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The party had ended, leaving the mansion quiet except for the soft hum of the air conditioners and the occasional clink of glasses being cleared away. Poornima moved around the dining hall, picking up stray napkins and plates, while Veeresh watched her from the doorway, dark eyes following every graceful movement.

Finally, she turned, spotting him leaning casually, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

> “You’re still standing there, watching me like a shadow,” she teased, her eyes sparkling.

Veeresh stepped closer, the scent of his cologne mixing with the faint aroma of the cake.

> “I could say the same about you, Ruby,” he murmured, voice low, almost dangerous. “You move through my world like you own it.”

Poornima laughed softly, leaning slightly toward him.

> “Maybe I do. And maybe I like seeing you… undone a little,” she said, her tone playful, teasing.

Veeresh’s dark gaze flickered with amusement and desire.

> “Undone?” he echoed, stepping closer until only a whisper separated them. “Ruby… I don’t get undone.”

> “Oh, but you do,” she whispered back, tilting her head. “When I push you… when I tease you… when I make you obey little rules and punishments.”

He smirked, dark and dangerous, but there was a softness in his eyes only she could see.

> “You’re clever… and fearless. And maybe… that’s why I let it happen,” he admitted, voice low.

Poornima’s lips curved into a mischievous smile.

> “See? Even the feared Veeresh Deewan has a weakness.”

Veeresh reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering near her cheek.

> “Ruby… you know exactly what you do to me.”

She leaned into his touch, her smile softening.

> “And you, Veeresh… you’re the perfect gentleman when it counts,” she said, teasing yet sincere. “For everyone else, you’re the underworld king… but for me, you know how to respect, protect, and… obey a little.”

Veeresh’s dark chuckle rumbled through his chest.

> “Obey a little?” he whispered, pulling her closer. “I think I could get used to that… if it’s only you giving the orders.”

She laughed softly, her eyes glinting with playful dominance.

> “Don’t get too comfortable. Remember, I have ways of keeping my king in check.”

Veeresh smirked, pulling her into a gentle embrace, his voice low and possessive:

> “Then Ruby… I hope you never get tired of testing me. Because I’m yours, completely… and I don’t plan on letting anyone else claim you.”

Poornima rested her head against his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat, the dark king softened by her presence. For the first time in a long time, Veeresh’s world felt whole — not just empire and power, but warmth, laughter, and the fearless, clever woman who had conquered him entirely.

> “Goodnight, my king,” she whispered softly.

> “Goodnight, my Ruby,” he murmured, tightening the embrace just slightly, a silent promise that no one, not even fate, would come between them.