81."If I Remember Correctly, You Even Kissed My Hand Just A Moment Ago. Pervert."

[3RD PERSON POV]

[BACK TO PRESENT]

The air inside the blood-soaked washroom was still and tense. The harsh flicker of the overhead light only made it worse, like the world itself was holding its breath. The faint hum of electricity buzzed in the background, but even that felt distant compared to the sharp, steady click of Warina's finger resting on the trigger of her gun. Her eyes were locked on Krishna, every muscle in her body tight, ready to react at a moment's notice.

Her chest rose and fell in controlled breaths, her gaze sharp and unwavering. Blood stained the floor, pooling around the lifeless bodies sprawled across it. The metallic tang of iron filled her senses, but she didn't let it distract her. Focus, Warina. Stay calm. Stay sharp.

"Don't ignore me," she said, her voice cutting through the still air like a blade. "Who are you?"

Krishna, still leaning casually against the sink, glanced at her with that infuriating, playful smile on his face. His eyes were calm, amused even, like she was a child throwing a tantrum. He tilted his head slightly, his messy hair falling to one side.

"Don't you already know me?" he said, his voice smooth, light, as if he were talking to an old friend. "I'm Krishna. Krishna Prasad." He raised his hands in a mock gesture of innocence, his grin never fading.

Warina's eyes narrowed further, her finger pressing more firmly on the trigger. She wasn't buying it. Her instincts, honed through years of fieldwork, screamed at her that this man wasn't ordinary. "I'm not talking about your alias," she snapped, her voice sharp like the crack of a whip. "I'm asking about your real identity. Who are you?"

Her words hung in the air, heavy and demanding. The silence that followed was suffocating, the flicker of the overhead light flashing in sync with the thumping of her heart. For a moment, Krishna didn't respond. He just stared at her, his eyes scanning her face as if searching for something. Then, to her surprise, he chuckled—a low, soft laugh that echoed in the blood-soaked room.

He leaned forward, his smile widening into something more mischievous. "What are you talking about, Agent Warina?" he said, his voice teasing. "This is my real identity. I'm Krishna. No masks, no lies." He tapped his chest with his finger, his grin as infuriating as ever.

Warina's jaw tightened. He's playing with me. Her patience was wearing thin. Her grip on the gun was steady.

"Then explain it to me," she said, her voice colder now, more controlled. Her eyes bore into him, sharp and unyielding. "If that's the truth, then tell me—how did you get here?" She didn't wait for him to answer, her words coming faster now, her tone demanding. "How did you kill all these people?" Her eyes flickered to the corpses lying on the ground, then back to him. "Normal people don't do this, Krishna."

At this, Krishna's smile grew wider, and for a moment, something in his eyes shifted. Not fear, not panic—amusement. Like she had told a joke only he understood. He tilted his head back and laughed.

"How did I get here?" he repeated, as if tasting the words on his tongue. His gaze slowly drifted back to her, and for a moment, his eyes seemed sharper, colder. "I came here on a boat, of course," he said, his voice light and nonchalant, like he was explaining his morning commute. He spread his arms wide, as if presenting himself for her to judge.

"And how did I kill them?" Krishna continued, nodding towards the bodies as if they were mere inconveniences. He turned to face her fully now, his eyes never leaving hers. Slowly, he picked up the small axe from the sink beside him. The dried blood on its edge glinted in the flickering light. He twirled it in his hand with practiced ease, like it was a pen he'd been playing with his whole life.

His smile was sharp now, his eyes filled with something that made her skin crawl. "Didn't you see it yourself, Agent Warina?" he said, his voice smooth as silk. He pointed at the axe with a slow, deliberate gesture. "I used this. Swung it, threw it, and it did its job. Clean and simple, don't you think?" He glanced at the axe like it was a prized possession, his fingers tracing its handle with care.

Warina's heart pounded in her chest, but her training kept her steady. Her gaze never wavered from him, her finger still on the trigger.

Her patience finally snapped. She raised her gun higher, her voice sharp like a blade. "Don't play games with me, Krishna," she said, her tone dead serious. Her eyes burned with resolve. "Tell me the truth, right now. Who are you really? How do you know my name? How do you know I'm a RAW agent?" She took a step forward, her finger tight on the trigger. Her voice echoed with authority now, the voice of someone who'd had enough. "If you don't start talking, I will shoot you."

