Catching Aurora's eye, Anirudh saw that sly, teasing smirk on her face. His heart did a flip—she was starting her games this early? Total menace.
He thought about pulling his foot back, but damn, it felt too good to quit. A quick peek at his aunt showed Eleanor was clueless, so he ducked his head and shoveled food in, playing it cool.
Aurora, though, wasn't letting up. Her silky foot, hugged by those black stockings, tickled his heel before sliding up his calf, slow and sneaky. Her toes danced over his skin, creeping up to his inner thigh.
With all these gorgeous women around, getting worked up by a pair of killer legs was pushing Anirudh past his breaking point. His face went hot, and a certain something stood tall, damn near ripping his pants. Good thing the tablecloth had his back—no one saw the evidence. They just figured the wine had gotten to him, since he'd claimed he couldn't drink.
Everyone kept eating and chatting, tossing him the occasional glance. Seeing him chowing down on steak with a red face, they chalked it up to nerves around so many girls. Even Aurora, usually loud as hell, went quiet, twirling her pasta like a saint.
But under the table, her leg was on a mission, brushing his inner thigh. When it grazed his rock-hard bulge, she flicked him a flirty little look.
Anirudh snuck a peek back, locking eyes with her. That gaze lit him up—this chick was evil, messing with him in front of everyone.
Done playing the victim, he hatched a counterattack. Off went the boots, and his foot slid toward her leg.
"Who kicked me?" Just as he hit paydirt—smooth, soft skin—Laila, parked next to Aurora, piped up, sharp as a tack.
The room went dead quiet.
Anirudh yanked his foot back, but it was too late—everyone saw. A dozen eyes zeroed in on him, dripping with suspicion.
Their stares hit like a spotlight, turning his already flushed face into a furnace. Busted and awkward as hell, he knew excuses were pointless. "Sorry, didn't mean to bump you…" he mumbled.
Laila shot him an icy glare. If Eleanor wasn't in the picture, she'd have torn him a new one. Instead, she just huffed, letting his apology slide.
Then Aurora's voice slinked in, all syrup and mischief. "Eleanor, your boy's got some nerve. Mid-dinner and he's already flirting with Laila? Got a crush, maybe?"
"No way! I swear, I was just shifting my foot and brushed her by accident…" Anirudh glared at Aurora's taunting tone but kept her earlier teasing under wraps. He fumbled to explain.
Her smug little grin pissed him off to no end. This girl—he'd get her back. If he didn't leave her begging for mercy, he'd call her mom!
"Aurora, you begging for an 'accidental' bump next?" He flipped the script, going on the offensive.
"Pfft…" The room exploded—even stone-cold Laila cracked a laugh. Aurora nearly choked but bounced back with a giggle. "Oh, you know I am! You read my mind—you're my little sweetheart!"
Anirudh's face flared red again. She was too quick—way too damn slick!
"Alright, it's dinner, not a roast—cut the dirty talk. Eat up so we can chill," Eleanor jumped in, saving Anirudh from getting roasted alive. He'd never outwit Aurora, and she knew it.
Laughter rippled through, but the teasing fizzled out.
Dinner wrapped up drama-free, Aurora not even sparing him a glance after that!
He exhaled, relieved, but a weird letdown gnawed at him. Was she pissed at his comeback? He didn't catch that while Aurora played it cool, Amy was sneaking looks his way. Even Laila, ice queen extraordinaire, flicked curious glances at him now and then.
Estella? Her big, shiny eyes were basically glued to him.
Yeah, he was a country boy, but with his tall frame, sharp looks, and that shy vibe, Anirudh was catnip for girls.
Post-dinner, Eleanor herded them to the Royal Club, a quick jaunt from the restaurant. One of Chicago's poshest spots, it was their crew's go-to party pad—practically home turf.
The manager personally led them to a plush private room. Seven of them, Anirudh included, stepped into luxury central.
It wasn't massive, but it screamed high-class—a huge semicircle sofa hugging a giant crystal coffee table, private bathroom in the back, and a monster screen up front.
Booze and snacks were ready to roll. Estella bolted to pick songs, while Aurora threw Eleanor a cocky smirk and wagged a finger.
"Eleanor, I owned you last time—drank you flat. Still salty? Here's your shot at payback…" She peeled off her flimsy blazer mid-taunt, chucking it on the sofa. Her pale, silky shoulders glowed, and those full curves practically popped out, begging for attention.
Anirudh gawked at the tight, creamy cleavage—damn near bursting—and felt his throat go desert-dry, heat blazing through him…
"Bring it, bitch—I ain't scared! Rosalind, take her on for a few rounds. I gotta talk to Anirudh," Eleanor shot back, dragging him to a corner. She slung an arm over his shoulder and leaned in close, whispering, "So, Anirudh, what's the deal? Anyone sparking your interest? Spill—I'll lock her down for you tonight…"
Anirudh's whole body locked up, his jaw dropping as he stared at Eleanor, totally thrown…