What the Heart Needs

by Kelli McCracken

  It should be him lying between her thighs, giving her every ounce of himself. Making her call out his name. Not his! He should be kissing her neck. Should be feeling her legs wrapped around his waist. Should be pumping his hips, thrusting in and out of her.

  That son-of-a-bitch was in his place!

  Hate poured through his heart with each rapid beat. He wanted to hurt him for touching her. For doing the things to her that he was supposed to do. She’d given her innocence to that devil.

  Bastard.

  Hope he enjoyed her while he could. Because she wouldn’t be his for much longer.

  CHAPTER 12

  Dylan scanned the shale wall spread about the estate, looking for a break in the structure. Knowing a reporter snuck on the property to take pictures unsettled him. As did the information Heaven revealed to him last night. Even if he suspected his father was behind both incidences.

  The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became. The texts. The package. The way he taunted Heaven at their engagement party. Somehow, his father found out about Mick. Now he was using the pain of her past to scare her.

  Asshole. The sooner he removed him from their lives, the better.

  Continuing his path up the northern section of the wall, he checked the last few feet for a secret entrance. But he found nothing. No one could breach the property. Unless they had superpowers. Which most people didn’t have, save his mom. The people wanting past this wall had the power to spread gossip, not the power to leap tall structures.

  The front gate still held the privacy stealers at bay. He hadn’t wasted any time inspecting that location when he began an hour ago. Save a few newbies looking for the first break at a big story, the other paparazzo had either gone home or camped in their cars. But they’d be back. They always came back. He’d deal with them when he left for town.

  Making his way back to the house, a tinge of happiness fluttered in his heart. Whatever Heaven and Hope were talking about had her in good spirits. Which relieved him. She needed a break from the madness. They both did. And they’d get that break tonight.

  The front door swept open as he stepped inside. Cool air greeted his face, blowing a wisp of hair from his eyes. He focused on Heaven’s energy, feeling the pull of her soul coming from the kitchen. Guess she and Hope hadn’t left their spot at the table. Judging by the rich aroma floating through the hall, they were still drinking coffee, chatting about wedding plans.

  No wonder Heaven’s pulse warmed him from head to toe. He loved it when she was happy. It made what he was about to do worth it.

  Pushing the door to a close, he made his way toward the kitchen, allowing the sound of Heaven’s voice to soothe his anticipation. The less she knew about his plans the better. She had enough to deal with. Going home. Seeing her parents. Announcing their engagement to her father. Before he saw it in the paper. Yeah, she definitely didn’t need to stress about anything else.

  His shoulder brushed against the wall when he stopped under the archway. He gazed into the kitchen, following the path of light shining in from the window. It landed on Heaven and Hope. The sisters sat side-by-side at the table. Their heads nearly touched as both pointed to the pages of a bridal magazine, giggling.

  The idle chatter faded from his thoughts. Savoring this moment meant more than listening to what they said.

  This was the way things should be. Heaven enjoying time with her sister. Settling into her new life with him. Planning their wedding, their future. Not caring about who wanted to end her life.

  Excitement twirled from her soul until it wound its way around his. It made his lips curl upward. Especially when he knew she’d sensed him.

  He waited, somewhat patiently, for those gorgeous eyes to fall on him. Kind of like a fan waiting for their favorite band to step on stage. But better. And when she turned her head in his direction, his heart leapt from his chest.

  “Are you heading out?”

  He nodded, his eyes lingering at her hips as she pushed out of the chair. Funny how such a simple gesture could make him want her this much. All she did was stand. It’s not like she’d given him her seductive brow pop. The one that made what little resolve he had snap like a twig. Yet, he wanted to carry her upstairs. Wanted to spend the rest of the day, curled in the bed, bodies intertwined.

  Their connection hadn’t just heightened. It had shot into space. How much stronger would it get? At this point, being apart from her for very long left an ache nothing could resolve. Nothing but being with her. If their bond grew any stronger, neither would get anything done. And they’d end up with ten kids.

