Veeresh leaned closer, eyes sharp and probing. “Why dark romance, Poornima?”

Poornima’s gaze didn’t waver. “Villains never cheat their women,” she said softly. “They can die for each other. Loyalty is given by them. They are possessive towards their women and will go to any extent to keep them safe. Their love… it’s raw, intense, and dark. Not with words, but by action.”

She paused, her eyes flickering toward him. “And Veeresh… you’re proving yourself to me by action. You’re becoming the best version of yourself.”

Veeresh’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “So?” he asked, voice low, teasing, but heavy with intent.

Poornima smiled faintly, a blush rising on her cheeks.

Veeresh’s eyes darkened, the hunger and mischief in them blazing. “I want to try those smuts with you,” he said, his voice husky, almost a growl, daring, possessive.

Poornima’s breath hitched, her chest tightening, but she didn’t look away. The fire between them was alive, and for the first time, the danger of their dark, raw passion didn’t scare her—it called her closer.