What the Heart Takes

  Knowing his dad had seen the newspaper article didn’t surprise Dylan. That it took him this long to call is what shocked him. Either he was getting better at hiding or his father was up to something.

  “What do you want, Dad? I know you didn’t call to talk about Heaven.”

  “That is the precise reason I called. I need to speak to you about your wife, and I want to do it in person.”

  “Like hell,” Dylan growled. The phone creaked as he tightened his hand around it, squeezing harder.

  “You should know by now that I always get what I want. You would be smart to do as I say and not cause problems.”

  His threats didn’t scare Dylan. He’d heard similar ones all of his life, though his father never followed through. Thanks to his mother, and apparently Spencer, his dad couldn’t touch him. They protected him every step of the way.

  Now that he was older, there was no way he’d cower down to the man who never did anything for him, short of starting his career. Even that had been for a reason. It served his father right that music did the exact opposite of what he’d intended—to make Dylan forget Heaven.

  When would his dad realize that nothing would keep them apart?

  Cracking the bathroom door, he gazed across the room to the bed where she lay. She remained in the same position, fast asleep and clueless to the conversation he was having. Once he knew that she wasn’t listening, he closed the door and moved toward the sink.

  “If you can’t say what you want while I’m on the phone, you won’t be telling me at all. I don’t have time for your bullshit.”

  The line went silent—eerily silent. He started to check the connection again, but a throaty laugh stopped him.

  “If you don’t want to come to me, how about I come to you? Let’s say, twenty minutes or so. Do you think the Lewises will give me a warm welcome?”

  The bathroom walls, the scent of Heaven’s perfume, even the sound of air blowing from the vent in the floor, escaped Dylan’s mind. Panic thumped through his heart, panic that stemmed from his concern for his wife. The announcement was the last thing he wanted to hear come out of his father’s mouth. In fact, it was far worse. Not only did his dad know where he and Heaven were, he was close enough to stop in for an unwelcomed visit.

  There was only one way to keep his dad from showing up at the Lewis’s. He had to go to him. As much as he didn’t want to see him again, he couldn’t risk his dad stopping by. His father wouldn’t think twice about it. The resentment he held for Anna and Nicholas would be enough motivation.

  “Where are we meeting?”

  His father didn’t hide his satisfaction at knowing he’d gotten his way, just like he said he would. He responded with a grunt, proceeding to give Dylan an address. The moment Dylan confirmed he had it, the line clicked. It beeped a few seconds later signaling the call had ended.

  Shoving the phone into his back pocket, he opened the bathroom door, careful not to make a sound. He moved about the room, practically tiptoeing while collecting a change of clothing. The last thing he needed was for Heaven to wake and ask where he was going. He had to leave before then, had to face off with his father once more to keep her and the baby safe.

  While he hurried to dress, he questioned his decision to meet his dad. The man he thought he knew no longer existed. It meant that he needed to be on guard. His father was out to hurt Heaven. He was out to kill her. How far would his dad go to accomplish his mission? Dylan couldn’t put anything past him, not even his safety, because hurting him would ultimately hurt Heaven.

  He watched her once more, ignoring the way his heart pinched. His dad could try to hurt them all he wanted. Dylan had one thing he didn’t. Insight. His intuition would warn him before his father had time to use his powers. Then it would be a fight to the death. He would make sure of it, would make sure his dad never hurt his wife or his daughter.

  * * *

  The cottage door closed behind Heaven once she stepped onto the tiny front porch. She tilted her head back, facing the sky and the sun that burned from the east. The rays brought a minimal amount of warmth to her skin, but it was better than the crisp air that she’d dealt with since arriving home. She could barely walk outside without freezing, but today, her sweater was enough.

  Metal cooled her palm as she gripped the handrail, making her way down the steps. Once she descended the last one, she moved across the yard, glancing at the note in her hand, the note Dylan left on his pillow. He knew it would be the first place she’d look for him when she woke. She did every morning.

