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“First of all, it’s Anastacia. And secondly, it’s at home in the drawer beside my bed. Next question.” She sarcastically smiled, riling me up even more.

“It’s supposed to be on your finger,” I growled.

“Well, it’s not, is it?” She held up her hand to show me her bare finger, a smug look written all over her face.

“Don’t worry, I’ll ensure it will be,” I assured her. “Now, care to tell me why you snuck out and why you’re in my club? Did you crave my attention that much, or did you want to get a rise out of me?” I spun her to face me. Her lips parted, ready to give me a mouthful. “Before you open that pretty little mouth of yours to surprise me with yet another smart ass remark, remember who you’re speaking to,” I warned as my fingers brushed the hickey on her neck. The one she tried to cover up with layers of make-up.

“Oh, don’t worry. I know who I’m talking to.” She chuckled with an eye roll.

Was she drunk?

“And who’s that?”

“A damn stalker, that’s who.” She sneered, trying to turn away from me, which of course, I didn’t allow. “Get your hands off me!” She fisted my shirt, as anger radiated from her.

“I don’t think I will.” I tightened my hold as she let out a pissed off sigh. “Come with me,” I demanded, but there were no signs of movement.

"I'm going nowhere with you," she declared, her voice tinged with defiance. Her piercing blue eyes narrowed to icy slits, reflecting the storm of emotions swirling within her as she clenched her fists harder.

“It’s admirable that you think you have a choice,” I said, my voice laced with a mix of sarcasm and amusement. I gently released my grip, letting my hands fall away from her, and in one fluid, decisive motion, hoisted her over my shoulder. Her weight settled comfortably as I adjusted my stance, feeling the soft fabric of her dress brush against my cheek, while her startled gasp echoed in the air.

I weaved my way across the pulsating dance floor, feeling her tiny fists hammering against my back in an attempt to inflict pain. We navigated through the throng of gyrating bodies, the crowd too engrossed in their own rhythm and music to pay any attention to us. I sprinted up the winding staircase, until I reached the secluded haven of the private room. Only then did I stop, quickly pulling the door shut to block out everything else.

“Put me down right now or I’ll—” She strained. Being upside down had its perks.

“You’ll what? Call Daddy Dearest or someone else to tattle on me?” I chuckled as I set her down, and for some inexplicable reason, I steadied her so she didn’t break her neck in those damn heels. “Why are you here, Ana?” I dipped my head just enough for the warmth of her vodka-infused breath to mingle with my own.

“I don’t see how it’s your business, to be honest.” She had an answer for absolutely everything.

“Since I’m your husband, it has everything to do with me.” I was so tempted to taste her, just once, to get it out of my system.

“You wish it did, you mean.” She giggled.

“You’re drunk, aren’t you?” I rubbed my temples as she shrugged her shoulders. “How much have you had to drink?” I asked.

“I might be drunk, but then again, I might not be,” she joked sarcastically as she rolled her eyes in annoyance.

“Fuck sake,” I snapped. It was clear she was barely paying attention to me. She was probably planning her next pain in the ass remark. “All you had to do tonight was behave, was it really that hard?”

“Yeah, I didn’t feel like doing that.” She stepped closer to me, capturing my attention. “And I actually don’t plan on ever behaving with you.”

“Right, I’m taking you home. We’ll discuss this when you aren’t intoxicated.”

“I was celebrating getting married.” Her lips twisted up at the corners. “Eh, who am I kidding? I can’t lie that well.” She laughed, swaying side to side. “But on a serious note, I’m not going anywhere with you.”

“I’m not playing games. Do as you’re told!” But of course, she didn’t. She turned on those death trap heels of hers and stalked off towards where I had sat with Rox not that long ago.

“Anastacia.” I sighed, catching up to her in two strides. I tossed her effortlessly over my shoulder once again as if she was nothing but a rag doll.

“If you don’t put me down, I swear I’ll feed you your own dick!” she screamed as her head dangled down my back.

“I look forward to the challenge, Mrs. Ricci,” I teased, laughing until I met Gino who was already waiting with the car.

“Lorenzo?” He arched his brow, questioning what was going on. “I’m not entirely sure what’s going on here.”

“What’s going on is this dickhead thinks he owns me. All because we’re married,” she piped up from behind me.

“My wife decided to sneak out tonight. She’s intoxicated and quite irritating.”