What the Heart Takes

by Kelli McCracken

  “Just a few days.” She was grateful for her friend interrupting her trip down memory lane. Her glass clinked against the table as she set it down and concentrated on Chelsea. “We’re heading back to Brightsville on Sunday to spend some time with our parents. Delia came in to see us too. We’re all staying at the house.”

  “Are you going to stick around for Easter?”

  Heaven steadied the pulse of her energy. She didn’t want Dylan to sense how much Chelsea’s question upset her. Would she be around to celebrate the holiday or would Nate succeed with his plan to kill her?

  No sooner than the thought cascaded through her mind, Dylan shot her a set of folded brows. He must have sensed her worry, but he wouldn’t say anything in front of their friends.

  Pressing her lips tighter, her cheeks heated under his scornful stare. “Yes. We plan to stick around for Easter. Hope and Scott are flying in next week.”

  Dylan slipped his hand under the table, caressing her leg as he smiled. His energy settled back to a normal rhythm, yet she could still sense his worry over what she’d said. She didn’t doubt they’d discuss it later. For now, he turned back toward Kyle, who continued rambling about the technical difficulties they experienced in Lansing.

  Chelsea took another big gulp of her drink, smiling behind her glass as she swallowed. “What about Faith? Is she coming in from New York?”

  “She’s already at the house.”

  “Really?” Chelsea’s eyes widened. She sat her glass back on the table but continued staring in Heaven’s direction. “Wow. I figured she’d stay in New York. How is she?”

  Faith would be pissed if Heaven answered truthfully. She didn’t want anyone to talk about her life, especially someone who knew she had a secret relationship. Though she hadn’t confirmed her feelings with words, her actions and energy said plenty. She loved this man. Every ache of her heart proved that and more.

  Heaven couldn’t betray her by giving away any details about their relationship. As far as she knew, Faith hadn’t told Brooke about it either. She couldn’t tell Chelsea.

  Struggling to come up with an answer, Heaven blurted the first thing that came to mind—a long time favorite response. “Oh, you know Faith. She’s being her normal self. A bitch.”

  The answer didn’t pacify her friend. She pushed her fork through her vegetables, spreading them around her plate. “Brooke said she tried to call her but couldn’t get through. She said something about her cell getting shut off or her number changing. I don’t remember which now.”

  Faith had changed her number. Guess she’d been too caught up in her own world to bother calling her best friend with the new one. Typical Faith. No one else’s problems mattered when she was in a crisis, or any other time for that matter.

  “I don’t know for sure what’s going on with my sister. We aren’t on the friendliest of terms.”

  Gazing up from her plate, Chelsea showed off her pearly whites and laughed. “Were you ever?”

  “Touché.” She smiled when Chelsea raised her glass. “I’ll tell you what I’ll do. When I get back to the house, I’ll tell Faith to call Brooke. It will make it easier for your sister to update her contact info. There could be a glitch with her phone. Technology is quirky like that.”

  “Yeah, you’re probably right. Oh! Speaking of my sister. Guess what she texted me the other day?”

  Chelsea waited until Heaven shrugged before she dug her phone from her purse. She tapped it with her finger, flicking the screen a few times until her blue eyes roamed across. “Here it is. Her text says, ‘Looks like we’ll be setting a date soon. I found a ring in his carryon. Will keep you posted.’”

  Finally. Someone had good news for a change. Heaven was sick of all the drama that had taken over her life. She wanted to be normal. She wanted to celebrate things like her friend’s engagement, without having to worry about whether she’d be around to attend the wedding.

  “That is awesome news, Chels. Tell Brooke congratulations. I guess it’s time for you to repay her for helping you with your wedding.”

  “Ugh. I know,” Chelsea said, pretending to strangle her neck. “She’s going to be a total diva. It would be like Faith getting married and you having to help her plan it. What a nightmare.”

  Heaven snorted at the thought. She could handle a nightmare, could wake from a terrible dream without any repercussions. Planning Faith’s wedding would be hell on earth.

