"He touched her not with gentleness, but with need—raw, consuming, and dangerously close to obsession."

The house was quiet, with only a few lingering guests and servants moving about in hushed voices. Yuvraj barely acknowledged them as he carried Taani upstairs, his hold on her firm yet gentle. She was barely conscious, her head resting against his chest, lost in the drunken haze she had drowned herself in.
Reaching her room, he kicked the door open and stepped inside. With one hand, he flicked the lock shut behind him before striding towards the bed. He carefully laid her down, adjusting her so she wouldn't be uncomfortable.

She mumbled something incoherent, her lips barely parting, and he stilled, watching her. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he noticed the way her brows scrunched, as if she were lost in a frustrating dream. Instinctively, he reached out, smoothing the crease between them with his thumb, lingering for a moment longer than necessary.

Something stirred inside him—an unfamiliar, unsettling warmth. He had never felt this before, this strange pull toward her. He didn't want to acknowledge it, didn't want to give it a name. But here she was, lying before him, vulnerable, tangled in emotions he wasn't ready to understand.

Without thinking, he leaned forward, his lips brushing against her forehead in a featherlight kiss. He was about to pull away when she mumbled again, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Don't go, Sid... Don't leave me... listen to me, please."

Yuvraj froze.

Every trace of tenderness, of warmth, of unfamiliar longing—vanished.

His jaw clenched, and his fingers curled into fists as jealousy—hot and unrelenting—surged through him. The mere mention of Siddharth's name from her lips was like a slap to his face, a violent reminder that she wasn't his. Not yet.

Before he could think, before he could stop himself, his hands reached for the half-filled glass of water on the bedside table. With one swift motion, he tipped it over her face.

A gasp tore from Taani's lips as she jolted upright, her hands flailing for balance as the cold water shocked her back to consciousness.

"Ahh! What the hell—?" She blinked rapidly, her vision still swimming, droplets clinging to her lashes as she struggled to make sense of her surroundings. Her heart pounded erratically, still dazed from alcohol and sleep.

Before she could react, a strong, unrelenting grip seized her chin, tilting her face upward. 

"Look at me!" The harsh command rang in her ears, sending a shiver down her spine.

Her breath hitched as her blurry vision finally settled on Yuvraj. His dark, stormy eyes locked onto hers, burning with something dangerous—something possessive.

"Yuv... Yuvraj?" she murmured, her voice hoarse and confused.

The fury radiating from him was almost suffocating. His grip on her chin tightened, his fingers digging in just enough to keep her in place.

"Say it again," he growled, his voice low, rough—lethal. "Say his name one more time, Taani, and I swear—"

The threat hung in the air, thick with unspoken rage.

She swallowed hard, still struggling to process what was happening. "What... what are you talking about?" she whispered, her voice groggy.

Yuvraj's jaw clenched, his fingers twitching against her skin. "Do you have feelings for that bastard Mehra?" He spat out, his barely contained anger making the air crackle between them.

Taani blinked, the words taking a moment to register. Then, as realization dawned, all she could focus on was the venom in his tone—the way he called Sid a bastard.

The fury that simmered beneath her drunken haze snapped to the surface.

"You are a bastard, you fucking psycho!" she hissed, her voice slurred but sharp. "And what the hell is with this possessiveness? Weren't you the one who said you didn't have feelings for me?"

Her words were reckless, challenging. She didn't care though. She didn't owe him an explanation. Sid was nothing more than her childhood best friend, but she'd be damned if she let Yuvraj insult him like that.

Yuvraj's eyes darkened even further, his grip on her chin tightening until she let out a small wince.

"Ouch, Yuvi, leave me—it hurts!" She grabbed his wrist, trying to pry his hand away.

His grip faltered just slightly, but his jealousy didn't.

"Just remember to keep your distance from him, Taani." His voice was a dangerous whisper, each syllable laced with warning.

Taani's blood boiled. "What the hell is your problem?! You don't get to decide who I talk to, you—"

Her words were swallowed in an instant.

Yuvraj's hand moved lightning fast, his fingers wrapping around the side of her throat—not squeezing, just holding—before his lips crashed against hers.

The kiss was rough, punishing. He licked, sucked, and bit at her lips until she gasped, and he took full advantage—thrusting his tongue into her mouth, tangling with hers, demanding submission.

A moan escaped Taani's lips before she could stop it, her body betraying her. She clutched at his hair, gripping it tight enough to make him groan against her mouth.

His body pressed forward, pushing her back against the bed. Her pulse raced wildly as the weight of him settled over her, his warmth seeping into her skin.

His lips moved over hers with a desperation that sent shivers down her spine, as if he wanted to erase every trace of another man's name from her memory.

His hands roamed her waist, his grip possessive yet teasing, never crossing a line but making it clear who she belonged to in that moment.

Taani felt something wild stirring inside her. A reckless urge. A desire to push him to his limits.

"Ahhh... Sid," she moaned, deliberately letting the name slip past her lips just to see what he would do.

Yuvraj froze.

His breath was heavy against her skin, his grip on her tightening as he slowly pulled back just enough to meet her gaze. The fire in his dark eyes made her pulse race. His jaw clenched, a muscle ticking violently as if he was restraining himself from doing something drastic.

