𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑| 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬

Saanvi POV

It had been two whole days since I'd felt anything close to freedom. Ever since the last incident, Raj had kept me caged inside the mansion under the pretense of protecting me. I couldn't even step into the garden without feeling his presence behind me.

If I said I wanted to go outside, he'd immediately insist on coming along. There was no room for privacy, no breath that felt entirely my own.

He didn't trust the world, and maybe, deep down, he didn't even trust me to be safe without him.

Today was Monday. The start of a new week and hopefully, a new beginning. I woke up early, much before him, which was rare.

I blinked the sleep from my eyes, a soft ray of light sneaking through the royal blue curtains. My body ached less now the pain from the injuries had dulled into a quiet throb, one I could finally tolerate. The healing process was slower than I'd liked, but I was getting there. And more than anything, I missed my hospital.

I turned to the bedside table and reached for my phone. The screen lit up with the time 6:00 AM . I sighed. It was still early, but I had to get moving.

I slowly pushed the blanket off my legs, careful not to wake Raj. The room was quiet, his breathing steady and even. I sat up, letting my toes touch the cold floor. I had only just started to rise from the bed when I felt it a sudden, firm grip around my wrist.

Startled, I looked down.

He is still half-lost in sleep, his hand loosely holding mine as if his body instinctively knew I was about to slip away from him .

He looked heartbreakingly peaceful. A few short strands of his hair had fallen across his forehead, his usual perfectly-groomed self now looking soft and boyish. It made me smile without even realizing it.

God, how could someone look so devastatingly handsome even in their sleep?

I leaned down slowly, not wanting to wake him or pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. His skin was warm under my lips, his breath steady and deep. Then, slowly and quietly, I slipped out of his hold and headed to the washroom.

The warm water from the shower poured over me, helping to wash away the sleepiness clinging to my skin. A sense of calm and purpose settled over me as I stepped out of the shower.

With a towel wrapped around me, I made my way back into the room. He was still asleep or so I thought. I didn't want to disturb him, so I quietly put on my petticoat and began getting ready in front of the mirror. I chose a soft purple saree today, As I pleated the saree and draped it over my shoulder, I began working on my makeup.

I didn't realize he was awake until I caught a glimpse of him in the mirror his eyes barely open, his gaze fixed on me. His sleepy eyes followed my movements slowly, but there was a hunger in them that made my breath hitch. It was the way he looked at me, like he wanted to devour every inch of me with just his eyes. I could feel his gaze on my skin, even before he moved.

I was dressed in the saree by now, but I struggled with the strings of my backless blouse. No matter how many times I tried, the thin strips refused to tie properly. I sighed in frustration, fumbling with the delicate threads.

Without a word, I heard the rustle of sheets behind me, and moments later, he was standing right behind me shirtless. His chest was warm and I froze for a moment as I felt his fingers brush against my back.

He didn't speak.

He didn't need to.

His hands moved with slow confidence, tying the blouse strings gently, his touch feather-light against my bare skin. Once the knot was secure, he didn't move away. Instead, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to the side of my neck, just below my ear. The warmth of his lips against my skin sent a shiver down my spine.

Then, with one arm, he wrapped around my waist, pulling me gently but firmly against his bare chest. His voice was still husky with sleep when he whispered into my ear, "Good morning, sweetheart."

"Good morning," I replied softly, a small smile playing on my lips.

But instead of letting go, he buried his face into the crook of my neck. His voice was lazy, still thick from sleep, when he murmured against my neck, "Where is my morning kiss?"

I let out a quiet laugh, my fingers naturally finding their way into his messy hair, gently stroking it as he nuzzled closer.

"I gave it to you already, Raj,"I said softly, my voice laced with affection.

He pulled back just enough to look at me, his sleepy eyes now filled with boyish mischief. "What? Really? Aap kiss bhi deti ho ?" he teased, pretending to be utterly shocked.

"Do you even give kisses?"

It carries a slightly teasing or incredulous tone, depending on the context.

I rolled my eyes at his drama, reaching for the set of bangles placed neatly on the dresser.

"Toh aur kya dungi?"I replied with a raised brow, matching his playful tone.

"Then, what else would I give?"

He didn't respond right away. Instead, his eyes followed every little movement I made how I slid each bangle onto my wrist.

