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“I got stuck into a new episode of Selling Santa Barbara, while I was packing,” she confides. “Ryan is already passed out. What’s up?”
I pause. “I just need a favor.”
“Sure thing. Is this about my facialist? Because I swore I wouldn’t reveal her name, but for you babe, I’ll do it.”
“No,” I say. “Actually… I was hoping you could point me in the direction of a good divorce lawyer.”
My words are met with shocked silence, so I quickly add: “I care about Nero, but I’m wondering if we weren’t kind of hasty in getting married so quickly. I don’t know, I guess we got swept up in the excitement of it all. But that’s wearing off a bit, and… I want to explore my options.”
“Of course!” Marissa says. “Buyer’s remorse, it happens to the best of us. Don’t tell Ryan I said this,” she adds, dropping her voice, “but I’ve always thought all that ‘until death do us part’ stuff was way extreme. You never know what can happen.”
I exhale in relief. “Thanks for understanding. So, do you know someone? They need to be good. And discreet. Nero… Well, we’re not on the same page.”
“Say no more,” she insists. “I’ve got just the guy in mind. He got my friend Mindy out of a very tricky prenup. She wound up taking half his company, and all his yacht!”
“I don’t care about the money. I just… Want to explore my options.”
“I’ll see if he’s taking new clients,” she promises.
I hear the front door open and shut, and panic.
“I’ve got to go,” I blurt. “Thank you!”
I hang up, exiting my room and storming down the stairs, meeting Nero as he steps into the foyer. He’s looking worse for wear, with his shirt rumpled and the scent of cigarette smoke and booze in the air.
“Seriously?” I exclaim, furious. “Where the hell have you been?”
“Out.”
He strolls towards the kitchen, and I follow, my blood running hot with all the unanswered questions. I’m tired of being ignored.
“What the fuck are you playing at?” I demand, my voice rising. “You wanted a party, so I threw one, but you couldn’t even do me the courtesy of sticking around. I can’t believe you left me here to deal with our guests alone after that scene with Sergei. Whoever the hell he is, because, oh yes, you won’t tell me that, either. Is there anything I’m allowed to know?” I ask, grandstanding. “You know, since I’m only your wife.”
“You want to be my wife?” Nero turns. “Because say the word, sugar, and I’ll claim what’s mine.”
I take a step back, my stomach flipping at the sheer power radiating from him. His walls are down. He has zero fucks to give right now, and it’s a terrifying and alluring thing, all at once.
I shake my head. “What I don’t understand is why did you marry me if you hate me so much?”
“Who said anything about hate?” Nero strides closer to me, his eyes flashing. “I swore to honor you, didn’t I? Protect you. Cherish you. ‘Til death parts us. And unlike some people, I keep my damn vows. But lying was always in your DNA.”
“I’m not my father,” I shoot back, frustrated. “That was ten years ago, and it had nothing to do with me!” Nero gives a scornful snort at that, only making me more angry. “I’m sick of rehashing the past and playing your games. Either tell me what you want with me or let me go!”
I turn to leave, but Nero’s bitter laugh stops me.
“You’re just mad because you’re not pulling the strings this time. Well, get over it, Princess. I’m not some starry-eyed teenager anymore, too cunt-struck to see you for the duplicitous bitch you really are.”
I whirl around. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t act dumb with me,” he says, eyes dark with bitterness. “Let’s at least be honest about that. You fucked around with me, knowing all along that your dad was turning on my family. You acted like you loved me, just to go and stab me in the back. ”
My jaw drops.
He thought I knew about it? All this time, he’s believed I was part of my father’s informing?
“Nero,” I swallow, a sudden lump in my throat. This is what he’s been holding onto, I realize. This is what’s been between us all along. It wasn’t just my father’s betrayal he’s been punishing me for.
It’s because he thinks I betrayed him, even worse than I thought.
