We....We Shouldn't..

Before Anushka could say another word, Mark's lips brushed against hers again, this time with more urgency. His kiss was deeper, more insistent, as if he couldn't get enough of her. Anushka's breath hitched, her hands instinctively gripping his shoulders as she melted into the kiss. "Mark," she moaned softly, her voice a murmur that was meant to stop him but instead seemed to spur him on.

Mark's hands, which had been resting gently on her waist, slid under her shirt, his fingers grazing the warm skin of her back. The touch sent a shiver through her, a wave of heat pooling in her stomach as her body responded to his. She could feel the tension in his muscles, the way his breath quickened against her lips, and it only made her want him more.

But even as the passion between them grew, a small part of Anushka's mind screamed for caution. This was Mark—her boss, her friend, the man she had secretly loved for so long. And yet, here they were, crossing a line that neither of them had dared to approach before.

"Mark," she whispered again, her voice trembling as she pulled back slightly, her forehead resting against his. "We… we shouldn't…"

Mark's eyes were dark with desire, his breathing ragged as he looked at her. "I know," he said, his voice rough. "But I can't help it, Ruhi. Being close to you… it's all I've wanted for so long."

Anushka's heart ached at his words, her resolve wavering. She wanted this too—wanted him—but the rational part of her mind was still fighting for control. Before she could respond, however, the shrill ring of her phone cut through the moment like a knife.

Anushka froze, her eyes widening as she recognized the ringtone. "It's my mom," she said, her voice tinged with panic. "I have to take this."

Mark hesitated, his hands still resting on her waist, his gaze searching hers. "Ruhi…"

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice pleading. "I have to."

Reluctantly, Mark nodded, pulling back slightly but not letting go of her completely. "Alright. But don't think this is over."

Anushka's cheeks flushed as she reached for her phone, her hands trembling slightly as she answered the call. "Hi, Mom," she said, her voice breathless but trying to sound normal.

"Anushka, sweetheart," her mom's voice came through the line, warm and familiar. "I hope I'm not calling at a bad time."

Anushka glanced at Mark, who was still standing close, his eyes locked on hers. "No, no, it's fine," she said quickly, her voice a little too high-pitched. "What's up?"

Her mom chuckled softly. "I just wanted to check in on you. It's been a while since we talked, and I wanted to make sure you're doing okay."

Anushka's heart warmed at the concern in her mom's voice, even as she struggled to focus on the conversation. "I'm good, Mom. Just… busy with work, as usual."

Her mom sighed, the sound fond but slightly exasperated. "You work too much, sweetheart. You need to take care of yourself. Are you eating properly? Getting enough sleep?"

Anushka smiled, her tension easing slightly as she fell into the familiar rhythm of the conversation. "Yes, Mom. I'm taking care of myself, I promise."

As they talked, Mark stepped back, giving her some space but staying close enough that she could feel his presence. He leaned against the desk, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched her, his expression unreadable.

Anushka did her best to focus on the call, but her mind kept drifting back to the moment they had just shared. The way Mark had kissed her, the way his hands had felt on her skin—it was all she could think about. She barely registered her mom's words as she nodded along, her responses automatic.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, her mom said, "Alright, sweetheart. I'll let you go. But promise me you'll take a break soon, okay?"

"I promise, Mom," Anushka said, her voice soft. "I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart. Take care."

As she hung up the phone, Anushka let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She turned to Mark, her cheeks flushed and her heart racing. "I'm sorry about that."

Mark shook his head, his expression softening. "Don't be. Your mom's important. I get it."

Anushka nodded, her gaze dropping to the floor as she tried to steady her breathing. The tension between them was still there, thick and palpable, but the moment had been broken.

Mark stepped closer, his voice low. "Ruhi…"

Anushka looked up, her eyes meeting his. "Mark, I… I don't know if we should…"

Mark reached out, his hand brushing against hers. "I know. But I also know that I can't keep pretending I don't feel this way about you. And I think… I think you feel it too."

Anushka's breath caught, her heart pounding in her chest. She wanted to deny it, to pull away and protect herself from the vulnerability of it all. But the look in Mark's eyes, the sincerity in his voice, made it impossible to lie.

"I do," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "But…"

Mark's hand cupped her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "No buts, Ruhi. Not tonight. Just… let me be here with you. That's all I'm asking."

Anushka hesitated, her mind racing with all the reasons why this was a bad idea. But in the end, her heart won out. She nodded, her voice trembling as she said, "Okay."

Mark's face lit up with a smile, his relief evident. He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers.