The car ride was thick with silence. Avni sat near the door, her fingers nervously toying with the strap of her bag. Aarav's presence beside her filled the car, calm yet intense. His knuckles flexed against the steering wheel as he stole a glance at her.
"You're scared of me," he said quietly, though it wasn't a question.
Avni looked up, startled. "I'm not…" she began, but her voice betrayed her.
Aarav's lips twitched, amused. "You don't need to pretend."
The car stopped outside her house, and Avni moved to open the door. Before she could escape, Aarav reached for her wrist, his touch firm but careful. She froze, her breath catching as warmth spread through her skin.
"Wait," he said softly, his voice low, yet commanding. Aarav turned her hand over, his thumb grazing the faint bruises near her wrist. His eyes darkened. "Who did this?"
"No one," Avni whispered, not meeting his gaze.
"Lying doesn't suit you," he murmured, his voice colder now. His grip tightened just slightly—not to hurt, but enough to make her look at him. "Tell me, Avni. Who touched you?"
Her heart raced as she shook her head. "It doesn't matter. I'm fine."
Aarav released her wrist, his touch lingering a little too long. He leaned forward slightly, his face close, his voice a whisper that sent shivers down her spine. "Listen to me. If anyone touches you again, they'll have to deal with me."
Avni stumbled out of the car, her cheeks flushed, her heart pounding wildly.
Aarav watched her disappear inside, his jaw set as a faint smirk curved his lips.
She didn't realize it yet, but she belonged to him now.