Page 220 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Fine. I’ll think about it,” she replied, with a teasing glint in her eyes, trying to hide her blush as vivid images of what he wanted her to do flickered through her mind.
Reyansh froze for a beat, then slowly grinned…wicked, and entirely satisfied. “You do realize that’s as good as a yes to me, right?” he asked, tilting her chin up so she couldn’t look away.
Her smile deepened, “I know.”
He groaned low in his throat, clearly affected, and brushed a kiss over the corner of her mouth. “I love you, Mrs. Chopra.”
With one last lingering glance at the bracelet gleaming on her wrist, he took her hand and led her to the billing counter, already counting down the hours until he could follow her back into California. But for now, she was his. And he wasn’t wasting a second.
Later That Night
The Malhotras, Negis, and Chopras gathered for one final dinner before going their separate ways the next morning.The mood was warm, familial, and tinged with the sadness of parting.
“This dinner is divine,” Kyle said with a smile. “I don’t think I’ve felt this full in years.”
Radhika’s gaze moved lovingly around the table, then paused on Aanya. “But Aanya hasn’t eaten much.”
Reyansh turned toward his wife, his expression shifting with gentle concern. “You okay, sweetheart?”
“I’m good, thank you,” Aanya replied quickly, dodging the way his eyes softened. “Just... not too hungry. I want to keep it light tonight.”
He leaned in, his voice low enough for her alone. “Don’t overthink it,” he murmured, brushing his knuckles lightly along her arm. “It’s just a dance.”
A small smile tugged at her lips, though she bit the inside of her cheek to keep it in check. The butterflies in her chest weren’t helping. Because this wasn’t just any dance. It was her gift to him. A private, sultry dance, just for him. It was the least she could offer before they parted again. And she was confident it would keep him aching enough to return to her sooner.
“I’m just thinking what to wear tonight,” she whispered, eyes flicking toward him with mischief.
His fingers curled around hers beneath the table. “Don’t bother,” he said, voice roughened with affection. “Whatever you wear won’t stay on for long anyway.”
Her smile was shy, but the promise in her eyes made his pulse spike.
Next Morning
Aanya stirred slowly, her body still heavy from the night before. But when she opened her eyes and found her husband sprawled next to her…bare-chested and hair ruffled, andexuding his sexy charm as always, every ache seemed worth it. The mere sight of him breathed new life into her.
Last night had been unforgettable. She had given her best performance, without any filters. The dress she chose had been a bold one, barely covering her in all the right places. She’d hesitated while getting ready, briefly considering something safer. But deep down, she knewthatdress would leave him breathless the moment he saw her in it. And the way his eyes darkened in that instant, it was worth everything. Aanya had always loved to dance, but performing like that, solely for her husband, was something entirely new. Intimate. Exhilarating. And judging by the way Reyansh watched her, like if she was a vision made just for him, she knew every second had been worth it. Reyansh had devoured every moment of her performance, and afterward... he had shown her just how deeply he loved her gift, with a passion that still lingered on her skin.
Now this morning, Reyansh reached for her side of the bed, and when he found it empty, his eyes flew open.
“Good morning, husband.”
He scowled at her groggily and pulled her back into bed.
“It’s not morning yet,” he muttered against her ear, voice rough with sleep and desire. “Where did you learn to dance like that?”
Aanya giggled shyly. “Movies. Shikha and I used to watch a lot of them in our free time at California.”
He raised a brow. “Dirtymovies?”
“Not all of them!”
Reyansh laughed softly and kissed her forehead, then wrapped his arms around her again. “I don’t mind you watching more... if it means I get that kind of show every night.”
She giggled harder, burying her face into his shoulder.
“For that you’ll have to come soon,” she pleaded quietly. “I don’t like this whole separation routine.”
“I will,” he promised. “I don’t have the willpower to stay away from you either.”