But suddenly soft beeping of the device echoed in the blood-stained washroom. Krishna's gaze shifted toward it, his eyes narrowing with faint amusement. His lips curled into a small, knowing smile.

"Looks like your team's trying to reach you," he said casually, bending down to pick up the device. His fingers moved with an almost lazy precision, as though he had all the time in the world.

"Put that down, Krishna." Warina's voice was sharp, her eyes locked on him like a hawk. Her gun remained steady, both hands gripping it with trained precision. Her breathing was calm, but there was a tension in her eyes that even she couldn't hide. "Put it down now, or I'll shoot."

Krishna glanced up at her, his eyebrows raised in mock surprise. "Shoot me? Over a little device like this?" He tilted his head, letting out a slow, tired sigh. "You RAW agents really do have a flair for the dramatic."

Her grip on the gun tightened, her jaw clenched. "Don't test me, Krishna."

His gaze lingered on her for a moment, his eyes sharp but playful, like a man observing a puzzle that amused him. Then, with an exasperated sigh, he shook his head.

"You really need to relax, Warina," he said, his voice carrying a hint of genuine concern masked beneath his playful tone. "You're too tense. Stress like that shortens your lifespan, you know?" His eyes glanced toward her gun, and a small grin tugged at the corner of his lips. "Especially when you're pointing an empty gun."

Warina's eyes narrowed. "What?"

Without breaking eye contact, Krishna raised his free hand, his fingers uncurling to reveal a small collection of shiny brass objects. Bullets. Five of them, resting neatly in his palm. He flicked his wrist, sending them clattering onto the blood-slicked floor like loose coins.

"Didn't want you doing something reckless," Krishna said calmly, brushing his hands together like he'd just finished a simple chore. "Bullets are dangerous, after all."

Her eyes darted from the bullets on the floor to the gun in her hands. When? Her heart skipped a beat, but she didn't let it show on her face. She kept her eyes locked on him, her mind quickly retracing every moment since they'd entered the washroom.

The gun was in my hand the whole time. I never let it go.

Her mind worked fast, reviewing every second like a crime scene replay. When did he do it? Did he bump into me? No, he didn't even get close. Her chest tightened, her pride as an agent bruised. How did he…?

Her breath was slow, controlled. Don't lose focus. Adapt. Regain control.

Her eyes met his. His gaze was calm, steady, but not cold. There was no malice, no threat. Just... calm. He could have disarmed her at any moment. But he didn't.

"You're quick," she admitted, letting out a slow breath. Her eyes flicked to the device in his hand. "But you're also careless. You think you're untouchable just because you're fast."

"Careless?" Krishna raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "I'd call it being efficient. Why waste time with a fight when I can just..." He mimed pulling something from thin air and gave a little shrug.

"Show-off," she muttered.

He chuckled, his grin growing wider. "Guilty as charged."

Warina let out a quiet breath through her nose, slowly lowering the gun. She knew it was pointless to hold it any longer. Her mind had shifted to Plan B. Close combat. If he wants to be clever, I'll show him what clever looks like.

Her hands relaxed for a moment, letting the gun fall. Krishna tilted his head, his eyes following the movement, his smile unwavering. He's watching. Waiting. That's fine. Let him think he's ahead.

Then, in one fluid motion, she surged forward. No warning, no delay. Her left hand went for his wrist, aiming to seize control of the device, while her right hand reached for his collar to yank him off balance.

Krishna moved with ease, his body flowing like water as Warina launched a series of precise punches and kicks at him. Each strike she threw had intent — sharp, efficient, and trained. But none of them landed. Krishna dodged with a playful grin, weaving around her blows like he was dancing to an invisible rhythm.

"You're fast, I'll give you that," he teased, narrowly ducking a kick aimed at his head. "But fast doesn't always mean precise."

Warina's eyes sharpened, her frustration growing with every missed strike. She spun on her heel, aiming a high kick toward his face. But just as her leg cut through the air, Krishna's hand shot up with blinding speed. His palm caught her ankle mid-kick, halting her momentum instantly.

"Whoa," he said, tilting his head as he examined her leg with an amused grin. "Long legs, huh? Gotta say, you're taking really good care of yourself." His tone was lighthearted, but there was a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Warina's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. "Shut up, you pervert!" she hissed, jerking her leg back. This time, Krishna didn't resist and let go, his grin never fading.

