Page 81 of Blood & Lace
Onyx lifted his head, his eyes unfocused for a second before he went back to cleaning my wounds. “None of them are deep.”
“Bella, I’m sorry.”
Onyx groaned. “For what? You didn’t do anything.”
“But you’re upset.”
My husband applied pressure to my wound, sending shock waves of sharp pain down to my toes. I gritted my teeth through it. The aches were slipping into pleasure the longer he did it. I was a goner. It didn't matter what Onyx wanted to do to me, I’d enjoy it as long as it was him.
“That isn’t your fault.” He grumbled under his breath, something in French. I couldn’t quite catch it. “And I shouldn’t be taking my anger out on you.”
“You can do whatever you want to me.”
Onyx visibly shivered. “Lucero, please.”
“Anything, Onyx, as long as it's you.”
His slender fingers covered my mouth. “Okay, stop talking, we're playing the quiet game now. I talk, you stay silent, all right?”
I opened my mouth to agree, only for Onyx to glare at me. I nodded instead, being the obedient husband I was.
Silence descended as my husband focused on my wound. I thought he said he’d talk. I would rather listen to him than the unbearable silence. Seconds ticked by, and the only thing that made it even remotely enjoyable, was the fact that Onyx was touching me.
I love you.
The words played on a loop as I was left standing there, watching his delicate fingers move with a skill I lacked. His soft platinum hair fell forward, brushing over his neat eyebrows. His pouty lips turned down in a frown as he concentrated.
Onyx’s voice only added to the spell he had me under as he opened his mouth. “I should be the one saying sorry. Work got to me today, and I was reminded why I do what I do.” He took in a measured breath before applying a cooling ointment to the wound. “And some other stuff that I have to handle came up. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.” He finally looked up at me, and those big beautiful gray eyes captured my heart all over again.
My chest throbbed as I stood there, unable to speak.
Onyx sighed. “One thing.” He held up a finger as if warning me. “Go ahead, say it.”
“I love you.” I snatched him up and kissed him before he could take it back. “We’re married. Your problems are mine.” I bit down on his lip, earning a moan of surprise.
“No, they are mine. I will handle my own shit.”
I met his gaze, wanting to force him to realize that wasn’t the case anymore. Instead, I nodded, and relished having him in my arms. “When you’re ready, know that I will do anything for you.”
21
ONYX
I kickedAdam's door open with my foot. He was still laid out on the floor, staring at the ceiling, silent as a stone. My chest squeezed. It seemed like he was getting bad again. I'd suggested he start his meds again, but he refused. Said they made him sick. When I suggested the hospital, he'd thrown a book at my head and hadn't said a word since. At least he hadn't put the chain on the door while I got the groceries.
"They had those cookies you like," I said. "Do you want some?"
Silence. My stomach tightened, but I kept my voice chipper as I unloaded the bags and talked about groceries and kitchen cabinets, as if I wasn't terrified that he would try and hurt himself the minute I was gone. I took my time, sorting each item like it was precious gold just so I could linger a little longer.
"Did you know he's back in town?" Adam asked.
My back stiffened. "Who?" I asked, as if I didn't already know.
"Your dad."
A shiver ran over my body. My dad. Every time he said those words, it felt like I was connected to him. That I was the sameevil as he was. I knew that was far from true, but I was his blood after all. And I could never help but to feel like I was somehow responsible.
"Yeah," I said finally as I stashed the milk. "I saw he was in town."
