Page 41 of Shattered

“Actually, apart from you, everyone else finds me quite charming,” I remark playfully.

She rolls her eyes. “I bet they do, and I am the only one who has to deal with your pushy side.”

“You’re one of a kind,” I wink at her, feeling the lightness between us return.“Now, you better get some rest while I make a few calls and get this sorted out. Just remember—no leaving the housewithout a bodyguard.”

She nods and unbuckles her seatbelt but doesn’t move to step out.Her eyes meet mine, full of trust and a bit of nervous hope. “Just… promise me that I won’t lose my sister,” she pleads warily, making my heart clench at the thought of failing her. God, the lengths I would go for this woman.

“I promise,” I murmur softly, cupping her face in my palms. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep you both safe,” I repeat the words, willing to say them a hundred times if it brings her peace.

Her lips curve into a small smile, and I exhale in relief. However, before I can wish her good night, she leans forward and presses her lips softly against mine. My eyes widen in surprise, leaving me momentarily stunned, my heart skipping abeat at her bold move. Yet, as her lips linger on mine, a rush of happiness floods through me at the thought of my angel finally spreading her wings to fly. I smile against her lips, allowing her to take the lead. When she runs her tongue over my lips, a soft moan escapes me, and I clench my fists at my sides, resisting the urge to pull her closer and kiss her passionately, the way I truly want to. Instead, I want her to know she’s in control. She’s dealing with a lot right now, and the last thing she needs is for me to be selfish and prioritize my needs over hers.

She slowly pulls back with a shy smile, leaving me breathless and longing for more.

I run my fingers lightly over her lips, tracing their softness. “Sleep well.”

“Good night,” she smiles, stepping out of the car.

I take a deep breath, watching her walk away and enter her house. She turns back to give me another smile before softly closing the door behind her. I take a moment to collect myself, exhaling deeply before pulling out my phone and dialing my close college friend, Sidharth Khurana.He’s now running a top-tier private detective agency that specialises in security for high-profile clients. If anyone can dig up information and provide the best protection, it’s him.

“Well, well, so you’re still alive, bro?” he asks the moment he answers the call.

“Sorry, man, just busy with a few things. How have you been?” I ask, desperately wanting to get past the formalities and straight to the point.

“We both know that’s not why you’re calling me,” he says, calling my bluff. But I am not surprised; it’s his job to sniff out anything fishy. “So, tell me, what is it?”

“Someone out there is trying to harm my woman, and I need you to find out who it is.”

“Youhave a woman?” he asks, shock evident in his voice.

“Fuck, yes. Now help me find out who’s messing with her,” I say, leaning back against my headrest.

“I’ve got this. Just send me your girlfriend’s full name, and I’ll take it from there,” he says,his tone now serious.His playful tone vanishes as he switches into work mode.

“Thanks, man. I need you to get me the asshole at all costs. Additionally, I need a bodyguard, and I want Kavya’s mobile to be linked to mine. I need access to all her messages and calls from now on.”

There’s a pause.“I understand the need for a bodyguard, and I have that covered. However, don’t you think accessing her mobile without her knowledge is ethically questionable?”

“Isn’t it a bit ironic hearing that from you, given your line of work?”

“I can see you’re not in the mood for a logical discussion. I’ll be in touch and will let you know if I find anything.”

“Thanks,” I say before ending the call.

Glancing at Kavya’s house, my stomach twists into knots. Determination fills me—I won’t let anything happen to her. I’ll stand by her side and shield her from any harm that may come her way. With that resolve burning in my mind, I pull out of the parking lot and drive away. Protecting her is my top priority, no matter what.

Chapter 21

Kavya

Restless, I pace back and forth in my room, glancing at the clock. It’s almost eight in the morning, and I should be getting dressed for work, but the turmoil inside me makes it impossible to focus on anything. Biting my nails, I think hard. Who on earth could it be? God, give me some clue here. Help me, please.

The sudden buzz from my phone interrupts the racing thoughts in my mind. My heart quickens asI rush to grab it off the nightstand. One glance at the screen, and my stomach drops. It’s a message from the number I’ve been dreading.

Unknown: Officer Viraj is digging deep and making my life hell. I need to disappear for a while, but I’ll contact you soon with my next move. Meanwhile, remember, I need you to stay quiet—not a word to him. Also, I expect you to get rid of him and have him off my back within the next couple of days. Make it happen.

My fingers tremble as I stare at the message.With a reluctant sigh, I type a reply, knowing I have no choice.

Me:I will do it, but I need a fair amount of time.

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