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

by Karen Lynn

  Logan was thumping around in the bedroom. A powerful blast of thunder rattled the door, followed by a bolt of lightning. Placing her hands on her stomach, she inched away from the glass.

  WEDNESDAY

  JAKE

  Once again, it was time for work at the club. The only things he remembered about the previous days were drinking beer and painting. At least his creativity was soaring. Tuesday had been a really busy day at the gallery. Franky mentioned something about a friend with another gallery and several restaurants. This time, they weren't in New York City, but he was going to get back to him with the details.

  Already dragging when he entered the club, the only motivating force was the prospect of getting out of the city for a while and an extension of his art network. It was only 11:00 p.m., but the club was already packed, many patrons simply seeking relief from the humid summer night.

  “Look who's back.” Ben snorted, pointing at Jonny during a momentary lull in customers at the bar.

  “Yeah, two assholes down, one takes their place.” Jake muttered, sneering.

  Ben laughed. “I thought you were cool with him?”

  Jake shrugged, walking away to take care of a couple of women.

  “Hey, who's that chick with him?” Ben called out to him.

  “What the fuck!” Jake’s eyes blasted open wide at the sight of Jenny latched onto Jonny’s arm. They moved closer to the bar.

  “Hey Jake! What's going on?” Jonny's smug tone had an immediate, irritating effect on Jake, and he blatantly expressed it with a dirty look. Jonny ignored it, raising his voice even higher. “You remember Jenny? She's gonna be helping out here again. I thought now that Ray's gone, what the hell.”

  Ben scrutinized Jake as he stiffened, whirled around and stormed to the register. Jenny's fingers fluttered through her short black hair, then trailed down to tug her plunging neckline lower.

  “Hey Ben, come meet Jenny,” Jonny shouted as Jenny bent over the bar to greet him. Ben's eyebrows scrunched, his eyes zeroing in on her exposed cleavage.

  “She's starting tomorrow. We have some final details to work out first.”

  Ben flinched back to reality, drawing his eyes from Jenny’s breasts to Jake who stood staring at all of them with obvious disgust. Picking up on Ben’s discomfort, Jonny followed his line of vision and yanked Jenny to him with one rough jerk.

  “Hey, Jake, how about a couple of beers?” Narrowing his eyes, Jonny impatiently tapped the countertop.

  Jake banged the bottles down in front of them, turning away.

  “Oh, you know, I'd rather have a whisky sour, sweetie,” Jenny purred, smiling with pleasure when Jake’s aggravation became more apparent.

  Holding his breath, Jake removed the beer bottle and returned to the mixer. Ben looked away.

  “Thank you, sweetie.” Jenny extended her hand to take the drink. Jake jerked his arm back, slammed the glass on the counter and turned on his heels, ready to make a fast get away.

  “Hey, Jake, did I tell you I was in Miami last week?”

  Jake froze, his face so hard it felt like it would crack. “So what?”

  Jonny glared up. Jake towered over him, his eyes venomous.

  “Just saying. Beautiful beaches, gorgeous weather. Steaming hot women.” There was a brief, uncomfortable pause during which Jonny sized Jake up. Jake squeezed the countertop harder, the muscles in his forearms bulging under the pressure. Motivated by the distress he was causing, Jonny’s face lit up and his head bounced up and down in agreement. “You should check it out sometime. You know... take a break from this shithole.”

  Jake didn’t move. Taking his pent-up frustration out on the countertop, his knuckles whitened under the pressure. Jenny giggled, snuggling up to Jonny. Energized by the encounter, he finished off his beer and yanked her away from the bar into the club.

  “What was that about?” Ben asked.

  “He's trying to set me off about my ex-girlfriend. He must've run into her. She's in Miami.” Jake smirked, his eyes filled with hate as they trailed after them. “I'd just love to rip him apart!”

  “Stay cool! It's not worth it.’ Ben smiled, walking back to his station.

  I wish it was that easy. Jake cracked his knuckles, turning his attention back to the customers lined up in front of him.

