Chapter 22

The air between them hadn’t settled.

Not after the kiss.
Not after his words.

And certainly not after what he had just seen.

Veeresh’s fingers tightened again around her waist, a sharp pinch that made her react instantly.

“Hey—stay away from me,” Poornima snapped, pushing his hand aside.

But he didn’t step back.

His eyes were darker now, something raw flickering beneath his usual control.

“How dare you,” he said, his voice low, edged, “stand there smiling and laughing with Pavan?”

She blinked, taken aback for a second.

Then her expression hardened.

“Gadha,” she shot back immediately. “He’s new to my department. I spoke casually. That’s it.”

But Veeresh wasn’t listening to reason.

“Not at all,” he said firmly, stepping closer again.

His presence was overwhelming now—not loud, but intense.

“You don’t do that.”

Her brows furrowed.

“I don’t do what?”

He held her gaze, unwavering.

“Smile like that. Laugh like that. Not with anyone.”

The words landed heavy.

Possessive.

Uncompromising.

Poornima’s eyes flashed.

“I am not your property,” she said, each word clear and controlled.

For a moment—

Silence.

Then—

He leaned closer, just enough for his words to reach only her.

“Eletem,” he said, his voice dropping, “you are mine.”

Her breath hitched slightly, not out of fear—but the sheer force of his certainty.

She didn’t step back.

Didn’t agree.

Didn’t yield.

They stood there—

Locked.

Clashing.

Two wills refusing to bend.

And yet—

Neither of them walking away.