A Sea of Smoke_A Dark Romance

by Karen Lynn

  Too late for that—an officer stood sternly in front of them.

  “We need you to clear the area and move to the side,” he instructed in a gruff no-nonsense manner, shooing them off. “Did you witness the incident?”

  Kristen opened her mouth, then froze. Jake chimed in, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “Nope, we were on our way out and didn’t see anything.”

  “Same here.” Micky cleared his throat, checking his watch for the third time.

  The officer eyeballed them briefly, huffed and shook his head in agreement. After scribbling down their contact information for future reference, he trotted off to another potential witness. An over-zealous reporter stormed over, excited to get an interview. Kristen hid her face in Jake’s chest, seeking refuge in the warmth of his body. By that time a large crowd surrounded the yellow accident scene tape cordoning off the immediate area. Not wanting to waste a second, the reporter lost interest and scooted into the crowd to search for another candidate to propel her to fame.

  “Let's get out of here.” Jake wrapped an arm around her waist, guiding her to the street.

  So much for the final test. No matter where this goes from here, all that matters right now is her safety.

  When they reached Kristen’s car a few blocks away, she held onto his hands, pulling him to her. “How did you know I was here?”

  Despite having cleared his throat, Jake’s voice stayed hoarse and low. “You mentioned it yesterday. I had a bad feeling…” His words trailed off. After pausing to sigh and regain his poise, he searched her eyes. “Aren't you happy I did?”

  “That's why you came, you had a feeling something bad would happen?” She blinked back the tears, incapable of words that could express the true extent of her feelings.

  “You never even answered my texts. If I didn't care so much you could be...” Shaken beyond comprehension, he couldn't go on.

  Seeing him so affected shook her up her even more. “Jake, I don’t understand, it’s like a horrible nightmare. Why...” The tears streamed down her face, as it all sank in.

  “Kris, I'm just happy you didn't get hurt. If something happened to you...” A tremor shot through his body, the trauma shedding new light on the depth of his love.

  “So you're not mad at me then?” She ran her fingers along his arm.

  He couldn't contain a gigantic smile. “Maybe later, when I get over the shock. For now, you're safe.”

  They kissed with renewed urgency. When they broke apart his skin tingled, more from a feeling of gratitude than desire. If Nick is actually dead, someone else did me a big favor. Maybe the stars are lining up for me after all.

  * * *

  It took a few hours, fervent sex and a nice buzz, for the agitation to wind down to an exhausted, numb calm. Kristen was desperate to wipe the entire day from her memory, but couldn't stop wondering why Jake followed her to the courthouse. As much as she hated disturbing the blissful atmosphere and risk stirring things up, she couldn’t resist.

  “Why were you really there today Jake?” she whispered, stroking his chest.

  “I told you baby, you don't believe me? You think I was spying on you?” He rolled onto his side, supporting his head on an arm to scrutinize her.

  She raised her eyebrows in affirmation. “Were you?”

  He laughed sitting up, his tone serious “You want total honesty?”

  She nodded. “Like you do.”

  “Okay. You got it, but you're not gonna like it. I was ready to fuck up that Nick asshole big time if he touched you. I was about to mess him up right when I saw that other guy coming at you. At that point, the only thing I cared about was protecting you.”

  “Oh my God!” She gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “I thought I felt something hard in your pocket.”

  “Nobody rapes a woman I love and gets away with it! I just got lucky— someone else did it for me this time.”

  “How did you know he’d be there?”

  “Just a feeling.” The fire in his eyes was replaced by a faraway look, the vision alive in his head.

  “But... why? You could've ended up in prison for murder.” It doesn’t make any sense at all. How could he risk everything? With hard breaths she clasped his hands in hers, combing his face for a clue to the puzzle. Her troubled eyes knocked him back to the moment.

  “Yeah, but at the time it didn't matter. Now I'm glad it worked out the way it did, especially since I have a gift for you.” He smiled, leaping out of bed.

  She stared after him in wonder as he ransacked one of his dresser drawers. After a few seconds he stood breathless and flushed beside her.