There was a certain silence.

Then, with a sly smirk and a glint in his eyes, he stepped closer again.

"Main bataun kya kya de sakti ho aap?" he whispered near my ear, and before I could respond, he leaned down and kissed the top of my shoulder, right where the blouse ended and bare skin began.

"Should I tell you what all you can give?"

I shivered, even though the room was warm.

This man he could make me forget the world with just one look, one touch, one word.

"Hum btyo," I said, looking at him with a teasing smirk, my fingers still adjusting the last of my bangles.

"Tell me "

He leaned against the dresser, arms folded, a lazy grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "Wahi sab kuch, jaan," he said, his voice low and filled with unspoken intent.

I narrowed my eyes playfully. "Kya wahi sab kuch?" I asked, trying to sound as innocent as possible, even though the heat creeping up my neck gave me away.

He tilted his head slightly, stepping closer until there was barely an inch between us. "Karke dikhaun? Tabhi achha samajh aayega," he murmured, his breath warm against my cheek.

I took a small step back, my hands now resting on the edge of the dresser, heart racing. "Kyun? Aise hi samjha de na," I said softly, almost pleading, but he wasn't giving in so easily.

He chuckled under his breath, dark eyes twinkling. "Nahi," karne mein zyada achha samajh aayega, jaan. Toh karein kya?" he asked, his fingers brushing lightly over my waist, sending chills down my spine.

"Pehle batye kya,"I said, raising my brows, looking up at him through lashes, trying to keep my expression innocent.

He laughed softly, his forehead leaning against mine as he looked deep into my eyes. "Ohh... meri nani si jaan," he whispered with exaggerated affection, making me roll my eyes.

"Haan, Nani si jaan ke pati bole ab jaldi," I nudged him, trying not to laugh at his ridiculous nickname for me.

"Wohi sweetheart ..." he sighed dramatically, as if the words were too scandalous to speak.

"Kya ?"I asked again, breath catching in my throat.

And then... he leaned in slowly, brushed my hair aside, his lips almost grazing my ear.

" SEX ", he whispered, his voice rich and velvety.

A sharp shiver danced down my spine. My breath caught, eyes fluttering shut for a second as the single word wrapped itself around my skin like silk. When I opened my eyes again, he was still watching me, that sinful smile playing on his lips.

"What aapne gandi baatein karne mein PhD kar rakhi hai kya?" I said, narrowing my eyes at him with mock seriousness.

"What do you have a PhD in dirty talk?"

He laughed, the sound deep and husky, still laced with sleep. He pulled me closer by the waist, smirking like the devil he was. "Arre nahi jaan, experience se seekha hai... Degree toh abhi aap se hi leni hai," he said with that teasing glint in his eyes.

"Oh no love, I have learnt it from experience... I have to get the degree from you only."

I gasped, half shocked and half flustered. "Raj", I swatted his chest again, but he only grinned wider, clearly enjoying my reaction.

He leaned in again, his voice dipping even lower. "Kya karun, jab meri biwi itni kayamat lag rhi ho phir control kaise ho?"

What should I do, when my wife looks so stunning then how can I control myself?"

I turned away, trying to hide my blush, but he wasn't done. He rested his chin on my shoulder, whispering, "Toh bolo, degree dogi ya viva lena padega?"

"So tell me, will you give me a degree or do I have to give a viva?"

Rajveer POV

I was still grinning, fully enjoying how adorably flustered she looked. Her cheeks had turned the softest shade of pink, her lips twitching as if she was trying not to smile or maybe trying not to give in to my teasing.

But then... she completely ignored my very important, very serious question about our viva session and suddenly turned toward the mirror, holding up one of her jhumkas.

"Yeh pehna do na," she said sweetly, like nothing had just happened. Like she hadn't just heard me whisper sex in her ear a second ago.

" Wear me this ".

I blinked. Really? That's it? This woman had mastered the art of playing innocent.

My eyes narrowed as I watched her from behind, the soft sway of her waist under the purple saree, her back bare except for the tied blouse strings I had fastened moments ago. She stood with one jhumka already on, holding the other delicately between her fingers and offering it to me.

"You're just going to pretend you didn't hear what I said?" I asked, stepping closer, one hand taking the earring from her, the other finding her hip naturally.

