Chapter 9

Kabir had never been the kind of man who second-guessed himself. But as he nursed his drink at the bar, gaze fixed on Aria, he found himself dangerously close to it.

Because she was still too close to Aarav Mehta.

And still too damn happy about it.

His fingers flexed around his glass as Aarav leaned in, saying something that had Aria tipping her head back in laughter again. It was an easy sound, real and unrestrained. The kind of laughter she never seemed to spare for him.

Something sharp twisted in his gut.

He exhaled through his nose, setting his drink down a little harder than necessary.

"I don't think that glass has done anything to deserve your wrath," Aisha murmured beside him, her tone laced with amusement.

Kabir didn't look away. "Who is he?"

Aisha followed his line of sight. "Aarav Mehta. Childhood friend. Their families go way back."

"Mm."

She studied him for a second. "You want me to dig into it?"

"No." The answer was clipped.

Aisha smirked. "Then what's your plan?"

His gaze flicked back to Aria, his jaw tightening when Aarav tucked a strand of hair behind her ear—too familiar, too easy.

Kabir straightened, adjusting his cufflinks. "I'm going to introduce myself."

And without another word, he strode toward them.

Aarav saw him first. He straightened slightly, offering a polite nod. Aria, however, was slower to turn. When she finally did, her expression was unreadable.

"Mr. Mehta, I presume," Kabir said, extending a hand.

Aarav took it easily, his grip firm but not overbearing. "Kabir Oberoi. I've heard a lot about you."

"All good things, I hope."

Aarav smirked. "Depends on who you ask."

"Fair enough." Kabir's eyes flicked to Aria. "Ms. Vijay."

She tilted her head slightly, gaze unwavering. "Mr. Oberoi."

For a second, no one spoke. The air between them felt charged, thick with the weight of everything left unsaid.

Then Aarav clapped his hands together. "Well, I think I need a drink. Aria?"

She opened her mouth, but before she could respond, Kabir extended a hand toward her.

"Dance with me."

It wasn't a question.

Aarav raised an amused brow but said nothing. Aria, however, narrowed her eyes. "I'm busy."

Kabir's lips twitched. "No, you're not."

Her gaze flickered to Aarav, who was watching the exchange with clear curiosity. It was the briefest hesitation, but Kabir caught it.

"Come on, Ms. Vijay," he said smoothly. "It would be a shame to let such a well-dressed woman sit out a dance."

Something dark flickered in her gaze, but before he could decipher it, she let out a slow breath.

"Fine," she said, slipping her hand into his.

His fingers closed around hers as he led her onto the dance floor.

The music had shifted into something slower, something deeper. The kind of rhythm that demanded intimacy.

Kabir slid a hand around Aria's waist, pulling her close. Not too much, not yet, but just enough that he could feel the warmth of her body through the silk of her dress.

She placed her free hand on his shoulder, her nails barely grazing the fabric of his suit.

"You always this persistent?" she murmured.

"Only when it's worth it."

A flicker of something passed through her eyes, but she said nothing. Instead, she let him guide her across the floor, their movements fluid, in sync.

She was a natural, her steps light yet certain, and for once, she didn't fight him. Instead, she matched his pace, her body moving effortlessly with his.

Kabir's grip on her waist tightened slightly as he spun her, her dress flaring out before she twirled back into his arms.

She was close now. Closer than before.

Her breath ghosted against his cheek, her chest brushing his.

His fingers flexed against her waist.

"Didn't peg you for a dancer," she murmured.

He smirked. "I have many talents."

She arched a brow. "Modesty isn't one of them, I see."

Kabir chuckled, but his focus remained on her. The way she moved, the way she responded to his touch—it was intoxicating.

He dipped her suddenly, savoring the way her breath hitched.

Her fingers curled against his shoulder, gripping him just a little tighter.

When he pulled her back up, she was slightly breathless, her lips parted.

His gaze dropped to them for half a second too long.

"Show-off," she muttered.

His smirk widened.

The music swelled again, and this time, he pulled her even closer. Their bodies were flush, chest to chest, breath to breath.

He could feel her heart beating. Or maybe it was his own.

"Admit it," he murmured against her ear. "You're enjoying this."

Her lips parted slightly, but no sound came out.

He leaned in, his nose nearly brushing her temple. "That's what I thought."

Then, just as the music reached its final note, he spun her one last time, holding her firm against him before dipping her again—lower this time, their faces mere inches apart.

For a second, the world fell away.

Then applause erupted around them.

Aria blinked, her breath still uneven.

Kabir held her gaze for a fraction of a second longer before pulling her upright, the corner of his mouth curling in satisfaction.

He turned slightly, taking in the crowd that had gathered. Some were murmuring in admiration, others clapping.

Aarav, standing off to the side with his drink, lifted a brow.

Aria took a step back, smoothing her dress as if trying to collect herself.

Kabir smirked.

"That was…" she began, but then stopped, shaking her head.

"What?" he pressed.

She met his gaze. "Unexpected."

Kabir chuckled, offering her a small bow. "Glad to be of service."

She rolled her eyes but didn't argue.

From the corner of his eye, he spotted Aisha and Paul exchanging knowing looks.

Kabir let out a slow breath, rolling his shoulders.

For the first time in the evening, he felt a little lighter.

Aria Vijay was a force. And for tonight, at least, she had been his.

Even if just for one dance.