  At least she didn’t have to worry about it happening anytime soon, if ever. Faith had too many other issues to deal with. If she was a part of the unfortunate pair, there was a chance she would never get married.

  * * *

  The door to the hotel room clicked shut once Dylan pulled it closed. He stared at Heaven, paying extra attention to the hum of their connection. Though no negative vibes radiated from her, he sensed a certain level of distance between them.

  While Chelsea and Kyle kept them occupied most of the day, he hadn’t noticed anything bothering her, not since the worry he’d felt while at lunch.

  Her silence continued to stir the questions in his mind, especially when she slid the balcony door open and stepped outside. It was cold. She’d even commented about it when they first arrived back at the hotel. Why would she return to the chilly air unless it was to clear her mind?

  Or did she want away from him?

  He recalled the events of the day, wondering if he’d somehow missed a clue as to what upset her. He tossed the room key on the stand beside the bed and mulled over the thought while making his way to the balcony.

  Heaven stood at the far end, her eyes fixed on the quarter moon above Lake Erie. It cast a faint light over the water, just enough to see a delicate ripple near the shore. A slight breeze came in from the north, blowing her hair about her shoulders. Her sweet, earthy scent lingered within it. He inhaled a breath, allowing it to clear his head so he could center himself and focus on their bond. Staring at her made it difficult to focus on anything but the need in his soul, the need to feel her skin next to his.

  The cool night air swept over him the second he stepped onto the balcony. He didn’t care about the way it made his skin prickle. Wanting his wife proved his only desire. She would always be his only desire. He prayed he’d be her only one too.

  Refusing to think about his conversation with his mom, he came to a stop behind Heaven, wrapping his arms just below her breasts. He eased her toward him until her back warmed his chest.

  “Are you okay?”

  He whispered the words in her ear, then buried his nose in her hair. The distance he’d sensed in her eased when she turned her head in his direction. Golden eyes locked with his, revealing within them a small sense of uncertainty.

  “I was thinking about how crazy our lives are and how much crazier they’re going to get.”

  “Don’t think about that,” he said, pressing his finger to her lips. “This weekend is about us, not the craziness surrounding our lives.”

  “I know,” she mumbled behind his finger, “but—”

  “No buts. We don’t know when we’ll get this type of privacy again. When’s the last time we made love without the fear of Layne hearing us?”

  Unable to deny his point, she pressed her lips back together, keeping them as such when he pulled his finger away. She knew as well as he did that they hadn’t had that type of privacy since the first three days of their honeymoon.

  Cupping his hand around hers, he stepped toward the sliding door, urging her to follow. She did so without reluctance. When they reached the door, he waited for her to enter first before joining her. The track squeaked when he pushed the door to a close and drew the blinds.

  Once he sat on the edge of the bed, he patted a spot beside him. Heaven didn’t hesitate in the least. The mattress gave as she eased onto it, leaving little space between them. He fought against the urge to strip off her sweater and jeans. They were blocking his view of her body, but he couldn’t give in to his need just yet. There was more he ne
eded to say to her.

  “Listen to me,” he whispered, lacing his fingers with hers. “Mom made me realize some things the other day, like how unfair I’ve been to you and Layne regarding your connection.” He raised his hand when she tried to speak, motioning for her to wait. “I know it’s my issues causing the problem. I have to let go of my fears because Layne is what will keep you safe. Things are going to change when we go back. So please, Heaven, please give me one day of nothing but you. Give me one chance, one moment, to feel like we have a normal life.”

  He said nothing more as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. The first sweep made her body tense, but the second had her leaning closer. By the time he parted her mouth with his, she was all but putty in his hands.

  Coming to a stand, he pulled her to her feet. He ran his hands beneath her sweater, working it up and over her head. The garment landed on the carpet not long before his shirt joined it. He circled around her, trailing his fingers across her exposed skin. One finger hooked under her bra strap, tugging it down her shoulder. When he slipped behind her to undo the hooks, she sucked in a deep breath.