She didn't look at me, just kept her gaze on her reflection, that damn smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Kyu kya kaha aapne?" she asked, eyes wide, innocent, like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.

"What did you say?"

I scoffed under my breath and leaned in, brushing her hair gently aside as I clipped the jhumka on her ear. My lips were dangerously close to her skin again." Apko pata hai maine kya kaha..."

" You know what I said"

She shivered slightly under my touch, but still managed to hold her ground. "Aapne kuch gandi baat ki thi shayad," she said softly, clearly enjoying this little game.

" mayebe you said something dirty thing"

I chuckled, my hand sliding to her waist, pulling her flush against me. "Main toh sirf sach bol raha tha, jaan," I whispered near her ear.

"I was just telling the truth jaan"

"Shh, ekdam chup Mr. Rajawat," She finally looked at me and said, rolling her eyes like the sass queen she was. "Aur jaldi se hume yeh jhumke pehnaiye, hume neeche jaana hai."

I stared at her for a moment-mouth slightly open, eyebrows raised. Did she just shut up me? Me? While I was trying to have a very serious, emotionally charged moment about our potential morning viva session?

While I was still standing there like a statue, stunned, she had already turned back to the mirror like she was the queen and I was... well, her personal stylist now.

"What the fuck..."I muttered under my breath, glaring at the back of her head as I took the jhumka in my hand. "Now she's ordering me around? Don't worry, sweetheart... "revenge will be sweet."

I was about to hook the earring into her ear when she looked at me again, her lips pushing into the softest little pout. She blinked twice, and then-

"Abh jaldi daalo na..." she said with that childlike urgency that somehow turned my knees to jelly and my mind to mush.

God.

That pout should be illegal.

My lips twitched into a reluctant smile. "Daal hi raha hoon, jaan,"I said, my tone laced with sarcasm, even though I was already moving toward her, brushing her hair aside.

Just as I was fastening the jhumka, she suddenly flinched a little, her eyes squeezing shut.

"Aghh... dard ho raha hai, dheere dalo..." she winced, her hand reaching up instinctively to touch her ear.

I immediately softened. My teasing smirk faded, replaced by concern as I gently caught her hand before it could touch the jhumka.

"Shhh... bas thoda aur," I whispered softly, my voice laced with care this time. "Lo... pehna diye jhumke."

I adjusted the earring with extra caution, moving my fingers slowly, making sure I didn't hurt her again. Her ear had turned slightly red, and guilt pricked at me.

"Sorry jaan," I murmured, brushing my thumb gently against her earlobe once it was done. "Zyada tight ho gaya kya? Mujhe dekhna chahiye tha."

She opened one eye like a kitten waking from a nap and gave me that look the one that always made my heart twist and melt at the same time. "Aap na... hamesha tease karte ho, aur phir mujhe dard hota hai," she mumbled.

I smiled faintly, cupping her face and leaning forward to press a kiss just beside the sore spot, right where her earring dangled. "Tease toh karta hoon, par dard dena kabhi nahi chaha..."

She stared at me quietly, her pout slowly fading. I could tell she wasn't angry. She never stayed mad for long, especially not when I looked at her like this.

"You're okay now jaan?" I asked softly.

She nodded.

And then she leaned in all of a sudden, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek before I could even react or pull her back into my arms, she was already rushing toward the door.

"Jaldi neeche aana, baby" she called over her shoulder, her laughter trailing behind her as she disappeared down the stairs .

I stood there frozen for a moment, blinking.

Did she just...?

Baby?

My lips curled into a smile for half a second until the realization hit me.

Baby? BABY??

I looked at my reflection in the mirror.

Sharp jawline? Check. Shirtless six-pack moment? Absolutely. Intense, brooding mafia-level stare? Always.

And yet... she called me baby?

"What the fuck," I mumbled to myself, running a hand through my already messy hair. "Do I look like a baby to her?"

I narrowed my eyes, squinting at my reflection like it had betrayed me. "I swear to God, if this is because I smiled too much this morning..."

But then there it was again-her voice echoing in my head like a spell. "Jaldi neeche aana, baby..."

Damn.

Even that sounded hot in her voice.

I shook my head, smirking helplessly.