  Tiny sparks spread across his skin when she wrapped her arms around his waist “Did you find what you were looking for?” she whispered.

  “It took me all morning, but yeah. Everything’s good.” He gazed at Hope to see if she was listening, but her eyes remained on the magazine. Brushing a few curls from Heaven’s neck, he planted a kiss near her collar. “No one is getting on this property unless they have the new code or ask to be buzzed in. You’re safe.”

  “I never doubted that.”

  Good to know she didn’t. Of course, he’d doubted enough for the both of them. Which was fine. He’d rather carry their burdens.

  “I’ll grab your new phone while I’m out. You concentrate on packing for our trip. We’ll leave early so we can have dinner before we go to the airport.”

  Heaven’s eyes fell from his, but not before her anxiety pushed through their connection. She didn’t want to make this trip. He couldn’t blame her. The thought of meeting her dad had him on pins and needles. Especially knowing what they were about to tell him.

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t get us on a flight last night. But we’ll get there before your dad does. Relax.”

  She nodded, giving him one last squeeze before breaking their embrace. “I’m fine, Dylan. No worries. Do what you have to do so you can come back to me.”

  Sliding back into the hallway, he pulled her with him. His heart squeezed at the chuckle slipping past her lips. He’d never tire of that sound. Or of her. Once this bad stuff passed, he’d make sure she laughed every day.

  His hands gripped her hips. He pulled her closer until her body leaned into his. Silky curls covered his fingers as they glided into her hair. For a moment, nothing else existed. Just her, the way her eyes danced with humor, the feel of her body in his arms, the sweet woodsy scent of her skin.

  He drew in one last breath, their breath, before his lips brushed against hers. “I won’t be long. I promise. You’ll be back in my arms in a few hours.”

  “I’ll be here,” she teased, brushing her lips back against his. “I’ll always be here.”

  He knew she would. He’d kill to make sure of it.

  * * *

  Heaven plopped onto the sofa, tucking her feet under her bottom. She eyed the cup of coffee she’d carried from the kitchen. Best not to drink anymore. She’d have to make a million trips to the bathroom, today. Just like yesterday. And the day before. Stupid weak bladder. She didn’t want to deal with it on the trip. Taking the midnight flight home was bad enough.

  A faint pitter-patter drifted to her ears. Hope sat in the recliner, tapping the screen on her phone. Most likely texting. Perhaps Scott.

  No. Not with the way her brows knitted. And she was doing her nose twitch, which usually meant one thing. Frustration. Every throb of her energy confirmed it.

  “You okay, sis?”

  “Humph,” she grunted, making a few more taps on the screen. “Define okay.” She released a sigh, dropping the phone into her handbag before blue eyes returned to Heaven. “Physically? Yeah, I’m fine. Mentally…I’ll get back to you on that one.”

  Not a typical Hope response. But then again, nothing between her and her sisters had been typical lately. And the more Hope stared at Heaven, the more Heaven could sense her need to vent.

  “If you’re worried about me, don’t be. But if it’s Faith…”

  Hope rolled her eyes befor
e standing from the chair. “I trust Dylan to protect you. Faith, on the other hand, I can’t help but worry about her. This whole mess with Layne has changed everything.”

  Had Faith told Hope about the pregnancy? They could have discussed it yesterday while they were shopping. At least she hoped. It would be a relief to know that someone else knew Faith’s secret. Hiding her pregnancy brought about a new level of stress. Something Heaven couldn’t afford.

  “We’ve worried about her since we knew how to worry. That will never change, Sis. Faith is who she is.” Didn’t mean they liked it, but family was family. She couldn’t turn her back on either of her sisters. Ever.

  Folding her arms across her chest, Hope moved toward the picture window. “Maybe things will turn around once she and Layne part ways. Those test results will factor in, too. Guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

  Heaven replayed Hope’s words. Then again. But each time she had the same impression. Hope didn’t know. About Faith or their future niece or nephew. If the child had a future.

