Arranged by the Stars Read online

  When her gaze settled on Kieran’s, she froze feeling all the air sucked out of her. The darkness in those eyes sent a sliver of ice down her back and the bumps on her skin lifted. Wow. What was it about men in suits which made her all weak-kneed and floaty?

  His gaze drifted from his mother to her. “I don’t know exactly.” Kieran’s voice was so soft, it scared her.

  He fixed his gaze on her in a thoughtful way that made her heart kick up a notch. What was he up to? She swallowed.

  “Ma, stay with Papa. I need to speak to Ashwariya, and when I get back we can talk about the clinic.”

  Seizing her chance, Ash bolted from the room. She had watched a scary movie once and it was called Jekyll and Hyde. The plot was very much like this one. There was a very good chance she could wake up dead tomorrow. Hold on, that didn’t sound right. You can’t wake up dead, right? She was losing it.

  “Ashwariya, wait.” Kieran was gaining on her.

  The doors to the lifts ahead were closed. There was no escape. She turned as he grasped her arm, and she realised she hadn’t given him his ring back. Stopping awkwardly, he prevented her from tipping backwards by holding tighter onto her arm. He didn’t exactly look like a creepy murderer but one never knew.

  She raised her chin until her eyes met his. Ash always thought he looked ridiculous in his silk suits when she waited on him. Would that be the Mr Hyde character? They were in Goa and yet he wore suits and silk ties. Was that how he lured his victims to his room? She tried to think of any news headlines with missing girls or bodies found minus their heads.

  “Why do you have to wear such ridiculously high shoes? As waitress they could get you killed.” He still held onto her arm although she was in no danger of falling.

  Her skin tingled from his touch and she had to look down to make sure it was his fingers that singed her and not some magical weapon in his hands. “I wear them for the same reason you wear your ridiculous suit in tropical Goa.” When his gaze went from his suit to her in confusion she shook her head. “Because I can. My name is Ash, no one calls me Ashwariya.”

  He let go of her arm and watched her. “You could have returned the ring to me later or given it in to the hotel.”

  Even billionaires were made with the stupid gene. “How was I to know you weren’t about to propose to the woman of your dreams, and find that you’d lost the ring? You’d be there on bended knee, putting you hand in your pocket and then realise it’s empty.”

  His lips lifted at the corners and she couldn’t help but admire the effect. He was one of those charismatic people. At least that’s what her aunt used to call them. People you would see in the street and just watch them and say, ‘Stand there and let me watch you forever.’

  “You’re a romantic,” he said.

  Wrong again. “I don’t believe in love and happily after, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have yours.” She handed him the box.

  She saw the vein in his neck go taut and wondered about the woman this ring was meant for.

  Without another word he took the box from her and flipped it open. “It’s there. Nice size stone, although I prefer sapphires to diamonds.” She craned her neck to admire the large set diamond nestled in the box. “You know you could feed a small country with that somewhere in the world.” She laughed thinking about the times she had to talk about world peace and saving the world when she didn’t know what it really meant to do so.

  “With those eyes I would have thought you’d prefer emeralds.” He cocked his head and she couldn’t be sure he was flirting.

  Ash felt a flutter in her chest. “That’s probably one of the cheesiest pick up lines I’ve heard.”

  His cheeks flushed. “I didn’t mean it like that. Your eyes reminded me of emeralds―”

  She laughed at how uncomfortable he was. “You are quite the charmer. I still prefer sapphires. Ever since Prince Charles gave Lady Diana those sapphires, I don’t know why but I prefer them.”

  He was quiet and looked down at the ring in the box. “And you say you’re not romantic.”

  “Kieran? Are you getting married?” his mother had followed them.

  They turned together to face her and ended up bumping heads in a not so attractive way.

  “Ouch.” Holding her head like she’d been hit by a rock she elbowed Kieran.

  “Ma, what are you doing here?” Kieran tucked Ash neatly behind him as he faced his mother.

  Mrs Kanna reminded her of her sixth grade teacher. She was as sharp as a tack and could tell before you opened your mouth if you were about to lie. Back in school there were bets her teacher might have been psychic, she was that good.

  Kieran pulled at that tie and Ash grunted. Men were so foolish sometimes. She reached across and removed his tie, as his mother’s gaze widened.

  She swallowed and Ash knew she’d crossed a boundary. Again.

  “Your father would want to know what’s going on when he wakes. So I came to see what’s happening.” She turned to Ash, “Kieran, when were you going to tell us? Is she the reason you came to Goa this time instead of sending someone like you usually do? Is this the real reason you are willing to stay for a while and work in the clinic?” She turned to Kieran. “Will she work there with you?”

  This was getting interesting. Dr Kanna who was normally cool and so in control was flustered and as red as a tomato.

  Ash looked from mother to son and put her hands up. “I think it’s time I left. Dr Kanna, see you later.” If she had known returning the ring would come with this much drama, she would have placed it in the lost and found box, and forgotten about the promise of reward money.

  Mrs Kanna cast another look that had her feeling like one of the girls who worked in the topless bar in the shady part of town. “Later? So I am correct?”