Author's POV

Saanvi stepped downstairs, the soft tinkling of her anklets echoing gently through the mansion. She glanced towards the kitchen and found her mother-in-law standing beside the servants, instructing them while preparing breakfast. Her chachi was standing before the small temple near the staircase, doing the morning aarti.

As soon as the aarti ended, her chachi turned to Saanvi with a warm smile, holding the aarti thali forward.

"Betu, take this," she said with smile. "Go give aarti to Rajveer too. It's a new week he should start it with blessings."

Saanvi nodded with a soft smile. "Ji, Chachi."

She took the thali carefully and turned toward the stairs. Just as she was about to ascend, Dhruv, appeared from the hallway with his usual playful smirk.

"Bhabhi sa," he said, pausing in front of her, "Bhai isn't in the room. He's in the office downstairs."

"Office?" she blinked. "It's not even 9:00 yet..."

Dhruv shrugged. "He's in one of those moods again. Been shouting at the guards since I walked past."

She nodded again, this time with a slightly worried expression, and extended the aarti thali toward Dhruv. "Here, take blessings first."

He smiled and took the aarti gracefully, bowing his head before stepping aside. Saanvi walked down the hallway, her saree brushing softly against the floor.

As she approached his office, the sharp edge of his voice became clear.

"What the hell were you doing? How Are you getting paid to breathe or protect?" His voice cut through the air like a whip, laced with fury.

"HOW THE HELL DID THAT BOX REACH OUR BEDROOM?" he roared, slamming his fist against the table, making everyone in the room flinch.

The guards stood in a line, heads bowed, drenched in sweat not from the heat, but the pressure of being in front of him.

"Vo khoon ka dibba mere kamre tak kaise aya?" he seethed. "There are ten fucking checkpoints before anyone even enters the mansion gates. Ten! And that box that blood-soaked warning made it past all of you".

No one dared to speak.

"She was in that room", His voice cracked, emotions raw. "She could've opened it herself. What if there had been a bomb inside instead of those fucking hands?"

His most trusted man, Abhimaan, stepped forward. "We're investigating, boss. Someone from inside might've-"

"I want names,"Rajveer snapped, pointing a finger directly at Abhimaan's chest. "I don't care how deep you have to dig. If there's a traitor in my house in my family I'll bury him alive."

One of the junior guards stammered, "S-sir, the box came during the shift change. Maybe-maybe the cameras-"

Rajveer's gaze was ice-cold. "You had one job. Protect the woman I love. You failed. And now she's traumatized again".

He turned away, running both hands through his hair, breathing hard.

Abhimaan's voice was quieter now. "Mam fainted, didn't she?"

Rajveer didn't answer for a moment. Then, through gritted teeth," She collapsed in my arms... shaking. And I couldn't even protect her in my own fucking house."

He stared out the window, eyes bloodshot.

"I want the security doubled. No one no one enters or leaves without my permission. Lock the perimeter, check every blind spot. If there's even a mouse moving where it shouldn't be, I want to know."

"And boss..."Abhimaan said, cautious. "The note-'Yours, K.' Should we assume it's-?"

"It's her," Rajveer growled. "she wants to provoke me. Taking revenge from me . Show me she's close."

His fists clenched. "But she made one mistake..."

Everyone waited.

"She messed with me." Rajveer's voice dropped an octave, deadly calm now. "And that means she already signed his death warrant."

There was silence from the other side of the door. His voice was intense, laced with fury and frustration. Saanvi paused for a heartbeat outside, her fingers brushing against the doorknob but before she could even knock, he fell silent.

The faint chime of her anklets had reached his ears.

Inside the office, Rajveer instantly straightened up. His clenched fists relaxed, and he exhaled slowly. He glanced toward the door, already knowing it was her.

"She's coming, "he said quietly to his men, his tone completely changed calmer, softer. "We'll continue this later. Keep your mouths shut and get it right next time."

The guards nodded hurriedly, already standing straighter.

The door opened, and there she was his wife, glowing in her soft purple saree, holding the aarti thali with both hands.

"Raj," she said softly, stepping in. "Aarti le lo..."

He swallowed whatever sharp words he'd planned to throw next and stepped forward, accepting the offering with his usual quiet reverence when she was near. She placed a small tilak on his forehead, her eyes gentle.