"Pervert?" he repeated, feigning shock as he dodged a sharp jab aimed at his jaw. "Hey, I'm not a pervert. I'm a gentleman, thank you very much." He sidestepped a sweeping kick with a light hop, turning to face her with an exaggerated shrug. "Besides, I was just appreciating your dedication to fitness. Is that so wrong?"

"Shut. Up!" Warina growled, her patience wearing thin. Her strikes became faster, more aggressive, her footwork sharper than before. This wasn't just sparring anymore — she was genuinely trying to catch him off guard.

Krishna's smile faltered for a fraction of a second. He noticed the shift in her movements. She's serious now. Her footwork had changed, her stance more grounded. She was using proper CQC (close-quarters combat) techniques, aiming to close the distance and seize control.

She's better than I thought, Krishna mused, his body instinctively moving with the flow of her attacks. But no matter how fast she moved, he was faster. His steps were minimal but effective, each shift of his body keeping him just outside her reach.

"Your form's not bad," he said with a chuckle, ducking under a wild swing. "But you're letting anger drive you."

Warina clenched her teeth, her eyes narrowing into slits of pure focus. If I can't outpace him, I'll have to trap him. Her eyes darted around the room, taking in their surroundings. Limited space. One exit. Wet floor. I can use that.

She lunged forward suddenly, feinting a punch aimed at his face. Krishna tilted his head back, dodging it easily, but his eyes widened as she twisted her body mid-lunge. Her momentum shifted, and she spun low, her leg sweeping toward his ankles.

A sweep!

Krishna's instincts kicked in, and he leapt back just in time. His foot barely missed the slick, wet floor, and he landed on the edge of the sink counter. His smile returned, wider this time.

"Not bad," he admitted, sitting on the counter like it was a park bench. His eyes gleamed with playful curiosity. "RAW agents sure know how to think on their feet."

Warina didn't reply. She was already rushing toward him. But this time, Krishna's hands moved first.

With a quick shift of his weight, he pushed off the counter, grabbing her wrists mid-charge. Before she could react, he pulled her forward, using her own momentum against her. Her eyes widened in shock as her body lurched toward him, completely off balance.

He read my move!?

In one smooth motion, Krishna spun her around, pinning her arms behind her back with one hand. His other arm snaked around her waist, holding her firmly but not painfully. Warina squirmed, her breaths sharp and fast, but she quickly realized that any sudden movement would only worsen her position.

"Now, now," Krishna said in a calm, almost scolding tone. His breath was warm against her ear, his voice dangerously close. "You're better than this, Warina. Don't tell me you let your emotions get the better of you."

Warina gritted her teeth, her heart pounding in her chest. Calm down. Think. Breathe. She struggled once, twisting her body, but his grip didn't budge. His strength wasn't overwhelming, but his technique was perfect. He had control, not through brute force, but through precision.

"Relax," Krishna said softly, loosening his grip just a little to let her breathe. "No point wasting energy like this. I'm not your enemy, after all."

"Let me go, Krishna!" Warina protested, wriggling against his hold. Her voice was sharp, commanding, but there was a trace of frustration laced within it.

Her movements were fierce, like a wildcat caught in a trap, but Krishna remained calm. His grip was firm but not forceful — a quiet but undeniable display of control. Her arms were pinned behind her back, her struggles only making his hold feel tighter.

"Shh, shh," Krishna muttered softly, tilting his head as he pulled her closer. Their faces drew near, so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath against her cheek. Her eyes locked onto his, and in that brief, intense moment, the world around them seemed to slow.

Her heart thudded in her chest. Why is he looking at me like that? she thought, her face heating up as her breath hitched. She could see everything — the sharp clarity of his gaze, the slight curve of his lips, and the playful, teasing glint in his eyes.

Her struggles faltered.

His legs shifted, weaving around her in a fluid, almost lazy motion, locking her in place. The feeling of his warmth against her was unnervingly steady. Not overwhelming, not crushing — just... present. She tried to twist her body to the side, but it was useless.

"You're stubborn," Krishna said with a low chuckle. His voice was soft, almost too gentle for the moment. Why does he sound so calm?

Her heart pounded harder. She refused to look at him, focusing on the wall instead. This is ridiculous. I'm a RAW agent. I've been trained for situations like this. But no matter how much she told herself that, the reality of their proximity was impossible to ignore.