  Hastily written letters filled the paper, letters that formed vague words on where he had gone—to town. He’d left for town but wouldn’t be long. He offered no further explanation.

  It wasn’t unlike him to take off while she was sleeping. He’d done so before, but they didn’t have the threats they faced today. The threat of Raphe and his crew lurking, as well as his father’s threats on her life, increased their need for caution. They needed to lay low. Why couldn’t he have sent someone else on his errand? One of her parents would have volunteered.

  She hadn’t gotten far from the cottage when her bottom began to vibrate. It startled her until she remembered putting her phone in her pocket. Her fingers worked inside, wrapping around the phone as she tugged it free.

  A text message popped up on the screen with Chelsea’s name above. A short message and a picture of what looked like a hand stared back at her.

  It’s still not official, but I just had to show you this. She couldn’t resist trying it on. Look at the size of the rock. I’m jealous. Love, Chels

  Tapping the screen, she pulled up the picture of a hand she assumed to be Brooke’s. A smile spread over her lips when she saw the humongous emerald-cut diamond ring on her finger. It was definitely a beautiful ring, though a little too gaudy for her personal taste.

  Faith would appreciate its size. Her sister loved flashy jewelry, anything to draw attention. No wonder she and Brooke were best friends. They thought alike, shared the same taste, same interests, hobbies, even the same snootiness.

  Caught up in the picture on her phone, she wasn’t paying attention to where she was walking. Her body collided with something firm a second later. Grumbling followed, but she ignored the complaints coming from Faith. She was too busy watching her phone fall from her hands. It hit the ground with a thud then bounced over on its face.

  “Why don’t you watch where you’re going,” Faith complained.

  Heaven looked up in time to see her rubbing her side. “I’m sorry, Faith. Are you okay?”

  Faith’s lips tightened. Her eyes narrowed on Heaven when she parted them at last, prepping for what Heaven assumed would be another complaint. Yet her face softened. She released a sigh before stooping to the ground.

  “Yeah, I’m peachy, as always. What the hell do you have on this thing that’s so interesting?”

  Heaven bent to grab the phone, but Faith already had it in her hands. She flipped the face toward hers and studied the screen. Her brows folded a moment later. “Whose rock?” she questioned, releasing the tension in her brows as she raised one. “That’s one hellacious carat.”

  “That is your best friend’s rock,” Heaven answered, holding her hand out for her phone.

  The vibrant pulse of Faith’s energy switched to a frantic rhythm. She shook the phone in Heaven’s face and pinned her with a cold stare. “Why would she be sending this to you?”

  Jealousy vibrated through Faith’s energy, which didn’t surprise Heaven one bit. She’d dealt with it all her life. It was just like her sister to run her mouth when she didn’t have all the details. “What’s the matter, Faith? Didn’t she send this to you? I’m sure she would have if she had your new phone number.”

  Faith’s eyes increased in size before they slanted in a scowl. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, scraping the soles of her shoes against the sidewalk. “How do you know that she doesn’t have my new number?”

  “Becau
se I saw Chelsea when I was in Cleveland.”

  Her answer seemed to infuriate Faith even more. Her sister punched her hip with her fist, glaring into Heaven’s eyes. “And you’re just now telling me? What the hell, Heaven?”

  It was the last sardonic comment Heaven could tolerate. She’d let the others slip by, all to avoid a fight, but if Faith insisted on taking it to this level, Heaven would oblige her.

  “Oh, I’m sorry that wasn’t the first thing I did when I got back. I was too busy cleaning up your mess. You remember which one, don’t you? The little bomb you dropped on my Keeper. The one that caused a chain reaction that nearly killed him.”

  Faith took a step back, rethinking her next response. Her shoe tapped against the concrete, a clear indication that she was annoyed as much as she was hurt. But it only made Heaven angrier.

  “What difference does it make that I didn’t tell you? Are you afraid that I was out spreading your wonderful news?” She dropped her eyes to her sister’s stomach and then moved them back to her face. “I didn’t tell her anything.”

