Will he ever be mine (Meant to be duet Book 1) Read online

  Ever since I knew we’d be coming here, I’ve been imagining catching myself alone with him, him touching me in places no man ever has. Especially when I’m lying alone in bed at night. I want him to teach me things, to tell me what to do while never taking his intense stare away from me. I’ll do anything he asks in a heartbeat, just as long as I know he feels the same way.

  And then reality comes crashing back, reminding me that we can never be together that way… but I can’t help wishing for just one kiss. My very first kiss. Maybe a taste is all I need to get him out of my mind… but I know I’m only fooling myself.

  “Wow… a Siberian husky. Nyra, come look,” cries Pri excitedly, looking out the window. She always gets excited whenever she sees a dog, even though we have a pug ourselves, but lately we’ve become obsessed with huskies. I already knew my uncle had one, but I wanted her to be surprised.

  I walk over to stand by her side. “His name is Bruno. Isn’t he cute?” I shake her shoulders playfully. I watch Bruno trying to bite his own tail and going around in circles, making me chuckle. He doesn’t look older than one or two years.

  “You knew, and you never told me,” she accuses, annoyed with me. Did I mention she hates surprises? I can’t help but do exactly that every chance I get.

  “Well then, maybe you shouldn’t have been mad at me when I said I didn’t wanna play cards with you,” I remind her. I love her to death, but we can start arguing over pretty much anything.

  Sensing there’s another fight about to brew, my mom interrupts us before it gets there. “Both of you stop. Go take a shower and freshen up. This isn’t the time to start your bickering.”

  “Fine.” I back away from the window and go to find my suitcase, but I don’t see it anywhere. “Ma, where’s my bag?”

  “Oh, we probably left it downstairs. Why don’t you go get it?” she replies and goes back to unpacking.

  I leave the room and go in search of my suitcase, hoping I don’t run into Riaan. Entering the drawing room, I see it lying in the corner near the sofa and move quickly to fetch it and run back to my room before my luck runs out. Just as I’m turning, I hear someone coming down the stairs and my heartbeat jumps, expecting Riaan to turn the corner.

  But I’m disappointed when it’s just Zain.

  When he sees me, his lips pull into a smile. “Well, look who’s here, all grown up,” he jokes and pulls me into a tight hug.

  “You can’t expect me to stay a little girl forever,” I tease. Zain himself has grown up to be quite handsome, making me wonder just how many hearts he breaks on a daily basis with his striking looks, charming and good-humored personality. He towers over me easily at more than six feet with broad shoulders that taper into a narrow waist, telling me he definitely works out—and it shows. He’s lean, not bulky like the guys you see on gym posters.

  Zain taps my nose good-naturedly. “You’ll always be a little girl for me, sis.” I roll my eyes. “I still remember you playing in your room, teaching imaginary kids. You even had books to distribute with a red marker, chalks, and a blackboard.” My heart sinks, realizing that’s how Riaan must think of me too, but I don’t let it show on my face.

  I do remember those days, and I loved playing a teacher’s role, having my own class of invisible children. I used to scold them and everything.

  “At least I wasn’t too busy climbing up on the terrace or giving stupid dares to each other,” I say to Zain, who can’t help laughing at the reminder.

  “So you have a sharp memory, too. Although the dares have now changed.” He winks.

  When we finish reminiscing, our thoughts turn to the present and a somber silence falls between us. I hug him again and whisper, “I’m so sorry about Grandma. I know you two were pretty close. I can’t imagine the pain you must be feeling.” He puts his arms around me and smiles sadly.

  “At least I got to say goodbye to her. Riaan didn’t,” he says quietly. At that admission, I can’t help but feel sad for him, a tear slipping down my cheek. I feel ashamed and guilty for having those thoughts about him while he’s hurting inside. Now my only priority is to console him and take his pain away.

  Chapter Three

  Nyra (Age 16)

  Back in my room, I unpack my bags and take out the clothes I’ll need to change into, deciding on my favorite black skinny jeans and fitted blue tee with a V neckline, an outfit that’s comfy and chic at the same time.

