A Sea of Smoke: A Dark Romance (A War of Hearts Book 2)

by Karen Lynn

  Then the excruciating pain erupted in her stomach. Without warning, the room was spinning, then went black.

  SUNDAY

  JAKE

  4:00 A.M. The club was emptying. Energy radiated through the bar as the dim lights dispersed the darkness. Jake’s mental exhaustion was debilitating, making him anxious to get away from the madness of the night. They were closing down when Marty and Tia approached. He straightened up, becoming defensive as he stared at them.

  Tia's lips attempted to form a smile, her eyes unwavering from his face. The moment of truth had arrived. Not wanting to make a scene, Jake pulled her to the side. “You should leave, Tia—”

  She cut him off. “—Why?”

  With a deep, labored breath, he avoided her eyes and whispered, “I can't be with you anymore.”

  At first Tia stood in motionless disbelief. Then her eyes began to blaze. “Because of her?”

  “It's just not working. Don’t make a big deal about it.” He lowered his head, looking around discreetly.

  “It is a big deal Jake! You're not even giving me a chance. I can make you forget her,” she pleaded, taking hold of his arm with both hands.

  He shook himself free, struggling to stay in control. “No, no Tia, you can't. I know about the photo.”

  “That was a joke, Jake—”

  “—Joke? It's over! It's never gonna happen—just leave!”

  Without thinking, he shoved her, the impact knocking her off balance into a couple of departing patrons. In an instant, his expression changed from infuriated to shock and regret.

  Jake shrugged at Ben, unable to respond to his inquiring look. By that time Tia had pulled herself together and was headed in their direction, Marty trailing behind her.

  “Shit,” Jake muttered. Once she was back at his side, he looked down at her, feigning concern. “Sorry about that.” He wanted to smile, but his face was numb.

  She tried the innocent, doe-eyed trick, her face tilted up towards him. He made a quick decision to ignore her and kept packing up. As Ben turned away to take care of his business, Marty didn't blink.

  Five minutes later, he charged out the door and waited outside for Ben. They were halfway down the block with Tia on their tail, when Jake stopped dead in his tracks.

  Fuck trying to protect her precious ego! It’s not working.

  “Tia. I need you to back off. It's over. Make it easy.”

  As soon as Marty came into view, he detected her pleasure. Tia stood expressionless, which Jake misconstrued as acceptance, until her hand lashed out at his face. Although she was tall in her heels, he still towered over her and effortlessly caught her wrist in midair. Totally aggravated by now, he held onto her forearm for a minute.

  “Big mistake, Tia. Don’t try that again.” With a final glance at Marty, he dropped her arm and trotted off to his car.

  “Asshole!” Tia’s scream echoed through the cold air as he started his truck.

  LOGAN/KRISTEN

  Logan didn't have a chance to take care of his wounded hand before he rushed Kristen to Coral Beach Medical Center. It wasn't until the admitting woman mentioned their visit a few months earlier that it registered: they were becoming regular visitors. Not that he gave a damn, it wasn't their business, but for a few minutes he was paranoid that Kristen would tell them the truth. Trying not to be too conspicuous, he listened carefully as she told her the pains came from too much exercise. In a sense, it was true. They had quite a workout, and it was her choice. Filled with relief, he suddenly found himself more concerned about Kristen's blackout and pains than his own injury, but decided to let them treat it anyway. It was time to resign himself to the fact that it was destined to be a long night. In preparation for what lay ahead, he brought back two cups of coffee from the vending machine and slumped down next to Kristen.

  By now his hand throbbed so terribly it forced him to reflect on this disastrous hormone raging thing. And she said I was the unstable nut job!

  As if aware of his thoughts, she glanced up at him, then let the grogginess take over. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

  “I thought you wanted coffee?” He grinned, listening to her grumbled response.

  Apparently her pains had subsided, because she wasn't moaning or complaining anymore. Maybe it was the tension. He was glad he hadn't provoked it this time. If only she would calm down and not worry about what he did to stay satisfied while she was in her fragile state, maybe they wouldn’t constantly be running to the hospital.

  They brought a wheelchair out and took them to examining rooms.

