Chapter Ten
Zoya had not long returned to her bedroom when she heard her mobile buzzing from inside her bag on the floor. She lifted it out and stiffened when she saw her sister's name flashing on the screen. Lowering her voice to a whisper, she cupped her mouth around the phone and answered it warily. Is that you?'
Of course it's me,' Zoe said in a cheerful tone. How soon can you send me the money? I need it urgently.'
Zoya clenched her teeth. What about your boyfriend? Isn't he turning out to be the dream ticket you thought he'd be?'
Cut it with the sarcasm, Zoya. We had an agreement, remember? If you don't follow through I will come and collect Lily and begin the adoption process and you will never see her again. It's your choice. You can transfer it online to me right now or you know what will happen. Don't forget, I only have to make one little phone call to that new husband of yours and your secret will be out.'
Zoya knew she was caught in an impossible situation. It was too late for explanations to Asad about who she really was. How would he deal with the news of her deception so soon after tying himself to her in order to give Lily her father's name?
How did the wedding go, by the way?' Zoe asked with a hint of mockery. Was it everything you dreamed of?'
You know it wasn't,' Zoya bit out. I felt like a complete fraud the whole time.'
Zoe laughed. You should be thankful to me otherwise no one would've ever married a behenji like you. What a pity your husband doesn't fancy you. I bet If the tables were reversed Asad and I would have been celebrating our honeymoon at some exotic location right now.'
Something in her sister's tone irked Zoya enough to respond. Actually, he does fancy me.'
Zoe's mocking chuckle were getting on Zoya's nerves. Only because he thinks you're me. If you were acting in your own personality he wouldn't take a second look. You're too simple and boring.'
Zoya held on to her temper with an effort. I don't think it's such a good idea for you to call me. If someone other than me picks up my phone"'
I'm going to keep calling you until the money is in my account,' Zoe threatened. And if I don't get you on this phone I'll try the land line.'
Zoya let out a sigh of resignation. All right, I'll do it. I will transfer the money right away.'
Good girl,' Zoe cooed. I knew you'd see sense in the end. Bye darling!'
Zoya waited until her fingers had stopped shaking before pressing in the necessary digits to process the transaction. Once it was done she did her best to settle for the night but she found it impossible to relax enough to get to sleep. But, strangely enough, it wasn't the money and what she had just done with it that was keeping her awake. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get the feel of Asad's mouth out of her mind.
It was becoming impossible to ignore her growing awareness of him, the way he made her feel when he so much as looked at her with the dark censure of his eyes.
She couldn't believe her own foolishness. She had fallen in love with a man who had nothing but hatred for her. Even if he found out the truth about who she really was, she knew he would never forgive her for deceiving him. How could he? She wasn't Lily's mother. She could not give him what he wanted because what he wanted wasn't hers to give.
She gave the pillow another frustrated thump before flopping back down. This was hopeless. What she needed was some fresh air. She glanced at the bedside clock and grimaced when she saw it was well past midnight. Too late for a walk around the block. Then she thought about the pool outside, and her legs were already over the side of the bed when she hesitated.
What if Asad heard her?
She needs a walk outside. It was a huge house, and besides, Asad was probably already deeply asleep.
She didn't bother with turning on the lights. She took the baby monitor remote with her.
Zoya silently walked around the swimming pool. After some time she sat near poolside with her legs inside the pool. She was enjoying splashing her feet in the cool water when she looked up to see a pair of eyes staring at her.
He stood looking down at her for a long moment while the silence crawled around them. What's wrong, Zoya?' he asked. Are you finding it difficult to get to sleep alone?'
She stiffened and tilted her chin at him. No, are you?'
When he didn't reply, she turned her gaze toward the water again.
She secretly watched him from the corner of her eyes and froze. Asad was removing his t-shirt. Before she could even utter a word, he jumped into the pool.
W-what are you doing?' She asked nervously.
What do you think I am doing?' he asked.
She swiftly stood up and rushed to leave but her feet slipped and she fell in the water. Asad swam toward her and grabbed her by the waist. She found herself trembling as he stabilized her, his body so close behind her she could feel every ridge and plane as she came upright.
The air she desperately needed in order to take her next breath stopped somewhere in the middle of her throat as he slowly turned her around so she was facing him. She could feel the magnetic pull of his body, drawing her closer and closer, even as the rational part of her brain insisted she step out of his hold.