  “Are you sure?” Faith asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

  “Yes, I’m sure, but I don’t see what the big deal is. Brooke’s been trying to get a hold of you.” Heaven reached for her phone, which Faith still held in one hand. She jerked it away, placing it in her back pocket as she stared at her sister. “Why would you change your number and not give it to your best friend?”

  All physical signs of emotion disappeared from Faith’s facial features. She could wear the mask she used to protect herself from other people, but she couldn’t hide her energy. Her heart longed for something she wanted desperately, but couldn’t have—her mystery guy.

  “I didn’t give my number to anyone. I’m taking a break from life in general,” she focused her eyes past Heaven’s shoulder, an empty gaze entered them. “I don’t have much longer until this baby gets here. I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to do once he or she does. I don’t have time for anything or anyone else.”

  It was in that moment that shame filled Heaven’s heart. She hadn’t taken into consideration how Faith would react to the news of Brooke’s impending engagement. Her sister’s heart had been broken. Heaven never thought she’d say that, but every ounce of Faith’s energy confirmed it.

  “I’m sorry that you had to find out about Brooke this way. I know you’re having a hard time, but maybe you need someone you can talk to. Brooke’s normally that person. You should call her. I could tell by the way Chelsea talked that Brooke’s worried about you.”

  Faith rolled her eyes. “Judging by the size of that ring, I’d say I’m the furthest thing from her mind.” She grew silent as she stared in the distance, caressing her belly as she lost herself in her thoughts.

  “You should probably keep this to yourself for now. The engagement isn’t official yet.”

  “What do you mean?” Faith asked. “She’s wearing the ring. How more official can it get? I thought you were supposed to be the smart sister?”

  Heaven allowed the sarcasm to slide. She felt bad for her sister. Fighting wouldn’t help. “Chelsea mentioned that Brooke found a ring in Jerry’s carryon bag.”

  “She found it in his carryon? What in the… I’m confused.”

  Shrugging her shoulders, Heaven focused on the main house, unable to answer her sister’s questions. “I don’t know all the details. My guess is that he either thought it was one hell of a hiding spot, or he bought it while he was out of town. Chelsea did mention something about him taking a trip not too long ago.”

  “Oh…”

  The short response wasn’t the one she expected from Faith. Her sister stepped past her, leaning her weight against the rail that lined the steps to the apartment. Her silence was disturbing, as was the way her energy fluttered with guilt and sadness.

  “What’s wrong with you, Faith? I figured you’d be happy for Brooke.”

  “I am happy for her. I know she’s crazy about Jerry.”

  “Then what’s your problem?” Heaven questioned, turning around to face the steps as well as her sister.

  Faith wouldn’t meet her gaze. She wouldn’t do anything but stare, blankly, in the direction of the cottage. The sadness in her soul overtook the guilt. It churned within her, increasing the pain that swelled in her heart.

  “When do I get my happily ever after?” she whispered, twisting her head back and forth. “Even if I don’t deserve one, doesn’t my child?”

  For the first time in years, Faith put someone else’s needs and wants before her own. That alone showed how much she loved her child, even if she hated the rest of the world. If she wanted to do right by her baby, there was one sure way she could start.

  “Your child deserves a lot of things, Faith. Happiness would be one of them. I think you should talk to the baby’s father. Tell him about his child.”

  “I can’t.” Faith’s voice cracked as she started to turn for the steps, but Heaven grabbed her arm.

  “Why not?”

  “You know why,” Faith answered. She stared across the yard aimlessly, mumbling something incoherent before turning back to Heaven. “I didn’t mean for it to happen. I swear I didn’t, but it did.”

  The admission made Heaven’s stomach clench. “For the love of God, Faith, what are you talking about?”

  “I was mad at Layne for ignoring me. Looking back now, I realize he must have been obsessing over you. That’s why he wouldn’t touch me.” Faith’s attention shifted from the yard back to Heaven’s face. “I tried every trick I knew to get him to…rise to the occasion, but he turned over and went to sleep…at eight o’clock on a Saturday. Who the hell does that?”

