Obsession Or Love ?? A Virika FF - Page 11

Over the next six days, Jeevika discovered that living with Viren was easy...as long as he got his way. She caught herself grumbling, more than once, about his overbearing attitude and take-charge tactics. Without question, the man was generous and she had already had several conniption fits over how much money he spent on her. Clothes, laptop, iPhone, iPod,iPad-Viren loved gadgets that began with an i-and anything he thought was essential to her well-being. She had tried to patiently explain that she had lived well enough without those things before, but Viren simply grunted and soon gave her another so-called essential item, all of which were definitely not necessities.

The only fight that she had actually won was the argument about him buying her a car. Jeevika had put her foot down and refused, telling him that she preferred to take the bus. Honestly, she hadn't really won that argument either. The only reason he had relented was because he had his driver, a delightful man named James, take her to school every day and pick her up again after class or clinicals. James seemed to be at Viren's beck and call, even though Viren drove himself to the office every morning in a Bugatti. Jeevika had almost choked the first time she saw the outrageously expensive sleek automobile, a car that she actually had only seen previously in photos. Viren shrugged, telling her that Virat had one too, only Virat's was newer, a fact that seemed to irritate Viren whenever his precious vehicle was mentioned. Jeevika had rolled her eyes at him and walked away. Honestly, he was just like a boy...only richer-a lot richer-and his toys a hell of a lot more expensive.

Nina, Viren's personal assistant and another employee to whom she'd taken an instant liking, delivered Jeevika's new clothes early the previous Saturday morning. And she hadn't come alone. It had taken a string of strong, able-bodied men to trail in with a whole new wardrobe that definitely hadn't come from Walmart or a normal discount store. Jeevika now had a huge walk-in closet filled with expensive designer clothing, most of which she would probably never wear. For God's sake, even the jeans were designer and expensive. Every item fit perfectly. Viren had checked the soiled clothes in her backpack to get her size. The clothing incident had been the first experience of many that was teaching Jeevika that Viren never did anything in a small way.

She had really balked when she saw how much money he had deposited into her checking account. How in the hell had the man found out her checking account number? He had just raised his shoulders again and told her to let him know when she needed additional funds and he would take care of it. Additional funds? He had transferred one hundred thousand dollars to her account, a fact that had nearly sent her into heart failure when she had checked her balance. An account that usually sat in the single digits had suddenly become an endless source of cash. How could anyone spend that much money in a few months? Jeevika had tried to get him to take most of it back. Having that much money in her account was actually a bit daunting and her needs were simple. She already had everything she needed and more, thanks to Santa Viren. Viren had just mumbled a curse and some statement about her being a stubborn woman and ignored her request. She had finally thrown her hands in the air and stomped away, muttering something about inflexible, arrogant men. A quiet chuckle had followed her out of the room and she had forced herself not to look back to see if Viren was smiling.

Actually, she was happy that she could provide him with some amusement, because she couldn't seem to find anything else to do to help him. She felt swamped by guilt most of the time for taking advantage of his generous nature.

He had laundry and cleaning staff who came in once a week, so it left little for Jeevika to do except cook, and she had plenty of extra time to do that. Baking and cooking were about the only useful things she could do to help, but Viren seemed to think it was some monumental task akin to saving his life when she fixed a meal. It seemed that Viren didn't cook and existed mostly on sandwiches when he was at home because he had never really wanted to employ a full-time chef. Of course, his personal assistant bought his groceries, a task that Jeevika had taken over from a grateful Nina. Viren's assistant said that she was tired of seeing Viren live on the microwave dinners and the sandwich fixings that he requested every week. The tiny, well-kept woman, probably somewhere in her sixties, had just uttered anemphatic, "he'll finally eat," and handed Jeevika his usual grocerylist quite joyfully.

Jeevika closed her medical book, her studying complete, and stretched out on her back, rolling on the huge king-sized bed in the guest room until she was staring at the ceiling.

She should ask Viren what he wanted for dinner, although she already knew how he would reply.

Anything that I don't have to cook!

