible if you wear it”

My heart skips and then races.

Butterflies? I can't even talk to you all anymore

I slowly turn, allowing him to step behind me. His fingers brush against my hair as he carefully secures the gajra in.  The soft feeling of flowers against my neck, his gentle touch sends a shiver down my spine.

He steps back with a satisfied look. His eyes scan me like he is committing the sight to his memory “Perfect” he mutters softly.

I chuckle, shaking my head “You are unbelievable”  I mumble, unable to hold my smile while I touch the flowers in my hair. “Thank you, Lucas”

He tilts his head, smirking. “You have no idea how mesmerizing you look when you smile like that”

Before I can reply, a sharp voice cuts through the moment “Okay. If the romance session is over, can we start the rasam?”

[Translation - ceremony]

Sonia stands with her arms crossed, watching us with narrowed eyes. Lucas and I immediately glance at each other feeling embarrassed. I quickly clear my throat, forcing out a smile

“Yeah, yeah! Let's go!” I say loudly, pushing her with me.

We all gathered as the ceremony began, my mother being the first one to apply haldi on Veer and Mira, her moments gentle and practiced. Veer was sitting quietly but Aryan, who was relaxing on Veer's lap, now straightened up — watching the ceremony with amusement.

“Mujhe bhi!” He squeals, bouncing on Veer's lap. Mira's eyes widens, she leans towards her son to calm him but before she could do anything Veer holds him up  “ma, ishe bhi thoda lagdo” He says, a small smile breaking out from his composed expressions.

[Translation - I want it too!

Ma, apply it to him too]

My mother looked surprised at first but she didn’t hesitate. She dips her fingers in haldi and smears a line of it across Aryan's soft cheeks. He giggles, his source of joy coming from a tiny action.

One by one, each elder relative comes forward to apply haldi, not just on the couple but also on their little one too. While the photographers and videographer hovering around to capture every moment.

Meanwhile, Stella, Lucas, and Liam helped me make sure refreshments were being served. Lunch would be after the haldi but for now no guest could be complaining. I was carrying an empty tray back to the table when I hear a hushed conversation.

Mira’s friends were standing nearby, one of them recording on her phone “Saare badhon ko jaldhi khatam karwake asli haldi shuru karna hai” she whispers

[Translation - Let's make all the elders finish first so we could start the ‘real’ ceremony]

The other one also chuckles “Haan, full plan taiyaar hai” My eyebrows furrow at their words.

That definitely wasn’t in the schedule

“What are you both talking about?” I ask, walking towards them with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

They stiffens instantly, spinning around with guilty faces. Aditiv— Mira’s legal advisor, dressed in a deep orange suit with her straight hair falling loose. She shifts uncomfortably as if caught red-handed “Hm… Jasmine…” she trails off, glancing at her friend for backup.

Sehr — Mira’s accountant was standing beside her in a pink palazzo suit, her soft makeup highlighted by a contrasting hijab.

Unlike Aditi, she spoke up with a calm smile “It’s nothing serious. Just a little fun, a prank maybe. Please don’t tell anyone from the groom’s side!” She pressed her hands together in a requesting manner.

I frown while tilting my head “A prank? On Veer?” I ask in genuine surprise “You know he is not exactly the kind to appreciate unplanned chaos in the middle of his ceremony. He likes things structured. He made sure everything was scheduled perfectly”

Aditi sighs, almost rolling her eyes. “Exactly why it feels so stiff. Look at my girl!” She gestures towards the ceremony which is continuing in a slow manner. Veer looks composed but Mira’s smile was beginning to twitch from smiling at everyone.

Meanwhile, Aryan has already escaped away to chase after the cats, Sonia following behind him protectively.

Sehr’s voice softens as she leaned toward me “We just want to add a little life, Jasmine. Trust me, you will love it. It’s our best friend’s wedding too. We wouldn’t spoil it.”

Their sincerity makes me sigh, even though the suspicion still lingered.I set the tray back on the table “Fine. I guess…” Both their faces lit up in victory at my defeat as I get back to my seat.

Liam and Stella were sitting nearby, watching the ceremony unfold with interest. Stella was explaining the details to him, the same way I explained to her when we were in University together.