  “I’m still not following you, Faith.”

  Her sister kept ignoring her. She continued speaking like she didn’t hear a word Heaven had said. “It wasn’t the first time Layne ignored me. In fact, we’d barely had sex after the weekend we went to Jerry’s. I kept thinking about that weekend, trying to figure out what went wrong.”

  “And what did you discover?”

  She wanted to add, that you shouldn’t sleep with a guy a few days after meeting him, but thought better. Faith felt the need to make a confession for something. She’d at least hear her out.

  “I couldn’t think of any reason why he’d treat me like that. I know now, but not then. I ended up in Malibu on my way to see Brooke. I wanted to get her opinion, see if maybe she’d noticed something that I hadn’t.”

  “Did she?”

  Faith shook her head, lowering her eyes toward her stomach. “Brooke wasn’t there when I arrived. She and Chelsea had gone with their father to San Francisco for the weekend. Jerry was there with his neighbor, drinking. When he saw I was upset, he invited me to come in and have a beer. He and his neighbor, I think his name was Matt, were playing pool and relaxing. I knew that Layne was at the house sleeping, and the thought of going back there made me ill, so I stayed.”

  Heaven didn’t want a recount of Faith’s evening. She wanted a simple answer, but her sister refused to go the easy route. “Where are you going with this, Faith?”

  “Just shut up and listen, okay?”

  “Sorry.”

  Faith moved from the bottom step back to the ground, but leaned her back against the rail. She kept her eyes averted, focusing only on the memories playing inside her head.

  “After they finished their game, Jerry offered me a beer. I accepted and then challenged him to a game of pool. He didn’t prove to be much of a challenge. Neither did his neighbor when we played the next game. By the time we were finished, we were all pretty lit. Jerry took my keys and refused to give them back. He offered me one of the guest rooms. His neighbor asked if he could stay too.”

  A wave of heat flashed through Heaven over Faith’s last comment. Was Jerry’s friend Matt the father of the baby? Was this the confession she was trying to make?

  “Faith, did something happen while you were there?”

  Tears welled
in Faith’s eyes as she nodded. “Not long after I went to the room, there was a knock on the door. When I opened it, I found Matt standing there holding my purse. He said he found it on the bar and didn’t want me to forget where I’d left it.” She paused long enough to sit down on the steps. “We started talking a little bit, laughing about the pool game, as well as how drunk we were. Jerry came up the stairs a few minutes later, checking to see why Matt disappeared. I don’t remember how the subject got brought up, but somehow, Matt tried to get Jerry to leave so we could, you know.”

  Sweet mother of God, she was right. This Matt was the baby’s father.

  The revelation shook Heaven. She pressed her hand to her face, rubbing over her eyes. “Did you sleep with him, Faith?”

  A moment of silence had Heaven dropping her hand to her side and focusing on her sister. Faith nodded, swiping at her eyes and then her nose as she said, “I slept with both of them.”

  Heaven’s eyes fluttered closed. She drew in several breaths, trying to steady her heart, but nothing helped. “Did you… Are you telling me that you not only slept with a complete stranger, you slept with your best friend’s boyfriend?”

  “You’re a flipping genius, Heaven. Bravo.”

  Opening her eyes, Heaven locked them on to her sister, gritting her teeth to avoid punching her in her sarcastic mouth. “What the hell is wrong with you? Why would you do something so selfish? Oh wait, I forgot who I was talking to.”

  Her sister didn’t resort to her usual comeback—an eye roll. She dropped her gaze to the yard behind Heaven, shrugging her shoulders. “I wanted to punish Layne for ignoring me. I knew he and Jerry were bandmates as well as friends, so I knew if he ever found out, it would piss him off.”

  “So sleep in another room,” Heaven shouted. “Hell, ignore him altogether. You don’t go off and sleep with his friend, or his friend’s neighbor!” Anger consumed her like a blazing inferno. The longer she stared at Faith, the more she wanted to shake some sense into her. Was she really that stupid, or just that heartless?”