Chapter 171

Part 20

"All this time I was waiting for you like a mad.. And you just forgot me so easily.. " Steve woke up with the words ringing in his mind.. He groaned and rubbed his head which hurt due to lack of sleep.. He hardly slept through the night.. His mind kept reeling back to her face.. Her words.. Her words kept haunting him all the night.

Scowling he got up from the bed and freshened up.. Dragging on his clothes he made his way out of the room.. As he walked outside the hallway his eyes went to the corner room at the end of hallway.. No way Steve.. No need to go and look for her.. His mind warned him.. Still he found himself making his way to the room.. Hesitantly he stared down at the door knob. What if she was already awake and gone downstairs for breakfast.. Or rather not.. His lips thinned recalling she was their captive.. He frowned deeply as he turned the door knob..

The damned door was not even locked..

Swearing under his breath he opened the room and peeked inside.. His eyes regarded it in displeasure realizing how small the room was.. The room was dimmed.. His eyes caught the figure which was lying on the bed.. Still sleeping.. He took a ragged breath and couldn't look away from her.. She looked beautiful lying there.. But so fragile and innocent..

Emotions !! Damn emotions were raising in heart.. Steve swore.. This wasn't supposed to happen.. He had no feelings.. He would never have..

With a disgusted look he turned around to leave when a movement caught his eyes.. Small hands came on Ms.Shilpa's tummy and gripped in tight.. Shilpa groaned in discomfort still asleep.. Then a small head came on view with a sunny smile.. His heart jolted instantly.. The smile threw him off..

Arav stared at him curious.. Steve stared back at him but with more of discomfort.. Suddenly the baby's eyes lit in delight.. He gripped on his mother's stomach and tried to get up.. But off balance his stumbled back.. That's when Steve realized he was near the edge of the bed..

Instantly he headed towards him and pulled him up.. He stared at Arive while he gave him a big grin..

"What is this boy.. " Steve shook his head in wonder.. "You look hell a lot like me.. "

Arav gurgled and tried to get close to him.. Steve stiffened and tried to keep his distance.. But Arav was clingy.. He sighed as he placed his head on his shoulder and cooed.. Steve felt a chill run down his spine.. Hidden emotions kept raising in his heart.. This wasn't supposed to happen right.. He wasn't supposed to have all this feelings.. But holding the kid close to him.. He felt a protective urge build inside him..

And for the first time in his life he felt. Safe..

Shilpa's moan brought him back to the world.. Instantly he put back Arav on the bed beside his mother.. Arav pouted his lips and him and started to hit his hand on his mother's chest.. Shilpa groaned and opened his eyes regarding his son..

"Arav You are energetic this morning darling.. " Shilpa gave him a sunny smile which made Arav laugh

Steve was once again thrown off guard with her beautiful smile.. He was mesmerized seeing the bond between them.. Who were this two people.. evoking emotions out of his cold heart..

Shilpa gasped in surprise as she saw Steve who stood close to them.. "How did you get inside..??"

Steve gave a cold smile "Don't you have enough sense to lock the room before you sleep..?"

"Ohhh " Shilpa flushed in embarrassment.. "I must have forgotten.."

"Just don't make it a habit.. " Steve muttered "You cant trust people around here.. "

"You mean people like you.. ? " Shilpa toss back with a glare..

Steve clenched his jaw and started to leave.. "Get out of the bed and come down for breakfast.. "

"Wait ! " Shilpa called for him..

He stilled and turned back to her dispassionately.. "What "

"Can you wait with Arav for a while.. " She requested softly.. "I need to freshen up.."

Steve hesitated.. "Give him some toy.. "

"Ohh its your child for godsake.. " Shilpa taunted him angrily.. "Fine if you don't want to stay leave.. " Shilpa handed Arav his favorite toy and got up from the bed.. Without a backward glance she stormed inside the washroom while Steve stood glaring at her..

His eyes went back to the baby who was now once again staring at him curiously.. And then he tossed away his favorite toy and held his hands high to him

"What.. " Steve stood confused for a while.. That's when he realized he was asking him to take him in his arms..