Hopping off the bed, she walked through the gorgeous living room, admiring the view from a large picture window. Viren lived in the penthouse, the largest condo in the building, and every twinkling light of Tampa was spread out in front of her in breathtaking splendor. How incredible to have this splendid view every single night. She wished Viren would take a moment to enjoy it. He seemed to be obsessed with a project right now and only came down for a brief time for dinner before returning to his office.

Jeevika wondered if he was avoiding her and felt guilty that he might be hiding in his own home. They had never spoken about what had occurred in the kitchen six days ago. They circled around each other politely, making superficial conversation at dinner.

As she turned and mounted the black spiral staircase, she admitted to herself that she actually wanted his company. Working and going to school had kept her busy and her loneliness at bay. Now, she had too much time with nothing to do in the evenings except watch Viren's enormous television or read after she had finished studying. Solitude was all well and good, but it got lonesome night after night. At least when she was working, she had the company of customers and the other employees.

Disgusted with herself, she turned left after she reached the top of the staircase, making her way to Viren's lab. What did she have to complain about? She had every luxury, every convenience. She lived in a home most people only dreamed about and never had to worry about funds. Still, she wanted a little more of Viren's company when she should just be damned glad she had a roof over her head and an endless amount of food to eat.

Stopping outside the door to his lab, she tapped lightly. "Come in." The abrupt, distracted reply made her smile. He was definitely consumed with some sort of project. Usually she just poked her head in, but curious about Viren's office, she entered and closed the door behind her. Computer were there and Viren had a chair infront of his huge table which had files all over it. She padded across the plush carpet until her feet met the smooth plastic and peeked at the computer . She came inside and sat on the chair across his table .

She could smell his masculine scent with a hint of sandalwood. It was a warm, rich aroma that made her squirm and her body tingle. mock warning voice, an attempt at levity. He met his gaze with her and saw loneliness in her eyes . He got up from his chair and came down on one knee, his eyes level with hers. "Are you lonely here, Jeevika?" His tone sounded concerned, dumbfounded, as his dark eyes met hers. "You don't like it here?"

"No. Oh, no. Viren, it's lovely here. How could I not be happy?" She sighed, trying to explain. "I'm just so used to not having much time to think, much time to myself. It takes getting used to after the crazy pace I had before."

"Suicidal, you mean," he said, his tone edgy. "That lifestyle was draining you dry, Jeevika."

"You want my company?" He searched her face, sounding baffled.

"Of course. But I know you're busy. And I thought maybe you were avoiding me after...well, after..."

"After I told you that I wanted you?" he asked bluntly, his eyes holding hers prisoner.

"Yes," she breathed softly, startled by his brusque statement, but glad that it was out in the open. It had been simmering, making her anxious.

"I wasn't avoiding you, Jeevika. I want to see you, be with you, whether you want me or not," he stated, his voice adamant.

"You do?" she asked with a hint of wonder. "Why?"

"I get lonely sometimes, too. I enjoy your company."

She took a deep breath, willing her racing heart to slow.

I want you to do whatever u want to do with me. I want you to take me a hundred different ways and then do it again.

The breath left her body as her eyes roamed over him. Just thinking about that large, solid, dominant body over her, in her, made her fidget in her chair. Her fingers itched to touch the face so close to her own, to stroke the sexy, rough jaw with the sensual five o'clock shadow that made his scars nearly invisible. Strangely, those small scars added to his sex appeal, making him more masculine, more irresistible.

No, Jeevika. Don't think about it. Dinner. You came to ask him about dinner. Viren Vadhera is way out of your league.

"I-I actually came to ask you what you wanted for dinner." Her voice was unsteady and she was practically stumbling over her words. Viren's close proximity was getting to her, making her want much more than just his company. She scooted her chair back and stood, nervously wiping her sweaty palms on her jeans.

It didn't help. Viren towered over her as he rose to his feet. "I'll help you. I'm done here for now."

Jeevika gulped, wondering if the massive kitchen was big enough for both of them. She wanted to be near him, but not so close that the longing that she felt overwhelmed her. "Okay. Let's go see what we can round up." Her strides were long and quick as she led the way to the kitchen, happy that she would have Viren's company, but not quite sure how to deal with her treacherous body and its reaction to him.

Total surrender.

What exactly had he meant by that...and did she really want to find out?