Then, in one slow, deliberate motion, Krishna raised a hand.

Her breath caught.

His fingers brushed against her cheek before moving down, pausing right in front of her lips. Her eyes darted to him, wide with disbelief. What is he doing?

"Be quiet, okay?" he said softly, his voice carrying a warmth that didn't match the situation. His fingertips lightly pressed against her lips, silencing her. His gaze softened, his eyes filled with playful amusement but also something deeper — something steadier, like unshakable confidence. "Be a good girl for a moment, alright? Just until I'm done talking."

Her heart stopped.

Her face flushed a deep red, heat rushing to her cheeks faster than she could control. She froze. The warmth of his fingertips lingered on her lips like a brand. Her eyes stayed locked on his, caught in that strange pull that made it feel like he was seeing right through her.

Her pride told her to bite his finger. Her instincts told her to fight back. But her body betrayed her, stiffening like a cornered animal.

Why can't I move? Why is my body reacting like this?

Her mind screamed at her to push him away, to headbutt him, to knee him in the stomach, anything! But her heart thudded so loudly in her ears that her thoughts became a jumbled mess.

For a moment, it was quiet.

Just the distant hum of the flickering fluorescent light. The faint drip of water from a leaky faucet. Their breathing. Hers fast and shallow. His steady and calm.

This is dangerous, she realized, swallowing hard. Not because he's strong. Not because he's unpredictable. But because…

Her eyes darted back to him, her expression stiff but her gaze unyielding.

"Good girl," Krishna said, his smile widening like he'd won something. His fingers lingered for a moment longer before slowly pulling away. The absence of his touch was sudden, sharp, and cold, and it irritated her more than it should have.

Her lips parted as she prepared to say something — maybe an insult, maybe another threat — but she stopped when she noticed his attention had shifted.

He glanced toward the small device she had tossed away earlier, his eyes narrowing in interest.

Krishna's fingers brushed across the communication device as he casually tapped it on. The device crackled to life, and a voice filled the air — Kulkarni's voice, low and urgent.

"Warina, where are you? Is everything alright? What's the situation inside?"

Warina's heart raced, her body still trapped in Krishna's hold, her mind spinning. She opened her mouth to speak, to give him some answer, to protect herself in this moment of vulnerability. "Sir, it's—"

But before she could finish, Krishna's thumb hovered over the device, cutting the call.

A startled breath escaped her as Krishna's gaze settled on her, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. His eyes twinkled with mischief, but there was something deeper there too — something sharper. He leaned in slightly, drawing her even closer, the warmth of his presence radiating between them. Her pulse quickened in response, as though her body recognized the proximity before her mind could catch up.

Warina's chest tightened, her breath shallow. His face was so close now that she could feel the heat from his skin. His lips were mere inches from hers. Her heart hammered in her chest, erratically, as if trying to break free.

Krishna's lips parted in that teasing, almost imperceptible grin. He moved just a little closer.

"It seems you're not such a good girl after all, are you?" he murmured softly, his voice a mix of amusement and challenge. His breath brushed against her face, sending a shiver down her spine.

Warina's mind screamed at her to stay in control, but her body betrayed her. Her thoughts were a chaotic jumble of defiance and uncertainty, and her heart beat so loudly it felt like it might burst from her chest. She couldn't bring herself to speak, couldn't find the words in that dizzying moment.

He tilted his head slightly, his gaze locking with hers, the intensity in his eyes unmistakable. "If you say anything now, I promise I'll kiss you," he said, his voice low and laced with a quiet, teasing seriousness. "And I'm not joking this time."

Warina didn't respond, her lips parted as if she had something to say, but the words wouldn't come. Her breath caught in her throat, and she could feel her pulse in her neck, rushing to her ears. The intensity between them, the weight of his words — it was almost too much.

Krishna's smile deepened, his eyes flicking back to the device in his hand. He reconnected the call, this time without a word, leaving the air thick with anticipation.

For a moment, the only sound was the faint hum of the device and the faintest creak of the floor beneath them. Neither of them spoke, both locked in this strange, electric silence.

Then Kulkarni's voice broke through, filled with a mix of confusion and authority. "Who are you?"

The question hung in the air, but Krishna didn't flinch, his posture relaxed, his smile still present. He didn't answer right away, savoring the tension, the uncertainty.

