Page 87 of Wasted Grace

“Why?” My voice rises.

He sighs, running a hand through his gray hair. “Because our assignment is Mehul. Not running interference with the existingoperations of his.GenVaultwas the asset we needed. Because we want todismantlehim. Notweakenhim.”

And now I know what I need to. Assignment, ops, missions, assets, targets—that’s what his world revolves around. And I’m one of them, aren’t I? I’m not there as his woman. I’m there as hisasset.

I sigh, feigning empathy and nod slowly. Like something inside me just settled.

“I get it now,” I say. “But I can’t do this—us—anymore.”

He tilts his head. “You’re choosing Advik?”

“No,” I whisper, finally admitting the truth that’s been nagging me for a year. “I’m choosing Greesha.”

TWENTY-TWO

Advik

“What the fuck?” Vikram mutters, stunned.

I’ve only told him part of the truth—just that our newest client was being targeted and I got caught in the crossfire. I was fairly proud of my quick thinking, actually.

But it didn’t ease Vicky’s fears.

“I’m fine now,” I start, voice light. “Everything is—”

“What theactualfuck?!” It’s Ishika now. Standing on the other side of my hospital bed.

“Relax, guys. It’s not that big a deal. Few weeks, some physical therapy, and I’ll be—”

“Stop it.”

Vikram’s voice slices through mine, his fingers digging into his hair like he’s trying to rip out the panic by the roots.

Ishika rushes to him, placing a calming hand on his chest. “It’s okay. He’s okay.”

Vikram spins toward me, nostrils flaring. “This is thesecondtime I’ve seen you in a fucking hospital bed, Advik.”

His breathing turns ragged. “And you betterprayit’s the last, you stupid moron!”

“...because you’re a self-sacrificing stupid moron!”

I blink at the sudden memory of Greesha’s voice snapping at me. Did this happen?Shit.

I shake my head and focus again. “I promi—”

“I’ll make sure of it.” A new familiar, unexpected voice chimes in.

I turn—and suddenly everything quiets.

Aadya’s standing in the doorway, casual jeans and a simple tee. Her hair’s tied back. No sign of weapons.

She’d been gone for a few hours. My gaze sweeps across her body. Well... I can’t stop but check her out too, while I’m at it.

Where is she hiding the gun now?

I look over at Vikram and Ishika, their faces pale.

Vicky stumbles a step back. “Greesha.”