What the Heart Needs Read online

  * * *

  Metal pressed against Layne’s back as he slammed into the car. He didn’t have time to react to the throb before Nate got in his face.

  “What the hell is wrong with you, boy? I thought we were on the same side?”

  “I’ve never been on your side, Nate.” He pushed the older man back, doing his best to cool the rage inside him. Nate didn’t want to go down this road. Not now. “All I wanted is for Dylan and Heaven to slow things down. You,” he snorted, “You want to harm her.”

  “I want her to leave my son. Which may not happen unless she ceases to exist.”

  Layne knew Nate had a twisted mind, but the madness spewing from his mouth took on a whole new level. For the life of him, he couldn’t figure out why Nate hated Heaven so much. How could anyone hate a person with such a gentle heart?

  “If you think that getting rid of Heaven will help you regain your son, you’re delusional. She is his life. You hurt her, you hurt him. Don’t you get that?”

  “I know how to help him recover.”

  Did that mean Nate had a plan to get rid of Heaven? The icy shiver crawling up Layne’s back hinted to yes. Not that he would let it happen. Even if he had to out himself to Heaven, he’d be damned if he played a part in her destruction.

  “You really are a sick son-of-a-bitch. I don’t know what you have planned, but I do know this much. I’ll be damned if I let you harm her.”

  Nate grabbed him by the shoulders, pushing him back against the car. “Listen here, son. You’ll keep your damn mouth shut. You forget that I helped make you who you are today. Are you ready to give up this life? I know how much you enjoy being in the spotlight.”

  “None of this will matter if I help you destroy their relationship. Dylan means too much to me.”

  “Don’t you mean, Heaven?”

  The weight of the words nearly knocked Layne to the ground, but he couldn’t let Nate know how close he came to the truth. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “I know, son. I can see it in your eyes. The way you kept guarding her from me.” Nate’s voice went dangerously low as he tapped the side of Layne’s face. With a sinister smile, he released Layne’s shirt, brushing it off at the shoulders. “You’re in love with your best friend’s girl.”

  Fuck.

  “You’re insane.”

  “It’s okay, Layne. It happens. I understand more than anyone. I’ll tell you what. If you can make her fall in love with you, I’ll spare her life. I just want her away from my son.”

  Like that would ever happen. He knew Heaven would never love him. And he couldn’t betray Dylan. Not after all they’d been through.

  Layne stepped away from the car. He tossed his hair from his face, leaning in closer to Nate. “I’m not in love with Heaven. Have you forgotten that I’m involved with her sister?”

  “Are you? Or is that relationship just a cover up for how you really feel?”

  “I’d never betray Dylan like that, even if I did have feelings for Heaven, which I don’t.” He jabbed his finger toward the driveway, still glaring at Nate. “Take your warped brain and get the hell out of here.”

  “You don’t have to lie to me, Layne.”

  The more Nate lips curved upward, the more Layne had to fight the urge to punch him. The sick bastard was enjoying this. As much satisfaction as he’d get from hitting him, it would only make Nate more suspicious of his feelings for Heaven.

  Struggling to push back the anger, Layne moved around Nate. He gazed at the door a moment, ready to go check on Heaven. But not before he offered Dylan’s dad one last warning. “Nate, so help me God, if you don’t leave them alone, you’ll be the one destroyed. Don’t mess with me or my friends.”

  “Making me leave doesn’t solve anything. This isn’t over. If you care anything about that girl, you’ll do whatever you can to split them up. If you don’t, I will.”

  A bomb exploded inside Layne. With a surge of energy, he spun around, grabbing Nate by the shirt. A crack resonated from the window as he smashed Nate into it. “You hurt her and I promise you, Nate, you won’t live to see if your plan works out. I’ll make sure of it.”

  Nate didn’t answer. A groan poured from his mouth as the scent of burnt flesh filled the air.

  * * *

  Dylan paced the bedroom floor for the hundredth time before kneeling down in front of Heaven. Of all the times for their connection to start fluctuating, it had to be now. He needed to know her state of mind. Tapping into her emotions was the best way to accomplish that. But no chance in hell of that happening, now. Not when her energy vibrated like a plucked guitar string.

  “Heaven,” he whispered as he cupped her face.

  The heat of her hand wrapped around his wrist. “I’m fine. I’ll call a doctor on Monday and get checked out. I think the confrontation had my heart pumping too much. Just relax.”

  “I’m going to kill him,” he growled as he pushed off the floor, returning to his pacing. Damn his father. He needed to get it through his head that he and Heaven were together. Always had been, always would be.

