Secrets of a Bollywood Marriage

CHAPTER TEN


TINA STOOD VERY still as the realization hit her hard. She couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think. She felt sick. Dizzy. She pressed her hands on the metal door as if it could hold her upright. It seemed like ages before Khushi and Prisha finished repairing their makeup. Once they left the restroom, Tina took several moments before she exited the stall.

Tina glanced at her reflection in her mirror. She looked pale and wounded. She wanted to believe Dev hadn’t betrayed her, but she couldn’t think of any other explanation. She tried to think of how Shreya could have got this information but the images of the tabloid pictures flickered in her mind.

She slowly walked to the door, her movements awkward and choppy. Her stiletto heels skidded against the floor and she righted herself abruptly. She really didn’t think Dev would have shared that information with anyone.

Tina squeezed her eyes shut before the burning tears spilled from her lashes. She had believed Dev when he said he had been faithful. He had been hurt that the only reason she returned was because of the pictures. She had heard it in his voice and had felt it in his touch when they had fallen into bed.

But if he had not been sleeping with Shreya, how did the other woman know all the details?

Tina walked out of the restroom and she cringed at the loud music bombarding her sensitive nerves. The frenetic lights and the wild dance movements were suddenly too much for her. She had to get out of there. She needed to think. Run. Hide.

“Tina?” She heard Dev’s voice right behind her. “Where are you going?”

She kept moving, staring at the exit with laser focus as if her life depended on it. “I have to get out of here.”

“Why? What’s wrong?” Dev was suddenly in front of her, forcing her to stop. She was tempted to push him away but he was stronger than she.

She didn’t want to tell him. She wasn’t ready for this confrontation. The tears were shimmering in her eyes and the pain was howling through her, threatening to break free. If he had betrayed her confidence like this, she didn’t know how she was going to survive.

Every instinct told her to protect herself. If she told him what she knew, he would come up with an excuse. And she would believe him because she wanted to. She needed to get away before he could totally destroy her. But she had to see his face. If she surprised him with what she knew, he wouldn’t be able to hide his guilt.


“There were some women in the restroom who were sharing some juicy gossip,” Tina said weakly, her throat aching as the emotions clawed at her. “They knew about our agreement. Every last detail.”

Dev grabbed her shoulders and bent his head so he could look directly into her eyes. “What are you talking about?”

“Shreya told others about our agreement. She knows that this marriage is going to end in five weeks.”

Dev’s dark brown eyes narrowed into slits. “That’s impossible,” he said in a growl.

Was it? Dev said he hadn’t had an affair with Shreya, but what if he had shared his thoughts, dreams and problems with the other woman? What if he had talked to her about things he hid from his wife? “I don’t know what she’s going to do with the information.” Tina’s voice shook.

“What are you trying to say?” His fingers tightened against her bare arms. “Do you still think I’m having an affair with Shreya?”

“No, but I think you confided in another woman about something private, something just between us.”

Tina couldn’t take it anymore. She leaned forward and rested her head against his shoulder. She felt Dev’s muscles tense with surprise before he gathered her in his arms and held her close. She sighed when he cupped the back of her head with his large hand. For a moment, she felt safe.

“Let’s go home, Dev,” she pleaded softly.

“Not yet,” he said as she stroked her hair. “I need to do something first. We do.”

She lifted her head. “What are you planning?”

“Follow my lead.” He encircled his fingers around her wrist and guided her to the dance floor.

Tina didn’t trust the urgency in his tone. “No, no, no.” She dragged her heels. “Not until you tell me what you want to do.”

He looked over his shoulder. “For once, we are going to face this as a team. A united front. That was our mistake in the past.”

United. They hadn’t been partners, hadn’t shared a life together, since they got married. “What are you talking about?”

“We are husband and wife but we lead separate lives. We didn’t grieve together and we didn’t help each other after the miscarriage. That stops now. We are going to start by attacking these rumors together.” He squeezed her hand. “Are you with me?”

It meant giving him total control and allowing him to lead. It meant trusting him. Believing he wouldn’t throw her to the wolves. It meant taking a leap of faith and ignoring every instinct that screamed for her to run and hide.

Tina gave a sharp nod. “Let’s do this,” she said and was rewarded with Dev’s bold smile.

Dev led her through the dance floor. She watched as the crowd parted for him. Tina’s shoulders tightened as her husband approached the DJ’s platform. She couldn’t predict what he was going to do. Call out Shreya and her friends? Tina clenched Dev’s hand in warning. She felt too vulnerable.