“Something bothering you?” Lucas’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. He extends a hand towards me, his eyes searching for an answer.

I place my hand in his, letting him pull me down beside him “Yeah, well…I overheard them. They are planning to do something after haldi” I gesture my head towards Sehr and Aditi, who were now among the crowd and recording

Lucas frowns slightly “What kind of something?”

“I don't know!” I exclaim, almost frustrated”I just hope it's nothing that would go wrong”

As the worry builds in, his hand lands gently on my shoulder in support “Hey. Don’t stress. Maybe it’s just another ritual or some playful tradition you didn’t mention yet. You did say weddings here have dozens of them, right?”

I let out a breath, leaning into his touch subtly.

His assurance makes the tension in my head loosen a bit “I hope so” I murmur

We watch the ceremony continue. By now, both Mira and Veer are emerged in haldi — faces glowing with yellow. Streaks of haldi running down face. Sonia returns with Aryan, his face freshly cleaned.

“Sahi waqt pe aa gaye ho, yahan aao beta,” Dadi calls him warmly. Aryan skips back and Veer lifts him onto his lap with ease.

[Translation - Came at the right time, come here child]

Dadi waves money around them to ward off evil — nazar uthrna “Kabhi kisi ki nazar na lage is parivaar pe” she blesses them, pressing a kiss to Mira’s forehead. Mira smiles and bends down to touch dadi’s feet.

[Translation -

“Chalo sab bacche, ab tumhari baari,” Papa calls out.

[Translation - come on it's time for the kids]

Nikhil jumps up first, rolling his sleeves like a soldier preparing for battle “Pehle main!” he declares with a mischievous grin.

[Translation - First me!]

Aditi steps forward and stops him “Uncle, aap sab logon ke liye lunch already arrange hai. Aap sab fresh hokar pehle khana kha lijiye. Ab humari baari hai thoda rasam enjoy karne ki” she insists politely but the excitement in her eyes were visible to everyone.

[Translation - Uncle, lunch is arranged for you all. You all freshen up and eat. It's time for us to enjoy the ceremony]

Papa raises an eyebrow in skepticism and was about to argue but dadi keeps her hand on his shoulder “Haan, ab inhe karne do. Hum log chalte hain” she says, signaling for the elders to move inside. The rest of the senior relatives follow without complaint — leaving behind just the cousins and close friends.

[Translation - Yes, let them continue. We all can go]

“Ab toh maza aayega” Nikhil mutters, rubbing his hands together like a villain. Nyra follows behind him

[Translation - Now it's time for fun]

“Chalo, bade bhai, ab toh kurta utar do! Jab tak bade log the tab tak tameez thi, ab koi nahi hai” Nikhil teases, tugging Veer’s sleeve.

[Translation - come on big brother. Now remove your kurta! Till the elders were here, you could keep your modesty, now there's no one]

Veer slaps his hand away while balancing Aryan “Zarurat nahi hai” he says while glaring at Nikhil

[Translation - No need]

“Aare Veer, utar na. Body show-off karne ka golden chance hai” Kabir adds in with a teasing laugh.

[Translation - Remove it. It's a golden chance to show-off your body]

Maya also doesn't leave a moment “Haan Veer, kisi ko impress karna hai kya?” she teases, looking at Mira.

[Translation - Yeah veerz don't you wanna impress someone?]

Mira blinks, understanding her words. Veer and Mira's eyes meet for the briefest second before they both look away. Blushing.

The group erupts into laughter at the awkwardness.

“Chalo beta, ab tumhari jagah yahan nahi hai” Sehr says, scooping Aryan into her arms from Veer’s lap.

[Translation - Let's go kid, this isn't place for you anymore]

“Nahi jaana mujhe!” Aryan protests, kicking his feet.

[Translation - I don't wanna go!]

Aditi steps in to help sehr. “Arre, bas thodi der. Phir aayenge” she promises, bribing him with chocolates and dinosaurs inside.

Once Aryan is taken away, Veer reluctantly pulls off his kurta. A wave of whistles and teasing shouts fills the air as his body is revealed.