  CHAPTER 8

  FRIDAY, WEEK 9

  KRISTEN

  The time was rapidly approaching and Kristen was growing more apprehensive with each passing day. Her stomach was gigantic, her energy level sinking to a record-breaking low. Logan tried to conceal it, but she could tell he was fed up with the frequent doctor visits and her clinginess. It was getting harder for her to accept, but she sensed he was suffocating. Yet, even though there was a temporary solution to the problem, she was too distressed to do anything about it.

  “It's time to look for a nanny,” Logan announced as he dressed for another alleged meeting with Nick.

  Kristen hated to admit it, but he was right. The huge condo had become a burden she couldn't keep up with. “Maybe a housekeeper. You wanna ask around? I'm scared to use Craigslist. Where are you going?”

  Why do I feel sick every time he leaves the house? She raised her eyes from the laptop to inspect him. He was dressed casually, but nice. She could smell his cologne. Her heart sank.

  “Meeting Nick.” He studied his image in the mirror, fixing his hair. For a minute he cast his sight on her, aware she was watching him with skepticism. “I have to get back to work sometime. We have mortgages to pay.”

  “I know. It's just I'm so lonely here, and I feel so useless.” Her eyes clouded with gloom.

  Logan sat next to her, pulling her to his chest. “It'll be over soon. Then you can get back to normal.”

  “Not really. I'll be smaller, but we'll have a baby to take care of. That's a whole new ballgame, and a lot of responsibility, Logan. I don't understand why you think I'll be running around like before.” All of a sudden he was really getting on her nerves. Taking care of her baby was the one thing in her life that she had to do right.

  “Sorry. It's new to me too. I'll have to get used to it I guess.” He shrugged.

  “You better start now then. He’s not going away.” Her eyes shone with dogged determination.

  At a point where it was too intense for him, the fidgeting worsened, he pulled his fingers through his hair and jumped to his feet. “Don't worry about it now. Let's find that nanny first. I gotta go, sweetie.” Before she could utter an objection, he flew out the door.

  Tossing the laptop to the side, she stared blankly at the empty room, then moved to the balcony, gazing out at the ocean.

  Why does this have to be so difficult? If I was with Jake, he would know what to do to calm me down. This is just getting worse and worse. What am I going to do?

  Pouting, she sank onto the lounge chair, contemplating her next move. She couldn't continue to live isolated like this. It was driving her mad. Without thinking twice, she dialed Marty. As soon as Marty answered she could tell something was different.

  “Are you too busy to talk?” Kristen asked, subconsciously hoping she'd cut it short.

  “No, I'm just finishing up a depo summary. We can talk. How's the baby?”

  “Four more weeks! But it could be sooner. It's hard to say. I just wanna get it over with.” Kristen speeded up, not giving Marty a chance to respond before she continued, “Have you seen Jake around? He called me the other day.”

  “Really? What was that about?”

  Kristen straightened up. Do I detect jealousy in her voice, or am I just paranoid?

  “He wanted to know where I was, I really think he misses me.” Her breathing intensified as the pleasure increased.

  “Oh, maybe he does—did you tell him?”

  “Yeah, why not? I was wondering if I should tell him about the baby. Or maybe you should.” Kristen pushed on, her hands gripping the edge of the chair. She felt the hairs on her arms rising.

  “I don't know when
I'll be talking to him – but I could if you want me to.”

  Marty sounded stranger to her by the minute, increasing the suspicion.

  “Yeah, do it—what the fuck. Logan's getting on my nerves. Who knows what'll happen after he's born.”

  “What are you planning to do then?”

  “I would leave Logan for Jake,” she blurted out, feeling the warmth of her tears falling down her face.

  What am I doing? I really need to get out and relieve my stress before I screw up again.

  Without warning, she told Marty she had to hang up, secured her phone in her pocket, grabbed her keys and wallet and fled to the street.

  Driven by a mixture of high anxiety and distress, the tears were blinding as she dashed across the street to the beach. She needed to keep walking, to feel the comfort of the water splashing against her legs. Before she made it to the ocean, a sudden wave of exhaustion descended over her. She sank to the sand, resting her face on her knees.

  “Are you okay?”

