he removed the stick from her mouth, and she gasped for air, her throat raw and sore. He bent down, his breath hot against her ear. "You're about to faint, aren't you?" he murmured, his hand moving to the base of her neck to check her pulse. "Such a fragile little thing."

Mr. Kapoor's hand trailed down her back, his touch featherlight despite the pain she was in. He reached the bottom of her spine and gave a firm push, sending a jolt of pain through her. "Stand up," he ordered, his voice firm.