"Oh no no.. I don't think so dude.. " Steve muttered heading to the door..

That's when he saw the baby's lips tremble.. His eyes fill with tears.. Before he could cry he took Arav in his arms and stared at him..

"Boy.. You do emotional blackmail just like your mother.. "

"Just eat your breakfast will you.. " Steve muttered angrily as he glared at Shilpa who kept looking around nervously..

In the restaurant of the cruise, they were seated together for breakfast.. He could easily feel David and other's eyes on them. But choose to ignore.. He knew if Ms.Shilpa was down to have breakfast on her own. They were going to make it hard time for her..

"I cant.. " Shilpa muttered in a strain voice.. "They are staring at us angrily.. "

"Ignore them will you.. " Steve replied coolly "And your son, he is getting himself a new facial.."

Shilpa gasped as she realized Arav was rubbing the baby pudding on his face.. She took it out from his hand and scolded him lightly.. "That is not eating young man.. You were supposed to eat your pudding.."

Arav pouted his lips and gargled as if replying back to her.. Steve felt his lips twitch seeing that..

"Steve! " David called him from the back table.. " Come here will you.. "

Steve didn't bother replying.. Instead he busied reading the newspaper while drinking his black coffee..

"Don't you eat ? " He heard the question come from her.. He put down his newspaper and narrowed his eyes.. "I don't need heavy breakfast.. "

"Breakfast is the most important meal.. " Shilpa glared at him..

"Stop telling me things.. You are not my mother.. " He glared back at her..

"That's right.. " She muttered.. "Because I am your wife.. "

"MY WHAT !!! " Steve put down his coffee and stared at her stunned.. His swore realizing he had drawn every attention on them.. Gritting his teeth he leaned towards her and muttered angrily.. "Don't speak nonsense infront of me.. "

"Whatever " She busied herself in her breakfast which irritated him more..

"Ya right whatever.. Now reply me why the hell you said such thing.. Explain yourself will you.." He spoke once again his anger rising..

"I am not speaking to you until you speak to me normally.. " Shilpa shot back getting up from her seat..

"Finish your breakfast.. " Steve spoke in a warning tone..

"My appetite just lost.. " She replied and took Arav from his seat and walked out of the restaurant..

"What stop this one would be ? " Steve questioned Robin as the cruise made its way to the jetty..

"Venice " Robin murmured softly.. "Our clients would join us from this destination.."

"Hmm.. " Steve replied distractedly.. "I don't know why but I am not fully sure about this deal.."

"But all the arrangements have been made.. " Robin spoke quickly.. "We cant back out.. The deal is almost finalized.."

"I do understand that.. " He gritted his teeth.. "But I am still not sure.. "

"What are you saying Steve.. " David joined him "I hope you are not backing out from the deal.."

"I am not " Steve protested.. He hesitated for a while before speaking.. "Anyways let it be.."

David clenched his fist as Steve walked away from them..

"He has doubts.. " Robin pointed out quietly..

"Oh Really.. " David spoke sarcastically.. "Let him have then.. But I won't let him stop this deal from happening.. "

"I have a feeling he suspects we are hiding something.. " Robin spoke hesitating..

"As I said.. " David murmured.. "Let him be in doubt. But No one can now stop this deal from happening.. Just wait and watch"

"You need some clothes.. " Steve muttered as he drag Shilpa to the streets of Venice..

"I have clothes.. " Shilpa objected instantly while clutching Arav close..

Steve glanced down at her body in distaste.. "You look like a dying old bat.. You need to have clean clothes.. " He glanced down at Arav.. "And so does the boy.. "

Shilpa frowned at him for a while absorbing his talk.. And then she surprised him with a big smile which made his heartbeat rise..

"Arav.. Papa is going to get new clothes for you.. "She told the baby happily while making her way into the store..

Steve matched her pace.. "How many times I have to tell you he is not my son.. "

"Too bad for you he is.. " She muttered angrily heading inside the store..

Steve huffed and followed her inside..

1 Hour Later :

"This is absurd.. " Steve muttered angrily.. "You spent a full hour and still you cant choose a dress for yourself.."