He looks like he wants the ground to swallow him.

I can’t help but sigh while shaking my head — typical Veer. He has always been shy in these matters. Mira, on the other hand, is ignoring him like air. Looking everywhere but him.

“Ab shuru hoti hai asli haldi!” Nikhil says. Before Veer could react, Nikhil scoop handful of haldi and rubs it all over Veer’s face and hair.

[Translation - Now the real haldi begins]

“Arey baand kar!” Veer shouts, half annoyed and half helpless, while Nikhil steps back grinning.

[Translation - Gosh don't do this!]

Meanwhile, Nyra does it gently, applying haldi on Mira's cheeks and arms before stepping back.

One by one all cousins and friends rush in, rubbing haldi on the couple. Some literally pouring everything on Veer like a competition. At this rate he will stay yellow even after ten baths.

Finally it was my turn. I move towards veer, picking the haldi with the leaves, grinning at him. He squints his eyes suspiciously. I try to control my laughter, looking at his face caked with turmeric

I don't know how he wasn't feeling irritated and taking up everything.

“Kya karun?” I ask teasingly, debating to be a good sister or the fun one. He scoffs shaking his head “Yaah rakh, teri bhi haldi hongi toh mai bhi badal lunga” he says, his tone half playful and half warning but he isn't less to actually do it.

[Translation - What should I do?

Remember, when there will be your wedding, I will take my revenge]

“Jab hongi, tab dekhenge!” I chuckle before rubbing the haldi on his cheeks and arms. “Is baar Jane dete hai!”

[Translation - When it happens then we will see.

I will let it go this time]

Next I move towards Mira who was sitting calmly yet a bit stiff, her eyes darting here and there in nervousness “Can I?” I ask, grabbing her attention.

She looks at me and nods, “I hope you are happy” I whisper, keeping my voice low while applying the haldi.

Her eyes widen slightly before she composes them “I am. And I hope I remain that way after this” she doesn't need to explain her words. I smile at her, in appreciation and also guilt and move back.

Suddenly, the curtains slide open, revealing Sehr and Aditi holding a giant bucket. Wide grins attached onto their faces and eyes filled with determination “Sorry jija ji lekin bura na mano haldi hai!” They yell in reunion before throwing the water at him.

The splash echoes through the garden. Everyone gasps, eyes going wide and mouth open. The videographer and photographers nearly stumble over each other, capturing every second and also protecting their devices.

“Seriously?” Veer sputters, wiping his face. His expressions hardens and cold, like he would just burst and he does, but bursts out laughing. Mira stares at him, not expecting that reaction.

“It’s not over yet!” Sehr declares. Nikhil gasps dramatically, just as one of Mira’s collogues hurls a water balloon straight at him. Nyra squeals and darts away to save herself.

The videographer and photographer are already seeking refuge under the lounging area to avoid water. Veer who is still in shock and disbelief, gets up slowly.

Within seconds, the garden transforms into a battlefield. They pull over buckets of water balloons, water guns coming out of nowhere. The whole haldi ceremony turns into a water fight with the bride side attacking us.

The groom and bride sides stand at each end of the garden. Kabir and Nikhil grab the hold of the garden hose. Sonia turns the water on full blast. A spark of cold water shoots across their side, drenching half of them easily.

Screams, squeaks and laughter takes over.

By then Maya leads a few others to steal their water balloon tubs, starting to attack them back.

I don’t even get time to react before someone hits me with two balloons in a row. They explode on impact, soaking me instantly. I gasp in disbelief, I could turn and look who did this but there's no use.

The damage is done

I try running off but my heels skin into the wet grass, the mud tugging me until I nearly stumble.

“Hey, careful!” Lucas calls out through th chaos, holding onto my arm and steading me. I clench onto his shoulders, laughing out at the scene and feeling breathless “This is way better than whatever I was thinking!”

His brows lift, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “We should find shelter before you slip again” he suggests, pulling me along with him. On the way, he keeps putting himself between me and the flying balloons, shielding me with his own body. By the time we reach the corner, he’s more drenched than I am, his whole kurta plastered to him.