  Some of the staff recognized them. If he wasn't so frustrated and exhausted, it would've been embarrassing. After they took Kristen’s vitals and set her up in a bed, one of the nurses kept busy snooping around nearby while they waited for the doctor.

  Kristen propped herself against the pillow, watching him with increasing sadness. “Does your hand hurt?”

  After looking down at it he cringed. “I forgot about it.” He pulled the chair next to the bed to lay his head in her lap. “Why didn't you just ask me if she called? I'm not hiding anything from you.”

  She shrugged.

  “Am I really so scary?” He glanced up with a sullen expression.

  Her lips fixed in a pout just as the doctor bounded in. It was the same one as last time, overworked, annoyed, and not at all surprised to see them. Logan scowled, sitting up.

  “So, Kristen, I heard you fainted and had some stomach pains. It says you are about seven months pregnant, is that correct?”

  “I think so,” Kristen looked at Logan. He gave her a stupefied look and lowered his head.

  The doctor appeared disinterested. “I'm going to examine you. Do you want him to stay?”

  Narrowing her eyes, Kristen contemplated the unexpected question, then agreed halfheartedly. Logan pushed his hair back, let out an uncomfortable sound and slid his chair away, stopping when he felt safe enough.

  Not in the mood for small talk, the doctor immediately began touching Kristen’s stomach. “Does this hurt?”

  Kristen was too nervous to respond.

  After an in-depth examination, and confirmation of a heartbeat, the doctor concluded she needed an ultrasound in addition to the bloodwork, just to be sure. So far it didn't seem serious. Relieved, Kristen gasped, glancing at Logan, who was nodding off.

  “Let's take a look at your hand.” The doctor touched Logan's arm.

  Kristen watched in amusement as he jumped, became flustered, then lamely obeyed her request.

  The doctor grimaced. “Well it’s a good thing you came in. It's infected. What happened?”

  Kristen tensed. For an instant his eyes met hers, then narrowed to slits. Turning back to the doctor, he grinned, then gave her a sheepish shrug. “I hurt it.”

  “You hurt it?” The doctor rolled her eyes. “Well, let's clean it up and give you some antibiotics, ok?”

  After scrutinizing them briefly, she closed the file and left the room. “I'm really sorry, Logan.” Kristen gingerly took his hand and inspected it.

  Despite how ashen and worn out he looked, she knew in the back of her mind what she did was justifiable. She held her head high, determined not to show too much sympathy.

  A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. “Don't worry about it. I'm keeping a tab, and you can pay me back after the baby.”

  * * *

  When they headed to the car an hour later her eyes were dulled by despair that worsened as it came into view. “You want me to drive?”

  “I still have one good hand!” Logan smirked, settling in on the driver’s side without bothering to check if she needed help. With a deep sigh, she opened the passenger side and collapsed onto the seat. His eyes locked on the road in front of him, but he couldn't hide the coldness in his face.

  Kristen reflected on the doctor’s stern warning as they drove silently back home. One more incident like this one and an emergency C-section would be imminent. The fact t
hat her pregnancy could be in jeopardy because of all of the turmoil, was terrifying. And the resurgence of her violent streak made it even more worrisome. She continued to be in a losing battle to control her emotions with no end in sight.

  If only I could turn back time, if Jake never left or, if I had gone with him to Oregon, I wouldn’t be back in this doomed relationship with Logan. I wouldn’t have to worry about if he really killed Ray, or what he might do next. I could relax and wait for the baby to come. Everything would be safe and peaceful.

  It was a futile fantasy and impossible now. For the remainder of the pregnancy at least, she had to force all doubt, resentment, and suspicions about Logan from her mind. No matter what it took. With a deep sigh, she cracked the window open and stared listlessly at the long row of palm trees quickly fading into the background.

  TUESDAY

  KRISTEN/LOGAN

  “You know, we should start thinking about some names, don't you think?” They lounged on the balcony. Her question broke the heavy silence that hung over them.

  Logan’s impassive gaze stayed aimed at the beach. After two days on the antibiotics, his hand still looked infected and hurt like hell. Baby names were the farthest thing from his mind.

