The asshole is teasing me and it’s just in poor taste. But I’ve got some ammunition now.
I raise an eyebrow, a cocky grin on my face. “Really? I don’t see asmackofhaldion your face.”
He laughs, smacks my shoulder. “Touché, man. Feel free to make her your mother-in-law.”
“Oh, don’t worry. She’smine. And I don’t plan to stop until she’s my mother-in-law.”
“Huh?”
The sound nearly knocks the soul out of my body. My head snaps toward the voice—hervoice.
Advik starts laughing like a damn hyena. I almost commit murder.
Rohi’s standing there, completely unfazed, licking an ice cream bar. “What are we talking about?”
Advik has now doubled over in laughter.
“Oh, he just wants Kiki Aunty,” Advik says unhelpfully. “Real adamant about it.”
This motherfucker.
“As amother-in-law,” I clarify, glaring at him. Then realize what I’ve just said.
Fuck.
“I mean—shit.” I stammer, cheeks burning.
Advik claps my back one more time and walks off, laughing like the bastard he is.
Rohi’s has a slight frown, but her attention is still locked on the ice cream bar in her hand. Then, casually, she walks over.
“You want to make my mom your mother-in-law?” she asks, her tone distracted, gaze still fixed on the melting treat.
Then—to the absolute horror of my dick—her tongue flicks out for a slow, deliberate lick.
I groan. “Okay, stop that.”
“What?” she shrugs, completely unbothered. “You didn’t answer me.”
She licks again, slower this time.
“Jesus, Rohi.” My voice comes out rough. “You need to stop that, baby. My pajamas are not that forgiving.”
She giggles, finally giving me mercy. “Answer me, Mr. Vale.”
I let out a long breath. “Yes. I do. But I want to take you out on a real first date before I eventhinkabout going down on one knee.”
“You’re thinking waaaay too far ahead, Lamebrain,” she teases.
But I don’t laugh. I meet her gaze, steady and serious.
“I know. I know I’m getting ahead of myself. And... I think we need to talk. About today. The haldi. The forehead kiss. All of it.”
She stills. The playfulness fades from her face like a tide pulling back.
“I just need to know, baby,” I say quietly. “Are we... do you want me?”
Her posture shifts—subtly, but enough. Shoulders slumping. Eyes cast to the ground.