Her heart banged against her ribs when Dev held out his hand to the DJ and silently motioned for the microphone. The DJ didn’t question the request and immediately handed it to him. Tina knew nothing good could come out of this. She wanted to drift into the crowd but she had promised Dev that she would follow his lead. She had no idea it would be this difficult.

“DJ, I would like to dedicate a song to my wife.”

Tina went very still as the crowd roared their approval for the romantic gesture. If only it were genuine, Tina thought. She tried to relax under the spotlight as Dev gathered her close. He gave her a look of pure adoration that took her breath away.

“This woman said yes to me almost a year ago. She gave me the pleasure—no, the honor—of becoming her husband. I don’t know what I would have done without her.”

Tina ducked her head as a blush crawled up her neck and flooded her face. Did Dev know that this counterattack was the most precious gift he had given her? Wearing the Arjun jewels had been a stroke of genius. It gave the illusion that he considered her worthy of the family name. But this...this declaration from a Bollywood megastar meant something more. Dev was demanding high society respect his wife, making them believe she had power and influence over the mighty megastar. That he was wonder-struck by her.

“I realized I haven’t said it enough. I didn’t show this special woman how I feel about her every day.” His voice was rough with regret and sincerity. “But I’m going to correct that mistake now.”

Tina heard a few women in the crowd sigh at his words. She would have sighed, too, but this was pretend. Part of the fantasy. A ruse to stop the rumors.

“My wife is everything I want. Everything I need. I’m grateful that Tina is willing to share her life with me. So, DJ, I feel like celebrating. Play us a slow song.”

The guests clapped and whistled as Dev returned the microphone. The lights in the nightclub dimmed as the first notes of a saxophone played. Dev drew her to the middle of the dance floor and gathered her gently in his arms.

She sensed the other guests finding dance partners and swaying to the music, but she was only aware of Dev. How her soft breasts pressed against his hard chest and how his large hands spanned across her hips. They moved in unison effortlessly.

Tina couldn’t look at Dev. He was a good actor. Better than her. If he captured her gaze, he would see how much she wanted those words to be true. How much she wished he had included words like love in his speech.

Tina pressed her head against his chest and closed her eyes. A sigh shuddered through her body when Dev cupped her head with his hand. The tenderness made her weak in the knees. When he placed a kiss against her hair, Tina wanted to hold on to this moment. Make believe it was real, just a little while longer.

When the music stopped, Tina reluctantly pulled away. She was an emotional wreck. She felt raw and exposed. “Let’s go home now,” she suggested.

Dev wrapped his arm around her as he guided her off the dance floor and through the club. He didn’t say a word as they exited the lobby. He cradled her close while he called for the car and fell silent again. Was he regretting his speech?

She didn’t object as he bundled her into the backseat as if she was a delicate treasure. She didn’t say anything until she noticed he wasn’t getting into the car with her. “What’s going on?” Her eyes widened as she realized he was staying at the party. “You’re not coming with me?”

“I saw Shreya at the party and I’m going to find out how she got this information,” he said. His voice was calm but she saw the anger in his eyes. “She needs to learn that you are my wife and I will protect your reputation.”

“But—”

“Take her straight home,” he told the driver before he closed the door.

“Damn it, Dev,” she said through the thick glass. But he had already turned away and entered the nightclub like a warrior heading in for battle.

When was he going to realize that the rumors would persist, Tina wondered as the car pulled away from the curb. Nothing they said or did would change that. Their hasty marriage and her brand image made her a burden. The only way to minimize the damage was if Dev distanced himself from her. He needed to cut her loose.

* * *

He needed a drink.

He needed more than that, Dev decided as he swung open the front door of his home and headed straight to his bedroom. What he really needed was Tina. He needed her to believe—really believe—that he wouldn’t do this to her.

The house was dark and quiet. Empty. The silence tore at him. It was the last thing he wanted to feel as the fury still rushed through his blood. He had walked into an eerily quiet house like this for the past four months and he wasn’t willing to do it again.

He climbed up the steps two at a time. Dev was going to make Tina listen to him. He was going to convince her once and for all that he didn’t want Shreya. He didn’t want anyone but his wife.

Dev strode into the bedroom and stopped abruptly when he discovered Tina wasn’t there. His anger flashed white-hot at the thought that she had moved into one of the guest rooms. He swung around and marched to the nearest guest room. If Tina was trying to make a statement by leaving his bed, she had picked the wrong night.

