Page 86 of One Hellish Wedlock
“You should’ve thought about that before inviting yourbest friend,” she snapped softly.
“I didn’t invite her. And this wasyourdecided celebration spot, not mine.”
“But had warned me this washerpub, I’d have cancelled.”
Before he could reply, Radhika interjected.
“What are you two whispering about over there?”
Aanya forced a quick smile. “Your brother wants to take you for a dance, but I told him we haven’t even started eating.”
Radhika beamed. “That’s so sweet! But Rey, you don’t need to dance with me. You have a wife now. Take her.”
Aanya’s eyes widened in horror. Out ofallthe excuses, she had to go with dancing?
“Di, I don’t want to dance,” Aanya protested.
“Why not? This is your night. Celebrate with the best man in your life. My Rey is the best husband in the world.”
Aanya shot a look toward Reyansh. Best husband? Yeah, right. But she was trapped.
“Don’t deny a pregnant woman’s wish,” Radhika added with a grin.
Reyansh shifted in his seat, clearly embarrassed by all the attention. Rishi didn’t help either.
“Rey looks ready for a spin on the dance floor,” he teased.
Navya leaned in. “Go,” she whispered. “Show him what you’ve got.”
Aanya sighed, knowing she couldn’t back out now. “Okay.”
“That’s like my sister-in-law,” Radhika cheered. “Rey, take her.”
With that, the couple rose—one reluctantly, the other already planning her revenge on the dance floor.
The music pulsed with a lively western rhythm. Determined not to let her thoughts spiral, Aanya focused on the beats instead of the man standing next to her. She began to move, swaying in perfect time, deliberately maintaining distance, having no intention of touching him unnecessarily.
The coloured lights flickered and shifted across the dance floor, casting flashes of gold, crimson, and sapphire across her face. Reyansh stood frozen, completely entranced by the way she moved. She twirled, and when she turned, she caught him staring. A faint flush climbed her neck. Flustered but unwilling to show it, she reached out, brushing her finger under his chin to nudge his attention elsewhere.
“Eyes off, Mr. Chopra,” she said with a teasing smile.
But the moment her hand dropped, his eyes drifted right back to her.
“Haven’t seen a woman dance like this before?” she called out over the music. “Not even your beloved Shagufta?”
The smile on Reyansh’s face vanished. Without warning, he slid his arm around her waist and yanked her flush against him.
“Mention her one more time,” he growled near her ear, “and I swear I’ll punish you for it.”
One warning from him and all her anger dissolved into something warm and electric. Why did this man have such a hold on her?
“And what punishment should the rule-breaker plan for the one who’s only pretending to play by the book?” she shot back, her sass barely covering the storm brewing inside.
“I haven’t broken a single rule,” he bit back. “But I can’t stop your ridiculous suspicions either.” He paused. “Honestly, I don’t know if I should worship you for behaving like a jealous wife or spank for doubting my loyalty.”
Her mouth parted in stunned disbelief.Worship? Loyalty? Spank?What on earth was he saying? She almost got visuals of him spanking her and the worse, the visuals showed her enjoying it. Damn!
“Shagufta is just a friend, Aanya,” Reyansh said quietly, as they moved in sync to the soft rhythm playing around them. His arm rested firmly around her waist, their bodies swaying gently—too close, too connected. To anyone watching, it looked like a picture-perfect romantic moment.