"You are wrong mister.. " Shilpa shot him back.. " I have bought enough dresses whatelse you think I need.."

"I told you to get yourself good clothes.. Not some maid dresses ! "He bit out frustrated..

"I don't need your opinion in fashion.. " Shilpa spoke firmly heading out of the store.. Just then her eyes came on a dress which was displayed in the corner store.. And what a dress.. The dress was all silk with a split on the right leg.. The design was spectacular.. A halter neck.. She stared at the dress wondering what the back would like.. Shilpa almost laughed on herself.. She couldn't ever imagine wearing such dress. Those were dresses made for models. A fantasy gown..

She sighed and turned around to leave, she gasped realizing Steve stood behind her staring at her with a strange expression. And then his gaze went to the dress regarding it with desire..

"So you do have a feminine touch hidden inside you.. " He murmured huskily..

Shilpa blushed and looked away from the dress.. "I was just looking at it.. I have no desire to buy it.."

Steve smirked at her with a grin.. "Liar.."

"NO I am not.. " Shilpa protested and saw him walk away.. "What !! Why are you going there.."

She stood in daze noticing him talk to the sales staff.. He wouldn't dare to buy it would he.. With Arav asleep in her arms she shifted him to the other arm.. As she started to grow impatient Steve came out.. With a bag in his hand..

"Go back and return it.. " Shilpa shouted angrily as he passed her the bag..

"Take it.. " Steve muttered in a low voice..

"I don't want it.. " Shilpa objected.. "Go and give your girlfriend in the cruise.. " She muttered angrily and walked pass him..

Steve clenched his fist.. And was ready to throw away the dress when he saw the man who stood at the other side of the road.. His eyes on Shilpa.. Unknown to the fact Shilpa kept walking.. Steve tensed as he noticed the gun on the man's hand..

And it was targeted on Ms.Shilpa..

OHH NO !

He moved fast.. Roughly he pulled her to the corner of the building.. That's when they heard the gun shot.. Which almost blinded everyone.. Shilpa gasped in horror and tightened her hold on Arav who started to cry startled with the loud noise.. Shilpa was too frightened to react. In her daze she noticed Steve run towards the man who had fired the gun.. Oh god the man had meant to kill her.. But why.. She wondered in horror.. She blinked hear tears and tried to sooth Arav who was still crying.. Just then Steve came to her cursing under his breath..

"The bas***d.. Ran off before I could find him.." He shot angrily.. And then he was beside her.. Running his hand on her arms worriedly.. "Are you hurt ?"

Shilpa stared at him.. Her heart thudding wild.. The concern in his eyes threw her off guard.. He was worried for her.. She could clearly see in his eyes.. Right now the man who stood infront of her was not Steve..

He was Armaan..

Lost in the moment she hugged him tightly.. Steve went still in her embrace and tried to pull away.. But she held him tight not letting him go.. "I was so scared.. " She muttered in a teary voice.. "For a second I thought I was ..dead.."

Steve cursed and roughly pulled away from her.. Shilpa blinked her eyes and looked at him.. She grew disappointed noticing once again he had controlled his emotions.. And right now cold eyes regarded her..

"You don't understand do you.. " He accused angrily.. "This is not your normal life.. Where you can wander around so easily without worry.. " He brought his face close.. His eyes full of dread.. "This is the dark reality Darling.. One minute you could be killed.. "

"Would that make you happy.. " She questioned softly..

"What ? " Steve pulled away taken back from her question.. And then his expression grew blank.. "I don't care.. But if you wish to stay alive.. You have to be in my terms.."

Shilpa looked away suddenly feeling exhausted.. She did understood what he was trying to say.. She needed to remember she was not in her normal life. This was a world full of gangsters..

"Take this dress.. " He spoke in a low tone.. Shilpa was too scared to argue so she took it instantly..

"Give me the baby.. You look ready to faint.. "He murmured taking Arav in his arms..

As he made his way down on the road, Shilpa realized he was holding her hand firm.. The same way he held his child close to him.. Her eyes grew teary seeing his protective mode.. A smile came on her face as she realized something very important..