"Tanisha Mittal" he said, his voice dangerously low, the rasp of it sending a thrill through her. "You just made a huge mistake!"

Yuvraj's grip on her wrists tightened, pinning them above her head as he leaned down, his face mere inches from hers. His breath was warm, fanning over her lips as his eyes darkened with something raw, untamed.

"You really wanna play with fire, huhh?" He murmured, his voice a lethal mix of amusement and warning. "Just remember that I'll make you regret each and every word on our wedding night! But for now... let me remind you who you belong to!"

"I belong to no one, you bastard!" Taani spat with venom in her tone.

He smirked in amusement, trailing his fingers down her arm, over her pulse, his touch featherlight yet burning. His lips followed the path of his fingers, grazing over her jaw, her throat—each touch slow, deliberate, making her breath hitch.

Taani's heartbeat pounded like a drum, her body betraying her even as she tried to hold on to the last remnants of her defiance. But when his lips brushed against the sensitive skin near her collarbone, she let out an involuntary gasp, trying to free her hands from his grip.

"Ahh...Yuvi!" Taani moaned out loud as Yuvraj's lips attacked the soft curve of her neck, his teeth scraping against her skin before he soothed the sting with his tongue. His grip on her wrists was still firm, keeping her pinned beneath him as he moved lower, his mouth blazing a path down her throat, marking her with possessive bruises.

"You think you can say another man's name in front of me and get away with it?" He murmured against her skin, his voice dark with jealousy.

Taani shivered, her breath coming in ragged pants as his lips traveled lower, leaving a trail of heated kisses along the swell of her chest. His hands roamed her sides, fingertips digging into her waist, keeping her exactly where he wanted.

Her mind was a blur, lost between the intoxicating pleasure of his touch and the burning need to challenge him. He was taking control—staking his claim. And while she craved it, a spark of defiance flared within her.

She moved her lower body and brushed against his hard on, catching him off guard. Gathering all her strength, she suddenly twisted her wrists out of his grasp. Before he could react, she pressed against his shoulders with all her weight and rolled them over in a swift motion.

Yuvraj let out a grunt as his back hit the mattress, his hands instinctively gripping her hips to steady her. But what stunned him more was the sight above him—Taani, still in her sangeet attire and makeup, straddling his abdomen, her chest heaving, eyes gleaming with mischief and challenge.

For the first time, he was the one pinned down.

A slow, victorious smile curved on her lips as she leaned down, her hair falling like a curtain around them. "What happened, 'husband'?" she teased, her fingers tracing down his chest, making him suck in a sharp breath. "Don't like the turn of events?" 

His eyes darkened, a smirk playing at his lips despite the situation. "Careful there, darling" he warned, his grip on her tightening. "You're playing a dangerous game."

Taani tilted her head, pretending to consider his words before dragging her nails lightly over his collarbone. "Oh, I know," she whispered, before leaning down and pressing an open-mouthed kiss against his jaw, trailing her lips down his neck the same way he had done to her moments ago.

Yuvraj let out a low groan, his hands twitching on her waist, fighting the urge to take control again. But he was intrigued—watching her like this, teasing him, challenging him—it was doing something to him, something dangerous.

Her hands moved to the first button of his shirt, popping it open with deliberate slowness. Her eyes flickered up to meet his, challenging him, teasing him.

Yuvraj arched a brow, watching her with dark, expectant eyes.

Taani only grinned, unbuttoning another, then another, until his toned chest was fully exposed to her. She dragged her palms over his warm skin, reveling in the way his body tensed beneath her touch.

Leaning down, she pressed a lingering kiss just below his collarbone before sucking on the skin, making sure to leave a deep, dark mark. Yuvraj inhaled sharply, his hands tightening around her thighs where she straddled him.

Taani trailed kisses down his chest, her lips warm against his skin, leaving behind a line of hickies. With every brush of her mouth, Yuvi's muscles tensed beneath her touch, his breath coming in short, controlled exhales. She smirked, letting her lips linger just above his abs before whispering, "You look good like this, Yuvi." Her voice was laced with mischief, her confidence soaring as she watched his jaw tighten.

Yuvraj let out a low, throaty chuckle, his hands gripping her waist where she straddled him. "That's enough, Taani," he murmured, his tone deceptively playful, but beneath it lurked a quiet warning—one that sent a thrill rushing down her spine.

Taani cocked her head, feigning innocence. "Enough?" she echoed, pressing a slow, deliberate kiss over his heartbeat. "I thought you were enjoying it."

His smirk deepened, dark eyes burning with something dangerous, something intoxicating. Before she could react, his fingers tightened around her waist, and in a swift, fluid motion, he flipped them over. A gasp escaped her lips as her back met the soft mattress, wrists trapped once again in his firm hold. He loomed over her, his face inches from hers, his breath hot against her parted lips.

"Not gonna lie, that was cute," he murmured, his voice thick with amusement. 