  Somewhere in the distance, Kristen heard the soothing voice. She slowly opened her eyes, struggling to see through the glare of the sun, annoyed that she'd forgotten her sunglasses. When she realized there was actually someone crouching down beside her, she flinched. Gradually, the image of the pretty young woman’s face became clearer, allowing calmness to take over.

  “Let me help you to the shade. This heat is murder when you're so pregnant like that!” Offering her hand, she waited for Kristen to give her a sign of acceptance.

  Rubbing the perspiration from her face, Kristen surprised herself by allowing the stranger to yank her to her feet. With a little effort, they located a bench hiding under the shade of a few palm trees. A sudden harsh breeze slapped through the large leaves, swirling a handful of sand onto them.

  “Wow, it's not even hurricane season yet, but it’s been super windy!” The woman scrunched her face, shook her thick, curly brown hair to expel some sand, brushed off the bench with her towel and beckoned. Kristen released a grateful sigh and sank onto the seat. Finally able to focus, she checked the woman out, taking in her firm, tan body clad in a bikini top and cut-off jean shorts. Her insecurities escalating, she tugged her oversized tee shirt across her pale, bulging stomach.

  “I'm Alicia.” She stifled a laugh. “Just for the record, I live a few buildings down, and I don't usually pick up to strangers on the beach.”

  “Kristen. Pleasure to meet you, and I'm glad I was the exception.” Observing Alicia’s widening grin, Kristen guessed she was in her late twenties, a few years younger than she was. “I can't wait until this kid is born!”

  “I'll bet. I don't have any yet, but I have tons of nieces.” Her eyes gleamed. “Can I ask you something?”

  “It depends what it is,” Kristen joked, beginning to recover. She stretched her legs out, burying her toes in the cool sand.

  “I've seen you down here a few times already and you always seem so sad. I don't want to pry, but is the father helping you out?” She lifted her sunglasses from her eyes.

  Something in those warm, light brown eyes drew Kristen in—they looked honest, compassionate. It prevented her from growing defensive, but she took her time answering. “That's pretty straight forward, especially since we just met a second ago. Are you from New York?” Now her own eyes sparkled, hopeful for a connection.

  Alicia chuckled. “Yes, but I lived in Puerto Rico for five years. I just moved here a year ago. I can tell you’re a native New Yorker—you just dodged my question.”

  “Born and raised!” Kristen smiled wistfully. “I'm married, but this baby was an accident. Let's just say he could care less.” She watched Alicia squirm, recognizing that it hit home with her. “What about you?”

  “I've had my share of crappy relationships. The last jerk I left in Puerto Rico. I'm taking a break and concentrating on getting my nursing degree now. Time for me.”

  “I hear you.” Kristen cast her eyes downward, her face shielded by thick strands of hair. “Life can suck sometimes. I don't even know if this baby is his.”

  How strange it feels—I’m opening up to total stranger. She needed to confide but at the same time averted her gaze. It felt less personal that way.

  “Holy shit!” Alicia exclaimed.

  Stunned by her reaction Kristen's eyes darted to her face. Pushing her hair back, her confidence boosted. I need this. It’s been way too long.

  “That's exactly what I said when I found out. Well, one more month until the moment of truth.”

  Reaching into her beach bag, Alicia pulled out an apple and bottle of water, offering them to Kristen. On the verge of dehydration, Kristen drained half the bottle in one long gulp. The bright red tint of her skin faded back to normal. For a few minutes they ate and drank in silence. The wind picked up speed, then died down again.

  “It's cool you're going for your degree. I was a paralegal before this. Now, who knows,” she reflected, her eyes shadowed with doubt.

  “Hey, don't give up. You have a beautiful new life coming into the world. Even if it doesn't work out with your husband, you have him to live for. And you can always go back to work.” Alicia smiled.

  Kristen nodded, lost in thought. “Why'd you say him?”

  “Just a hunch I guess. Why? Is it a boy?”

  Kristen's face lit up for a second, her hair shimmering with varying hues of copper and gold as the sunlight danced through it. “Yeah, I've been trying to choose a name. Logan doesn't even care about that.”