Whatever happens she knew he would always protect them.. Always..

****************************************************************

Part 21

Shilpa walked inside her room in daze.. She recalled the incident which had left her in shock.. Who was that man who had tried to kill her.. A chill ran down her spine as she thought of it.. Was it plan of them to get rid of her .. What if Steve was included in this plan..

No.. It cant be.. He just saved my life.. Shilpa reminded herself with a smile.. Deep inside maybe he did care for her.. though he had no memory of her.. The thought made her sad..

Maybe I should take a bath.. She headed to the cupboard when someone knocked the door.. Hesitantly Shilpa opened the door..

"Steve.. " Shilpa murmured softly...

Steve narrowed his eyes at her.. "I want you to be ready at 7Pm tonight.. Where the dress I bought you.."

"But " Shilpa tried to protest..

"No excuses.. Do what I say.. " He muttered leaning down at her.. "You better get this in your pretty mind.. Listen to me, follow what I say orelse die.. "

Shilpa's eyes grew hard as she stared at him in anger.. Before he could guess she took a step back and closed the door..

Right on his face..

Steve stood stunned for a while.. "Whatever.. " He walked away embarrassed..

"Arav ! No don't play with your food.. " Shilpa put away the pudding before he could attack it again.. "That is for eating not for applying on your face.. "

Arav grinned at her sheepishly and started to pull her hair.. "Oww Arav that hurts baby.. "

They had alone arrived the restaurant for some lunch. Shilpa felt peaceful being away from all the dangerous people. A alone time with her son gave peace to her heart..

"That's enough Arav. Let's go now you badly need a shower.. " Shilpa picked him up and made her way towards the exit.. Just then she bumped into a lady..

"Oh ! I am so sorry mam.. " Shilpa apologized instantly..

The old women gave her a big smile.. Her eyes were warm with kindness. Shilpa felt a relief pour inside her..

"It is ok darling.. Wow what a handsome baby you have.. " The lady stared at Arav who was smiling at her.. "And he has got your beautiful smile.."

Shilpa blushed "Thank you.. I am Shilpa Mallik.. This is my son Arav.. "

"I am Suzan.. Oh here comes my husband William.. William say hello to Shilpa.. " She gestured to her husband who gave a warm smile to Shilpa..

"Hi there Ms.Shilpa.. You have a handsome kid.."

"Thank you Sir.. Are you both in holiday... "

Suzan beamed.. "We are taking a vacation as William has finally retired.. The cruise is amazing.. It is such a good experience.. "

Shilpa smiled genuinely.. "Agree it is a beautiful cruise.. "

"Are you here alone with you son.. " William inquired..

"Umm actually I am here with my husband.. " Shilpa hesitated.. "On vacation.. "

"Oh darling that is so nice.. may god bless you.. " Suzan held her hand.. "We must meet again and have a lunch together.. I have a feeling we can be good friends.."

Shilpa's eyes went misty with the kindness of old lady. "Thank you Suzan.. I hope we meet again. And sure I would love to come for lunch oneday.. "

"Ok bybyee dear.. "

"Bye.. " Shilpa whispered and started to leave. Just then an idea came in her mind.. She hurried back to Suzan with a smile..

"Excuse me Suzan... "

"Yes dear " She smiled at Shilpa..

"Actually.. I need your help... " Shilpa spoke expectantly...

When Steve entered the party, it was on full swing.. He studied the atmosphere studying people.. He spotted David and the gang who was lounging in the corner of the party..

"Hey guys.. " Steve drawled as he joined them and took a seat in sofa.. "So how is the party.."

"Rocking! " Devlin grinned.. "So many hot chicks.. "

Steve grinned at him "That must be a jackpot for you huh.. "

"So steve.. " David interrupted them.. "Where is your lady love..?"

Steve tensed.. "She is no such thing of mine.."

"Doesn't look like so.. " Logan smirked..

Steve tried to reply back when Robin interrupted..

"And look who just walked inside the party.." Robin drawled.

Steve's eyes instantly went to the door.. His eyes stilled as he took in her appearance..

