Page 22 of Shattered

As I walk down the hall and stop outside her half-open door, my smile turns into a growl. Kavya is standing by her desk, looking stunning in a black pencil skirt and a green silk shirt that accentuates her beauty. But whatignites a fire within me isseeing Akash sitting on her desk, his hands wrapped around her wrist. I know they’re just friends, and I trust Kavya completely, but their closeness stirs up an unexpected irritation within me. I’ve never felt this strongly about a woman before.Kavya has a way of driving me crazy, making me feel like an overprotective, irrational jerk all the bloody time.

“What’sgoing on?” I question as I step further into her office, struggling to rein in my composure. Despite the urge to pull her into my arms and stake my claim, I manage to maintain my cool.I stand next to them, hands tucked into the pockets of my trousers, silently congratulating myself, proud that I kept my emotions in check and resisted the impulse to go all caveman on her.

“She’s been feeling uneasy, and I’ve been telling her that she needs to go home and rest, especially since it’s only been a week since she fell. But this stubborn woman here refuses to listen and is adamant about finishing the pending work from her one-day leave, even though she managed to complete most of it from home,” Akash explains, releasing her hand as he looks up at me.

“Your head is hurting?”I ask,studying her closely. It’s been two days since her bandage came off, and the doctor confirmed that the injury has healed. However, I can’t help but feel concerned.

With a frustrated sigh, she drops into her chair and looks up at me through her lashes. “Please, not you too. I’m fine. It’s just a mild headache, and the doctor said that’s normal.”

“The doctor also advised you to take it easy for a few days,” I say through gritted teeth, my tone comingsharper than I intended. But the thought of her in any kind of pain is too much for me to handle.

“I appreciate your concern,” she states, straightening her shoulders. “But I’m not some fragile doll that needs to be wrapped in bubble wrap and kept at home. I can take care of myself without you two fussing over it.”

“I don’t think so, princess. You’ve proven you’re not quite good at taking care of yourself. You sure need a man like me in your life,” Akash teases, pointing at his chest, earning a glare from me.

“No offence, but Idon’tneed a man like you in my life. I’m perfectly capable of handling things by myself,” Kavya interjects, batting her eyes in an adorable manner. Damn, if that spitfire doesn’t make me smile with her sass.

“I can see that,” Akash responds with a chuckle. “But just know, the offers still stand whenever you change your mind.” He winks at her, and I can’t help but grumble inwardly. If he keepsup with his annoying, flirty attitude, I might just lose it and break his nose.

“Your offer is noted,” she states, pointing towards the door and giving him a pointed look. “Now, if you’re done, could you please show yourself out? I really need to catch up on work.”

“How about a lunch break?” I offer, and she looks up at me, considering the suggestion.I hope she’ll take the bait and let me have some time alone with her.

“I can just order something to my desk,” she says, glancing up at me. “I am not really in the mood to go out.”

“Can I at least bring you lunch here? I haven’t eaten either,and we could share a meal before you dive back into work,” I suggest, and she stares at me as if she’s trying to come up with an excuse to decline.

“I think that’s a great idea. I am starving too,” Akash pipes up, breaking the stare.

Kavya shifts her gaze from me to him, and I can’t help but feel irritated at how he always seems to be a persistent nuisance between us.

“Hmm... I think I can do lunch. Do you want me to place the order? I know this Chinese place down the road, and they have the best chicken momos,” she says, her eyes twinkling in a way thattugs at something deep inside me.

I swear, I’d do anything just to keep that smile on her face, even if it means getting her a lifetime supply of those Goddamn momos. “Nah, I’ve got it covered. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll place the order.”

“Mmm, chicken momos,” she says, nibbling on her bottom lip as she thinks. “And chicken fried rice with chili chicken,” she continues to contemplate, “and their American prawn chopsey,” she adds, scrunching her nose slightly. “But the crispy one, not the soft.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to add anything else?” I tease, making her grin, which oddly satisfies my heart.

“Nope. That’s all,” she says softly.

Bending down, I tuck a piece of hair behind her ear and catch her sharp intake of breath—a reaction thatmakes me smile. “I’ll place the order and be back soon. Meanwhile, you can work while Akash and I have a little chat in his office,” I say, and she nods in agreement. “But please, don’t overwork yourself,” I add with a frown. Although I wish I could tell her to call it a day, I know it wouldn’t sit well with her and might even upset her, something I definitely don’t want.

“I won’t,” she assures me with a smile that says I am totally screwed. This woman has me wrapped around her little finger.

I straighten up as Akash gets to his feet and moves toward her.He leans down to plant a kiss on her forehead, which has me shooting daggers at him, but the jerk ignores me and continues speaking to her. “We’ll return with lunch, princess.”

“Ready to leave?” I grit out with a sharp edge, causing Akash to chuckle. Ignoring his annoying laugh, I give Kavya one last look before I usher Akash out of her office.

Once we’re in his office, I slam the door shut behind me in a fit of anger, while he casually flops down on his chair.

“Do you have to be so damn flirtatious with her? And what’s with the unnecessary kissing? Is that how you interact with all your employees?” I demand, plopping down on the chair opposite him.

“No, she’s special,” he grins.

What the hell? The jerk actually grins at me, adding more fuel to the fire. He’s so dead.

I grind my teeth. “Special or not, you better stay within your boundaries when it comes to Kavya,” I retort. “And wipe that grin off your face before I do it for you.”

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