  “Close your eyes.”

  Unable to tear her eyes away from his, the perplexed look in her face deepened.

  “Come on, or I can't give it to you.” His voice remained calm and gentle as he prodded her. After she finally obeyed, he fumbled with the box to get the ring out, deciding to just go ahead and slip it on her finger. He wasn't into the traditional kneeling routine. Besides, he didn't want to give her the opportunity to reject him. He knew it was stupid, but his nerves prevented him from thinking straight.

  Kristen sat with her eyes closed. She felt him pushing the ring onto her finger and couldn't stop the tremors rattling her body.

  “Okay, okay, go ahead—open them.”

  It was no use trying to hide the moisture in his eyes or eagerness in his voice. When her eyes fluttered open, her hand shook so violently it was hard to hold it up. He grasped it, holding it steady.

  The tears flooded her face as she blinked in disbelief at the diamond ring. Once the initial astonishment passed, she burst into a short bout of hysterical laughter. “Jake Wolf, are you asking me to marry you?”

  “What do you think? Well?”

  “Why aren't you on your knees then?”

  “Baby, I don't get on my knees for anyone!”

  “You want an answer or not?”

  “You’re not getting out of that bed until you say yes anyway.” He moaned, dropping to the floor and taking her face in his hands.

  “I'm on my knees all the time for you. Now it's your turn.” She grinned motioning for him get to it.

  Rolling his eyes, he exhaled before he spoke. “Kristen Gold, will you marry me?”

  Shocked he remembered her maiden name, her face lit up like a full moon on a clear night.

  “What do you think?” After a long, deep breath and dramatic pause that drove him crazy, she opened her eyes wide. “Yes!” She pulled him to her holding on for dear life, too overwhelmed to utter another sound.

  They clung to each other until his excitement wore off enough to speak without cracking.

  “What was so strange with that hard thing you felt—aren't I always hard for you?” With a devious twinkle in his eyes, he held her back, examining her.

  “Not in your pocket, big shot!” She giggled.

  “Really? Are you saying it's not big enough to reach that far?”

  “Maybe!” She knew where her provocation was headed and smiled, enjoying every second of the sexual tension it produced.

  “Then let me teach you a lesson.” He pushed her back on the bed and moved on top of her. “This will be your first fuck as an engaged woman, so pay attention.”

  In a minute she was gasping with pleasure, unable to think let alone pay attention to a lesson.

  Neither of them were concerned with the fact that she was still married.

  WEDNESDAY

  Kristen couldn't stop staring at the small diamond sparkling on her finger. For the first time in years she felt fulfilled and overcome by a surreal sense of security. Her beautiful baby and his amazing father, soon to be her devoted husband. What more could she possibly want? Whatever he had done in the heat of the moment was irrelevant. He was the man who had risked his life for her—the only reason she was still breathing.

  Jake was still at work when Alicia came over that afternoon. Kristen couldn't wait to flash the ring and gush about how thrilled she w
as. Alicia appeared flabbergasted about both and Kristen got the impression she was happy for her, yet the strange look on her face made it hard to confirm.

  “Kris are you sure about this? I mean, you're not even divorced yet. Did you set a date?”

  “Not yet. And yes, I'm positive. I'm sure I couldn't find a better man than Jake. And he's an awesome father.” She was becoming uncomfortable by Alicia's reaction. And suspicious. “Why? What's wrong?”

  Alicia shifted her weight around, dodging her eyes. “You don't think you should take a break—give yourself a chance to heal?”

  She is always so negative and so cautious it borders on paranoia. Scratching her head, Kristen sighed. “Not really. Besides, he wouldn't go for that.” Listening to her own reasoning was unnerving. Every time Alicia came back at her this way, it threw her off.

  It has to be right; Jake loves me with all of his heart. Even when I lied and cheated, he never gave up on me. There’s no doubt in my mind he would do anything for the two of us. He works hard, is kind, considerate, super-hot, and a great lover. What else do I need?