  Why hadn’t Faith told Hope? She never came to Heaven with a secret. Not one time. Hope never waited for Faith. She always pried the info out of their sister. One of her many talents in dealing with the wild child.

  “Are you talking about the test results?”

  Hope nodded, her eyes still focused out the window. “Yes. She gets her results, today. She just texted me, letting me know she’s on her way to the doctor’s office.”

  Not only had Faith kept the news from Hope, she outright lied to her. She had her results, except for knowing how far along she was. If she didn’t keep the baby, Hope would never know the truth. Faith would expect her to take the secret to the grave.

  What a mess. One Heaven had to forget about for now. If she wanted to keep her sanity.

  “If she doesn’t call you before you leave, I’ll let you know. Just don’t say anything to Mom or Dad. I’m sure you can keep them busy enough with your own news.”

  Guilt heated Heaven’s cheeks. She and Hope didn’t keep secrets. Especially ones about Faith. But now that Faith confided in her, she had to make a choice. Keep Faith’s secret or betray her.

  God, she didn’t need this drama. Maybe that’s why Faith confessed. To torment her. If Heaven let it slip, she’d never hear the end of it. And Hope would definitely confront Faith for not only hiding her pregnancy, but for lying about today.

  Swallowing the bitter lump in her throat, Heaven decided to keep the ruse going. “I’ll let Faith drop her own bomb on our parents. Trust me, I want no part of that conversation.”

  “I’m sure I’d get dragged into it if we were back home. We both would because we’re supposed to be looking after her. Why is Dad so blinded to her faults?”

  “I don’t think he’s blinded to them. He knows that she’s not going to change. We’re his last hope of keeping her safe.”

  Pushing away from the window, Hope shuffled across the floor, dropping down into the recliner with a thump. “That reminds me. I meant to apologize to you for stepping in the other day. When Faith smacked the crap out of Layne. I had this feeling like I needed to talk to her. She’s a mess, Hev. A big, red, fiery ball of bad things about to happen. Big red ball…really red…”

  Hope’s gaze fell to the floor. Whatever troubles played in her sister’s mind left her eyes void of expression. But her vibrations wound against Heaven’s soul, pounding harder every second.

  “You’re talking in riddles, Sis. I’m not following you.”

  Blinking her eyes twice, Hope pressed her palm against her head, as though she had a migraine. “I’m sorry, Hev. I don’t know how to explain what I’m feeling. Don’t ask me why, but I relate people with colors. Their disposition decides the shade. I’m like a walking, talking mood ring. What the hell is wrong with me?”

  “You’re asking the girl who can read people’s emotions?”

  Hope finally cracked a smile. It wasn’t like her to get worked up over something. Unless it had to do with Faith. Whatever she just experienced left her shaken and confused.

  “Guess you win the freak-of-the-month title, this time.”

  Struggling for a comeback, nothing witty came to mind. Only haunting words.

  It’s your ability to feel another person’s energy. Their psychic energy.

  Damn it! She needed to talk to Delia.

  * * *

  Heaven tossed her cell phone back onto the cushion in frustration. Delia’s phone keep going to voice mail. Not that she had time to worry about it now. She hurried across the foyer, sliding part of the way once her socks made contact with the wood floor. Whoever stood on the other side of the door had no patience. Two back-to-back knocks. Now the doorbell.

  Warm eyes greeted her when the door swept open. As did a wave of heat. She should have known it would be Layne. The vibrant pulse of his energy became more familiar each time he came around.

  “Hey Heaven. Sorry to drop in like this. Is Dylan here?”

  Didn’t he always drop in? This was his best friend’s house, after all. She didn’t want things to change between him and Dylan because of her. She stepped from the doorway, waving him forward. “Not at the moment. He ran into town to do some errands. I stayed to pack.”

  “Yeah,” he mumbled, stopping short of one of the carry-on bags lying near the hallway table. “I forgot that you’re making a trip home. I won’t keep you.”

  He turned to leave, but a part of her didn’t want him to go. Not with the way his energy kept churning. She didn’t know why she felt the need to coddle him like a child. Maybe because he needed someone. God knows he couldn’t count on Faith.

