Chapter Three: Temptation's Edge

The bright lights of Dubai International Airport buzzed with life, contrasting sharply with the quiet luxury of the jet that had brought Ayan and Saba here. The terminal was a hive of activity, with travelers rushing to their gates, announcements echoing overhead, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. Ayan stood by the window, looking out at the sea of planes lined up on the tarmac, his mind still lingering on the dream he’d had during the flight.

He could still feel the heat of Saba’s body, the intoxicating pull of her presence. It had been more than just a dream; it was a tantalizing promise of something more. His gaze drifted to where Saba was standing, a few feet away, her attention seemingly focused on her phone. She wore a fitted black dress that hugged her curves, paired with a pair of stilettos that gave her an air of effortless grace. Her hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, and her dark eyes flicked up to meet his, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

Ayan’s heart skipped a beat. He cleared his throat, trying to shake off the effect she had on him. “So, Vienna, huh?” he said, walking over to her. “What’s waiting for you there?”

Saba looked up from her phone, her smile widening. “Business, mostly,” she replied smoothly. “Meetings, negotiations, the usual.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze sliding over him appreciatively. “But Vienna has its pleasures, too. The opera, the coffeehouses... the company.” Her voice dropped on the last word, a subtle invitation that didn’t go unnoticed.

Ayan grinned, leaning against the pillar beside her. “You make it sound like paradise,” he said, his tone light but his eyes darkening with interest. “Maybe I should change my plans and come along.”

Saba’s laughter was a soft, sultry sound that made Ayan’s pulse quicken. “You’re welcome to join me anytime,” she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I could show you a side of Vienna most people never see.”

Ayan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Is that an invitation, Saba?”

She tilted her head, considering him with a playful smile. “Maybe,” she replied coyly. “But then again, you seem like the kind of man who likes a challenge. And I do enjoy keeping things interesting.”

Ayan chuckled, his gaze lingering on her lips. “You definitely know how to keep a man on his toes,” he admitted. “But you’re right. I do like a challenge.”

Saba stepped closer, her perfume enveloping him, a heady mix of jasmine and musk that made his senses reel. “I’m counting on it,” she murmured, her voice low and seductive. “After all, where’s the fun in making things too easy?”

Ayan’s breath hitched, his body reacting to the nearness of her. The airport, the noise, the people around them—all of it faded into the background, leaving only Saba and the electric tension between them. He reached out, his fingers brushing her arm, feeling the smoothness of her skin. “I don’t think easy is in your vocabulary,” he said, his voice husky.

Saba’s eyes darkened, her lips curving into a teasing smile. “No, it’s not,” she agreed, her voice a soft purr. She leaned in, her lips brushing his ear, sending a shiver down his spine. “But I do believe in rewards for those who are persistent.”

Ayan swallowed hard, the heat of her words stirring something primal within him. He wanted her, there was no denying it. But more than that, he was fascinated by her—by the way she seemed to see right through him, by the way she could make him forget everything else with just a look.

“Is that a promise?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Saba pulled back, her eyes meeting his with a smoldering intensity. “Consider it a possibility,” she said, her voice filled with promise. “One that depends entirely on how well you play your cards.”

Ayan laughed softly, shaking his head. “You’re a dangerous woman, Saba,” he said, unable to keep the admiration out of his voice.

Saba smiled, a slow, sultry smile that sent a jolt of desire through him. “Only to those who are afraid of getting burned,” she replied. “Are you, Ayan?”

He held her gaze, his heart pounding. “No,” he said firmly. “I’m not.”

Saba’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Good,” she said. She stepped back, the moment breaking, but the tension between them remained, a charged current that hummed in the air. “I’ll see you soon, Ayan,” she said, her voice a soft caress. “And remember, our story isn’t over yet.”

With that, she turned and began to walk away, her hips swaying with each step, a vision of elegance and seduction. Ayan watched her go, his eyes drawn to the curve of her behind, the way the fabric of her dress clung to her figure. He smacked his lips, a wolfish grin spreading across his face.

Mentally, he told himself, This isn’t the end. Not by a long shot.

As Saba disappeared into the crowd, Ayan felt a thrill of anticipation. She was right—whatever had started between them wasn’t over. Not yet. And as the bustling energy of the airport swirled around him, Ayan knew one thing for certain: this was just the beginning.