The resort exuded a soothing ambiance, with darkness enveloping it; the dark sky radiated a sense of peace, while the surroundings gave off the exact opposite aura. There he was, this particular man dressed in a black formal shirt that hugged his body tightly, with those poor buttons almost ready to pop off, yet he showed no mercy to them. Just unbutton them, Rehan, what's the big deal? my heart screamed, while my hands itched to do it themselves, and my legs were on the verge of running to him.

His trousers were no better-loosely hugging his thighs, which were going to be another weakness of mine. He was sprawled across a large couch, his legs spread, one hand resting on the top of the couch and the other holding a glass of cold juice. His hair was a beautiful mess from the cool breeze, making him look hotter than ever, and his face, illuminating the entire place, was like a second moon-one shining in the sky and the other on the ground.

I stood far away from him, near the pool, observing him and taking in his every gesture and action. He was busy chatting with familiar faces, occasionally glancing my way before returning to his conversation. But I didn't dare take my eyes off him, a bit upset that he only opened the door for me like a gentleman and quickly walked away without a word-not even a simple "hi." Did I do something wrong? Or did he dislike my name? Jasmine is a nice name, so what's his problem? I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice when he disappeared from his spot.

I glanced around but couldn't find any sign of Rehan. Just as I was about to turn, I felt someone's hand wrap around my waist from behind. Before I could react, his familiar scent hit me, and I instantly knew it was him-Mr. Rehan Qureshi.

"How's your waist, princess? I'm sure the cream helped," he whispered near my ear, his voice sending electric waves through me, making me weak in his presence. I felt all my boldness dissolve just from his mere touch.

"All thanks to you, Mr. Qureshi. If it weren't for you, my waist wouldn't be in this state," I replied with a hint of sarcasm, taunting him. What a way to start a conversation!

"You look incredibly beautiful, princess," he said, his next words nearly making me surrender to him entirely. His voice was like a drug-one I wanted to consume daily and still never get enough of.

"Thank you," I murmured softly as he started pulling me closer. My back pressed against his hard chest, and I felt the urge to unbutton his shirt, just to free those poor buttons that were struggling. Who wears such tight shirts that make people lose their minds?

"I didn't know you could say those words," he teased, pulling me even closer and tightening his grip. I looked down, unable to see my waist anymore as his large hand covered it, while his other hand gently tucked a few strands of my hair behind my ear.

"I'm human too. I know how to thank when someone compliments me," I defended.

"Then you must know how to apologize when you've made a mistake, too," he replied, a bit more firmly, as his hand trailed down my waist. In an instant, I was standing in front of him, our faces only inches apart. His steady breathing made it difficult to concentrate, and his voice made me regret my decision to give my heart to him. How could anyone be so perfect?

"What do you mean?" I tried my best to focus on his words.

"I mean you broke into my office, punched me, and haven't even apologized yet, princess!" he said smoothly, coming a bit closer. I wanted to apologize a thousand times because his tone made him look adorable. He's still stuck on that, while I'm already planning our wedding.

"But you don't deserve my apology, Mr. Qureshi," I replied with the most innocent look I could muster.

"Then what do I deserve, princess?" he asked more seriously, his dark eyes full of mischief, and with his raised eyebrow, he looked incredibly hot.

"You deserve this," I said and moved away from him. Rehan looked confused, not knowing what I was doing. Standing a couple of feet away, I grabbed his right hand and, in an instant, pushed him toward the water.

"Jasmine!" he shouted, just an inch away from touching the cold water. But I lost my senses when he said my name.

"Yes, Mr. Qureshi?" I smiled, knowing how annoyed he must feel right now.

"You dangerous woman, what goes on in your mind?" he muttered, giving me death glares, which I couldn't help but find charming.

"This is your punishment for not keeping your word," I said, letting go of one of his fingers.

"What word?" Rehan asked sharply.

"You didn't take me for coffee today. That was the deal, and you didn't fulfill it, Mr. Qureshi," I said, releasing another finger.

"Coffee? I can barely stand you," he managed to say before I fully let go, watching him fall into the water.

