His Arrogant CEO

The First Touch

The dinner with Abbu was torture. Zayan played the perfect husband - pulling my chair, praising my cooking, even holding my hand under the table.

But his touch was cold. Calculated. Just for show.

"Beta, you look happy," Abbu said, tears in his eyes. "Zayan is taking good care of you?"

"Yes Abbu," I lied, forcing a smile. Zayan squeezed my hand harder. A warning.

After Abbu left, Zayan ripped his tie off. "Good acting, Mrs. Malik. You should get an Oscar."

"You too," I snapped. "You touched me like I had a disease!"

Something snapped in him. In two steps he was in front of me, backing me against the wall. "Like this?" His hand cupped my face, thumb brushing my cheek. His touch was fire, not ice.

I gasped. No one had ever touched me like this. "Z-Zayan..."

"Say my name again," he whispered, his face inches from mine. His breath was hot on my lips.

"Zayan," I breathed.

His eyes dropped to my lips. For a moment, I was sure he would kiss me. My heart pounded, my eyes closed...

"Go to your room," he growled suddenly, stepping back. "Now."

I ran, my legs shaking. My cheek still burned where he touched me. My lips tingled from his almost-kiss.

That night, I couldn't sleep. Because for the first time, the contract felt real. And I wanted to break every single rule.