  A gentle tug brought the other strap down her arm, and as his fingers followed it, he pressed his lips to her shoulder. The sweet scent of her skin intoxicated him. He’d never be able to satisfy his hunger for her, would always want more of her time, of her touch, of her love.

  As he worked to remove what was left of their clothing, the view in the end was well worth the wait. She gazed over her shoulder, catching him admiring her naked flesh. Her cheeks flushed when they made eye contact. Anxiety spiraled within their connection. Maybe it was excitement that he’d misconstrued. It was hard to focus on anything other than the need throbbing in his groin.

  The mattress gave beneath him as he sat on the edge. He grasped her hips again, guiding her down to his lap so that she faced away. Yet the moment her toes left the floor, her body tensed in his arms. She grabbed his leg and pushed herself back to her feet.

  “Heaven?” he questioned, reaching out for her, but she avoided his touch.

  “I can’t do this.” The words were merely a whisper, one she uttered as she turned her back to him. “It’s awkward. I’m…I’m too…I’ll crush you.”

  He couldn’t contain the laughter bubbling in his chest. It came out as more of a cough, but gained him a set of knitted brows. “Are you serious?” Silence filled the air while he waited for her to answer him. She didn’t. “Why would you think such a thing?”

  “I’m nearly eight months pregnant, Dylan. I’m huge.”

  “No, you’re not.”

  “You have to say that. You’re my husband.” She shook her head, moving her foot forward, but he was on his feet in less than a second. He grabbed her wrist, easing her back against his chest.

  “I don’t know what you see in the mirror, but the woman standing before me is beautiful. I love every part of you, especially this part.” He rested his chin on her shoulder, gazing below as he stroked the side of her stomach. “This is us, remember?”

  Her profile revealed her quivering lip as she said, “I know, but…”

  “Heaven…” Silky skin teased his fingers as he caressed her face, urging her to look at him. “I can barely tell you’re pregnant.”

  Another quiver of her lip led to a full pucker. “Great. Now people will think this is my natural shape.”

  “No, they won’t.” Slipping his arms inside hers, he circled her waist, kissing a trail to her ear. “I said I can barely tell, not that I can’t tell. Who cares what anyone thinks anyway. I think you’re beautiful and sexy. You drive me crazy with want every time I look at you. Do you know why?”

  She shook her head, pressing her lips together so they wouldn’t tremble. He wished she could see herself through his eyes. Then she’d know how beautiful she was, would know that every time he saw her swollen belly, she stole another piece of his heart.

  “It’s what’s in here, Heaven.” He tapped his finger over her heart. “You’re beautiful, inside and out. That beauty stems from your soul, and our souls are intertwined. How could I ever not want you?”

  “You say that, but look how long it’s been since we’ve made love.”

  “Because of Layne, not you. I know you feel my emotions. Do you feel anything different?” She gazed over her shoulder again, meeting his eyes. Her lips hovered not far from his, making it hard for him to remain unaffected by his need. That same need throbbed harder, begging for a release only she could give.

  When she finally shook her head, he nodded. “That’s right. You don’t feel anything different because nothing’s changed. I love you, Heaven. I love everything about you. Please, let me show you.” His lips swept over hers, teasing them ever so softly, and then he whispered against them, “Make love to me.”

  He waited to see if she would object. The pulse of her energy shifted from fear to desire, and once her tension faded, he gave in to the same desire coursing through him.

  The sweet scent of her skin filled his nose when his lips returned to her shoulder. He grazed a section with his teeth, careful not to press too hard. One swirl of his tongue had her leaning into him, her head to the side. It gave him ample access to her neck and he took advantage, suckling the area below her ear.

  A moan escaped her mouth. The sound made him hard, rock hard, to the point he’d be in pain if she didn’t satisfy his hunger.

