Page 37 of Wasted Grace

“Right...” I drawl. “Here’s what’s going to happen.”

That gets their attention. Dev straightens. Advik stiffens. Their bodies practically hum with discomfort now.

“My name is Aadya,” I say.

Advik flinches like the word hit him in the ribs. His eyes finally meet mine.

There you are.

“I’m one of Mehul Bedi’s ‘bodyguards,’” I continue, air-quoting the word with two fingers. “But that’s just the cover. My partner and I are undercover, and we’re investigating Mehul. You don’t need to concern yourself with the details. Your job is simple:land him as your client.Do that, and we won’t have a problem.”

Advik’s lips part, just slightly. His lower lip quivers.

I look away from him.

Back to Dev.

“If you fail...” I sigh, voice still calm. “Well. Mehul doesn’t like being told no. Give what he asks. No questions. Because I won’t be in a position to intervene if things get messy.”

Their breathing picks up. I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

Security consultants, huh?Weak.

I thought their CEO gave them a heads-up. Clearly not enough.

“Do you understand?” I ask, scanning between the two of them. They’re both taller than me.

Advik—barely.

But right now they look like boys caught playing with matches.

I shift slightly, letting my posture relax. Soften. Pretend warmth. It helps get the message across sometimes.

“Look,” I say, tone gentler. “I know it’s a lot. But Mehul is not who you think he is. You can confirm everything with your CEO—he’s been briefed about our credentials. Right now, I needboth of you to stepthe fuck up. This operation depends on you securing him as a client. So again...”

I let the words hang, sharp and deliberate.

“Do. You. Understand?”

They both nod. Mutely.

Good.

I turn to Dev. “Do you mind giving Mr. Advik and me a moment? I need to clarify a few things... privately.”

Dev doesn’t hesitate. He practically sprints out of the room, grateful to escape the awkward tension.

That leaves just me and Advik.

Alone.

For the first time in three years.

He looks like hell. Still trying to piece reality back together. Still trying to decide if I’m flesh or hallucination, I guess.

Silence stretches between us. Heavy.

It’s weird. I’ve prepared for this moment a thousand times.