  “It’s okay,” she said, closing the door behind her. “Most of it’s finished. And Dylan should be home soon. You can hang out here until he gets back. Unless you have something else to do.”

  Shoulders slumping, Layne tucked his hands into his pockets. His face crumpled, as though it pained him to speak. “I do. Maybe.”

  “I’m…not really sure what you mean by that.”

  “Faith sent me a text earlier.” He pulled the phone from his back pocket, glancing over the screen before slipping it back inside. “She said something about stopping by to get some of her things.”

  Probably after her appointment. Great. Faith had her results. Like it mattered. She didn’t want it either way. “So it’s really over between you two?”

  Layne nodded as he leaned against the railing. “It’s best this way. Staying together will only make us miserable. As well as everyone around us. I’m sure Brooke will be pleased.”

  His vibrations betrayed his words. He didn’t want her to know how he really felt. That losing Faith did more damage to his ego than any other woman he’d been with. The player was being played. No man wanted to look like a fool, yet Faith had managed to do it to him several times. Twice at the party, when she hit him. Now she was leaving him.

  “Does it bother you that people are talking about this?”

  “Not really,” he shrugged, scuffing his shoe against the floor. “People have talked shit about me my whole life. But they don’t know me. The real me. Very few people do. Dylan does. Scott. My mom. And you.”

  Her? She barely knew him. Short of the stories Dylan told her. And Faith. “We’ve been friends for less than a week. How can you say that?”

  The walls seemed to close around her. Or maybe it was the fact that Layne had moved from his spot near the stairs to just a foot away. “Because I’ve opened up to you more than I have any other women. Including your sister. It’s easy to talk to you.”

  She’d been told that before. By many people. But hearing those words from Layne affected her differently. The way his voice softened had her cheeks flushing.

  “Maybe because there’s no pressure to impress me. You’re not trying to get me in bed.” Dear God, she actually said that aloud. Layne’s jaw tightened as he stepped back. “I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. It came out wrong.”

  “No, it didn�
��t,” he snorted, shaking his head as he stared at the floor, “but that’s okay. I know I have a reputation. I brought it on myself. Even prided in it. But I’m no different than any other human being. I hurt. Bleed. Want to be loved.”

  If he knew how well she could read his emotions, he wouldn’t continue lying to her. She knew he didn’t like his reputation. Yeah, he enjoyed the attention women gave him. Enjoyed all the perks that came along with his celebrity status. But somewhere in his past, sex became his coping mechanism. From what, she couldn’t say, but something or someone had hurt him. Scratch that. Someone burned him.

  “There is a great girl out there for you, Layne. She’ll give you all the things you want in life. It happens when we least expect it.”

  A low chuckle rumbled from his chest. “I like the whole soulmate theory you have going on, but there is no one for me. I’ll never have what you have with Dylan.”

  Fire shot through her belly when he turned away. If he really wanted to be her friend, he had to quit hiding his feelings, had to quit lying to her. He could have what she and Dylan had. He just didn’t want it.

  “How can you be so sure? We all have another half. A person that completes us.”

  Turning on his heel, his angry eyes met back with hers. “We’re not all as lucky as you and Dylan.”

  The words bit at her heart even though he winced at his own voice.

  “I’m sorry, Layne. I didn’t mean—”

  “Don’t apologize.” The weight of his eyes burned her to the core. But she didn’t speak. Only released the breath she held when he snapped at her. “I had no right to yell at you. I’m just frustrated. You see, there is—was—someone who I thought…I mean, she really…she made me feel for the first time in a long time.”

  Maybe Faith hadn’t been the only cheater. Unless this woman was from his past. If he had a second chance at happiness, he should take it. “What are you waiting for? Ask her out.”

  “I can’t.” he mumbled, walking aimlessly around the foyer. He finally stopped beside the living room entrance, gripping the wall as he hung his head. “She isn’t…interested. Or available. Honestly, I’m not either. Not emotionally.”