But just as she took her third step, something shifted beneath her. The soaked fabric of her lehenga tangled at her ankles, and her balance faltered.

She stumbled slightly, body tilting back — and in that fragile moment, a large, firm hand found her waist.

Rough. Warm. Unapologetically male.

And she shivered.

.

.

Her back brushed against his front — and she felt dwarfed by his presence. His height, his build, the sheer weight of his silence swallowed hers. Her shoulders barely reached his chest, and the heat radiating off his body made her skin hum.

She was just about to pull her hands away…

When suddenly —

His hands caged hers.

Veer stepped closer — not touching her, yet surrounding her.

And then, beside her palms, his larger hands pressed down against the wall.