  Since I don’t want to be left behind and my sister is already in the guest bathroom, I opt for the guest room next to ours, which looked empty. Pushing the door open, I walk inside, but I’m too busy holding all my clothes that I don’t watch where I’m going and smash right into a very hard chest… and can’t help but notice how firm and broad it is. It almost feels like colliding into a brick wall made of solid muscles.

  Before I can fall over, two hands clasp my waist and yank me back up.

  “Shit, I’m so sor—” Whatever apology I had gets stuck in my throat when I look up to my savior, and my gaze collides with none other than Riaan. Deep brown eyes peer down at me closely and intensely. Unable to hold his stare, I look down to his full lips, and I feel his fingers tighten around my waist.

  Nothing could have ever prepared me for the effect his undivided attention has on me. I feel like my heart will beat out of my chest the longer he holds me, while at the same time I don’t wanna let go, either. Just as the shock of him wears off, I suddenly become more aware of my surroundings. The room wasn’t empty after all, because he’s dripping wet and only wearing a towel, and it looks close to coming loose.

  I also become very aware that he hasn’t uttered a word while I’ve been busy checking him out.

  “Have you had your fill?” He lets me go and steps back while I’m stuttering to form a comeback, my mind blanking when he adjusts the knot of his towel so casually and unashamedly. While he does it, I can’t help but notice how his muscles form into a V just below his abs, shaping into a narrow waist and a happy trail leading to… I avert my eyes when I realize I’m paying too much attention to someone who is very off-limits and doesn’t feel the same way about me.

  “Sorry, I was going to the bathroom and didn’t know anyone was in here. I usually pay attention to my surroundings, but I was carrying a lot of stuff, that’s why I, uh, didn’t see you come out of there, and oh yeah, thank you for saving me. I’ll… just go now.”

  I ignore his last remark and instead ramble, which happens when I’m super nervous—or rather, turned on—around the hottest guy I have ever seen in my life, who also happens to be my much older cousin. Before I make any more of a fool of myself, I spin around to leave.

  “Stop.” He says it like a command that I can’t help but follow. I immediately obey, but I’m afraid to look back at him, because if I stare at his naked chest one more time, I might just jump him.

  “Turn around,” he sighs as if talking to a child. I face him, and he starts walking towards me. “You can use the shower now that you’re here, and I’ll leave you alone, okay?”

  “Yeah, all right.” I relax, because I seriously thought he was going to mention the whole me-checking-him-out thing again. I move past him, and, just before I reach the bathroom, he calls my name in his deep voice.

  “Also, Nyra, the next time you run into someone, it’s polite to avert your eyes if they’re half naked.” Fuck.

  I can’t tell if he’s teasing me or flirting with me. But before I can respond, he leaves and shuts the door on his way out.

  Riaan hasn’t changed one bit. He’s still cocky, daring, and a complete mystery—the polar opposite of his brother, who is an open book and wears his emotions on his sleeves. His scowls turn me on, and I imagine how breathtaking his smile would be. I’d be a drooling mess for sure, but his intensity is what I crave the most—that and the teasing look I see shining in his eyes. His parting words have left me so confused and unable to figure out if there really was a hint of flirtation in his statement, or if I was just imagining i
t.

  All I know is that I can’t let him catch me staring again. At least, not until I’m absolutely sure he feels the same way.

  I look at myself in the mirror and wonder what he sees when he looks at me. I don’t want to be a clumsy mess the next time I run into him, so I undo my jet black hair from the knot on the top of my head and let it fall to the middle of my back in waves. A blush forms on my high cheekbones when I recall the way he teased me.

  Shaking the thought, I put on my favorite pink lipstick to enhance my full lips and a little mascara to make my eyes pop. Then I admire myself, feeling confident and cute.

  Once I’m done getting ready, I go in search of breakfast.

  I find everyone sitting at the dining table and swapping stories about Grandma, and my heart melts a little, because memories are all we have to keep us going. I fix myself a plate and take a seat far away from Riaan, who’s sitting near the head of the table. I sense him watching me, but I try my best to avoid him and instead make small talk with my mom and aunt.

