Page 172 of One Hellish Wedlock
Aanya’s eyes fluttered open, her cheeks flushed, lips tingling with aftershock. She was still catching her breath.
“What is it with long-distance relationships that makes the heart and the kiss so damn intense?” he teased, taking a small step back to give her space.
She let out a soft, breathless laugh.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” he said, wiping the wetness of their kiss from the corner of her lips. “We’ll visit Di together.”
“You’re leaving now?” Aanya asked, failing to hide her disappointment.
He caught it immediately and smirked. “You didn’t exactly ask me to stay,” he replied, almost mockingly.
“Which hotel are you staying at?”
“The Goldman.”
“That’s too far. By the time you reach, it’ll be morning. You’ll just have to come back again. Maybe…” she hesitated, then met his eyes, “you shouldstay.”
He closed the distance between them again and pressed another slow and lingering kiss to her lips.
“If I stay, Aanya, I might not stop,” he murmured against her skin.
Aanya felt her knees go weak. He was right, but that didn’t mean she was ready to watch him walk out.
He smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Besides, you need to sleep tonight. Because tomorrow…you are spending the entire day with me,” he added.
Her heart tripped over itself at that promise. She didn’t respond. She couldn’t. The blush on her face said everything.
“I’m glad you came,” she whispered.
He kissed her forehead one last time. “So, am I. Good night, wife. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She nodded, watching him walk to the door, unlock it, and step out. He didn’t look back.
Because if he turned around and saw her standing there…barefoot, flushed, radiant, and waiting…he wouldn’t have the strength to leave at all.
Next Morning
Aanya woke earlier than usual. Truth be told, she’d barely slept after Reyansh left. But she hadn’t minded. She’d been counting down the hours until morning anyway. It was the weekend, and this time, she had an entire day to spend with him. She also needed to have a long-overdue conversation with her father.
After stepping out of the shower, she towel-dried and moved to stand before the mirror. Her reflection met her with a quiet glow she hadn’t noticed before. Her lips were still tender for being kissed senseless by the man who had shown up the night before and tilted her world off balance.
The memory of last night clung to her skin like a secret. It was hers to keep now. Forever.
A knock at the bedroom door broke her reverie.
“Aanya… look who’s here,” Shikha called from outside. “It’s your husband.”
Aanya bit her lip. On time, just like he promised.
“I’m coming. Please ask him to sit,” she called back, quickly pulling herself together.
Ten minutes later, she emerged dressed in a red pantsuit, showing off an inch of her midriff. She purposely chose to wear red today,his favourite. Reyansh and Shikha were already talking in the living room. Shikha stood respectfully at a distance while Reyansh asked about how they were managing work here.
It didn’t escape Aanya how effortlessly her husband commanded attention, especially from women. The way Shikha looked at him, it was clear. Reyansh was every girl’s idea of a dream.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said, stepping into the room.
