Page 181 of One Hellish Wedlock
“Some work. Nothing personal I hope.”
“And how sure are you?”
“Very sure. But I’m not taking chances. I’ve assigned sources to watch her movements. If she plans anything malicious, we’ll know.”
Aanya rolled her eyes. “Do you also have your men watching over me?”
“Aanya,” he said, shutting down the accusation before it could fester.
“I want to know. I won’t be angry even if you say yes.”
“Yes,” he finally answered. “But only when it is absolutely necessary. I know Di and Jeeju are here to look after you. But as your husband, I have a duty to protect you at all costs.”
She absorbed that quietly, choosing not to argue.
“I’m going to miss these late-night talks with you once I’m gone,” he said softly, brushing his fingers over her cheek, a touch that made her eyes flutter shut.
Then, without a single word, Reyansh bent down and swept her into his arms. Aanya let out a soft gasp, surprised by thesudden gesture, her arms instinctively circling his neck. He carried her to the bed and Aanya had no idea what to expect next. But instead of the heated passion she’d half-expected, he gently placed her on the bed, turned off the lights, and lay down beside her.
Her brows furrowed slightly in the dark. That was it? Just sleep? But something about the silence, the comfort of him beside her, felt deeper than any physical intimacy could offer.
“I miss this,” he whispered, his voice low and raw. “Sleeping beside you in the Chopra Mansion. You used to roll over and curl right into me every night.”
She tucked her face into his chest, breathing in the familiar scent of him, her fingers softly splaying across his heart.
“Thank you for bringing Dad here. It didn’t go exactly the way I imagined, but… I’ll speak to Kyle tomorrow. I’ll try again.”
“I know you will,” he said gently. “Let me know how it goes.”
She nodded against him, her eyelids growing heavy. This wasn’t what she had expected tonight to be, not after how impatiently they’d looked at each other all day. But strangely, this felt more intimate than she had imagined. She snuggled closer and he pulled her tighter, wrapping his arms around her like never wanting to let her go.
“When will I see you again?” she whispered against his chest.
His lips brushed her hair as he murmured, “Anytime you want me to. Just say the word, Aanya… and I’m there.”
His answer only deepened the sting in her chest. The clock was ticking. In just a few hours, he would be gone, and she would feel that ache of his absence again.
“Wake me up before you leave,” she mumbled.
“I won’t.”
She lifted her head, frowning. “What do you mean you won’t?”
“I can’t say goodbye to you, Aanya. It’ll hurt too much. I’d rather leave while you’re still sleeping.”
“Youwon’tdo that,” she said, lightly hitting his chest.
“I don’t have a choice.”
“But—”
“Please,” he whispered. “It’s already hard enough.”
A single tear escaped the corner of her eye which he stroked off.
“We’ll stay in touch,” he promised.
“How are you going to send kisses over email?” she asked, her voice wobbling into a chuckle.