  I’m so lost in my mind that I don’t see the shadow falling over me. When I do, I’m pretty sure it’s him, so I wait for him to speak up, but he doesn’t.

  I turn slightly and look up at him. “What do you want?” His presence makes me nervous.

  I startle when he bends over and whispers in my ear, “Just wanted to see how long you could avoid me.” He moves back and looks at me smugly while taking a bite out of the apple he clearly stole from my plate before walking away and getting the last word in yet again.

  He’s playing a game with me that I’m not even aware I’m a part of. He doesn’t realize he’s pouring gasoline into my already burning desire for him. I want to be bold, like he is, but the fear that his feelings are only brotherly holds me back.

  Sighing, I look around at the table to check if anyone noticed us so close or heard what he uttered, but everyone is too busy among themselves.

  If my family gets even a little hint as to how I feel about him, all hell will break loose.

  Later that evening, Priyanka and I are sitting in the guest room when Zain bursts through the door.

  “You guys want pizza for dinner?” he asks with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

  “Of course we do,” Priyanka answers at the same time I say, “Hell yeah.”

  “Come on, then.”

  Jumping down from the bed, we follow him, but I’m confused when instead of going downstairs, he keeps walking down the hallway till we reach Riaan’s room. My heart skips a beat at the chance of being near him and that I won’t be able to ignore him like earlier. I wish he didn’t make this nervous yet eager to be closer to him. The butterflies take flight in my stomach when Zain pushes open the door and our gazes collide.

  The air around us crackles with tension, and when I blush at his perusal, I don’t miss the way his lips tilt upwards at the corners. His attention goes to my sister, and I take full advantage. The white T-shirt stretches against his biceps, showcasing his raw strength, and his black sweatpants tease me with the bulge between his thick thighs when he shifts just right. I quickly avert my eyes, not wanting to get caught checking him out again.

  Instead, I pay attention to his room, where the walls are painted grey and a huge four poster bed sits in the middle with wooden headboard. On the left side of the bed is a nightstand, and on the right there’s a low table situating the pizza boxes with bean bag chairs to sit around.

  While Zain runs down to get us water bottles, I sink down onto one of them, watching my sister and Riaan smiling and talking to each other softly. I can’t make out what they’re saying, but I observe how carefree and approachable he appears.

  When it’s me, he gets all intense and mischievous and intimidating.

  “Let’s dig in.”

  All of us turn to look at Zain, watching him juggling four water bottles in his hands, so I sit up and help him. I almost drop them when I feel Riaan approach and sit right next to me, so close that our sides touch and goose bumps raise on my arms while a shiver goes down my spine at his body heat.

  “Capsicum or sweetcorn?” Riaan turns to me and asks.

  “I’ll have sweetcorn with extra cheese.” My voice sounds a little— both at his close proximity and the pizza. I don’t get to eat it often, so my mouth waters when he passes it to me. So does Pri’s when she asks for the capsicum. Not wasting any time, I take a bite and a quiet moan passes my lips at the taste of cheese on my tongue. Homemade pizza never tastes the same as Domino’s. I’m so focused on eating that I don’t notice Riaan has gone still beside me while Zain and my sister talk to each other.

  Slowly I turn my head and watch his heated gaze, all his undivided attention on my lips. I realize he heard me moan, and my breathing picks up. Before he can speak, the sound of Zain’s voice breaks the trance I’m in, and I look away just in time to hear his question.

  “So, my mom tells me you’re planning to study here in Pune when you graduate. Is it true?”

  “Yeah. It’s my dream to study here in Symbiosis even though it’s super competitive to get into. Plus I feel like I can get used to living in this city.” And closer to Riaan, if something happened between us. Although I don’t say this out loud.

  “That’s really amazing, and the campus is to die for. Maybe Riaan can show you around.”

  Surprised, I turn to Riaan and ask, “Have you been there?”

  “Some of my friends study there, and I often go for basketball tournaments,” he answers casually.