  “That's what I mean! He has to get over always expecting everything his way and you giving it to him because of his tantrums.” Alicia knew she was pushing her boundaries but cared too much about Kristen to drop it.

  Kristen contemplated her words, frowning when she recalled Ruby’s almost identical warning.

  “It won't be for a while anyway. Besides that was all because of Logan…” If I really believe it, why can’t I look her in the eye?

  “Hmm, if you say so, and, since you brought it up, what about Logan? I hate talking about him—you know I can't stand his sorry ass. But what about you?” She stared at her.

  “Logan?” Kristen tensed. She hadn't allowed herself to dwell on him since Nick's shooting.

  “I saw the news. That was his partner, wasn't it, Nick you said?” Alicia continued.

  Kristen’s eyes jolted open “Was? He died?” She and Jake had purposely avoided the news afterward. Then his proposal and the feverish lovemaking further distracted them, purging it from their minds.

  “You didn't watch it? Yeah, he died. I thought I saw a flash of you on the news and I knew you were at the courthouse.”

  “We didn't know he died…” Kristen stared into space, motionless.

  Disregarding her disturbed expression, Alicia leaned in. “They’re linking it to Gina. They say he worked for her father, a body guard or driver, Roberto, something like that, I think...” Her voice trailed off as soon as the color drained from Kristen’s face.

  “Why would he do that?” Kristen twirled the ring in amazement. Gina’s shooting? Will they go after Logan too? And what about me and Jake?

  “Last I heard, they were questioning him. Did you know him?”

  Kristen grabbed her head. “Who?”

  Sighing, Alicia refused to back down. “Gina’s father.”

  “No… I don’t get it; Nick wasn't even there when it happened. Do you think Logan's in danger?”

  “I don't know Kris, and that’s exactly what I mean—it's not your concern anymore, Logan fucks up royally all the time. If you were still with him, I hate to even think about what could’ve happened!”

  But I’m the one who shot her, and Jake was involved too. Gina is out of the coma and obviously talking. Kristen couldn’t control the shivers, even as she hugged her arms to her chest.

  “It affects us too, Alicia. Both of us. We were there. If they want revenge...” A debilitating chill stopped her. As paranoia took over, she regretted confiding in Alicia to begin with and feared refreshing her memory with too much detail.

  “I have to tell Jake.”

  “Kris, wait! Don't freak out, tell him later. I'm sure you guys have nothing to worry about.”

  But Kristen's mind was on fire. Maybe we shouldn't postpone the trip to Oregon. She gave Alicia a desperate look, and kept her mouth shut.

  * * *

  Jake sensed her turmoil the minute he walked through the door. So much for the unusual harmony, it was nice while it lasted. Is she changing her mind? Fearing the worst, he grabbed a couple of beers, desperate to ease the mental anguish.

  “Nick died!” She burst out, as soon as he lay back on the couch. “It's all over the news, the guy that shot him worked for Gina's father!”

  His body stiffened. “Hmm, probably just a coincidence—business deal gone bad or something. Why, you don’t think it had to do with her shooting, do you? He wasn't even there.” Pulling her with him as he sat up, his eyes landed on the ring, before lifting back to her face. It was flushed with apprehension.

  “I don't know, it's so strange—why would it happen at the hearing? I’m scared they'll come after us...” She purposely avoided mentioning Logan.

  “And Logan? Is that what you're really worried about?” His eyes tore into her.

  How does he always get into my head? “No Jake, but it did cross my mind.” She looked away, just as his grin caught her eye. “You know we have to wait a few months after the divorce is finalized before we can get married, right?” Alicia is right, I need to stop worrying about his outbursts. Then why am I rushing to change the subject? She didn’t have to think too hard—the answer was clear: her craving for serenity that had been missing for most of their relationship was too strong.

  “Of course I know that. I'm patient now, remember?” His eyes twinkled. The unusual happiness had him pumped up—he hated busting the bubble with negativity or arguments, but the sudden image of Micky nagged at him. “Can I see those papers Micky gave you?”