Krishna replied his voice now deep, controlled — almost unnervingly calm. The shift was so stark that it sent a ripple of unease through the air. Krishna, once playful and teasing, now sounded like an entirely different person.

"It's been a while, Kulkarni. How's everything going?" The voice was crisp, measured, almost mechanical in its precision. But the foreignness of it, the sudden switch to English, left Warina stunned.

Her body went still under Krishna's hold. She couldn't move, couldn't speak — it was as if her muscles had abandoned her in this moment. The power he radiated, the dominance in his voice, made her feel small and helpless. Her heart hammered in her chest, and every instinct screamed at her to fight back, but she was frozen. Completely surrendered.

Warina's eyes widened, her mind racing to process what was happening. This wasn't the same Krishna. The playful, charming man was gone — replaced by someone who held an unnerving authority in his words. She didn't know what to think. Part of her was terrified, and yet another part of her... couldn't look away. She didn't understand the emotions stirring inside her.

On the other side of the call, the change was just as jarring. Kulkarni, sitting at his desk, had never been expecting to hear this voice. Sweat began to bead on his forehead, trickling down his face in rapid succession. It wasn't just a physical response — it was fear, raw and palpable. The kind of fear that paralyzed the body and left the mind scrambling to catch up.

Kulkarni's eyes widened, his hand shaking. His breath hitched as the realization dawned on him. The sweat turned into a torrent, spilling down his face like a river. He leaned back in his chair, his entire body trembling as he stared into the screen, his mind struggling to make sense of what he was hearing.

"'V'... but how?" Kulkarni stuttered, his voice a whisper of disbelief. He was visibly shaken, his composure utterly shattered. The man who had been so confident just moments ago was now reduced to a shell of himself, lost in the confusion of the situation.

The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air. Warina's heart raced, the shock gripping her as she tried to piece together the sudden shift in events. Her mind churned, but no matter how she searched her memory, she couldn't find a record of anyone named 'V.'

But there was one name that started with a 'V' — Vincenzo. The name echoed in her thoughts like a hammer striking an anvil. She had heard it whispered in dark corners, murmured in hushed tones. Vincenzo. One of the most wanted men in the world, a notorious Italian mafia figure, greatest assassin in the world and the leader of BLACK LOTUS who was infamous for his ruthlessness.

Warina's eyes flicked to Krishna, her gaze sharp, her breath caught in her throat. Vincenzo?

But that didn't make sense. Vincenzo was Italian. Krishna was Indian. The connection seemed impossible — yet here he was, calmly speaking into the device, his voice smooth and unwavering.

Krishna must have noticed the shift in her expression, for his lips curved into a slow, almost playful smile. "It seems you haven't forgotten your old benefactor," he said, the words casual, as though they were discussing a mundane topic, rather than the revelation of his identity.

Warina's stomach churned, her mind still trying to catch up with the sudden twist. She had been trained to read people, to understand them. But this — this was a whole new level. Krishna, the man who had just moments ago seemed like a mischievous yet harmless figure, was now a ghost from the past, someone from the darkest corners of the criminal world.

On the other end of the line, Kulkarni's voice faltered, disbelief dripping from his words. "What are you doing in India, V?"

Krishna's smile never wavered, his voice as calm as ever. "Why, am I not welcome here? I've saved this country more times than I can count. It's my right to be here."

The response came like a dagger. There was no doubt in Krishna's tone, no hesitation. His confidence — or arrogance, depending on how one saw it — was almost chilling.

But Kulkarni, desperate and on edge, snapped back. "Fuck your rights! Tell me why you're after Lucus."

Krishna's response was almost casual, too easy, as if the gravity of the conversation didn't affect him at all. "It's a personal matter, Kulkarni. But I didn't expect to see your agents here."

Krishna's gaze never wavered from Warina, his eyes gleaming with an unreadable expression. He winked at her, an action that made her pulse quicken and her mind spiral into confusion. Just as she parted her lips to speak, Krishna moved with startling speed. His hand clamped over her mouth, firmly but not painfully, silencing her in an instant. The gesture was simple, yet it carried an air of control that left her unsettled.

Warina's body froze, her heart hammering in her chest. She wanted to protest, to demand answers, but she couldn't. His touch was too consuming, and the weight of the moment crushed her words before they could escape her.

On the other end of the line, Kulkarni's voice broke the silence, sharp and cautious. "Okay, V, I'm cancelling this operation. You can do whatever you want, but where is Warina?"