  He eased back onto the bed, not far from the edge, urging her to come with him. She did this time. The warmth of her bottom met his lap. He couldn’t understand why she’d been so nervous. She was as light as a feather.

  His hands gripped her hips, squeezing them gently as she draped her legs over his. Damn, she felt good hovering just above his hardness, especially when she arched her back. Her bottom rubbed against his length, making him pulse harder. A groan rumbled in his chest a moment later.

  She was driving him mad with desire. From the subtle grinding to the heavy breathing, every move, every sound, increased his erection.

  Lifting her just a little, he pressed his tip to her entrance, enjoying the moistness that greeted it. The heat of her hands warmed his thighs as she held her weight just above him. He couldn’t wait to be inside her, to feel the way she tightened around him with each thrust he gave her. If she made him wait much longer, he’d go insane. He’d waited long enough.

  The desire maddening him was worth the wait in the end. She released the tension in her arms and slid onto him, inch by throbbing inch. Delicious heat sheathed him in the sweetest, slowest motion.

  Another moan vibrated in her chest, sending a surge of desire from his gut to his groin. He couldn’t think of a more beautiful sound. No ballad came close. It was the truest love song ever written, and each note called to his heart, his body, his soul.

  Buried to the hilt, he pulsed inside of her when she tightened around him and rocked her hips. He curled his fingers over her curves, pushing and pulling her bottom in rhythm with his thrusts. Each time he drove deeper, she wiggled herself against him.

  His energy crashed with hers, twisting and twirling until the two became one, just like their bodies. The awkwardness she felt earlier disappeared. She raised her arms, locking her hands behind his neck. He released his hold on her hips and trailed one hand up her side. The goose flesh spreading across her skin brought a smile to his face, as did her labored breaths.

  As his hand continued upward, he teased her silky skin, working his way to her hands. He captured her wrists, holding them together. She tried to work them free, gasping when she couldn’t. She moved her hips faster, taking him harder, deeper. He fought to keep his seed from releasing in her depths. He couldn’t give in to his desire yet. Not until she reached climax first. The way her body writhed against his said it wouldn’t be long.

  She ached for him. The source of her ache lay nestled between her thighs, begging for release. His fingers itched to touch her, to relieve the ache that had her gripping his length again and again.


  He slid his other hand from her hip, trailing it down her leg. When he reached her knee, he curled his fingers underneath and pulled back. Her legs opened further in the process, exposing the part of her he longed to caress.

  A soft whimper filled the air when he pressed his fingers against her flesh, paying extra care to the sweet little nub begging for his touch. He wanted to run his tongue over it, suckle it into his mouth until she screamed in pleasure. If she didn’t feel so good riding him maybe he would. Then again, they had the whole weekend. She’d melt under his tongue before it was over.

  His current kisses were doing a good job as it was. Each swirl he gave her increased the speed in which she rocked. Her cries grew louder, longer, hotter than the last.

  When her head fell against his chest, little spasms pulsed within her warmth. Each one tightened around him, making his eyes close and his breath quicken. He wouldn’t last much longer. He couldn’t. The ache built, coalesced, and consumed all that was him, all that was her.

  “I love you,” she whispered. The sweet sound of her voice had him fully erect and fully aware of how hard she clenched his length.

  “I love you too.” He whispered the words back, brushing his lips against hers when their eyes met. “Nothing will ever change that.”

  He meant every word of it too. Nothing would change his love for her. Not his father, not her Keeper, not this crazy journey ahead of them. He’d love her until he took his last breath.

  Focusing on the thought, he caught her lips between his, suckling them until her labored breath turned to panting. Each one beat against his mouth, mixing with his heavy breaths. Her body continued to work above him, but he stilled himself, watching in awe as her profile revealed closed eyes and folded brows.

  A few more glides from her, a few more swirls from him, then everything exploded. She exploded—around him, atop him, through every inch of him. His name left her lips, over and over, just like the way she clenched his hardness, again and again.