I need to go,' she said, hoping he wouldn't notice how nervous she sounded.
Why?' he asked, his eyes burning into hers.
I...I don't think you want to double the allowance...' She stammered, her voice shaky as she reminded him about their agreement.
His hands slid upwards from her waist to hold her shoulders so he could secure her shifting gaze, his voice low and deep as if it had been dragged across gravel. Do you think I give a damn about the money?'
She moistened her lips and then wished she hadn't when his gaze dipped to her mouth and lingered there.
It's a l-lot of money...and if it was doubled...' She stared at the line of his mouth, wondering if he was going to allow himself to kiss her. Just one kiss. That wouldn't be breaking his vow to keep the marriage unconsummated, would it?
His head came down slowly, his mouth stopping a mere breath away from the tingling surface of hers. Her eyelids fluttered closed as she felt herself rock towards him, her body seeking the hard warmth of his like a small iron filing did a too-powerful magnet.
At the first touch of his lips on hers heat licked like a hot tongue of flame, igniting her senses into a blazing roaring fire of need. He plundered her mouth, sending her head snapping back as his tongue thrust determinedly into her moist warmth, his arms pulling her into him where his body pulsed and throbbed.
He slowly lifted his mouth off hers and bent his head to kiss her slender neck. She clutched him tighter with a soft cry.
He came back to her mouth, taking it with renewed pressure as if in tune with the fire of need he was fighting to control.
He groaned into her mouth as she held him, and again, even more deeply, when her fingers carcasses him.
He tore his mouth off hers and stared down at her, his dark eyes burning with unrelieved need, his chest rising and falling against hers as he struggled to rein in his galloping breath.
This is exactly what you planned, isn't it?' he said through gritted teeth. You wanted to make me eat my words, every one of them.'
No!' Her hands fell away from his body with a little splash. No, of course not.'
He gave a rough grunt of derision. It's another of your tricks. You like to play the innocent now and again to put me off the scent of your real motives.' He dropped his hold and stepped back from her, his eyes still scorching her with contempt.
Asad...I"'
I know what you are up to.' He pulled himself out of the pool and turned around to glare down at her. You will not rest until you have me begging. That is what you want, isn't it, Zoya? Your final triumph in the face of Ayaan's rejection would be to have his older brother on his knees, offering you anything you want in exchange for your body. That is why you did not ask for payment, isn't it? To make me think you were not after money when in fact you are after so much more.'
But I'm not after"'
Get out of my sight,' he barked at her. Take your lies and your deceptive little games out of my damn sight!'
Zoya got out of the pool with quiet dignity, her sense of pride refusing to allow him to intimidate her with his fury. She could tell he was angrier with himself than with her. Angry that he wanted her in spite of all he'd said to the contrary. But she felt sure this wasn't just about the money, it was about pride"his pride.
You can't treat me like that,' she said, standing in front of him. I won't allow you to.'
Something moved behind his eyes as he stepped towards her again. You will not allow me to?' he asked with a curl of his lip.
No,' she said, holding his gaze. I won't allow you to speak to me in such a way.'
He drew himself up to his full height, his mouth tightening as he looked down at her. Tell me, Zoya, how are you going to stop me?'
She moistened her lips, her stomach giving a tiny quiver at the fiery intensity of his gaze. I'll think of something.'
He threw his head back and laughed.
Zoya pursed her lips and frowned at him. You are so arrogant. I suppose it comes from having so much money. You think you can get people to do what you want by writing a cheque or issuing autocratic demands.'
Well, well, well,' he drawled. Look at the pretty little pot telling off the kettle for being black.'
You know what your trouble is, Asad?' she said, enraged by his attitude. You don't like yourself. You keep blaming me for your brother's death but I get this distinct impression that you actually blame yourself. I might be a convenient scapegoat but I will not have you harass me to appease your own sense of insufficiency.'
It became instantly obvious to Zoya that she'd hit him on a particularly raw nerve. She saw it in the sudden flare of anger in his black eyes and in the tight clench of his hands as he held them by his sides as if he didn't trust himself not to use them against her.
He didn't speak for a long time but his silence was more menacing than any blistering statement could be, she thought as she stood before him defiantly.
