The party had ended hours ago, but Veeresh and Poornima didn’t leave immediately. The quiet drive back to the mansion was filled with a charged silence, broken only by the occasional soft hum of music still lingering from the party. Veeresh’s hand rested lightly on hers, a subtle reminder of possession that she noticed and smiled at quietly.

At the mansion, Poornima shed her black saree and settled into a simple kurti, while Veeresh changed into his crisp suit pants and shirt, sleeves rolled up, dark eyes catching every movement of hers. The intensity between them was palpable, even in the ordinary quiet of the house.

> “Ruby,” he said suddenly, voice low, almost dangerous, “tonight… no one should forget that you’re mine.”

Poornima raised an eyebrow, tilting her head teasingly.

> “You mean in front of your… underworld friends? Don’t worry, they already know. And besides…” she paused, smirking, “you know I enjoy teasing you.”

Veeresh’s lips curved into a dark, amused smirk.

> “You think it’s a game, Ruby. But every glance, every touch — mine. Always.”

She laughed softly, walking past him, letting her fingers brush against his arm just enough to make him notice.

> “Hmm… then I’ll be very careful… or maybe not,” she teased, glancing over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling with playful defiance.

Veeresh’s hand shot out, catching her wrist lightly, pulling her back to him.

> “You’re testing me,” he murmured, his dark gaze burning into hers. “And I don’t like to be tested.”

Poornima bit her lip, amused and daring.

> “You enjoy it. You can’t lie to me, Veeresh Deewan.”

A slow, dangerous chuckle escaped him.

> “Perhaps,” he admitted, his other hand sliding to her waist, drawing her closer. “But remember… I own the consequences of this game.”

Poornima tilted her head, letting their foreheads touch, her smile softening but still mischievous.

> “Then I guess I’ll have fun… and make sure you don’t get too comfortable being the one in control.”

Veeresh’s eyes darkened with desire and obsession, but also a strange warmth he rarely allowed himself.

> “Ruby…” he breathed, pulling her close enough that the faint scent of her hair mixed with the lingering fragrance of her saree. “Every time you challenge me… I lose a little… completely.”

She laughed softly, resting her hand on his chest, feeling the steady, dangerous thrum of his heartbeat.

> “Good. I like seeing you a little… undone.”

And in that moment, amidst laughter, teasing, and dark desire, the underworld king and his fearless Ruby found a rhythm only they could own — playful, dangerous, and utterly intoxicating.

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