“Help us!” Nikhil shouts, suddenly dragging him away from me. Lucas stumbles forward, looking back over his shoulder at me and that small distraction turns him into the perfect target.

“Lucas!” I call out but it's too late.

Liam shoves a water pipe into his hands and motions for him to fight back. Lucas stares at it like he is holding an actual weapon, eyebrows knitting in confusion. The madness only grows after this.

Nyra is hiding behind a pillar away from all the chaos.

Maya, Sonia and Kavya are on a mission to defeat the bride’s side and steal stuff from them.

Veer is in front of everyone, giving the other side tough competition with Nikhil and Kabir.

And Lucas is trying his best to manage in between fighting and shielding me.

The whole place turns chaotic. The people aren't on one side anymore and just watering everyone who comes in the way, running and hiding.

Suddenly, I feel a tap on my shoulder and whirl around to see Maya and Sonia holding a bucket of water. I immediately step back thinking they would throw it at me “No no please!”

“Wait! Not you!” Maya holds my arm, preventing me from moving away “Usse aise toh nahi chod sakte” She says, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she gestures to Lucas.

[Translation - We can't leave him]

My eyes widens at the realisation and I quickly shake my head “no no no not him—”

“Come on di!” Sonia whines, shoving the bucket in my hand. I stand there speechless,my pulse quickens as my gaze flickers to Lucas who just figured out the dial to the water gun.

His smile widens at the achievement “Jasmine , look—” his eyes widens when he sees me holding the bucket

He looks so adorable

I grin, feeling a mix of guilt and giddiness “I am so sorry, baby”

And then, Splash

The entire bucket spills over him, soaking him in one brutal go. His hair falls loose, dripping across his forehead and his kurta clings to him in all right places.

I bite my lip, suddenly very aware of how freaking good he looks like that. Maya and Sonia laughs at his expression before sprinting off and abandoning me here.

“Sorry?” I squeak nervously, taking a step back.

Lucas drops the gun, water dripping from his lashes. His smile slowly, dangerously and in an very unfairly attractive way “Too late”

I shriek, hiking up my skirt and bolting away with all my strength in those heels.

My heels click against the wet marble as I run, heart hammering, laughter escaping out of me. I can hear his footsteps chasing after me.

“Lucas! Stop!” I plead, looking over my shoulder, only to find him smirking — running a hand through his wet hair to push them back.

That look alone makes my stomach flip.

“You think you can just throw a bucket of water on me and get away with it?” His voice is low and teasing but his eyes?

I find myself in the corridors inside, the one where he confessed not long ago. The laughter dies in my lips when I realise the place is empty except the sound of my breathing.

His arms wraps around me, spinning me until I am pressed against the cold wall. My holds my wrists, holding them behind my back

“Caught you” He whispers near my ear, his breath hot even though his body is soaked. The droplets run down his face, sliding down his neck and chest

“Lucas” I breathe. My clothes are sticking against my skin, my dupatta half slipping off my shoulder. His gaze drops to it, then trails back up to my eyes.

He shakes his head, a smug grin tugging at his lips “I should let you stay like this. Completely drenched against me” His tone dips into a husky one. My throat goes dry. I try to move, but he doesn’t let me.

Gosh someone take that look of his face.

“Lucas, someone might see us” I protest weakly, even though I don’t really mean it. I don't care if someone sees us, I just wanna—

“We are in our place. No one comes here” He leans closer until the tip of his nose brushes mine “and you don’t sound like you want me to let go”

I bite my lip, trying not to get flustered when he cathes me. His eyes flicker down to my lip tugged by my teeth.  In the next moment, his mouth finds mine in a wet, fast kiss.

I gasp against him and he takes the chance to deepen it. Pressing me back into the wall, one hand sliding to the curve of my waist. I wrap my free hand around his neck to pull him closer.

The soaked fabric makes every touch close and more intimate. His palm spreads across my hip in an possessive way.

When he finally pulls back, his forehead rests against mine. Both of us breathless and chests heaving. He chuckles softly, lips brushing mine again, teasing me — testing me “Still sorry?”

I smirk, tugging at his collar “Not even a little” I reply before kissing him again