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The music in the grand hall pulsed like a heartbeat, dim lights reflecting off polished marble and the glint of expensive jewelry. Guests whispered, exchanged secrets, and veiled threats — but Veeresh Deewan strode through it all like a predator in his domain.

Poornima walked beside him, her black saree flowing elegantly, and every subtle movement of her shoulders, every soft smile, drew eyes without trying. She noticed the glances, but instead of shying away, she leaned closer to Veeresh.

> “Seems like everyone’s impressed tonight,” she whispered, voice teasing. “But don’t worry… I’ve got my eyes on you.”

Veeresh’s dark eyes narrowed slightly, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. “My eyes are on you, Ruby. Always.”

She giggled softly, leaning lightly against his arm as they passed a group of influential businessmen. One of them dared to linger, staring a bit too long at Veeresh. Poornima’s lips curved into a subtle, knowing smile.

> “They’re dreaming of you, you know,” she murmured quietly, so only he could hear. “But today, I think they’ll have to wait… you’re mine tonight.”

The faint heat in her words made his pulse quicken, but he remained composed in front of the crowd — the dark, untouchable aura of Veeresh Deewan intact. Yet inside, a storm raged. Ruby — small, innocent, teasing — could control him without a word.

They reached a quiet corner near the bar, away from the main throng. Poornima leaned slightly forward, brushing her fingers against his arm.

> “You need to behave tonight,” she said softly, giggling. “Or I might start counting who looks at you the wrong way. I can be dangerous too, you know.”

Veeresh’s smirk deepened, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

> “I know, Ruby. But… so can I,” he murmured, voice low, almost predatory.

The playful tension hung between them, electric, dark, intimate, as if the room itself leaned closer to listen. He was the king, the mafia don, the man everyone feared — but Ruby, with her small smirks and whispered threats, made him feel like a man under her spell.

She laughed again, softly, letting it float around him like warm smoke.

> “Let’s see who gets distracted first tonight, hmm?”

Veeresh caught her wrist lightly, pulling her close so her laughter brushed against his chest.

> “I don’t get distracted, Ruby,” he said darkly. “But… you, on the other hand, might just be stealing the show from me.”

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “I’m just doing my job as your wife,” she whispered, voice soft but teasing.

Veeresh’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, a dangerous blend of possessiveness, amusement, and something he refused to name flickering in his gaze.

Around them, the party went on — deals were whispered, alliances tested, champagne glasses clinked. And in the corner of the grand hall, a dark king and his playful queen danced a silent game of power, obsession, and laughter.

No one dared interrupt. No one could.

Because in that room, tonight, Veeresh belonged to Ruby — and Ruby was learning exactly how much power she held over him.