HER SAFE PLACE

Drunk?

Rocky's POV

I was dancing with the most beautiful woman in my arms, feeling like the luckiest man in the world—my first love, my everything, my Shivangi, my babydoll, my wife. Tonight, she looked absolutely breathtaking. Her beauty had me lost for words, and I couldn't help but steal glances at her delicate smile, her glowing face, and those eyes that sparkled with a charm that could leave anyone spellbound. The way she looked tonight made it impossible to tear my hands away from her, but I was careful not to hold her too tightly. I didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable, even though deep down, every fiber of me wanted to keep her close, to never let go.

I had promised myself that tonight would be special, that tonight I’d make her mine in every way possible. But even in this moment, as my heart raced with love, I knew that she was already mine, and I was hers. When it came to taking things further, I’d take my time—her past traumas had scarred her deeply, and even though she had healed, I knew that rushing things could ruin the progress we’d made. I was willing to wait; after all, she was worth every second.

Lost in my thoughts, I barely registered when she softly said, “I want to drink some water.” I immediately offered, “Should I bring it for you?” But she just smiled, shaking her head, and said she could manage on her own. I nodded, not wanting her to feel like I thought she was incapable. I knew how much she overthought things, but I was always here to over explain to her and to remind her of her strength. As I watched her head towards the bar, my heart swelled with affection.

But then, suddenly, a pair of hands grabbed me from behind, startling me.

I couldn’t believe my eyes as Priya wrapped her arms around me, practically draping herself over me like I was her new designer handbag on sale. It was infuriating, and I could feel my irritation boil over. I knew I had to do something, but before I could react, I spotted Shivangi charging over, face flushed with determination… and booze.

Oh no, here we go again. I internally groaned. Shivangi plus alcohol equals one thing—chaos.

“What the hell are you doing?” Priya squealed, caught completely off guard as Shivangi yanked her away from me like a mom separating kids in a candy store.

I leaned back, smirking, ready to enjoy the show. “This should be fun.”

Priya blinked like a confused deer, struggling to understand what had just hit her. “What are you doing?” she screeched again, this time louder, like that would help her case.

Shivangi, wobbling slightly but managing a dramatic grin, leaned in close to Priya. Her eyes were unfocused, and her balance was questionable, but oh boy, her determination was rock solid. “Just giving you a taste of your own medicine, darling!” she slurred, swaying as if she’d spent the last hour dancing with invisible ghosts. And before anyone could blink, she grabbed a glass of red wine from the nearest table and flung it in Priya’s face like a scene straight out of a telenovela.

The wine exploded across Priya, drenching her in crimson glory, and she stood there, soaked like a sad tomato with zero sauce left. My sides hurt from holding in my laughter as the crowd gasped. Shivangi had clearly had a bit too much to drink, but honestly, that just made it even more priceless.

Priya sputtered, wiping wine from her face, looking like someone had just thrown her into a horror movie instead of a party. “WHAT. WAS. THAT. FOR?!”

Shivangi swayed again, trying to point at her but only managing to point in the general direction of… the ceiling. “THAT… THAT’S FOR TOUCHING MY HUSBAND, SWEETHEART!” she yelled, like a soap opera actress delivering the line of the year. “Next time you think about putting your grubby little paws on him… you might end up… BALD!” She paused for dramatic effect, swaying dangerously close to a faceplant, before adding, “OR WORSE… in a hospital bed!”