  “I think this isn't getting better,” he muttered, holding his palm up with a disgusted expression on his face.

  Kristen gave him an annoyed look. For two days she had been taking care of him, applying antibiotics, cleaning it, following the discharge notes.

  “What the hell do you want me to do, Logan? Go to the doctor.” She finished her coffee but continued to eye the cup, desperate for another. This one cup a day rule was torture, making her grouchy and irritable. And Logan’s constant preoccupation with himself instead of worrying about the baby unnerved her even more.

  He stared at her, stunned by her indifference. “It's your fault I'm suffering. I told Nick I'd go with him to check out a bar he wants to buy tomorrow, and this fucking thing looks like crap.”

  Kristen shook her head. She got up to bring her plate and cup inside, trying to avoid further discussion and an argument. It was only 11:00 a.m., but the sun was already burning without mercy on her sensitive skin.

  “Where are you going now?” Logan called after her, getting up to follow her in.

  Before she knew it, he was behind her, pulling her back to him. “Remember you owe me, right? It's been two days with nothing!”

  As he started nibbling her neck, she snickered to herself, wondering why it had taken him so long. That hand must really hurt. Breaking free, she turned to face him, planning to come back with a snide remark. Instead, the look of sadness in his eyes melted her heart.

  “Poor baby.” She smiled pushing his straggly hair back out of his eyes. “Let me see it.”

  “Let you see what?” He grinned, trailing his fingers along her arms.

  Her eyes gleamed mischievously. “Your hand, please.”

  “It's busy right now.” He laughed as his hand moved along her back.

  “Well, I guess it’s not that bad then, is it?” She pulled his hair into a short pony tail, then yanked it back, enjoying the surprise in his eyes. Somehow she sensed it was going to be very difficult to heed the doctor’s warning about refraining from sex.

  “No, but I am,” he teased, his gentle kisses progressing to long, passionate ones. “Let’s go to bed.”

  “Okay, but don't forget.” Overcome with desire, she took his hand, her eyes searching his.

  “To destroy you? Never!” He waited for her reaction, then started to laugh at the fear in her eyes.

  “It's not funny, Logan. No sex this time. I do not want to end up at the hospital again!” Maintaining a serious face, she knew no matter how aroused she got, or how much he used his sexual expertise to seduce her, she had to remain firm.

  “Baby, trust me, neither do I.” He picked her up with exaggerated loud grunts and groans as he trudged to the bed.

  JAKE

  Business was booming at both galleries, and Jake was building up quite a following. Since dumping Tia, his creative juices were flowing again. He was on a roll, having produced two paintings and on his third. It only served to confirm he made the right decision. Women were just a bad distraction in his life.

  When he received the phone call from his mother, she laughed, insisting that his comment only related to bad women, not all women.

  That remained to be seen. He was happy his mother was back to work and feeling stronger. She was happy that he was painting, but sad he was alone.

  “Don't worry, Mom, I'm fine. This way I can visit you more often. No strings attached.” He tried to convince himself, painfully aware he was failing.

  Rosa took a deep breath, not convinced. “I still want a couple of grandkids someday, Jake, so don't give up.” Laughter rang in her voice, but she had never been more serious.

  I doubt that. He tried to humor her. “Maybe you'll get lucky with Zora!”

  “Zora? You know your sister isn't interested in kids. It would be such an inconvenience.” She laughed, mimicking Zora’s voice. After a pause, “But you—I always thought you'd make a wonderful father.”

  Rolling his eyes, “Sorry, Mom, I don't think I'm daddy material.”

  “Don't say that, Jake!”

  He was silent at first, contemplating the idea. “Well, if it'll make you happy, I'll see what I can do.”

  “Good boy! I'm very happy the gallery is working out for you.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I'll try to get up there again soon.”

  For the first time in a long time, he felt strangely comforted when he hung up the phone. He'd always thought he'd have a wife and a couple of kids someday. Now he wasn’t so sure. Then again, maybe she was right about him and being a father. He had two setbacks, but that didn't mean the game was over—not yet anyway.