I didn't push him; he just didn't hold on properly.

"I quit your job, Mr. Qureshi. If you don't keep your promises, I don't care about you!" I declared seriously, walking away toward the dance floor.

Jasmine Shaikh doesn't chase after men, but I walked up to him because my heart liked him. And if he can't stand me, then I don't beg-because now he'll come to me himself. A sudden urge to unbutton his shirt again rose in my poor heart. I know you like him, but he doesn't like you, my poor heart, so calm down until he comes. I consoled my own heart and took over the dance floor, swaying my body to the beat as the line "sway me more" played. I was so lost in the music that I didn't realize someone had wrapped their hand around my waist.

Why do these people always approach me from behind? Only Rehan has the right to do that! I was ready to throw a punch at the creep until I heard a seductive voice whisper, "Princess," in my ear, water droplets from his hair falling onto my shoulder and trailing down my collarbone.

It's him again!

"I'm sorry, Princess, for what I'm about to do, but they don't deserve your dance," he murmured sharply, and before I knew it, I was in his arms. He lifted me up, my hands instinctively wrapping around his wet neck, and my gaze betrayed me. He looked like a beautiful sin-a sin I desperately wanted to commit. His hair was a wet mess, each strand clinging to his damp skin. His eyes were sharp enough to pierce through anyone, his face expressionless yet irresistibly alluring. His wet hands touched me as if I were the only thing he desired, and as he strode forward, it felt as if I weighed nothing more than a feather.

My senses returned as he set me down and pushed me against one of the walls. The area was empty, hidden away at the back of the pool, with only dim lights hanging overhead, but he stood out even more than the surroundings.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Qureshi?" Formality was out the window; I was far angrier than I realized.

"This world isn't safe, Princess. Don't give them the chance to ruin you," Rehan said deeply, his gaze still locked on me, and we were only inches apart.

"And you're safe?" I shot back, matching his intensity.

"I'm just protecting you-"

"I don't need protection, Qureshi, and don't you dare do this again-" Before I could finish, he grabbed my waist tightly, pulling me so close that my whole body froze at the proximity.



"What do you think you are? You punched my perfectly handsome face! I couldn't even speak for two days! You pushed me into the water as if it was no big deal. You're quitting your job as if you own it. If you're the only one making these decisions, then what am I here for, huh? Answer me, Jasmine!" I didn't raise my voice, but my tone was harsh. I wasn't angry because she pushed me out of nowhere. I was furious because of those men ogling her while she moved her entire, breathtaking figure.

They don't deserve to witness her mesmerizing dance. Even now, my hands itch to chase away all those prying eyes. And by tomorrow, those creepy eyes won't see the light of day-I'll make sure of that, for daring to look at her in ways only I... No, I'm not getting attached to her. I'm just concerned because she's my employee.

"You gave me a reason to push you, Qureshi." This woman clearly doesn't understand the word 'fear,' nor does she seem to grasp its meaning. There isn't a trace of fear on her beautiful face. She's fearless-truly fearless.

"You pushed me over a cup of coffee, Princess," I reminded her of her impulsive actions. I was still holding her, and since I was soaked, her clothes were getting wet too-not that it was my fault. And I knew I should pull away, give her space to breathe, but my traitorous hands refused to move, still wrapped around her addictive waist.

"It's not about the coffee; it's about our deal, about keeping your promise, Qureshi," Jasmine's voice softened as she looked deeply into my eyes. Her gaze distracted me in ways that made me forget I was supposed to be heartless, incapable of feeling anything for her. Yet here I was, feeling everything just by being with her.

"But our deal will only start once we're back in the U.S., Princess." I tried to sound gentle, relieved that my voice came out calm.

"Yours, not mine. I only want your time and a cup of coffee. I'm not asking for much, so what's your problem, Qureshi?" Her anger flared up again, and I couldn't tell her that my real issue was hearing her call me 'Qureshi' instead of 'Mr. Qureshi.'

I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it. In fact, I loved it. She was dropping all formalities, and soon I hoped she'd call me simply 'Rehan.'

