Chapter 13 - Close Calls & Unspoken Tensions

Adhya stirred awake, the weight of a familiar coat wrapped around her like a second skin.

It smelled rich and expensive, like woodsy cologne with a hint of something darker, sharper—something undeniably Reyan.

Her eyes fluttered open, momentarily confused.

Then she remembered—working late, pizza, and Reyan's unexpected gentleness.

She blinked rapidly. Did he really pick me up and tuck me in?

Her heart skipped a beat.

But before she could process it further, a deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

"You snore."

Adhya jerked upright, her eyes flying to the man leaning against his desk, arms crossed, watching her like he was thoroughly

entertained.

"I do not," she shot back, rubbing her eyes.

Reyan's lips twitched. "You do. And you drool."

Her jaw dropped. "You liar!"

He smirked. "You're a fashion designer, Adhya, not a lawyer. You're terrible at arguing."

She grabbed a pillow from the couch and hurled it at him.

He easily dodged it, laughing under his breath as he stood straight.

"Now that you're up, get ready. You're coming with me."

Adhya blinked. "Coming where?"

Reyan checked his watch. "I have to visit a vendor for the project. And since you insist on being a control freak about your designs, you're coming too."

Her lips parted in fake offense. "Excuse me, it's called being passionate."

He gave her a look. "Call it whatever you want. Be ready in fifteen."

With that, he walked out, leaving Adhya half-annoyed, half-thrilled.

He didn't need to take her with him. He could have sent someone else. But he was choosing her.

And that did something dangerous to her heart.

They were barely five minutes into the car ride before Adhya started grilling Reyan with questions.

"So, where exactly are we going?"

Reyan kept his eyes on the road. "A factory that supplies luxury fabrics."

She perked up. "Ooh, can I pick the materials?"

"No."

She gasped. "Why not?"

"Because I don't trust your taste."

Adhya placed a hand over her chest, scandalized. "Excuse me! I'm a fashion designer. My taste is impeccable."

Reyan smirked. "You wore a hoodie to work yesterday."

"It was designer!"

"It had cartoon pandas on it, Adhya."

She folded her arms. "Pandas are very in right now." Reyan shook his head, biting back a smile.

The car suddenly jerked to a stop, making Adhya lurch forward.

Before she could react, Reyan's arm shot out, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back.

The touch sent a bolt of warmth up her skin.

For a moment, they just stared at each other.

His grip was firm yet careful, his fingers warm against her wris

Adhya's breath hitched.

He didn't let go immediately.

Neither did she move.

Then, just as quickly, Reyan released her and turned his focus back to the road.

"Seatbelt," he muttered. His voice was a little rougher than usual.

Adhya exhaled slowly, trying to calm her racing heart.

What the hell was that?

They reached the fabric supplier, and Adhya immediately lost herself in the selection.

She touched everything, examined textures, and got so excited about a particular silk blend that she forgot Reyan was watching her.

And he was watching her.

His arms were crossed, his expression unreadable, but his dark eyes followed her every move.

It made her feel hot under her collar.

When she turned to face him, she smirked. "So, do you still think my taste is bad?"

Reyan didn't answer immediately.

Then, finally, he said, "It's... acceptable."

She rolled her eyes. "Wow. Such high praise."

He smirked. "Don't let it go to your head."

Adhya narrowed her eyes at him.

Then, without warning, she took a step forward—into his space.

Reyan stilled.

She tilted her head up, smirking mischievously. "What if I do?"

For a split second, his eyes darkened.

Then, before the tension could break, a staff member cleared their throat, snapping them back to reality.

Reyan stepped back first, looking frustrated with himself.

Adhya, however, just grinned to herself.

This was going to be fun.