She was beautiful...

The dress which he had chosen clung to her body like second skin.. She looked like a goddess who has emerged from the sea.. Steve closed his eyes trying to control the feelings arising inside him..

His opened his eyes to see her looking around worriedly.. There was no single man who didn't have their lustful eyes on her.. The thought made him angry for a second..

Devlin interrupted his moment.. "And Steve gets a heartattack.. "

"Shut up Devlin.. " Steve snapped as he got up instantly... "I will be back.. "

"Why does he keep running after her.. " Logan complained irritated.. "Come on David..When are you going to bring a end to this nonsense.. "

"Soon.. " David murmured.. "Very soon"

Shilpa stood worried as she looked around for him.. Where was he.. The dress was making herself conscious.. She could easily feel hard stares which were coming towards her. She didn't want to give anyone wrong signal.. Where was Steve.. ?

Shilpa bit her lip and touched her dress feeling uncomfortable..

"Don't worry. " Came the husky voice behind her.. She turned around and clashed into his deep rich eyes..

His gaze ran down her body with his desire-filled eyes.. "You look terrific.. "

She went red instantly.. Touching her hair shyly she whispered.. "Thank you.."

The small move surprised him. She looked so innocent as she played with her hair nervously.. This lady was dangerous. She was making him feel things which he hadn't felt from past year.. What was it about this women..

He cleared his throat and took her hand.. "Come with me.. "

David narrowed his eyes as Steve cameback with Ms.Shilpa.. His eyes went to their locked hand.. And he decided he didn't like this..

Shilpa was nervous.. She could feel them stare at her in anger.. She kept her gaze on floor as they set in the sofa.. She jumped back surprised as she felt a tap of her shoulder..

"Oh Sorry ! " Devlin exclaimed.. "I didn't mean to scare you darling... Do you know you look so sexy tonight.." He spoke in his sexy voice..

Shilpa felt a relief seeing someone was acting normal with her.. Just then Steve interrupted them.. "Get away from her Devlin. Go and find someone of your age.. " He warned him..

Devlin just grinned at him and got up.. "So insecure.. Dude one must think you have fall in love."

Shilpa stiffened as Steve gritted his teeth.. "Get lost Devlin.. "

As Devlin left David glanced at Steve.. "May I ask why you have invited this lady to the party.. We have a meeting to do with Mr Cezar Kane.." he spoke dangerously..

Steve leaned to the sofa.. "My choice.. And we have time for the meeting.. " He spoke calmly..

David gave a cruel smile and leaned forward.. "Just make sure you don't screw it Steve.. " He glanced at Shilpa who shifted uncomfortably.. "Never trust women.. They could ruin your plans"

Steve didn't bother a reply. Instead he glanced at Shilpa who was staring at him expectantly..

"What.. " He asked..

"Can I go back.. " She hesitantly glanced at David and Logan who was now getting cozy with some girls.. "I don't feel good here.. "

Steve gave a amused look .. "Remember what I said.. " He leaned forward and whispered in her ear.. "You leave when I say.. Not before it.. "

Steve was going crazy with the seductiveness of her perfume.. He leaned forward intending to kiss her neck when suddenly..

"Hey guys ! " Came the sultry voice behind him.. He swore and set back instantly..

"Hi Lisa " David greeted her smiling... "Just take a seat near Steve.. " He gave a naughty look to Steve.. "I am sure he is not at all busy.. "

Shilpa didn't wish to repeat the same incident... She decided to leave. As she tried to get up he held her hand.. "Not yet ! " He warned her softly..

Shilpa glared at him and looked straight ahead not willing to see Lisa brown flirt with him..

" Hey Steve Darling.. " Lisa spoke huskily as she took a seat near Steve.. Too close.. "How are you doing..."

Shilpa hated her voice..She closed her eyes and blanked her expressions. There was no way she would will herself to react..

"What are you doing here. " Steve muttered angrily.. "Last I know no one invited you here.. "

"Oh come on Steve.. " Lisa pouted.. "I was invited by David.. Now stop sulking up and give me a kiss.."

