The Diamond Code

Chapter 7

He gestured toward the entrance, and with a reluctant nod, Rhea stepped inside, muttering, "Finally, Let’s get this over with."

**
Aryan was playing a dangerous game.

As they were seated in a private booth, he instinctively positioned himself where he had a clear view of the restaurant’s entrance and exits. Years of training had made it his second nature.

But tonight, his attention wasn’t on his surroundings.

It kept drifting back to her.

Rhea Mehta was not what he had expected. Instead, she was full of surprises.

Aryan was amused by her actics.

She had a way of making even her frustration look charming. And if the way she was stomping ahead of him while entering the restaurant was any indication, then she was very frustrated.

The cozy booth they were seated in was by the window, but Rhea didn’t look at the romantic view. She crossed her arms and leveled him with a glare that could stop traffic.

She was sharp, yes, but more than that—she was watchful.  The way she angled herself slightly, as if keeping a safe distance.

She was studying him, even if she didn’t realize it, which meant he had to be careful.

Because this wasn’t just a date.

It was a mission. That was the only reason he was here.

Or so he kept telling himself.

"So. Care to explain why you ditched me last time?"

Straight to the point. He liked that.

Aryan leaned back, trying not to laugh at her expression. "I told you. It was an emergency."

"Really? Then, Why did you ask me out again?"

Aryan raised an eyebrow. "Because I wanted to see you."

Rhea tilted her head. "You really are a terrible liar, aren’t you?"

Aryan chuckled. "Guilty as charged."

She wanted to be annoyed, but damn it, he was making it hard.

A waiter arrived, taking their orders—Rhea choosing a simple pasta dish while Aryan went for steak. Once they were alone again, she tapped her fingers against the table.

Her eyes narrowed. "You don’t even sound sorry."

"I’m a terrible when it comes to apologising."

Rhea huffed. "Clearly."

He tried again. "It was a genuine emergency."

"Was it about life or death?"

Aryan paused. Technically, yes.

"Let’s just say it wasn’t a dinner-appropriate topic."

Rhea frowned.

She leaned in, lowering her voice like she was about to reveal state secrets. "Are you planning to ditch me again?"

Aryan leaned in, mirroring her. "Not unless there’s another emergency."

Rhea grabbed her fork. "If you ditch me again, I will hunt you down and make you regret it."

Aryan raised his hands in surrender. "Noted."

For the first time that night, Rhea smiled.

Maybe this wouldn’t be such a disaster after all.