"You were yelling?" she asked, not accusing, just concerned.

He looked away for a second, sighing.

"I wasn't... yelling. Just... correcting mistakes," he muttered, adjusting the cuff of his shirt. "I didn't want you to hear that."

She smiled faintly and reached up to fix his messed-up collar.

"You forget, I know you better than anyone now Mr Rajawat ," she whispered. "And I know you only shout when it's about me."

He didn't deny it. He simply looked at her his fierce protector in private, her soft husband in public.

"Don't worry," she added, stepping back slightly. "I'm fine. But next time, maybe you can scold them without scaring half the house?"

Rajveer smirked, shaking his head. "You and that soft heart of yours..."

"Someone has to balance you out, Mr. Rajawat," she teased, winking.

Rajveer watched her as she turned to leave, the sway of her saree, the chime of her anklets.

"Wait," he said suddenly, stopping her just as she reached the door.

Saanvi turned, eyebrows raised. "Han ji?"

He took a few steps toward her, eyes locked on hers, voice quiet but firm.

"Promise me you won't go anywhere alone . Not even to the garden. Not until I personally sort this mess out."

She blinked, a bit surprised by his sternness, but there was a warmth in his eyes a protectiveness so intense it softened the edge in his voice.

"I wasn't alone Raj," she said gently. "There were guards-"

"They were useless," he cut in, jaw clenched. "One mistake jaan. That's all it takes for something to go wrong. I can't risk that. I can't risk you."

There it was the raw emotion he rarely showed.

Not anger, but fear.

Fear of losing her.

She walked up to him and placed her palm on his chest, right over his heart. "Raj," she whispered, "I know you want to protect me. And I trust you. But I also need to breathe sometimes, hmm?"

His hand covered hers. "Then let me be the air," he whispered back, voice low and intense. "Let me be everywhere you go."

Her cheeks flushed slightly at his words, and she looked down, smiling.

"Possessive husband," she mumbled under her breath.

"Only when it comes to you," he replied without missing a beat, lifting her chin with his fingers. "Because you're mine. Every breath, every heartbeat, every cell in your body belongs to Mine."

There was a long pause between them.

No guards.

No chaos.

Then she shook her head with a playful sigh and said, "Alright, Raj now come down for breakfast before Mummy ji starts complaining you've turned into a vampire who survives on rage instead of food."

He smirked and stepped back. "Fine. But only if you sit next to me."

She laughed softly, eyes twinkling. "As if I'd sit anywhere else."

Saanvi gave him a small smile and turned to leave, but just then his phone buzzed on the desk. His expression changed, sharp and alert.

He picked up the phone, muttering a quick, "I'm coming," before glancing at her.

"You go ahead," he told her, his voice back to its usual calm command. "I'll be there in a minute sweetheart."

She nodded and walked out quietly. The moment the door clicked shut, he answered the call.

"Hmm. Speak fast."

The voice on the other end was urgent. " You were right. She's back."

Rajveer's eyes narrowed as he stood motionless, gripping the edge of the desk. "Hmm," he murmured, barely blinking.

"I hope... you're telling her everything, Rajveer," the voice continued, cautious but insistent.

He exhaled slowly, his gaze drifting toward the closed door. "I know she don't like secrets," he said quietly. "But not yet. Not until I make sure she's safe."

The other end of the line crackled, but Rajveer had already ended the call.

Just as Saanvi reached the dining table and sat beside her chachi and mother-in-law, she adjusted her saree slightly and began serving poha to Dhruv, who was already mid-joke about something childish Rajveer had done when they were younger.

Laughter filled the room.

Saanvi was smiling, fully engaged in the morning banter when her phone buzzed quietly on the table. She glanced down and saw tanvi name flashing on the screen.

Before she could pick it up, her mother-in-law spoke up, "Saanvi beta, call Raj down. He hasn't eaten anything since morning."

But before she could respond, she heard his footsteps.

Rajveer appeared in his black suit, phone still in one hand and car keys in the other. His expression was unreadable but his eyes were scanning only one thing her.

Everyone paused for a brief second, expecting him to say something, maybe complain about work or security again.

But he didn't.

Instead, without a word, He walked right up to where She was sitting. She turned her head toward him, half in surprise, half in question.