  “Wow… are you that good at playing ball?” I can’t help but be awestruck. I’ve always been fascinated with basketball. Something about watching guys running around all sweaty and moving so smoothly on the court is hot as fuck. And when they do that thing where they use their shirt to wipe off the sweat, giving you a glimpse of those abs hiding under there… well, that’s a sight you never forget.

  Okay, so maybe I watch the players more than the game itself. The fact that Riaan himself is into it runs my imagination wild. I’m pretty sure he’s an aggressive and passionate player. There’s an intensity and wildness in him just below the surface that calls to every female bone in my body. I wish I could see him play.

  “Oh yeah. He’s the captain of the team,” Zain says proudly.

  The conversation then turns to Pri while we finish the rest of our dinner. Time passes easily with conversation about little things and childhood memories. It then reminds me how silly they both used to be and how much trouble they got into. I bet they still do. I’m brought out of my thoughts when Zain’s phone rings and he excuses himself. My sister looks like she’s about to fall asleep.

  “Well, I’m tired, and I’m going to my room to sleep.” Pri yawns and stands up. “Goodnight you guys.”

  And we’re alone.

  I try to think of something to say, but my mouth feels dry and no words comes out. Maybe I should leave too.

  “Do you want to watch a movie, Nyra?” He stands up and looks down at me, waiting. The answer is pretty obvious.

  “Yeah sure.” I love that he wants to hang out.

  “What do you want to watch?” He asks while cleaning up and discarding our leftovers in the garbage can in the corner of his room.

  “Any episode of Friends.” It’s always been my go-to series, and, no matter how many times I watch, it still makes me laugh. But the clueless look on his face makes me pause.

  “Wait, you haven’t watched Friends?”

  When he shakes his head, I’m fucking shocked, because I have yet to meet a person who isn’t obsessed with that show. I mean, they’ve at least heard about it. I sit up straight.

  “You’re kidding me, right?”

  “You’re staring at me if I’ve committed a crime. It’s just a show.” He says it as if something is wrong with me. Unbelievable.

  I huff. “It is not just a show. It’s the best and the most famous show of all time. You’re missing out on a lot, my friend,” I scold him.

  “What is it that makes
it so amazing?” he asks curiously.

  “Everything! The characters are hilarious and unforgettable. It’s about six friends who live in the city and all the trouble get into. You seriously need to watch it; it’ll be the best decision you ever made. Trust me on this.” I always get carried away when it’s Friends. I can talk about it for hours. Now that I know he hasn’t watched it, I’m going to make sure he does. And if he doesn’t like it? Well, then that’s going to be a problem.

  “Wow. You have watched it a hundred times, haven’t you?” He looks like he’s really trying not to laugh at my rambling.

  I narrow my eyes a little. “Okay. Maybe I have.”

  He shakes his head and says, “You’re cute.” He has no idea how his compliment affects me. “Fine. We’ll watch it. Go sit on the bed and get comfy.”

  This night is turning out way better than I hoped. While he runs into the bathroom, I get up and sit with my back against one of his pillows. I’m wearing shorts which slide up thighs when I crisscross my legs, and I imagine how he’ll react at the view my skin. Will he stare? Will he touch? Maybe slowly inch his fingers up till he reaches the heat between my thighs?

  Fuck. Maybe this wasn’t such a great idea.

  My back straightens when I hear the bathroom door shut. Nervous that my face may betray my dark thoughts, I stare at anything but him. He moves around the bed and switches on the TV, and I feel the bed dip from his weight at my side. Just like earlier, he’s close enough to make my heart beat faster from his woodsy scent and innocent touches when he shifts.

  “Let’s see if you were right or not.” He starts up Netflix and flicks through the options until he finds Friends and starts the first episode.

  Just like I predicted, he gets lost in the show. By the time we’re on the third episode, I know he’s hooked. While we watch, I can’t help but steal glances of him from the corner of my eyes. His profile is just as sexy as the front. I swoon at how his face lights up when he laughs, the stubble on his jaw, and how his hair is slightly curly. As if sensing I’m staring at him, he looks at me and our gazes lock. I suddenly feel hot.