  CHAPTER 7

  FRIDAY, WEEK 8

  KRISTEN/LOGAN

  Logan had to get back to work. His hand was healing, he was getting antsy, and Nick was on his back. The past few days he had ignored Nick’s constant texts, but Nick wouldn't let up. They just finished barbecuing steaks and were sitting down for dinner when the doorbell rang. Kristen didn’t respond, so he reluctantly went to look through the peephole.

  “Shit. It's Nick, go put on some clothes!” Logan mumbled.

  Kristen looked down at her clothes with an irritated grunt. What was wrong with the shorts and tank top she was wearing? No matter what she wore, she couldn’t hide her huge stomach anyway. Her eyes roamed Logan's bare, hairless, super white chest, and a wide grin spread across her face.

  “Maybe you should grab a shirt if you're so concerned about what the great Nick says!”

  In a frenzy, he was already pulling a black t-shirt over his head, then hurriedly ran his hands through his messy hair.

  “Why can't he just call?” she continued, getting more aggravated by the second. She was too hungry to move. Besides, Nick made her skin crawl.

  Nick must've been leaning on the doorbell, because the incessant blare was deafening. “You look gorgeous like usual! Hurry up and answer. He's making me deaf!” She huffed, cutting off a big chunk of steak.

  Logan gave her his try to be nice to Nick look, then opened the door.

  “Hey. It's about time! I almost fell asleep out here.” Nick smirked, his eyes taking in Logan's shorts and bare feet. “Relaxing?” His sarcasm was obvious as he strutted in.

  “Nice suit,” Logan mumbled, unable to ignore another of his elegantly tailored expensive linen suits. As his self-consciousness grew, he made an urgent attempt to find his flip flops, then gave up.

  Nick was already in the dining room. “Hey Kristen. Long time no see!” He extended his hand to her. His eyes popped open in surprise at the sight of her stomach.

  “Wow! Logan, you never told me you guys are having a baby! Congrats!”

  “Really?” Kristen gave Logan a dirty look. Like usual, he shrugged it off.

  “You guys are eating.
My bad.” Nick tried to act concerned, but Kristen could see right through him and rolled her eyes. It didn’t bother him in the least. Not waiting for an invitation, he pulled out a chair at the table and settled in.

  Still stewing over Logan’s failure to mention the baby, Kristen continued eating without a word.

  “Hey, man, want something? Wine, food?” Logan asked, anxiously massaging Kristen’s shoulders, hoping she'd chill out.

  Nick sniffed. “Wine is cool, thanks. I'm just on my way to dinner myself.” He shifted in his seat, purposely fidgeting with his gold watch. Kristen wanted to puke. His eyes fixed on her while Logan got his wine. “So what is it, boy or girl?”

  Logan cut in. “A boy. Red or white?”

  “White. Nice, a mini Logan—just what the world needs!” He burst into obnoxious laughter.

  Kristen didn't blink. The last time she saw Nick was that night in Brooklyn, the one she desperately wanted to forget. In an instant, she lost her appetite, pushed the plate away, and wobbled onto the balcony without glancing back.

  Fuck him if he thinks I’m a rude bitch. Hopefully he’ll disappear forever. Closing her eyes, she spread out on the lounge chair, enjoying the evening breeze in her hair.

  Nick watched curiously as Logan's expression transformed to dread.

  “She's a firecracker, isn't she? Lives up to the redhead image to a tee!” Nick never could resist a jab.

  Logan fluffed it off. His head was full of Kristen. Her aggressiveness was a major turn on for him, but also a royal pain in the ass at times like this. “Yeah, whatever, the hormone thing makes it a lot worse.” As soon as he glanced at the smirk on Nick’s face, that all too familiar feeling of revulsion burned inside of him.

  Kristen is right. He is obnoxious. “I'm sure she'll change after the baby.”

  Nick burst out laughing. When he saw Kristen’s face turned in their direction, it provoked him even more. “Keep dreaming, my man. She was always tough. Remember that night?” He didn't blink as Logan grabbed another glass of wine, downing it in two gulps. “She was hot though, when she finally got started. I can see why you dig her so much.”