Chapter 17: Between Want and War

Avni didn’t know how long the kiss lasted. Seconds? Minutes? Time blurred, lost in the heat of Reyaansh’s touch, in the way his hands framed her face like he owned her.

When he finally pulled back, his breathing was uneven, his forehead resting against hers. "You’re driving me insane," he murmured, his voice dark with something she wasn’t ready to name.

Avni swallowed, her hands still clutching the front of his jacket. "Then stop."

A sharp, humorless chuckle left his lips. "You think I can?"

The weight of his words settled between them, thick and suffocating. No, he couldn’t. And if she was being honest—neither could she.

But reality slammed into her like a tidal wave.

This was dangerous. This was wrong. She was supposed to hate him.

She turned away, forcing distance between them. "This is a mistake."

Reyaansh exhaled, his fingers flexing as if restraining himself. "If it was, you wouldn’t have kissed me back."

Avni's jaw tightened. "That doesn’t mean anything."

Silence. Then, a slow smirk curled on his lips. "Keep lying to yourself, sweetheart. Let’s see how long you last."

The way he said it—like a promise—sent a shiver down her spine.

She needed to get out of this car. Out of this moment before she lost herself completely.

"Take me home," she demanded, forcing strength into her voice.

For a second, she thought he’d refuse. Thought he’d push her until she shattered completely. But after a tense pause, Reyaansh let out a low sigh, unlocking the doors. "Fine."

The drive back was silent, but the air between them crackled with something unspoken.

When he pulled up in front of her apartment, Avni reached for the door handle, but before she could step out, his voice stopped her.

"This isn't over," he said, his tone laced with certainty.

She hesitated but didn’t turn back. "It has to be."

She stepped out, closing the door behind her, but she could still feel his eyes on her as she walked inside.

But even as she shut the door to her apartment, locking herself away from him—she knew.

She wasn’t locking him out.

She was locking herself in.

And sooner or later, Reyaansh would find a way in too.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to read this chapter. Your support means the world to me, and I’m truly grateful to have you along for this journey. Writing this story has been a labor of love, and I’m excited to share it with you. Please feel free to leave your thoughts and feedback, as I’d love to hear from you. Stay tuned for more, and I hope you enjoy what’s to come!

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.Thank you so much for taking the time to read this chapter. Your support means the world to me, and I’m truly grateful to have you along for this journey. Writing this story has been a labor of love, and I’m excited to share it with you. Please feel free to leave your thoughts and feedback, as I’d love to hear from you. Stay tuned for more, and I hope you enjoy what’s to come!

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