Krishna's hand remained pressed over her lips as he responded with his usual calm, but there was a certain satisfaction in his voice. "Good, good. As expected from you, Kulkarni."

He paused for a moment, enjoying the silence that followed. Warina's mind raced with questions, her breath shallow as she tried to piece together the implications of his words. But before she could fully process it, Krishna continued, his words cutting through the tension.

"And as for your dear agent, Warina... from today onwards, she's dead to RAW," Krishna said, his tone light but with a chilling edge.

Warina's eyes widened in disbelief, her heart stopping for a beat. Dead? She couldn't make sense of what he was saying.

She didn't have time to sort through the whirlwind of thoughts before Kulkarni's voice came through, laced with fury. "What the fuck do you mean by that? Did you kill her?"

Krishna's hand remained over her mouth, but his expression was a mix of amusement and casual indifference. "Calm down, Kulkarni. Don't get worked up. You're getting old," he said, almost as if he were speaking to a friend. "Take a retirement. And no, she's not dead."

Warina's breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding in her ears as she tried to comprehend the full meaning of his words. Her eyes searched Krishna's face, looking for any sign of a lie, but his expression remained unwavering.

He paused before continuing, the corners of his mouth lifting in a slight grin, as though he enjoyed the game he was playing. "Do you really think I'm some kind of monster? No, I'm not going to kill her. But she's already seen my face. And she's... truly a wildcat. I like her. I'm keeping her for myself."

Warina's heart raced as Krishna's hand stayed firmly over her mouth, his touch almost suffocating in its intensity. She struggled, trying to push away the confusion and shock that clouded her mind. His words were impossible to ignore, but the pressure of his grip, the way he seemed to completely control the situation, made her feel both helpless and strangely... unsettled. She wanted to shout, to demand answers, but her body betrayed her, frozen in place under his steady hold.

On the other end of the phone, Kulkarni's voice cut through the tense silence, a mix of anger and disbelief. "You can't do this, V. What the fuck do you mean 'keeping her for yourself'? She's an agent of RAW. The country needs her!"

Krishna's voice, calm and almost playful, flowed through the air like a chilling breeze. "Oh, come on, Kulkarni. I've saved the lives of so many of your agents. If I want one of them for myself, can't you even do this little thing for your benefactor? Am I right, Arjun?" Krishna's tone shifted to one of feigned amusement, as if he was speaking to an old friend.

The silence on the other end was deafening. Warina could hear Kulkarni's sharp breaths, a sudden tension in his voice as he tried to make sense of the situation. Krishna's words felt like a blow, the calmness of his delivery contrasting with the gravity of his claims. He was saying things that didn't make sense, things that felt unreal.

Then, a voice broke the silence, a voice that Warina recognized immediately — Arjun. His tone was cautious, almost defensive. "How do you know I was here?"

Krishna's smile was evident in his voice as he responded, the casualness of his words masking something far darker. "Oh, come on, don't act childish, Arjun. I know you're outside the mansion with some new faces. I'll meet them next time."

His words were calm, calculated, as if he already knew everything. There was a certain thrill in his tone, as if he enjoyed playing this game, this cat-and-mouse dance with Kulkarni and his team.

Hearing Krishna's words, Kulkarni's voice trembled with frustration, but he kept his composure. "You're the one acting like a child, V. Warina is not an object that we can just give to you."

Before he could finish, Krishna interrupted, his voice cold and unyielding. "You see, Kulkarni, I don't like to repeat myself. I'm taking her with me, and that's final. It's good for you if you withdraw your agents before they end up dead. And I think you've got some explaining to do to the PM. As far as I guess, you executed this mission without his knowledge. If he had, he never would have agreed to it."

The silence that followed was thick with tension. Warina's heart pounded in her chest as she struggled against the paralyzing sense of helplessness. She couldn't make sense of any of it—his intentions, his calm demeanor, and the way he had completely taken control of the situation.

Kulkarni's voice came through again, more composed this time. "V, hear me out—"

Before he could finish, Krishna's voice cut through once more, final and firm. "Bye, Kulkarni. See you soon."

With that, Krishna crushed the device in his hand, the sharp crack of it breaking the only link to the outside world. He tossed it aside with a casual flick of his wrist, and the sound of it hitting the ground echoed in the room.