That's it ! Shilpa got up instantly before her heart would break into pieces.. She started to walk away when she heard him call her from behind.. But not paying any heeds she headed to the dance floor when suddenly...

"Where the hell are you going ?? " Steve growled as he took in her arms and held her tightly...

"I am leaving..."

"No you cant.. You only leave when I say ! "

"So wrong Steve.. GO back to you Lisa " She spat angrily...

"I have no bloody interest in her.. " Steve pulled her in his arms and held her..

"What are you doing.. " Shilpa gasped..

"Dance with me.. "Steve spoke softly...

Lost in trance she started to move along with him to the sensual music.. Shilpa stared at his rugged cold face while he stared back at her blankly..

"Why ?? " Shilpa asked suddenly..

"What ? " Steve asked confused..

"You just said.. " She spoke hesitantly.. "That you have no interest in Lisa.. Why ? "

He didn't answer.. Instead he stared at her for a long time.. And the he leaned down and whispered.. "That is because you Intrigue me.. "

Shilpa felt her breath hitch.. She looked away from him and took a step back.. "I feel thirsty.."

"Waiter. " Steve signaled him.. "Get me some water.. "

As he brought the glass Steve passed it to her.. Shilpa took it in her hand when suddenly the glass broke. Shilpa let out a scream and looked down at the glass horrified.. The music was too loud for anyone else to hear..

Steve cursed angrily and started to look around.. "Someone just shot the glass.."

That's when he noticed the masked man who stood in the corner.. He had a shining piece in his left arm..

He realized it was a gun..

Steve started to make his away to him.. The man hurried and ran off before he could catch him...

"Damn ! So close.. " Steve muttered in anger.. He glanced back at Shilpa who stood rooted on spot in shock..

"Let's get you out of here..

Shilpa followed him in daze.. He took her outside and stood near the railing.. Both of them staring at the calm sea.. Shilpa sighed and turned towards him with her eyes filled in tears..

"Why would anyone try to kill me.. " She asked brokenly..

He was thrown off with the question.. Such a innocent question for which he had no answer..

"This is so unfair.. " She spoke sniffing while tears kept coming...

"Life is never fair.. " He snapped at her.. But instantly regretted as she started to cry again...

"Listen to me.. " He cupped her face and cleared her tears... "Until you are her e with me.. No one can touch you..Trust me.. "

Shilpa stared at him with a hopeful smile... "Promise ? "

Steve hesitated... And then whispered "Promise.. "

Suddenly she gave her beautiful smile.. His breath hitched as he drank her beauty.. Licking his dry lips he stared down at her inviting lips.. They were soft and so inviting.. He felt himself loosing control..

"Oh damn... " He muttered... Before she could guess, he crashed his lips on hers.. Devouring those soft petals.. She gasped with the bold act of him.. She kissed him back equal passion.. He nipped her lower lips as she nipped his upper lips. His hands ran down her back bringing her close to him.. He held her cheeks and deepened the kiss. His hands traveled down further.. And made his way to the slit in dressed.. From there he touched her intimately while kissing and kissing her.. Her moans and gasps filled out in the silence and the dark...

As he broke the kiss she sighed blissfully... " Mmm "

Suddenly he grew tensed.. he backed away from her and stared at her with a cold look.. Without even saying a word he stormed back into the hallway while leaving behind a stunned shilpa..

Steve woke up in the middle of the night... His forehead sweating as he recalled the blurry image about of making love to Shilpa.. But it felt so good.. Way too good that he felt disappointed when he woke up.. Armaan felt frustrated.. He ran his hand in his hair and lay back on the bed.. As he closed his eyes he realized something..

He no longer heard the voice of plea in his dreams..