"I'm sorry, Princess. I won't do it again." I surrendered because I didn't think I could ever win against her. Somehow, even though I wasn't at fault, I'm always the one apologizing since we met. What's wrong with her? And what's wrong with me?

"Mr... Mr. Qureshi, I'm feeling cold." Her voice was barely a whisper, with a hint of a stutter. I love her boldness, but more than that, I'm addicted to her stutters. She actually stutters in front of me!

And then it hit me-I had soaked her clothes completely. As I was about to release her, I caught Jasmine's gaze shifting to my chest, where my shirt buttons had come undone, giving her a perfect view of my well-built chest, thanks to the gym. I should scold her for staring-no, gazing-so intently at someone's bare chest. But I'm not just anyone; I'm her boss! Still, she shouldn't be looking at me like this, and I definitely shouldn't be holding her like this. She's my employee!

I quickly let go of her, stepping back to create some distance. But the moment I did, I felt strangely empty, as if something vital had been taken from me the instant I detached from her. My hands practically itched to hold her again, to pull her back into my arms. Yet, amidst all this, I can't figure out what's happening to me. Why am I acting like a lovesick teenager around her?

Leaving Jasmine standing there like a statue, I walked over to the chair where I'd left my black suit. Holding it, I came back toward her. She still hadn't moved, and I was trying to figure out what might be going on in this dangerous woman's mind. She could do something unexpected at any moment, but right now, she seemed blank, likely because of our close proximity. A small smile crept onto my lips at the sight of her like this. Not wanting to disturb her likely-not-so-innocent thoughts, I came closer. Her eyes were still fixed on my chest, and even I wasn't daring to break the gaze.

I wrapped my arm around her waist, bringing her a bit closer to get her off the wall. Gently, I draped my large suit jacket over her petite frame, then looked at her face.

"I hope this will warm you. If you're still feeling cold, you could change-"

"I'm fine," she cut me off and walked away, leaving me dumbfounded once again.

No flirty lines? No smile? What happened to her suddenly-and why on earth am I feeling affected by it?

The moment she walked away, my whole body instinctively turned to follow her as she made her way over to Dr Hayat. In an instant, her entire mood transformed into one of pure joy, and she smiled and laughed as if nothing had happened between us. Well, I know nothing really happened, but whatever that was... it wasn't nothing.

Rehan! I cursed myself again. Why am I stumbling over this? The only thing I'm certain of is that she's not good for me. She's more dangerous than anyone I've ever met. It's better if I truly keep my distance from her! With that final thought, I headed to the resort room. I had the key with me, so I unlocked it, only to nearly have a mini heart attack at the sight of Zaid sprawled across the bed, half-naked and blushing like a lovesick teenager, his face bright red.

I couldn't deal with him right now; I didn't have the energy to handle this smitten kid. I went straight to the lamp, grabbed the phone, ordered a formal shirt, and headed to the bathroom for a warm shower.

After a few minutes, I came out in a bathrobe, drying my hair with a towel. Zaid was still lying on the bed with his eyes closed, a bright smile plastered on his face.

"Zaid, if you're done blushing, then please put on a shirt." I tossed a white shirt toward him that was lying next to my black one. He didn't bother opening his eyes, and I didn't care to press him further. I didn't need the headache of hearing his sweet talk, so I simply got dressed in a formal outfit and left, my hair still damp.

Once I stood beside one of my business partner's friends, I finally took in the decor of the place. My eyes had been too occupied staring at her to notice anything else. But it's not my fault that she outshines all this decor.

Against my will, my gaze searched for her again, eager to admire her smile, hear her laugh, and get lost in her breathtaking voice. After wandering around for a bit, I spotted her, eating appetizers with a look of utter peace on her face.

The nickname fits her perfectly because she truly does look like a princess.

Then her name rang through my mind-Jasmine! But she's not the Jasmine I fell in love with seven years ago. That Jasmine was shy, but she betrayed me, leaving me shattered. I never felt the need to pick up the pieces. Yet this Jasmine has something in her aura that's healing me without even realizing how broken I am.

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