Krishna noticed the tears trailing down Warina's face. His eyes softened, and he quickly withdrew his hand from her mouth. The moment he did, she gasped for air, coughing as she took in sharp, hurried breaths. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and Krishna's brows knitted together with concern. His tone shifted, the playfulness gone, replaced by genuine worry.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice back to its calm, familiar self — not the cold, commanding tone he had used moments ago.

Warina blinked rapidly, still catching her breath. Her eyes locked onto his, confusion and disbelief swirling in them. "Who the hell are you?" she asked, her voice strained but steady.

Krishna smiled, tilting his head as if the answer was obvious. "Didn't you just hear? V. Vincenzo," he said, his grin playful but his eyes sharp.

Warina frowned, her gaze narrowing in disbelief. "But he's Italian... and you're Indian," she shot back, her voice laced with suspicion. Her breathing had steadied now, but her heart was still racing.

Krishna raised an eyebrow, his grip on her steady but not forceful. "No one's ever seen his face, right?" he replied, leaning in slightly. His eyes met hers with quiet intensity. "So how are you so sure he's Italian? Just because of the name?" He smiled faintly, his gaze unwavering. "Names can be fake. Identities too. I am Vincenzo. It's just a name I use. But me?" He tapped his chest lightly. "I'm a hundred percent Indian. Born and raised."

Warina's breath hitched, her mind struggling to process everything. Vincenzo. The name that made seasoned agents sweat. The name that sent chills through global agencies. And he was standing right in front of her. No... holding her.

She clenched her fists, her body tensing as she stared into his eyes. Her mind screamed at her to fight back, to break free, but her heart told her something different. She was no longer in control of the situation, and she knew it. Her voice was low but firm. "Now what's going to happen to me?" she asked, her eyes unwavering as she stared at him. "What are you going to do to me?"

Her gaze sharpened with defiance, and she added with cold resolve, "But let me warn you, Krishna. If you touch me… I'll kill myself."

Her words hung in the air like the final note of a tense symphony. Silence followed. Not a single sound but the faint hum of the broken device on the floor.

Krishna's smile softened, carrying a teasing sweetness that somehow felt disarming. "I have no intention of doing something like that," he said calmly, his voice smooth as silk. His gaze remained fixed on Warina's face, unwavering but gentle. "I have beautiful and sweet girlfriends, you know. And for your kind information, I'm already touching you." He raised an eyebrow, a playful glint flashing in his eyes. "And if I remember correctly, you even kissed my hand just a moment ago. Pervert."

Warina's eyes widened in shock. Her lips parted, ready to argue, but her mind struggled to catch up with his words. "W-what?" she stammered, her face flushing in embarrassment.

"Yup," Krishna nodded with a grin as he loosened his grip, letting her hands go. But his legs were still wrapped securely around her, keeping her close. He gazed at her with the calm of a man completely in control, as if the world itself bent to his whims.

Realizing her hands were free, Warina's instincts kicked in. Without thinking, she grabbed his collar, yanking him forward. Their faces were now inches apart. "It's because you were holding my mouth, you idiot!" she growled, her eyes blazing with frustration. "Don't call me a pervert!"

But then, in the heat of her outburst, something clicked in her mind. Her hands were free. She froze, her eyes darting to her own fingers clutching his collar. When did he let me go? She glanced at Krishna, her breath hitching.

"Ah, you noticed, huh?" Krishna said, his voice smooth as ever. His smile grew as he placed his hands lightly on her waist. The touch wasn't forceful, but it was firm enough to make her heart pound harder in her chest. He leaned in just a little, his eyes peering straight into hers, unyielding but calm.

"Listen carefully, Warina," he said quietly, his voice low but commanding. His eyes locked onto hers, and for a moment, the entire world seemed to fall away. "You're free to do whatever you want. You can punch me, kick me, travel around the world, enjoy the life." His smile didn't waver, but something about his gaze shifted, growing sharper and more resolute. "But from now on, you're with me for the rest of your life."

Her breath hitched as his words sank in.

"You can think whatever you want," he continued, his tone still eerily sweet. "Call your team. Call your superiors. Call anyone you like." He leaned in even closer, his lips hovering by her ear. "But no one's coming to save you, Warina." His voice dropped to a whisper that sent a chill down her spine. "And even if someone does come..."