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Part 22

Next morning :

"Where is David " Steve questioned Robin..
Robin took him inside where David set along with others having breakfast..
"Hey steve ! Come and join us for some breakfast man ! "
"No thanxs ! " He replied grimly.. "I need to talk to you alone.. "
"We can talk in a while.. Why dont you sit down.. "
"I wish to do now.. " he gritted the words out..
He must have convinced him as David instantly got up.. "Okay everyone please leave... Steve and i need to have a word.. " He smirked..
Soon everyone left.. David took his seat in Sofa and spoke.. "So man ! Where did you ran off last night.. "
Steve stared at him and took a seat in the chair infront of David.. "Last night Ms. Shilpa was attacked.. "
"Oh ! " David spoke with an innocent look.. "Why would anyone do that now.. It must have been.. "
"She was attacked before too.. On the road.. "Steve interrupted..
David raised his eyebrow.. "I have no idea why this concerns me.. And why are you so much worried about her.. ?"
Steve ignored his question... "As far as i know.. You are quiet unhappy with her being here.. "
"Me and Unhappy.. " David snorted.. "Dont sound absurd Steve.. You know i wont do that to you.. "
He stood up instantly.. "I guess we should end this talk and concentrate on our project.. "
Steve stood up and spoke before he could leave.. " Speaking of project, i also know what you are upto.. "
David stilled.. "What i am upto.. ?"
"Those illegal drug trading.. " Steve spoke softly... David gave a panicked look... "Now now dont sweat.. " Steve drawled.. "You thought you could fool me by saying it is a just a normal business deal.. Too bad for you i already know what illegal work is to carried out here.. "
"Oh come on Steve.. "David spoke hurriedly.. "It is going to bring us a hell lot of money.. " He spoke cunningly...
"I dont support it... " he snapped.. "And we would be carrying out project as we planned.. This is my plan ! my idea.. If you try to ruin this...trust me i wont let you getaway this time..."
David glared at him as Steve walked out of the room.. He clenched his fist in anger...
Logan and Robin joined him.. "So what did he say.. "
"He knows everything.. " David snapped pouring a scotch for himself.. "He knows we are behind attacking the lady.. Also he knows our plan of changing the deal.. "
"So what do we do now ?? " Logan asked worriedly...
David grinned.. "We will carry out our plan... Firstly we need to get rid of this lady.. Ms.Shilpa.. And then we need to make our plan work at any cost.. "
"What if Steve tries to stop us.. "Robin questioned...
"Then i guess we would just have to kill him.. " David spoke bitterly...

"Where is your Mom.. " Steve questioned little Arav who was staring at him adoringly...
"Ya right.. As if you can speak.. " He chuckled softly as the baby grinned at him..
"Oh ! What are you doing here.. ? " Shilpa questioned as she clutched her robe tying it safely...
His eyes were on her body as he spoke.. "I had a question.. "
"What ? " She asked moving to the closet...
"Where was your little kid when you came to the party.. " He asked curiously..
Her face glowed as big smile came on her lips.. He was mesmerized..
"I met a old couple yesterday...Suzan and William We became good friends.. I requested Suzan to babysit Arav for me.. They were happy to take him.. "
Steve glanced at Arav who was busy with his toy.. "You cant trust strangers.. "
"They are good people.. " Shilpa defended them..
"Forget it.. I need a favor from you.. " Shilpa asked softly...
Steve panicked seeing her blush... He cleared his throat and started to walk away.. "Uhh i have some work.. "
"Please " She asked pleading him.. "It wont take much time.. Please"
He gave in reluctantly.. "Fine.. What do you want.. "
Shilpa gave a big smile..."Well... "

"Omg Darling... I am so happy you decided to join us with your husband.. " Suzan beamed happily... "I must say your husband is an handsome devil.. "
Beside her Steve set stiff totally uncomfortable with the talks.. Shilpa forced a smile on her lips and glanced at Steve who set with a blank look.. "Yes i am very lucky.. "
Steve shot her a warning look.. Shilpa dipped her head down instantly..
"And this boy.. " William held Arav in his arms.. "He is such a prankster.. Suzan and me had such a fun time last night.. "
Steve set bored as he tried not to yawn.. Indeed he was bored with the elder talks.. But he was also aware on the lady who set beside him.. Her soft intoxicating sent was driving him crazy.. What was he supposed to think.. Hell he couldnt think straight..
He survived the lunch... But he was more thankful as they left the restaurant...
"Thank you so much.. " Shilpa spoke happily.. "It meant a lot to me.. "
"Whatever.. Dont expect me to do it everytime.. " He snapped at her and walked away..
Shilpa shook her head and walked inside her room with a small smile..