He didn't say anything.

He simply leaned down, placed a soft pecked on her lips right there in front of everyone and whispered, "I'll be late. Don't wait for me for dinner."

Gasps and awkward coughs echoed from the family.

Chachi almost dropped the ladle, while Dhruv dramatically covered his eyes with a grin, muttering, "eww bhai, romance mode on, even in the drawing room."

She blinked, utterly flustered, her hand flying to her lips while a wave of blush crept up her cheeks. "Raj", she hissed in a whisper, glaring at him.

But he just smirked with that cocky arrogance of his, clearly satisfied with the effect he had caused, and turned around, calling over his shoulder, "Bye sweetheart ".

"Sweetheart?" Dhruv cackled. "Now that's new."

His mother in law raised her eyebrow with a barely concealed smile and said, "Pati hai, kuch bhi keh sakta hai."

Saanvi, still blushing furiously, looked down at her plate and mumbled, "Oh my god pure ke pure pagal hai".

After breakfast, Rajveer had already left for the office after a rather possessive goodbye planting a kiss on her lips in front of the entire family.

Saanvi dressed in purple saree and carrying her purse waited near the entrance. He had originally planned to drop her off, but a sudden meeting had pulled him away. So, Dhruv and Kiara stepped in.

"Chalo Bhabhi sa, I'll drop you. Our college is on the same route," Dhruv said, jingling the car keys in his hand.

Kiara rolled her eyes but smiled, "Don't make it sound like a favour. I'm the one driving."

Saanvi chuckled and nodded. "Let's go. I have back-to-back appointments today."

They climbed into the car, Kiara in the driver's seat, Dhruv beside her, and Saanvi in the back.

"Bhabhi, I'm surprised Bhai let you out of his sight. He's become more possessive since your recovery." Dhruv said.

Saanvi smiled softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "He just worries too much."

Kiara snorted. "Too much is an understatement. I've seen less clingy toddlers."

Dhruv laughed. "True. Bhai's PDA is getting worse day by day."

Saanvi turned red, hiding her smile behind her hand. "Shut up, both of you. Focus on the road."

As the car rolled toward the hospital, none of them noticed a white car that had been tailing them for the last ten minutes. Hidden in plain sight, a women in sunglasses lit a cigarette and watched silently from the vehicle, a chilling smirk on her lips.

The car pulled up in front of the hospital entrance. Saanvi quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, adjusting her saree pleats before grabbing her purse from the seat beside her.

"Thanks for the ride, you two,"she smiled warmly.

Dhruv leaned back in his seat with a grin. "Anytime, Bhabhi. Just don't forget, next time I want free consultation for my back pain."

Kiara scoffed. "Back pain, my foot. Stop giving excuses to skip gym."

Saanvi giggled as she opened the car door. "You two monkeys never change."

Just as she stepped out, Kiara called, "Text me when you're done. I'll pick you up if Bhai doesn't show up like your personal bodyguard again."

Saanvi nodded. "Sure. Take care, you guys."

As the car drove away, she turned toward the hospital building, Interns greeted her as she entered, and a few patients waiting in the lobby stood upon seeing her. Their relief at seeing Dr. Saanvi Rajveer Singh Rajawat again after months of absence was evident.

"Ma'am! You're back! Thank God, your patient in room 203 has been asking for you non-stop,"a nurse said, walking briskly beside her.

"I'll check on him first,"she replied with a soft nod, her heels clicking against the clean floors as she made her way toward the ward.

But across the street, behind tinted windows of that same white car eyes followed her every move.

Unknown women's POV

"She looks exactly like her..." the women muttered, a strange mixture of admiration and hatred in her voice.

"Should I move in?" the driver asked, glancing through the rearview mirror.

"Not yet,"the lady whispered coldly, her lips curving into a sinister smile. "Let her live a few more peaceful days. The real game hasn't even started."

She leaned back in her seat, her fingers brushing over an old photograph. Two girls, smiling brightly. One of them was Saanvi. The other... the woman everyone thought was long dead.

"Soon, Mrs. Rajveer Rajawat... you'll find out what your husband has been hiding from you."

She chuckled, the sound low and dangerous, as the car silently drove off.

____🦋