  A touch of sorrow appeared in Alicia’s eyes. “He's your husband?” Kristen nodded. “Hmm. Is there someone else? I mean, what about the other possible father? Do you talk to him?”

  It was unusual how reassuring Alicia’s presence was to her.

  “Not really, he's in New York.” A strange, bittersweet feeling took hold of her, allowing her to relax and reflect. The loud screeching of seagulls swooping down into the ocean brought her back to the present. She eyed Alicia with heightened enthusiasm. “Hey…what do you think about Alex?”

  “That’s a really cool name!”

  Kristen leaned back, losing herself in the moment, unable to wipe the smile from her face.

  Alicia glanced at her phone, breaking the peaceful aura. “I have to get going. Let me give you my number—in case you need a friend to talk to or whatever.” She returned the smile, scribbling on a post-it and handing it to her.

  Caught off guard, Kristen slowly rose to her feet, putting the post-it in her pocket. She wasn't ready to leave. It felt too good to talk to someone who understood her. “Sure. Oh, by the way, if you know anyone who wants to do some part time nanny or housekeeping, can you hook me up? I never had to look for one before. I don't have a clue.” She shrugged as they walked to the street.

  “I'll check. Text me your number. Take care, Kristen. See you again soon, I hope.” After clasping Kristen’s arm for a second, Alicia darted across the street, turning to wave.

  Kristen took a deep sigh as she entered the lonely condo. After logging Alicia's number in her phone, she sent her the text. Kicking off her flip flops, she laid back on the sofa, closing her eyes. It had been a long time since she'd felt the slightest bit of encouragement. Her thoughts drifted back to a time when Logan filled that void, followed by Jake. But those days had come and gone, leaving behind nothing but emptiness. Now the possibility that her life would once again include someone she could really relate to, who had experienced similar hopes, dreams, and heartache, was thrilling. Smiling again, she abandoned herself to the promise of a peaceful sleep.

  LOGAN

  Nick sauntered up to the poolside Tiki bar of the trendy South Beach hotel, La Fresca. As soon as Logan saw his long face, any hope of an enjoyable afternoon disappeared. Nick gave him a swift pat on his shoulder and gestured to the waitress for the drink list. Logan massaged his neck, desperate to alleviate the sharp pains that had been plaguing him from the moment he drove up.

  Nick watched him like a hawk, grimacing when Loga
n’s phone vibrated, and a concerned expression took over.

  “Can't she leave you alone for one second? Damn! I'm glad I'm not married!” Nick snarled, downing his gin and tonic.

  “She's pregnant, what do you expect?” Logan muttered, reading the text and sending one back. “I'm glad it’s not me.” He grinned.

  Nick rolled his eyes dramatically, then looked at him like he was insane once again. “That's the excuse for everything these days, huh, Logan?” He frowned, stubbing out his cigarette.

  “Here we go,” Logan said under his breath as he finished off his beer and signaled for another.

  “Let's move to a private area.” Nick picked up his glass, motioning for him to follow.

  Logan grabbed his beer and the bowl of chips with a loud grunt and went after him. Nick sat back, mellowing out, but it wasn’t working for Logan. He felt the heat rising in his face from Nick’s scrutiny and rushed to order something harder.

  “At least you're looking better. That's good news.” Nick gave him the nod of approval. “The guys from NYC have a lot of promising ventures coming up, and you're gonna have to rip yourself apart from your wife. Maybe get her a nurse or something.”

  Nick’s harsh tone made it painfully apparent to Logan that it was more than a suggestion. Just what I need, right when she’s about to pop! This isn’t going to be an easy ride.

  He sulked, bowing his head as Nick continued.

  “We may have to go to the city for a few days. I'm not sure when. It's big bucks, Logan and I don't want it screwed up, you hear me? If you do it right, maybe it will lighten up that debt.” He lightly slapped his face.

  Logan flinched at the memory of the loan he should never have accepted. And he despised it when Nick acted out, treating him like he was one of his gangster friends or worse yet—some low life asshole.

  “That's cool man, but I need to be close for the next month. We don't know when she's gonna have it. She needs me now.”