Chapter 4: The Last Night

Back home, Arjun was still glued to the financial news.

Legs stretched out, one hand draped lazily over the sofa.

Up close, I could see the muscle lines on his thigh through his shorts, disappearing into the shadows…

A few days ago, I would’ve slipped on some black stockings and put my leg up right in front of him!

But after seeing Meera’s fox spirit, I just wasn’t in the mood.

What a boring, lonely life I lead.

The pressure cooker whistled in the kitchen, sharp and familiar—a reminder that at least lunch would be ready, even if my love life was stuck on slow flame. Luckily, tomorrow the seven-day trial ends!

He promised to make me rich—if he doesn’t, I’ll just eat him up. No way I’m losing both the man and the money.

Just one more night, hang in there!

I ignored him, showered, put on my oldest (but warmest) pyjamas, and crawled into bed.

But he came over and knocked several times:

“Want some fruit?”

“Want some milk?”

“Priya, are you asleep?”

I couldn’t take it anymore. I flung open the door and jabbed a finger at him. “If you knock again, I’ll kiss you! Try me!”

He replied calmly, “Go ahead. See if I care.”

Was that supposed to be a threat? Like threatening a cotton ball!

I slammed the door in frustration, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

At 2 a.m., I vaguely heard strange noises from the balcony.

Curious, I peeked out and saw Arjun doing exercises in just his boxers.

Why is he working out in the middle of the night?

Right then, Meera sent me a voice message: “Yaar, did you get home safe?”

Her voice was all hoarse!

I’d been home for three hours—did they just finish…?

I texted back, “Does your fox spirit also work out at night?”

She quickly replied with two voice messages:

“Uncle Dev said fox spirits have strong desires. If they can’t let off steam, they work out at night!”

“Maybe you should just use your fox spirit… mm!”

...Sounds like she got kissed again!

The noises on her end were enough to make my ears burn!

Plus, with Arjun’s back muscles on full display… I was going insane!

The street dogs started barking, as if even they were gossiping about us. I stormed over to Arjun, trying to sound casual: "Arre, Arjun, exercising at this time? Planning to join some Olympic team or what?"

He was startled, but quickly put on his frosty act. “Working out.”

“Oh… working out. Why so late?”

I got even closer, stood on tiptoe, and blew softly in his ear.

He said no physical contact, but I didn’t touch him!

He didn’t move, but his Adam’s apple bobbed.

I leaned in again and blew directly on his Adam’s apple. “Or is it insomnia? Can’t sleep? Mr. Arjun, is there something you want?”

He stiffened, finally stepped back half a pace, his ears turning red. “Priya, you…”

His voice was hoarse, and he shut his mouth quickly, but his eyes were full of embarrassment and anger!

I raised both hands and grinned. “I didn’t touch you.”

He snatched up his clothes and fled to his room!

In the light, I saw he was covered in a sheen of sweat!

I laughed to myself—finally, I’d won a round!