From ashes to crown: A Story of Redemption And Love

chapter 17

As they walk away from the billiards hall, Maya notices Aryan's gaze lingering on her. She smiles to herself, sensing a glimmer of vulnerability beneath his gruff exterior.

But Aryan quickly regains his composure, his expression hardening. "Let's just get out of here, Maya."

Maya teases him, trying to provoke a reaction. "Oh, come on, Aryan. Don't be such a grump."

Aryan's eyes flash with irritation, but he remains silent, his jaw clenched.

As they approach  car, Aryan opens the door for her, his movements curt. Maya thanks him, her voice sweet, but Aryan just grunts, his tough exterior firmly back in place.

They sat in the car.

As aryan  drives, Aryan's gaze lingers on her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He clears his throat, his voice low and husky.

"Hey, Munchkin?"

Maya's heart skips a beat at the nickname. "Yeah?"

Aryan's smile is sly. "You know, for a pain in the butt, you're not so bad."

Maya blushes, her eyes darting to Aryan's. "Thanks, I think."

Aryan chuckles, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I mean it. You're growing on me, Munchkin."

Maya's face warms further, her pulse racing. No one's ever called her that before.

As they stop at a red light, Aryan leans in, his voice whisper-soft. "You know, I never thought I'd say this, but...I'm actually having fun tonight."

Maya's eyes lock onto Aryan's, her breath catching. For a moment, they just gaze at each other, the tension between them crackling.

The light turns green. "Its green signal grumpy pants focus on driving." heart still racing from Aryan's flirtatious moment.

Aryan's grumpiness is in full force as they drive. "Can you please just focus on the road, Maya?"

Maya grins mischievously. "Aww, come on, Grumpy Pants. I'm just trying to make the ride more enjoyable."

Aryan scowls, but Maya continues to tease him, playfully nudging his arm.

Suddenly, Aryan's gaze snaps to Maya's, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity. "You know, you're really pushing your luck, Munchkin."

Maya's smile falters, her heart skipping a beat. "Oh?"

Aryan's voice drops to a low, husky whisper. "Yeah. You're making me wonder what it'd be like to shut you up...with something other than words."

Maya's face flushes, her pulse racing. She can't believe Aryan's sudden shift from grumpy to flirtatious.

Their eyes lock, the tension between them crackling. For a moment, they just stare at each other, the air thick with unspoken desire.

Aryan's gaze lingers on Maya's lips before he looks away, his jaw clenched. "Just focus on driving, Maya."

Maya's hands tremble slightly as she grips the wheel, her mind reeling from Aryan's unexpected comment. She can't help but wonder what he meant...and what might happen if she finds out.

Maya's face still burns from Aryan's comment, but she refuses to back down. "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots, Grumpy Pants," she says, her voice laced with sarcasm.

Aryan's eyes narrow, his gaze lingering on her lips. "You should be, Munchkin. You have no idea what I'm capable of."

Maya raises an eyebrow, her heart racing. "Oh yeah? Like what?"

Aryan's smile is slow, sensual. "Like making you beg for mercy...or pleasure."

Maya's breath catches, her mind racing with possibilities. She tries to laugh it off, but her voice trembles. "You're just trying to distract me from your terrible taste in music."

Aryan chuckles, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Maybe. But you're still wondering, aren't you, Munchkin?"

Maya's face flushes further, but she refuses to admit it. "I'm just wondering how much longer I have to endure your grumpiness."

Aryan's gaze lingers on hers, his expression softening. "Maybe I'll surprise you, Munchkin. Maybe I'm not as grumpy as you think."