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“If you want to know, you should take some lessons in Russian.” Her lips turned up into a smile, and I could have sworn there was a genuineness hidden within it.

“Do you always have an answer for everything?”

“Of course.” She nodded, placing her hand on my shoulder.

“You know, there are many men in this room that cannot seem to take their eyes off you.” I scanned the room, instantly spotting gazes dropping the second I clocked them.

“Jealous?” she asked, her voice all sweet and innocent. Despite being anything but.

“Ana?” A male voice came from beside us.

“Hi, Chad.” She gave him a full smile. Actually, scratch that, she beamed at the bastard.

“You look stunning tonight.” Was this prick for real? “Do you want to dance?” he asked, clearly not realising I was standing right there.

My grip on her tightened. Her body stilled. Chad held out his hand as Anastacia remained torn at what to do.

“I’m here with my husband, Chad,” she informed him as he shifted his gaze to me for a split second before he turned his attention back to my wife.

“Ana, come on. It’s just one dance,” he insisted, leaning in with a self-assured grin that made my skin prickle. “Lorenzo doesn’t mind, do you?” he added, his voice dripping with arrogance, making my temper flare.

“I suggest you fuck off before I give everyone in this ballroom a show.” I stepped closer to him, eyes including Victor’s fell on us. “Meaning I’ll carve you open from navel to mouth before turning your intestines into a noose.” My threat hung heavy as his body stilled. His smile vanished, and I clocked a flicker of fear.

“Ana—”

“Don’t speak to her. In fact, stay away from her. She is nothing to you,” I warned.

“And what, she’s everything to you?” he questioned, catching me off guard.

“That’s none of your business, but by all means, keep talking and I’ll slice that tongue right out of your vile mouth,” I growled as Victor appeared beside us.

“What is going on here?” he asked, trying to judge the situation.

“I think you need to teach your team some manners, Fedorov.” I clenched my teeth together, my jaw ticking with anger.

I felt the weight of Anastacia’s gaze, practically pleading with me to stop, but I didn’t. All that mattered was that Chad and everybody in this room knew she belonged to me. No matter how we felt towards one another, I would never let anyone take what was mine.

“He’s sorry. He didn’t mean to disrespect you.” Victor held up his hands, his half bothered attempt at apologising.

“I don’t need nor do I want an apology. Just keep your team away from my wife and me,” I ordered.

“But he’s more than just a member of my team, he’s practically family.” Victor smiled, trying to make light of everything.

“Well, he’s not mine, is he?” I snapped, still feeling Anastacia’s hand on my arm, which shocked me. She took putting on a show to a whole new level.

I pulled her away from them, leading her outside as she finally let go of me.

"You didn't need to do that!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in pitch. Her eyes, usually bright and warm, clouded over, narrowing into intense slits. Her hands tightened into fists at her sides, and her brows furrowed deeply, casting shadows over her face as she glared at me.

“If you talk to him again, I’ll kill him,” I whispered. “You are mine. Not his.”

She jabbed her finger into my chest. “If you think you can control me, you’re wrong.” She pointed out, challenging my authority. “Was everything that just happened for show, letting everyone believe you’d kill for your wife?”

“I have already killed for you.” I breathed.

“No, Lorenzo, you killed that man because you wanted to.” She sighed.

“Yeah, you’re right, I did.” I said, taking that lie a little too far. I expected her face to fall, to show any other emotion than the one she was giving me, but it didn’t.