"Arav ! No dont play with the remote.. " Shilpa took the remote from Arav as he started to hit it on floor.. "Now sit here like a good boy.. I will go and check on the door.. "
Shilpa went and opened the door.. The bellboy stood there with his head dipped.. "Good evening Mam.. I have a letter for you.. "
Shilpa took the letter from him.. "Who could have send this.. ? " She wondered..
"You need to sign this papers mam.. " He flashed a paper infront of her..
Shilpa gave a curious look.. Something was so not right.. Pen .. She needed a pen..
"One minute.. "
She turned around to get a pen.. Suddenly the bell boy was gripping her neck.. Shilpa let out a startled scream.. He gripped her mouth to stop her shouts.. Arav noticed him and tensed.. He started to cry..
Shilpa tried to get away from the man.. "Leave... me... Get.. away.. " She spoke in a muffled tone.. "
"Shut up stupid women.. " Came a bitter reply.. "You did a stupid thing by coming here.. Now die.. "
Shilpa struggled further.. She bumped near the table and noticed a vase.. Instantly she took it and hit it on his head..
The bellboy yelped in pain.. In response he pushed her roughly to the floor.. Her head hit the corner on the bed as she fell.. Instantly darkness started to surround her.. As her eyes started to close she vaguely remembered Arav gripping her finger with a sob..

Shilpa was floating.. She felt she was floating as a soft voice kept calling her..
Shilpa... Shilpa.. Wake up...
The fog started to clear out.. Indeed someone was calling her...
"Shilpa ! Wake up.. Come on... "
She opened her eyes with great difficulty.. Her head was throbbing.. And then slowly she recalled what had happened.. She tried to get up but someone held her down..
"Dont ! Lay back you will feel better.. "
Steve.. Shilpa realized as she stared at him.. He kept staring down at her worriedly...
"That man... Shilpa whispered brokenly... "The bellboy.. He gripped my neck.. "
Steve tensed.. "He must have ran away as i came... When i came you lay on floor and Arav was crying.. "
Steve recalled how he had felt the moment he had witnessed sometime before.. When he came in she was unconscious.. Blood was dripping from side of her head.. While Arav was hitting her chest sobbing.. He felt cold at the moment.. When he saw a scene which he would never forget in life..
He almost thought she was dead.. And the thought sent chills down his spine..
"Once again somebody tried to attack you.. " Steve muttered angrily.. "This is all my fault.. I should not have brought you here.. "
Shilpa closed her eyes feeling too weak to reply... Steve studied her for a while and glanced at the baby sleeping beside her.. Not only her life was in danger, the little baby was in danger too..
Then he came into a decision...
"You will move in with me right now.. " Steve spoke firmly..
Shilpa's eyes flew open.. "What ! "
"You will move in my room.. I can keep an eye on you for 24 hours then.. "
"But... I cant.. " Shilpa protested weakly...
"Ofcourse you can... " He spoke strongly... "I will pack your things.. "
Before she could protest any further he got into packing her belongings while she lay in daze..

Shilpa felt happy... She set on the edge of the bed and studied the room.. Finally she had got one more step closer to him.. Slowly and slowly he was accepting her.. He had himself requested her to shift in his room.. And what a room it was..
This was heaven.. She glanced around dreamily... It was a big suite.. Along with a small kitchen space, living room and a master bedroom.. She ran her hand on the silky mattress and sighed... Would they sleep on this bed together...
Her smile faded off instantly.. Ofcourse not.. He has still not accepted her as his wife..
With a ting of sadness she opened the bedroom door.. She was once alerted as she heard two people speaking.. One was Steve.. The other one was definitely a women.. Shilpa tensed... What was Lisa doing here..
Gaining some courage she slowly walked inside the living room.. Her steps halted.. Her eyes grew wide as she felt a miss of heartbeat...
Lisa stood her arms draped around Steve..
They were kissing...

Precap : PM Part !