Page 46 of Blood & Lace
"I was going to ask for some advice. Onyx is upset with me, and I wanted to make him happy."
Nash laughed. "So you asked a low-life?" He stood back up with his phone out. "What did you do?"
"It's not what I did as much as it is what I won't do."
"What, you won't let him play with your ass? Because if that's the reason, let me tell you, your marriage is doomed. There are compromises in any relationship,” Nash said.
Nash had always had a girlfriend. There was a never-ending stream of women leaving his room since we were teens. He had to know a little something about making people happy. All the girls who'd dated him said the same thing. They never wanted to break up; it was always Nash's call.
"That's not it. If Onyx wanted to top me, I'd let him without hesitation. It's my last name."
Nash lifted his head and met my gaze. "The one you changed without talking to us?"
I nodded. "I know everyone is pissed off."
"Yeah, we are."
"I want to make sure Onyx is happy."
"And what about your happiness?"
I smiled. "I'm happy being with him."
Nash blew out a breath. "Okay, what about it?"
"He wants me to change it back to Marino."
Nash's eyes widened. "Okay?"
"If I do, and it will be one less thing tying us together. I can't lose him, Nash."
I wasn't sure if it was the desperation in my voice or the pleading look on my face, but Nash gave me advice.
"Does he like flowers or jewelry?"
I nodded. Onyx liked all those things.
"Gifts are your gateway in and then once you're in? Grovel. Give him something else to focus on instead of your fuck-up. Especially if you don't plan to change it."
Gifts I could do. “Let me borrow some money.”
Nash groaned. “I’m not funding your lifestyle. And isn’t your husband super rich?”
“I’d be a shitty husband if I asked him to buy his own gifts.”
My older brother grumbled but pulled out some cash. “Told your ass not to spend so much on that wedding.”
There was no way in hell I was going to hold back on our wedding. My husband deserved the best and that was what I got him. I’d spent most of my money on the wedding, but whatever I had left could be for Onyx. If it meant he'd open his heart to me, I’d give up everything.
"Good, now focus, because you're the one calling Prince afterwards and watching over the cleaners."
"I have a date with Onyx."
Nash was already headed toward the door. "Too bad. I have to go handle some sanitation issues, check in with the supply runs, not to mention go over the guest list and interview some new dancers." He stopped short of leaving. "After you’re done, go see Elia.” He pointed at me. “I don’t want to hear shit about Elia saying he could handle it. That nut job can’t handle shit but fighting."
I fucking hated anything that took me away form my husband. Maybe I should bulldoze the building down. We'd have to put gambling parties on hold, but then I'd be able to spend more time with Onyx.
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