The heavy oak door of the study clicked shut, locking out the chaos of the night, the sirens in the distance, and the weight of the Haveli’s legacy. Inside, the only light came from the dying embers in the hearth and the silver glow of a full moon spilling across the Persian rug.

Arjun didn't let her go. He kept her pinned gently against the door, his hands resting on either side of her head. The adrenaline of the rescue had settled into a heavy, pulsing heat that filled the small space between them.