The bedroom was undisturbed. Something close to panic mixed with his anger and it was a volatile combination. He slammed open the door to the next guest room and he found it empty. He systematically checked every room on the top floor as the urgency pulsed through his veins.

Had she left? Fear, cold and hard, twisted in his stomach as he hurried down the stairs. Was this one truth too hard for her to swallow? He had to admit that the evidence was building up against him.

As he hurried through the drawing room and the massive dining room that had held so many parties, he heard a strain of music. Dev lurched to a stop, listening. The song was familiar. It was from one of Tina’s favorite romantic movies.

He pivoted on his heel and walked straight to the kitchen. He faltered to a stop when he saw Tina. The relief crashed through him so hard that he slumped against the door frame.

She was barefoot but still wearing her silver beaded dress. She leaned against the granite counter as she watched Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge on the TV mounted on the other side of the wall. Shahrukh Khan and Kajol were embracing while standing in a field of yellow flowers. It took him a moment to notice the small coral-colored pot on the stove. He inhaled the scent of khichri, the simple comfort food of rice and legumes.


Tina had cooked? This was the first time he had seen her cook since she had returned. It had been something she had enjoyed but she’d lost interest after the miscarriage. He wasn’t sure what it meant now. He wanted to see it as a positive sign but he knew to tread lightly.

“You’re still here.” His voice came out rough and low.

She jerked and looked around. The small plate in her hand held a mound of khichri tinged yellow with turmeric. She scooped up the rice and legumes with her fingers and carried it to her mouth. “Where else would I be?”

Her mother’s house. A hotel. Another country. Anywhere but here. He slowly approached Tina, unable to read her mood. Uncertain about his welcome.

“You want some?” she asked, holding the thick rice with the tips of her fingers.

He shook his head. That wasn’t the question he had expected to tumble from her lips. What was going on?

“I didn’t tell Shreya about our agreement,” he said. “She had overheard us in the courtyard the night you returned.”

Tina slowly lowered her hand and placed the rice back on the plate. She stood still for a brief moment. “I should have known.”

Dev reared his head back. “You believe me?” He had thought he was going to have to convince her. Get on his knees and beg for her to listen.

“Yes,” she said as she reached for a cloth napkin and briskly cleaned her hands. “I’m not going to lie. I first believed you told her. I almost didn’t discuss it with you.”

“I’m glad you did.” Tina trusted him enough to confront him with the information. She had stayed and waited for his return. That had to mean something. “Shreya has also learned her lesson.”

Tina lifted her chin and watched him carefully. “What do you mean?”

“She is no longer working under the banner of Arjun Entertainment,” he said grimly.

“You canceled her contract?” Tina eyes widened. “Why would you do that? She is a bankable star.”

“She needed my studio more than we needed her.”

“Her family is powerful and influential. This is going to cause you so many problems.”

“You seem to forget, Tina. Shreya spread gossip about you. About my wife. About an Arjun. I will not tolerate that. Soon everyone will know that there will be consequences if they disrespect you.”

Tina tossed down the napkin and braced the edge of the counter. “I think your display of adoration fixed everything.”

“I hope so.” It wasn’t a display. He had meant every word.

Tina frowned as she warily studied his face. “It was convincing. Maybe too convincing.”

“What do you mean?” he asked. Did she have a problem with his words? With the idea that he adored her?

“It’s going to bring up more questions when we divorce in a few weeks,” she said, looking away. “Who’s going to believe what you say after that?”

“I’m not worried.” If all goes to plan, they would still be together.

Tina pressed her lips and gave a shake to her head. “Thank you, Dev. I liked having you rush to my side.”

He gave a slow, shy smile. “You’re welcome.”

“Next time, give me more of a heads-up on what you plan to do.”

“I will.” He took a step closer until he caught a hint of her perfume.

Tina nervously licked her lips. “We make a good team. I think we should keep doing that. Show that we are partners in every way.”

He narrowed his eyes at her matter-of-fact tone. “What are you talking about?”

“It’s not enough for your investors to hear that you have a stable family life. We have to demonstrate it. Show the world that our...marriage is an unbreakable force.”

Dev wasn’t sure if he should trust this offer. Not too long ago she’d seen him as the enemy. “Why would you want to help me?”

“Because it will make you happy.” She darted her gaze away.

