Part-259

  James didn’t need an introdu to know who the man was. The chill that ran down his spine was enough. Rakib had an air of dahat James had only entered a handful of times. His presence was subtle but suffog, like the eye of a storm.

  Toya must have felt it too. Without looking back, she subtly brushed her arm against James’, a silent signal that she had noticed him. James straightened, his mind rag. What was Rakib doing here? And more importantly, what was he pnning? Wait, I remember he stalk Toya. So, that must be it?

  As if on cue, Rakib approached, his steps quiet but deliberate. He moved with an almost predatrace, cutting through the crowd with ease until he stood just a few feet from them. His eyes flicked over Toya first, a smile tugging at the er of his mouth, before they nded on James.

  "How’s your day, Miss Toya?" Rakib’s voice was smooth, almost unnervingly polite. He gave a slight bow, his eyes never leaving Toya’s face.

  Toya barely spared him a gnce, her expression cold and distant. "I’m fihanks," she said, her voice clipped.

  Rakib’s smile didn’t falter. If anything, it grew wider, as if her indifference amused him. He turned his attention to James, his gaze sweeping over him as if evaluating a new oppo. "And who might this be?" he asked, his tone friendly, but there was an unmistakable undercurrent of something darker—a threat veiled in politeness.

  James felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. Rakib’s eyes bore into him, sharp and calg. This was a mao getting his way, and James could tell he wasn’t used to being ignored or pushed aside.

  Before James could respond, Toya stepped closer to him, linking her arm through his. The sudden movement caught him off guard, but what surprised him more was the look she gave him. It was soft, affeate—pletely uhe Toya he knew. Her eyes locked onto his with a warmth that sent a chill down his spine, and for a moment, he almost believed it.

  "This is my boyfriend, James Khan," Toya said, her voice steady, but there was a subtle tensioh her words.

  James stared at her, stunned. *This woman is a perfect actor.* Her expression was fwless, as if she had rehearsed this a thousand times. There was ation in her voio flicker of doubt in her eyes. She leaned into him slightly, her body nguage calm and rexed, as if she were truly fortable in his presence.

  Rakib’s smile faltered for a split sed, barely noticeable unless you were looking for it. But James saw it—the brief fsh of irritation that crossed his face before he quickly regained his posure.

  "Boyfriend, you say?" Rakib’s voice was still polite, but the edge was sharper now. "Well, I must say, I didn’t expect that. You’ve certainly kept this retionship... quiet."

  Toya’s grip on James’ arm tightened slightly, but her smile never wavered. "Some things are better kept private," she said smoothly.