He leaned back, tilting his head slightly as if to study her expression, his eyes never leaving hers. His smile grew sharper, like a blade hidden behind silk. "They won't be able to take you from me. It's impossible."

Warina's face turned bright red, her eyes narrowing in confusion and frustration. She glared at Krishna, her brows furrowed in disbelief. "Why are you doing this? We just met a little while ago," she said, her voice sharp but with a hint of uncertainty.

Krishna tilted his head, his eyes half-lidded with a calm that bordered on unsettling. A sweet, disarming smile spread across his face, soft but unshakably firm. "Because I like you," he said simply, his voice carrying the kind of confidence that made it sound like the most natural thing in the world. "I hope you won't betray my trust, Warina." His eyes softened as his smile deepened. "I promise you'll never feel any inconvenience as long as you're with me. So… you're not going to break my trust, are you?" His gaze pierced into hers with a quiet intensity. "Can I believe in you on this, Warina?"

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The dim, cold light of the washroom flickered once, and their eyes remained locked. Water dripped from a leaky faucet in the background, each drop sounding like a ticking clock. Warina's heart pounded in her chest as she stared into Krishna's eyes. Something about the way he looked at her made it impossible to turn away.

Her lips parted, but no words came out. She didn't know what to say. How was she supposed to respond to someone like him? Her instincts told her to resist, to fight back, to push him away. But his words… his eyes… Why do they feel so certain?

Seeing her silent, Krishna's smile grew just a bit wider. "Good," he said, nodding as if she'd already given her answer. "I knew I could trust you."

Warina blinked, her eyes widening in shock. "W-wait, I didn't say anything!" she protested, her voice rising with disbelief.

Krishna chuckled, his gaze steady on her, unwavering like he was in complete control. "You didn't need to," he replied calmly. He leaned in closer, his face only inches from hers. "Your eyes told me everything. Words can lie, Warina, but eyes never do."

Her heart jumped at his words, and her face flushed even more. She clenched her teeth, her gaze hardening. "I'm going to betray you," she snapped defiantly, her eyes narrowing like a cornered cat.

Krishna's grin didn't falter. "No, you're not." His response was immediate, spoken with absolute certainty.

Warina's eyes twitched. "I'll definitely break your trust," she said, leaning forward, her tone firmer this time.

"No, you won't," Krishna replied casually, his tone so steady it felt like he was stating an undeniable truth.

Her eyes sharpened further, like she was ready to bite back. "I will betray you," she said again, pushing her face closer, her voice low but fierce.

"And I know you won't," Krishna countered with a calm smile, his eyes locked onto hers as if he could see straight through her.

The washroom's cold, dim air felt warmer now, like the world had shrunk into just the two of them. Their quiet, stubborn argument echoed softly against the tiled walls. Warina didn't notice it at first, but her hands had relaxed, and her grip on his collar had weakened. Her fingers had slid down to his chest, pressing lightly but without force. Her breathing had calmed, too. She didn't realize it until she noticed how close they'd gotten. His face, so close to hers, was calm, unshaken, like he was completely in control of the moment.

The soft, rhythmic sound of water dripping from the faucet filled the silence between them.

"You're annoying," Warina muttered, her voice quieter than before, her eyes glancing to the side.

Krishna chuckled softly, his hands still resting on her waist. His legs remained wrapped loosely around her, not forceful but undeniably present. "I get that a lot," he said, his grin never fading.

They didn't speak for a moment. The soft sound of dripping water was the only thing filling the space. Warina glanced down at his hands on her waist, her face turning a deeper shade of red. She knew she should push him away, but for some reason, her body wasn't moving. No, it wasn't that she couldn't move — it was that, somehow, she didn't want to.

Her lips tightened as she stole a glance at him. He was still smiling, but his eyes were calm and watchful, like he was reading every subtle shift in her expression.

"Tch," she clicked her tongue, turning her head away. "You're too full of yourself."

"Maybe," Krishna replied, his voice light, his smile unshakable. His gaze remained fixed on her like he had already seen how the story would end.

The cold air of the washroom didn't feel so cold anymore. The world outside seemed far away. Their quiet, stubborn argument played on, the tension between them slowly giving way to something else. Neither of them noticed how long they'd been like that — just two people caught in a moment that felt both fleeting and endless.

(A/N: If you'd like to support me, please use this UPI: omgadekar29@oksbi "Om Gadekar". If you do, please let me know your webnovel name so I can recognize you.)

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