She wanted to help him. Make him happy. There was only one thing that would make him happy but he didn’t think she would agree to forever. But did this mean that she no longer saw him as the enemy? “Everything has changed.”

* * *

Dev was right. Tina curled her toes against the cold linoleum as she considered what he had said. Everything had changed between them. He had made it clear that he demanded everyone respect her. He protected her. Protected them. That’s all she needed to know to stay until their agreement ended.

“We should still sleep in the same room.” She was trying to sound blasé but her voice was high and rushed. “Servants talk, you know.”

“That Sandeep is a chatty one.”

She pursed her lips to prevent a smile. “So we should remain in the same bed.”

“If you think that’s best,” Dev drawled.

“I do,” Tina said. She glided her hands over her hips and allowed her fingertips to brush against the short skirt of her dress. She was so nervous. She wasn’t sure what words were coming out of her mouth. All she knew was that she wanted to take her husband to bed. But would it feel too much like a reunion    ? A fresh start?

Dev gave her a speculative look and she felt the thrill of exhilaration.

What were the consequences of seducing your husband? She didn’t know. Dev had been the enemy for so long. For months she’d felt like she had to hide from him. Protect herself from her husband. But now she knew the truth. He didn’t take control over her life to punish her. He cared about her. At one time he may have loved her.

But he was still dangerous. He made her want things that weren’t good for her. He clouded her mind with desire and made her believe in love and forever. She wanted to stay with him, stay as his wife, even if it meant giving up everything. Her freedom. Her peace of mind.

“I want to help you,” Tina told him. And it was the truth. She wanted him to have everything he desired. She moved to set the plate in the sink, her body straining, and she felt Dev’s gaze linger on her high, full breasts.

Tina slowly straightened as the sexual power pulsed through her. She gently swayed her hips to the music playing on the TV. Dev seemed mesmerized. She knew she had him caught and a dangerous thrill zipped through her veins.

Dev was very still. Her stomach clenched when she saw the glint in his dark eyes. She shouldn’t tease a man like this.

“I have the power to make your dreams come true. If you let me.” Her words were rushed as excitement coiled tightly around her chest.

She saw his harsh features tighten with desire. The air between them crackled. Now it was time to make her move.

“It’s been a long night. I’m going to bed. Are you going to join me?” she asked innocently. Her legs shook slightly as she took a step closer. She forced herself to remain still as her leg bumped against his.

He leaned forward and she found it hard to breathe. Her heart was pounding in her ears and her legs shook. An electric current sparked inside her, pressing just under her skin as he grasped the edge of her short dress.

“Are you inviting me?” he asked. His big hand brushed along her thigh.

“Yes-s-s.” Now she was a little afraid that he was going to accept her proposition. Scared, because this night with Dev would change everything. She was sharing his bed not because she had to, but because she wanted to.

Dev didn’t remove his hand. She felt his fingers flex and she knew he wasn’t as unaffected as he appeared.

A quivering tension wrapped around them. She knew Dev was tempted to bunch her dress in his fists and strip her bare. And she wanted him to do it.

Dev slowly moved closer, as if waiting for her to change her mind. To run and hide. Tina’s anticipation was thick and heavy. She felt as if she would burst out of her skin.

Tina raised her head, jutting her chin as he towered over her. He stood so close that she could feel his body heat and inhale the faint scent of his cologne.

He lowered his head and kissed her. Dev gently explored her lips but she sensed he wanted to claim her mouth. Claim her. He wanted to capture her and press her against him.

She wanted more, too. His soft kisses teased her. Her pulse raced and her skin tingled with need. Tina parted her lips as she stepped closer into his embrace.

Dev gave an appreciative moan as he dipped his tongue past her lips. Her kisses grew urgent as her heart pounded against her chest. Her breath hitched when his large hands skimmed her bare skin.

Tina pulled away. Her lips felt swollen and she wanted to burst out of her tight, hot skin. She looked up at Dev and took a step back.

Dev looked fierce. His touch might have been gentle but he couldn’t hide the male aggression that darkened his eyes and pulled at his harsh features. His chest rose and fell with each uneven breath.

And he still didn’t grab for her. No matter how much he wanted to. He was allowing her to set the pace.

Her gaze held his. He looked hopeful. Uncertain. Tina reached for his hand. His fingers imprisoned hers. As if he was afraid to let go.

“Come with me,” she said in a whisper and guided him out of the kitchen.