Chapter 10 — Trusting The Devil

Veeresh pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers as he tried to steady the storm building inside him.

“I’m asking you one last time before we move forward, Poornima.”

But instead of answering with hesitation, she grabbed his shirt again and pulled him closer.

“Salvatore,” she whispered softly, “I trust you.”

Those words hit him harder than any bullet ever could.

“I already gave you permission,” she continued, her fingers brushing against his jaw gently now. “You don’t need to doubt me.”

Veeresh looked at her silently.

Nobody trusted him like this.

Nobody ever looked at Salvatore and saw safety.

Yet Poornima did.

“Do what you want,” she murmured tiredly. “And please… make me forget everything tonight.”

For the first time in years, Veeresh felt something unfamiliar tightening in his chest.

Not desire.

Not obsession.

Responsibility.

His hand moved slowly to her face, brushing a strand of hair away carefully. The dangerous man everyone feared suddenly looked unexpectedly gentle with her.

“You really are insane,” he murmured quietly.

Poornima smiled faintly. “Maybe.”

Veeresh stared at her for another long moment before kissing her forehead softly.

“Then forget the world tonight,” he said in a low voice. “Because while you’re with me, nobody gets to hurt you. Not your family. Not your past. Not even your own thoughts.”

And for the first time that night, Poornima’s eyes closed peacefully instead of painfully.