Page 37 of Shattered

“Right, you’ve bid farewell to your bachelor life,” he remarks sarcastically, but then a smile creeps onto his face. “But strangely enough, I am genuinely happy for you, bro. You’ve managed to find someone worth spending your life with. Not everyone is as lucky as you,” he states, a distant look in his eyes, hinting that there might be a deeper story behind his words.

“What’s with that look?” I can’t help but ask, knowing that he’s the type of guy who never gets attached to a woman or lets them affect him. Then why does something seem off with him? Damn it, now I feel like a terrible friend because I haven’t been keeping in touch with him lately.

“It’s nothing,” he shakes his head, putting on a fake smile as we reach the bar. He signals the bartender and orders us two beers. I lean against the bar, gazing at the bustling crowd, and he does the same.

“That look sure didn’t mean nothing,” I comment as the bartender places our beers on the table.

“Right now, we’re not talking about me. It’s about you,” he says, grabbing his beer and then holding it out to me. Puttingthe topic aside for the moment, we clink our glassestogether and take a swig, leaning against the bar.

“You know, my mom always used to tell me fairy tales where the prince rescues the princess, and they live happily ever after. But I didn’t know my friend would be a Prince Charming someday, saving his very own princess,” Aditya teases me.

“I am no prince,” I laugh, shaking my head. “But I sure did capture the heart of an angel,” I grin,taking another sip from my bottle.

Aditya raises an eyebrow with a smirk. “And how did you manage that?”

I shrug. “I guess I just got lucky.”

“Or maybe you’re just a smooth talker,” he teases, taking another sip of his beer.

“Maybe a little bit of that,” Ichuckle, then turn serious.“But honestly, I think it’s just luck that I found someone like Kavya.”

“Damn! I never thought I’d see the day when my friend wouldget all sentimental on me. So, tell me more about her. What’s she like?”

“Kavya is like a breath of fresh air in my life,” I begin, a smile creeping onto my face. “She’s kind, compassionate, and has this infectious energy that just lifts everyone’s spirits. She’s also incredibly intelligent and caring, always putting everyone else first. And most importantly, shecouldn’t care lessabout the money in my bank account. She is real and genuine. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”

“That sounds amazing,” Aditya responds, a smile lighting up his face. “It’s clear that she means a lot to you.”

“She does,” I agree, taking another swig of my beer. just then a sudden tingling at the back of my neck puts me on high alert. I immediately turn towards the main entrance of the club, feeling shocked to the core. What the fuck! Kavya? I grip the glass in my hand tightly. ‘What the hell is she doing here?’Imutter under my breath, utterly puzzled by Kavya’s unexpected presence. She didn’t mention she would be here; in fact, she’d made it ample clear that she wouldn’t be stepping out of the house. Then why did she lie? What the hell is going on? She’d better have a very good explanation for being here, or else I’ll lose whatever little calm I am holding on to.

Her being here is not the only thing that has me fuming with anger. What truly has me in knots is the way she looks. My eyes take her in, noticing her attire—tight jeans paired with a red off-shoulder top,her hair left loose, cascading in waves,and looking incredibly sexy. I’ve never seen her dressed like this before, and it’s rubbing me the wrong way, knowing she’s dressed like this in a place where other men will ogle her.

“Fuck! Is that your angel? You might hate me for saying this, but she is damn hot and sexy,” Aditya’s voicecuts through my thoughts.

I whip around to glare at him.“Say one more word about her, and you’ll find yourself in the hospital,”I growl. He smirks, flashing his teeth and raising his hands in surrender.Not wanting to get into a tiff with him, especially when there are other pressing matters that require my attention, I smash the beer glass on the bar and head in Kavya’s direction, determined to have my answers.

With each step toward her, my anger intensifies. I knew it—those pervert men are checking her out, and it only adds fuel to the fire. I know exactly what those lustful eyes see and imagine. My woman is hotter than anyone in this crowd, and they all want a piece of her. Over my dead body will I allow anyone to even think about having her. Fuck, I want to whisk her away from here and shield her from all the prying eyes.

As I get closer, I realize she still hasn’t noticed me.Her hands fidget anxiously, and her eyes are nervously scanning the crowd, betraying her discomfort. It’s clear she’s not hereby choice—something’s forced her into coming here. And I am damn well going to find out the reason.

My gaze stays fixed on Kavya, and eventually, her stunning brown eyes meet mine. The instant she sees me, her expression shifts, and shock flashes across her face. The look on her face makes it clear she knows she’s in deep trouble. I smirk at her, silently confirming that she’s absolutely right—she is indeed in trouble, and I’m determined to find out the reason she’s here.

Chapter 19

Kavya

‘Just my luck,’I mutter, shifting uneasily on my feet as anxiety coils tightly in my chest. Even in the dim light, I can see Reyansh’s jaw clench and the storm brewing in his eyes as he advances toward me. Swallowing hard, I remain frozen in place. I don’t even have to look around to know there’s no escape—I am trapped.

As he steps in front of me, I become an even bigger mess—my hands grow clammy, and my heart thunders like a runaway train. I open my mouth to say something—anything—but I can’t find the words. However, I quickly snap my mouth shut when I see the blazing fury in his eyes. It’s obvious I am standing on thin ice and need to stay silent.

Before I can anticipate his next move, he grabs me by the arms and yanks me out of the bar, dragging me down the corridor. He finally releases my arms, and I stumble, struggling to regain my balance. When I look up, he’s already standing before me, towering over me with that intense gaze.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing here?” he snarls, sending a violent shiver through my already trembling body. He doesn’t even wait for me to answer as his eyes sweep up anddown my body, making me painfully self-conscious of my attire. “And why on earth are you dressed like that?”

“What areyoudoing here?” I counter, fully aware that it’s not the smartest thing to ask at this moment.

“Do you think it’s wise to ask me that when I am already pissed?” his deep voice rumbles, making me shift nervously. I glance over his shoulder and notice a few people in the distance watching us.

“Could you please stop creating a scene? You know I hate when people stare,” I whisper-hiss at him.

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