  It took her by surprise and the concern flickered in her eyes as she retrieved the envelope. I cannot believe I never even checked the documents! What is he up to now? As a token of trust, she waited until they reviewed it together, holding back a sigh of relief. Just the usual divorce papers and retainer agreement. “Satisfied now? I forgot to check it. I’ll sign it tomorrow and send it back.”

  “Sign it now.” The grimness in his face was impenetrable. He handed a pen to her.

  Frowning, she flashed her eyes over the contents a second time, scribbled her name and flung it back at him. The baby’s whining grew louder. She rose to get him, glancing back over her shoulder.

  Jake's eyes locked on hers. “What's the problem? I want this over with as soon as possible. Don't you?”

  She rolled her eyes, disappearing into the bedroom.

  The rising irritation dissolved once she caressed Alex's silky curls. “Was that a smile? Is it too soon?” she called out unable to contain the mounting excitement.

  “I think he was smiling at me!” Jake teased, ruffling her hair as she settled down next to him with Alex in her arms.

  “Who would smile at you?” Struggling to keep her lips from curling into a huge grin, she gave Jake a hard pinch. After a short silence, she remembered another troubling issue. “Now that Nick's dead, I have to handle our properties. Logan wanted the condo here listed with a realtor and I have to handle the Brooklyn one also.” She huffed at Jake’s muffled groan.

  “Whatever, baby. Handle your joint business and all that divorce stuff since he’s locked up, but after he's out and you're divorced that’s all history. Just remember, once we’re married, you're all mine—no more Logan period. Okay?” He held her face close to his.

  “Okay.” It was a slow, forced response and she couldn’t hide how uncomfortable his ultimatum made her. “And what about you?” Cuddling the baby, she avoided looking up at Jake.

  “What about me? You know I'm committed to you. I always have been. Why, you don't trust me?” A haze of pain spread across his face.

  “I just wanted to hear you say it.”

  The walls were closing in on her. As the heat rose, she staggered to her feet for Alex’s bottle.

  “I'll get it.” He gently took her arm, restraining her. “I am very serious. And you better be too,” he called back walking away.

  She rocked Alex without answering.

  “Did you h
ear me?” He sat down next to her, handing over the baby's bottle. In an instant, eager slurping noises filled the air. Jake took his time, his eyes warming as he watched his son. “When you agreed to marry me, you sealed that commitment. I don't take marriage lightly and you shouldn't either. It may have been a game with him, but it'll be different with me. I'm giving you a chance to back out now. After that, if I ever catch you with him, he's dead. Ok?”

  Okay? How was killing him okay? She swallowed hard. “Yes.”

  “Good. Oh, and if something goes wrong, and you don't keep your word, after I kill him, I can't say what I'll do to you.” He gave her his most deadly serious look, then broke into a wide grin.

  She wasn't convinced by the grin, and gave it some thought. “I love you.”

  “That's not the answer I'm looking for Kristen. Well?”

  With a deep breath she met his gaze. “I'm committed to you too Jake...” She gulped, lifting the baby to her chest. “And I want to marry you, but...” His frown warned her he wasn't buying it.

  “But?’ The frown deepened. Fidgeting from mounting uneasiness he unscrewed another beer bottle, downing most of it.

  Aware she had to find a way to convey her fears, she gazed at the baby’s happy face, found the strength she needed and exhaled. “Remember those red flags we spoke about after we met?” Not giving Jake a chance to interrupt, she rushed on while she still had the courage. “I feel like you’re trying to control me.” Now’s the time Kristen—tell him the rest. “And I won’t deal with that anymore.” From anyone.

  The dreadful silence compelled her to glance up at him. Although it appeared he was lost in another world, his dull eyes were glued on her. The unusual, passive reaction made it much harder for her and she couldn't stand it.

  “Jake…are you gonna say something?”

  “I don't know Kristen. What do you want me to say—forget it, give the ring back? You're a free woman, do what you want. You always do anyway.” He took Alex from her intending to burp him, then realized he needed to calm down first. Instead he held him tightly and marched across the room.