Chapter Ninety Six.

Chapter Ninety Six.
Veda glared, anger flashing in her eyes. “Are you one of those men who try to ruin a girl simply because she said no? Why can’t you just understand and let me live, huh?” Her voice rose, frustration spilling over, a mixture of fear and defiance clashing inside her.

Varun froze at her words.

His expression faltered, as though she had stabbed something inside him.

“No, Veda.” he said quietly, “I’m not like that. I would never ruin you. If anything… you’re the one ruining me.” His voice broke into something softer, almost pleading.

Veda glared harder, not wanting to be swayed by his madness.

“And that’s why..” Varun continued, his jaw tight, “I need you under me...So I can supervise you… and take care of you properly.”

Her fists clenched at her sides. “Hell no! Take care of me? Did I beg for your protection?? I’d rather lose this internship than let you be over me.”

The words hit him like a blow. A flash of pain crossed his face, but it only hardened into determination.

“Why would you even be my supervisor?” she shot back. “We’re literally at the same level. I will prefer a more assigned person to work with.. Bedside, How did you even become Chairman of the Board? To get under my skin?”

“You don’t want to know what I’ve done, Veda..” he murmured, his voice rough. “I’ve done so much… all for you.”

She stared at him in disbelief, her head beginning to ache under the weight of his words.

"What the hell is he talking about? Done so much for me? Killing? His crimes? God what was my offense to deserve all this?

She rubbed her forehead, shutting her eyes for a moment, wishing she could block him out entirely.

But his voice dragged her back. “And you’re not leaving me, Veda.”

Her eyes flew open.

He was stepping closer now...too close.

Each step of his sent her retreating until her back hit the wall.

Cold concrete against her spine, his heat pressing forward, caging her in.

She swallowed hard, her pulse thundering in her ears.

Her boldness from before seemed to melt away in the face of how close he was, of the way his presence devoured the space around her.

Varun leaned in, his eyes locking on hers, burning with madness and desire.

She gulped, frozen as his hand rose slowly.

His fingers brushed against her temple, tucking a loose strand of hair gently behind her ear, the tenderness terrifying in its contrast to his intensity.

“I’ll come over tonight..” he whispered, his voice final. “And you will work under me, Veda, even if I have to dismiss every supervisor in this company.” His breath lingered against her skin as his eyes bore into hers. “You need a supervisor’s report, don’t you? Then you need me.”

Just then, the door to Varun’s office swung open, startling Veda. She gasped, her head snapping toward the intruders.

Amrit and Yash walked in, the atmosphere instantly shifting.

Varun’s jaw tightened, his eyes flashing dangerously as they landed on the two men.

Amrit, being first through the door, froze for a brief second before his lips curved into a knowing smirk.

Yash, on the other hand, said nothing, as if quietly assessing everything he just walked into.

Veda instinctively shoved Varun back a little, putting some distance between them. Her throat felt dry as she swallowed hard.

“Hey, Veda… how are you?” Amrit drawled, brows wiggling playfully.

Veda frowned, irritation flashing in her eyes before she instinctively glanced back at Varun.

His burning stare still hadn’t left her. Feeling trapped, she turned on her heel and hurried out of the office without answering.

“Wow.” Amrit let out a low chuckle, watching the door swing shut behind her. “She looked terrified.” His tone carried a teasing edge, but there was curiosity too.

“Is she ever comfortable with Varun?” Yash muttered, his brows slightly furrowed.

Amrit only grinned wider and sauntered toward the sofa, collapsing onto it with casual ease.

“That’s the real question, isn’t it?”

Varun’s glare snapped to them. “What are you two doing here?” His voice was flat.

“We’re supervisors, duh..” Amrit replied with a smug grin. “Well, I am. Yash… not so much.”

Yash rolled his eyes but didn’t argue.

Amrit leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his grin not fading.

“Speaking of us, though… what were you two doing just now?” His gaze glittered with amusement as it locked on Varun.

“You looked like you were about to kiss her.”

Varun’s throat bobbed as his Adam’s apple jerked with the swallow he couldn’t hide.

Against his will, the image flashed before him..Veda’s lips trembling against his, her breath mixing with his own.

His pulse kicked hard, the thought making his chest tighten with a hunger he could barely restrain.

One day. He couldn’t wait for that day.

“Stop talking nonsense, Amrit..” Yash cut in sharply, breaking the tension. He sat down beside him, shaking his head.

Varun’s eyes darkened, as he turned away.

Without another word, he strode toward his desk.

“By the way, Varun… the goods from Russia just arrived. Our men are taking them to the warehouse..” Yash reported as Varun sank into his chair.

“All goods marked?” Varun asked.

“Everything..” Yash confirmed with a firm nod.

“Ugh, I’m starving.” Amrit suddenly complained, stretching like he hadn’t eaten in days.

Yash raised a brow at him. “Didn’t you have breakfast at the restaurant nearby?”

“The food wasn’t good. And they didn’t even have what I wanted.” Amrit muttered, pouting like a child.

“That’s because you ordered something that’s not even on their menu.” Yash shot back, glaring at him.

Amrit just rolled his eyes dramatically. “There’s a new restaurant ten minutes away. We could try that. Wanna come, Varun?” he asked, turning his grin toward Varun.

Varun glanced up from his monitor, his face blank, then gave a stiff shake of his head before returning to work.

“Well then, Yash, let’s go..” Amrit said, already heading for the door.

Yash groaned. “Are you out of your mind? It’s not even lunchtime. And in case you forgot..you’re a supervisor. Your attention is needed here, you dummy.”

Amrit groaned louder, rubbing his temple. “Teaching people is nothing but headaches.”

With that, he shoved his hands into his pockets and strolled out.

Silence stretched in the office. Yash and Varun exchanged a tired look, then both sighed.