  Cowardice was not something Ash was good at. For years she had to live down what had happened at the pageant but having to answer for something she wasn’t responsible for in front of Kieran, felt so many kinds of wrong. Her cheeks were on fire. She could taste the blood from where she had chewed her lip. Forcing her gaze up, she met Kieran’s.

  If she saw pity in his eyes then she was ready to turn and leave, if she didn’t, well if she didn’t, she wasn’t sure what she’d do.

  “Ma, no. You have it all wrong. Ash is not—” His fingers brushed through his hair giving him an unruly, sexy come-get-me look. He was totally and utterly lost.

  His mother took the box from him. “I know you. I really don’t know what is happening here son, but this ring explains some of it. Why won’t you tell me? If you are finally going to settle down then it’s a good thing, even if it’s with her.” Julie Kanna turned her back as she said the last words.

  He shrugged. The rebuff sliced through Ash. Her shoulders dropped and her eyes burned. Kieran was at her side in an instant and he tipped up her chin. Confusion was all she could muster.

  “Ma, please leave.” He placed his hands in his pockets.

  Kieran’s mother sighed before taking her son aside. Her voice softened and for a moment Ash felt a moment of jealousy. “You’re grown man and I don’t need to know what you’re up to, but if this girl is the reason you’re staying then I can try and be happy for you. Your father will be pleased you’re settling down and maybe it’ll help his recovery. If this is what you want, then I’ll accept it.”

  Ash turned from mother to son in fascination. She should have left but family drama was not something she could resist, having not had any personal family drama herself.

  Kieran then turned to face his mother. Ash wasn’t sure when he had taken her hand or why. She also wasn’t sure why she was suddenly part of this family equation, but she stood there silent, mesmerized by a decision she wasn’t sure she had a choice in.

  His mother’s smile was bitter sweet. “This isn’t something I approve of Kieran. With your father so ill, I’m willing to try anything to help him get better and I do think something like this to look forward to will help him.”


  She watched Kieran massage the side of his neck. She almost felt sorry for him.

  Kieran exhaled and his gaze went from her to his mother. “How can I, being engaged help Papa’s recovery? One thing has nothing to do with the other.”

  His mother nodded. “He’s been so worried about you being overworked and not wanting to settle down.” Julie placed her hand on her son’s shoulder.

  They stood there facing each other. Kieran’s grip on her hand tightened.

  “We don’t see you for years at a time. We’re getting older and your father wants grandchildren. He wants to enjoy these years. When he had that heart attack, it scared him.”

  Kieran rubbed his palm against his thigh. “Ma, you know I will do anything for Papa and for you.”

  His mother wiped away a tear. “Then give him something to look forward to. It would be such good news.”

  Ash was hoping to avoid the whiplash when she turned to Kieran after his mother’s last comment, but his stoic expression gave nothing away.

  “Ma, go back to Papa and take care of him. Leave everything else to me.” Kieran looked down at their entwined hands.

  Unsure of what took place, Ash stood there in silence. She waited for Mrs Kanna to walk away before she raised an eyebrow to the man who was confusing her with every second that passed.

  “What just happened?” she asked wrapping her arms across her chest. “Tell me we didn’t get engaged because it sounded very much like it to me?”

  She watched as he let his fingers comb his hair giving him that tussled look. He knew exactly how to play dirty. She shook her head.

  “We’re getting married, the least you could do is call me Kieran.” His tone was neither playful nor serious and again, she found this a hard to read moment.

  “Seriously? You want to start there?” Ash walked to the lifts and stabbed the button twice. Hard.

  Kieran grabbed her arm and she reeled around giving him her back-off look that had lesser men run in the opposite direction.

  “Hold on, listen to me. Please?” he let go of her arm and placed his hands together.

  Those lips of his were so kissable that she was distracted momentarily.

  Seizing his opportunity, he gently led her to the visitors seating area and waited for her to sit before taking a seat next to her.

  “One minute is all you get,” she said.

  “One minute is all I need.” He sighed heavily, then as if choosing his words with care, he took her hand. “My father had a heart attack and needs an operation, but he is too ill and until he is stable, he can’t have surgery. If a fake engagement to you helps his recovery and convinces them I can handle the clinic work—”

  She wasn’t sure why he looked uncomfortable, almost embarrassed to continue. Why wouldn’t his parents think he could handle the clinic work? Why did he need a fake fiancé? “Because?”

  She watched him swallow and avoid her gaze. What couldn’t he tell her? What was so bad that he—?

  “What aren’t you telling me?” she trained her gaze on his and waited for him to answer.

  “All I want is to make sure my dad recovers and I am asking you to help me. My parents are very traditional people. My father has been wanting to have his only child married for years.” He paused placing a hand over the velvet box.

  She pressed her lips together and cocked her head. “So you carry that box around waiting for the perfect bride to fall into your arms?” Leaning back, her gaze narrowed. “People will come looking for me if I go missing.” It would be such waste of good male body if he were a pyscho kidnapper.