Taani barely had a second to come up with reply before his lips were on her neck, trailing fire in their wake. He wasn't gentle this time—he kissed, sucked, and bit down possessively, claiming every inch of her soft skin until she writhed beneath him, her breath hitching with each flick of his tongue. Just as her hands curled into fists, desperate to touch him, a sudden knock on the door shattered the moment.

Her eyes widened in horror.

"Taani?" Avi's voice came from the other side, laced with concern. The door handle jiggled. "Are you awake?"

Yuvi stilled for a brief second, then, to her absolute disbelief, resumed his torture, dragging his lips down her throat, sucking lightly on her pulse point. She bit her lip so hard it almost bled, trying to suppress any sound. The bastard was enjoying this.

"Haan, bhaiya?" She called out, coughing to mask the breathlessness in her voice.

"You okay? Why does your voice sounds like that? Do you have a cough?"

Taani swallowed thickly, glaring at Yuvi, who merely smirked against her skin, lips hovering dangerously close to her collarbone. He was reveling in her panic, his hands still holding her down like she was his personal captive.

"Bhaiya, I'm fine!" She hurriedly replied. "I was just changing. I'm going to sleep now, you should too. We have to wake up early tomorrow."

A pause. Then, finally, her brother sighed. "Alright. Goodnight, Taani."

"Goodnight, bhaiya."

The moment she finished speaking, Yuvi caught her chin between his fingers and crashed his lips onto hers in a searing, punishing kiss. It wasn't sweet or gentle—it was raw, desperate, a silent declaration of possession. He bit down on her lower lip, sucking it between his teeth before plunging his tongue into her mouth, drinking in the moan that slipped past her lips.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers, his breath uneven. His gaze burned into her, filled with something dark and unspoken. "Your brother has the worst timing ever," he muttered, his voice thick with frustration.

Taani pushed at his chest, trying to move him off, but he didn't budge. Instead, he chuckled low in her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally relented, pushing himself up and off her. He walked into the washroom, leaving her lying there, breathless, body still humming with lingering heat.

When he returned, she was walking towards the dressing table, lost in thought as she removed her jewelry. He came up behind her, his arms slipping around her waist, one hand resting on her stomach while the other splayed against her hip. His lips found the side of her neck, pressing lazy, open-mouthed kisses against the marks he had left earlier.

"By the way, I love the hickeys," he murmured, smirking against her skin.

That's when she finally noticed—her reflection in the mirror showed the evidence of his unrelenting hunger. Her entire neck and chest were covered in dark, possessive marks.

"Oh my God, Yuvi!" she gasped, tilting her head left and right to examine the damage. "What did you do?!"

Yuvi, completely unrepentant, smirked proudly.

"Stop smirking, you bastard!" She elbowed him in the stomach, making him grunt in mock pain. "The make up artist is going to have a field day tomorrow, trying to hide these fuckers!"

He only laughed, watching her rant with that smug expression still plastered on his face. "My wife looks so cute even when she's swearing."

"Wese...zulm to aapne bhi kam nahi kiye hain biwi sahiba," (You haven't done any less damage, my darling wife.) he added, lowering the collar of his shirt. Taani's eyes widened at the deep, bruised marks littering his neck and chest—marks she had left behind in her haze of passion.

"Ji, aap hi ne kiya hai ye," (Yes you only have done this,) he teased, watching her blush deepen. She opened her mouth to say something, but he pressed a finger against her lips, silencing her.

His gaze softened as he leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Abhi ke liye alvida, Mrs. Tanisha Yuvraj Singhania. Kal shaadi ke mandap pe milte hain." (Goodbye for now, Mrs. Tanisha Yuvraj Singhania. I'll see you at the wedding mandap tomorrow.) 

Taani's breath caught.

"Abhi shaadi hui nahi hai, Mr. Yuvraj Singhania," (We aren't married yet, Mr. Singhania,) she managed, tilting her chin up defiantly.

He simply smirked, winking at her as he walked toward the door. "Wo bhi kal ho hi jaegi, don't worry." (That too will happen tomorrow.) 

Taani playfully narrowed her eyes up at him. "Someone's a bit too confident that I'll show up!" 

"I know you will" he replied, brushing his thumb on her lips in a featherlight touch.

And just like that, he stepped away, walking towards the door, his departure leaving an unshakable void in the air between them.

Taani stared after him, her heart pounding, her lips still tingling from his touch. A slow, helpless smile tugged at her lips as she exhaled shakily.

Damn him.

She would be there tomorrow. And they both knew it.

Hello my lovely readers!!!🎀

From forehead kisses to some very intense neck-marking battles—Yuvraj and Taani were definitely on fire (literally and emotionally).

Yuvraj's jealousy really snapped in this chapter (honestly, someone tell him to just chill). But now the real question is—what's going to happen at the mandap? 

Do you think they'll make it through the wedding without another hallway makeout or jealous outburst?

Things are about to get even messier, steamier, and more emotional in the upcoming chapters, so stay tuned!

And to whoever’s celebrating today,
Happiest Birthday Sunshine🎉
Wishing you joy, love, and all the good things life has to offer. May your day be as special as you are! 💫🎂

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE AND COMMENT.
Until next time!

Shukriya and lots of love✨
-Your Author
Exquisite🕊️