Page 9 of Blood & Lace
"You know who I am?" Onyx looked skeptical asking again.
"Yes, but I want to know more things that no one else in the world knows about you."
"Then you know why I'm after you."
No fucking clue.
I said nothing, not willing to admit that I had no idea why there was a new hit out on me. But the moment I found out he was the one who'd taken the job, I'd jumped at the opportunity. I'd like to woo him first, and then one day present him with the dress I'd had made for him, but this worked for me. Shit, it was better.
"I won't stop trying to end your life."
A grin broke out over my face. "Okay, and I promise to make you the happiest man on this earth."
"What—" Onyx put his hand up as if he wasn't really asking. His slender fingers wove through his hair before he tugged on the soft strands. "Your death will make me happy."
I thought about it, but then I'd be missing out on my time with him. It was a hard choice but I was pretty certain I had to deny him. It physically pained me to do so. My chest felt as if it was clenching and my stomach rolled.
"Sorry, I'd die for you, but I can't right now. I want to spend more time with you."
Onyx looked more perplexed than before. A knock at the door had whatever he was about to say die off.
"Hurry it up in there. Mom is now forced to pacify nonna Teresa." It sounded like Emir but it could have been Elia tryingto sound sweet. They weren't above mimicking each other to fool others.
"Ready?"
"Fuck, no. I have no idea what's happening, but if given the chance to snuff your life out then I'll take it."
I laughed, a full belly chuckle. We were going to be a great married couple. "You will have plenty. Once we're married, we will look for a place and will be able to move out of the family house." I started to get dressed trying, but not succeeding, in not watching Onyx do the same.
Every exposed inch of his pale skin made my mouth water.
"I can feel you watching me." He turned around, only wearing a lacy pair of panties. I tried for all of five seconds before my eyes dipped and I looked him up and down. His pink nipples, tight waist, and lean muscles, all of it called to me. Distracted, he punched me in the throat. Oxygen and saliva became my enemy as I choked. It felt like I couldn't get enough air in, and anytime I got some, spit ran down the wrong pipe and made it impossible to get a lungful of air in. Onyx's arm wrapped around my throat and he tugged me further down to his level. "The moment I get a chance, I will kill you. I hate men like you."
It didn't escape my notice that Onyx wasn't his flirty docile self that he'd shown to clients. The rumors about him were far and wide. He was sweet and alluring until he got his prey to drop their guard. Then the real him would appear and go in for the kill. I was lucky enough to get the real him now. He was more rambunctious; it only made me love him more.
"Hate me all you need to. I will take anything you give me." I broke free of his hold and kissed the tip of his nose, barely pulling back in time as his teeth snapped in my face.
Feisty.
Onyx slapped my hands. "Putain d'imbécile."
I made a mental note to really try and learn French. The idea made my head hurt but I'd suffer through it for him. When Onyx was dressed, I dropped down on my knees and held one of the heels in my hand. I lifted his foot and got kicked for it. I tried again, and this time, Onyx let me as I slipped the shoe on. My fingers skimmed over the top of his foot and to his ankle. A visible shiver raced over Onyx, and I couldn't help but want to see it again. I put the other shoe on before standing up and offering my hand.
The door opened and Damian stood there with a gun in hand, aimed down. At least he was smart enough to know not to aim it at Onyx. He was my brother, but I wasn't sure what I would have done if he'd placed Onyx in harm's way.
"You two were taking so long."
I smiled. "We're ready."
Onyx, unlike before, finally spoke up. "Sorry, we were a bit busy is all." His smile was sweet and sultry.
My own grin dimmed just slightly. Why was he being sweet to my brother?
"Whatever." He put the gun away. "Anything happens to Lucero and know we will annihilate anyone you remotely care about along with you."
"Don't threaten him," I growled.
Damian didn't look my way, and that only further annoyed me. Onyx was mine and none of them could have him. I stepped toward my brother but he turned away.