  He placed his hand on hers and she squeezed her eyes shut to prevent from flinching. “I think they have the wedding all planned, would have been done since the day I was born. My father has a room for his first grandchild too, and I know there will be a fight on naming rights.” He linked his hands together.

  As odd as first meetings went, this was one for the books. “You do realise, we’ve just met. You don’t even know me.”

  His gaze found hers and she saw a vulnerability she couldn’t ignore in the depths of those whiskey brown eyes. “I know what you’re capable of and it’s what I need right now.”

  Ash had never known words could hurt until that very moment. She wasn’t proud of what happened at the beauty pageant but had always maintained her innocence. Her gaze narrowed. “To hell with you.”

  Kieran grabbed her arm. “Wait.”

  She stopped and pulled her arm free. “I was innocent. I never paid off any judge and I proved that later. Too late, but I did.” Her heart kicked up a notch as she withheld further retort. Was she never going to be free of the reputation of a fallen beauty queen?

  He looked down at his shoe and had the decency to look embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I need your help. Please?”

  With her arms crossed over her chest she lifted her chin. “What makes you think you can trust me?”

  He shook his head. “I can’t. I’m desperate and I have to trust you. My father might die and I need your help.”

  “So you’re happy with a fake engagement to convince your mother you are capable of staying here and you want me to tag along? What makes you think you have a chance of convincing anyone you can do this?” Was it possible he was grasping at straws?

  He leaned back on the soft leather chair and she was forced to clear her lungs of air because there was something special about Kieran Kanna. Something that pulled things from inside you when you didn’t expect it.

  “Because you are right, there is something I am not telling you. Please help me.” He leaned forward and put out his hand.

  She’d seen men like Kieran strut around owning the world. She’d never seen this side. A man made of glass, a man who would crack if the smallest stone would hit, with the lightest force.

  “I can’t let my parents down which means I can’t do this alone.” That pause meant he was afraid.

  Ash shook her head as she looked down the corridor. “One-point-two-billion people in India and you think I can make a difference?” Was he really serious about this request?

  The little muscle at the edge of his jaw beat to a rhythm that she found erratic and hypnotic. Her gaze wouldn’t move from that one spot. “There is no one else who can help.”

  With his hand still held out to her, she could almost believe she was his only choice. “Your minute is up.”

  Chapter Three

  Kieran pulled hard at his collar, but the stiffness of the fabric choked out what little air passed between his lips. His heart beat like someone had given him a high dose of adrenaline. A miscalculated dose. His gaze roamed the reception area of the clinic until the antiseptic scent hit him with the force of reality. He was here. His gaze rolled up to the large red clock in the otherwise white room. It was five minutes to nine.

  The patients watched him with a mixture of curiosity and relief. Did they sense his fear? He’d be surprised if they couldn’t hear the pounding of his heart, because he could swear it was about to leap from his chest. He walked to the desk in front and greeted Jessie, the receptionist.

  “It’s good to see you Kieran. I called the hospital and they told me your father is doing better this morning.” She handed him his first patient file and pointed to his consulting room.

  He got the same report from the hospital that morning from his mother who was at his father’s bedside. “I will feel a lot better when he can have the surgery. I have employed someone to help with―” he looked around. What was he going to say? He employed someone to hold his hand? How more ridiculous could the situation get? He shook his head and wondered if she would even accept his offer.

  Jessie’s eyebrows narrowed as she looked around the small clinic. “Kieran, we have our own staff here and with Latha away for the next two weeks, we don’t really need help.”

  He nodded. “She will help with the filing.” He took a look at the thick file and felt a moment of panic as he walked towards the office. Surely this was
like riding a bike. In the office he looked around the small matchbox size room and wondered why all bikes didn’t come with training wheels. Whether you needed the extra security or not.

  An hour later, after seeing the third patient with the same complaint, Kieran leaned back and wondered what the fuss was about.

  The soft knock made him pause. “Come in.”

  “Double shot expresso, your usual, boss,” Ash entered the consulting room and handed him coffee before sitting on the edge of the table.

  It took him a second to realise the galloping rate of his heart was due to more than relief she was here. He shifted in his seat and watched her as she took in the size and look of the room.

  Kieran took the coffee from her and then gently pushed her off the table, guiding her to the chair. “Riding a bicycle. No, it’s not coming back. I own a medical software company. I work with figures and programmes, not real patients. I fix problems with data.”

  Ash shrugged as though the conversation was boring her. “Software, hardware, same thing. You fix things. What’s the difference? Your next patient is here.”

  She turned her head so she could see everything and then she turned back and smiled. “A little bit plain? Your father could use a decorator.”

  He sipped from the cup and then spluttered.

  “Oh, the coffee is hot. They don’t have a coffee machine, so I had to walk down to the coffee place to get one.” Her lips went all pouty and she sighed.

  He could swear she wasn’t the spoilt princess type the media made her out to be, but she acted like it. There was intelligence behind those eyes. There had to be more to this fallen beauty, and even though it wasn’t any of his business, he couldn’t help being pulled into the mystery of it all.