The Rebel Heiress: Raised as a Son

Chapter 10: The Predator's Claim

The sunlight filtered through the thin fabric of the tent, casting a golden hue over Abhi’s face. She woke up with a start, her heart hammering against her ribs. For a moment, she forgot where she was—until she felt the heavy, muscular arm draped across her waist.

Dev was still asleep, his breathing steady and deep. In his sleep, the predatory sharpness of his face was softened, making him look almost... human. But Abhi knew better. This man was a shark who had caught the scent of blood.

She tried to slide out from under his arm, but Dev’s grip tightened instantly. His eyes snapped open, dark and alert. There was no grogginess, no confusion. He was a predator, always ready.

"Going somewhere, Prince?" Dev murmured, his voice raspy with sleep.

"The trip is over, Dev. We’re heading back to the city," Abhi hissed, her voice dropping into the husky tone that felt more like a cage than a shield now.

Dev sat up, leaning back against the tent pole, watching her with a look of pure possession. "The trip might be over, but our arrangement has just begun. Remember Maya? I saved your life last night. And I don't work for free."

The drive back to the university was a blur of anxiety. As soon as they reached the campus, Abhi tried to disappear, but Dev was always there, a shadow she couldn't shake.

"Abhi! Wait!" Lara ran up to her, her face pale. "Your father is here. He’s in the Principal’s office. He looks furious."

Abhi’s blood turned to ice. Vikram Singh never came to the college unless something was horribly wrong. She looked at Dev, who was leaning against a pillar, a cold, knowing smirk on his face.

"Did you do this?" Abhi whispered, her eyes burning with rage.

"I told you, Abhi," Dev said, stepping closer until his chest was inches from hers. "I like to play with my toys. Go see your father. I’ll be waiting... in the library. Don't keep me waiting."

Inside the office, Vikram Singh stood like a monument of stone. "Abhi! I received an anonymous tip last night. Someone said you were seen... compromised. With a Malhotra."

Abhi felt the floor slip beneath her feet. "Father, it's not what you think—"

"I don't care what it is!" Vikram roared, slamming his hand on the desk. "You are the heir to the Singh Empire! You cannot afford a single scandal! If I find out you’ve been weak, I will strip you of your name and throw you out myself. Do you understand?"

Abhi bowed her head, her knuckles white. "Yes, Father."

As she walked out, she felt a strange mixture of hatred and despair. Her father didn't care about her; he cared about the 'son' he had created.

She walked toward the library, her steps heavy. Dev was waiting in the furthest corner, surrounded by ancient books and shadows. He didn't say a word as she approached. He just reached out, grabbed the collar of her suit, and pulled her into the dark space between two bookshelves.

"Your father is quite the beast, isn't he?" Dev whispered, his hands moving to the first button of her jacket. "He doesn't even know he’s raising a lioness in a wolf’s skin."

"What do you want, Dev?" Abhi asked, her voice cracking.

Dev’s eyes darkened. He didn't answer with words. He leaned in, his lips brushing against her ear, sending a jolt of terror and electricity through her soul. "I want you to realize that I’m the only one who can protect you from him. And in exchange... I want you to belong to me. Not as a Singh. But as the girl with the jasmine scent."

He undone the first button, then the second. Abhi didn't fight him this time. She was tired. Tired of the lies, tired of the mask. As Dev’s hand moved toward her binder, the library door creaked open.

"Abhi? Are you in here?" It was Lara's voice.

Dev didn't pull away. He looked Abhi straight in the eye, a challenge in his gaze. "Choice is yours, Abhi. Do we let her see? Or do you do exactly what I say?"

Abhi closed her eyes, a single tear escaping. The trap had finally closed. "I'll do... whatever you want."

Dev smiled, a look of pure, dark triumph. "Good girl. Now, tell her to go away. We have work to do."