Tell me something, Zoya.' He tipped up her chin with one long determined finger. Tell me why you fell in love with my brother.'
She froze at his words, her eyes flaring in panic, her heart ramming against her ribcage as she did her best to hold his hard penetrating look.
You did love him, did you not?' he asked when she didn't answer.
Zoya lowered her gaze to concentrate on the beads of moisture still clinging to the strong column of his neck. She couldn't bring herself to tell him yet another lie.
No,' she said softly. I didn't love him.'
Asad's dark eyes narrowed dangerously as her gaze came back to his. You callous bitch. You callous little money-hungry bitch.'
She closed her eyes to block out his fury.
Look at me!' He grasped her arms roughly and gave her a little shake.
Her eyes sprang open in alarm, her stomach twisting with despair at the hatred shining in his.
You destroyed his life!' His fingers bit into her arms. You hunted him down and destroyed him for what?For what?' he repeated bitterly.
Asad, I need to tell you"' she began.
I do not want to hear anything you have to say,' he snapped, cutting her off.
Asad, please.' Her eyes misted over and her tone became pleading. You don't understand"'
I understand all right. I understand that you were not happy that Ayaan left you stranded without money. That is why you twisted the knife by threatening to have Lily adopted, was it not?' He gave her a disgusted look. You never had any intention of giving her up. You were just playing a game to get as much money as you could.'
I have never wanted money from"'
Do not lie to me!' he shouted. You have played this for all you are worth. Well, I will tell you something, Zoya.' He lowered his voice but it was no less threatening. You can have your money. All of it. I will double your allowance as of tomorrow.'
She blinked up at him in confusion. But"'
I have changed my mind about our marriage,' he said. I've decided we will no longer adhere to the rules I set down.'
You can't mean that!'
He smiled a chilling smile. Why so worried, sweetheart? You slept with my brother without loving him. Sleeping with me will not be beyond your capabilities, I'm sure.'
I don't want to consummate our marriage!' She wrenched herself out of his hold and stood glaring at him, rubbing her arms where his fingers had been.
I think we could more or less say I have paid dearly for the privilege,' he pointed out ruthlessly.
I am not for sale,' she said. I don't care how much money you throw at my feet. I will not be bought.'
You Have been bought, Zoya,' he said. You have already took one installment.'
I don't want your money, Asad,' she insisted. I never wanted it.'
She could tell from his expression that he didn't believe her. His mouth was tight with cynicism and his eyes diamond-hard as they tethered hers.
If you did not want it then why is it no longer in your account?' he asked.
Zoya's eyes flared in anger.You checked?'
He gave a single nod, his expression still unyielding.
You had no right to do that!' Zoya could feel the panic beating like an out of time drum in her chest. If Asad was watching her so closely it wouldn't take him long to find out the truth. She'd only transferred the money less than an hour or two ago. What if he orchestrated a paper trail of her account to see where the money had been deposited?
You keep saying you do not want money but what is it you do want, Zoya?' Asad said, breaking the humming silence.
She couldn't answer. How could she tell him what she really wanted? She wanted him. She wanted him to make her feel alive as a woman. She wanted him to make her feel desirable, irresistible and precious. She wanted to feel him in the throes of uncontrollable passion for her, not for who she was pretending to be, but for her"Zoya.
She held her breath as his hands ran down her arms to encircle her wrists.
Is this what you really want, Zoya?' he asked, tugging her up against him. Is this what you crave more than money?'
'Asad, just listen to me once.' She said while fear shown in her eyes.
Anger and rage taking over, in one swift motion he pulled her nightgown off her shoulders.
Zoya gathered all her strength and pushed him so hard that he stumbled two steps back. Asad suddenly coming into his senses looked at her as the tears continuously rolling down her cheeks.
'I can't believe you can stoop so low, Mr. Khan.'
She pulled up her gown and turned to leave.
'Zoya...wait.'
She stopped and slowly turned around to face him.
His eyes didn't quite meet hers. He raked a hand through his hair as he said 'I am sorry.'
Without another word, she swiftly walked away.
Asad opened his mouth to call her back but the door closed on her exit, locking him inside with his guilt.
Bade Achche Lagte Hain Naya Season
Cricket
Kundali Bhagya
124