  “Don’t worry about your father, Dylan. I will handle him.”

  His eyes darted toward his mother. Just like her to go to battle with his father for him. She’d done it all his life. But he couldn’t let her keep doing it. For Christ’s sake, he was a man. He could handle his dad on his own.

  “Stay out of it, Mom. You’ve fought with him for as long as I can remember. It’s time I take care of him myself.”

  “You don’t know how to handle him like I do. I have years of experience, kiddo.”

  True enough. He’d like to know how she got through to his dad. He couldn’t count the times his father had came to their house, pissed enough to hurt her. Or him. Yet his mom always managed to make his father back down. Maybe his dad still cared about her after all. Or she had some type of secret on him.

  “It’s more than experience, Mom.” He stopped near the window, gazing down at his friends huddled near the edge of the patio. Still drinking and chattering. About the spectacle his dad made, no doubt.

  Focusing back on his mom, he noticed her placing her hand on Heaven’s forehead. She must have felt his eyes on her. In a matter of seconds, she dropped her hand to pat Heaven’s cheek then backed up to the door, giving him her undivided attention.

  “A negotiator couldn’t get through Dad’s hard head. What do you have on him? You mentioned something about the past.”

  He hoped his comment would spark a reaction, but he should’ve known better. His mom had one of the best poker faces, ever. She knew how to mask her feelings, too. He couldn’t get a reading on her.

  “I know things about your father that he doesn’t think I know. But it’s not my place to share all that with you. Not yet.”

  Not yet? What the hell was she hiding? He wanted to ask her, but the hum of Heaven’s vibration wrapped around him. Each ounce of guilt weighed on his heart. Did she think she was responsible for what happened with his dad?

  He left his place by the window, taking long strides until he reached the bed. Carpet cushioned his knees as he drew her to the edge, curling his arms around her waist. How familiar this felt. Just like the first time his father tried to convince him to end things with her. The same night he confessed everything.

  “This isn’t your fault. Stop thinking it is.”

  Heaven leaned forward until her forehead rested against his. Warmth spread across his cheeks as she cupped them. “I promise you, I’m okay. Please, calm down. Your vibrations are making me nauseous.”

  His vibrations? Hers were making his head swim. How could he ease the worry coursing through him when he knew how upset she was? He inhaled her sweet scent, hoping like hell it would help. If he calmed down, maybe she would do the same.

  It must have helped. The hum between them slowed until a comforting surge of trust filled his soul. He tightened his arms, pressing his cheek against her chest.

  “Run away with me. W
e’ll go some place secluded. Just the two of us. I want to marry you now.”

  It might be a long shot, but he had to ask. If this much craziness unfolded during their engagement party, what the hell would happen on their wedding day?

  A low chuckled filled her chest, tickling the side of his face. “It’s very tempting. Trust me. But my mom would be heartbroken. I want her to be there, Dylan.”

  He knew she’d say that. Not that he blamed her. He wanted his mom to be there, too. Guess he’d better figure out a way to keep his dad from crashing the wedding.

  A gasp from his mother drew his eyes toward the door. The crease between her eyes deepened as she pursed her lips. Her thinking look. One she normally got when her intuition kicked in. She’d picked up on something.

  “I’ll be back in a bit. There’s something needing my attention.”

  She couldn’t have been any more vague if she’d told him a riddle. He didn’t bother asking what she’d sensed. The door swung open as she stepped into the hallway. It had to be something to do with his father.

  Focusing his attention back to Heaven, his fingers curled around her neck. When he titled his head up, she brushed her lips across his. “Stop worrying. You’re not going to lose me. I’m yours for life.”

  The heat of her mouth covered his, forcing the other thoughts from his mind. Just what he needed. Sweet mint filled his mouth as their kiss deepened, reminding him of the promise he made her earlier. And he would fulfill that promise, as soon as their friends left.

  Pulling back from her lips, his fingers caressed the curls dangling around them. “For life…I love the sound of that.”

  She would be his for life. God help the man who tried to prevent it.

  * * *

  It didn’t take a clairvoyant to see that Heaven and Dylan would be fine. Delia never doubted they wouldn’t be. Now if Nate would open his eyes and let go of the past, everyone could move on. Regardless of whether he did or didn’t, Dylan would move on. With Heaven.

  The bond between them increased each day. Neither realized how much. She knew they were bound as much as they did, but a new sensation teased her belly, making her insides dance. She really needed to do a reading

  Before she gave it another thought, the hair on her neck rose. That only meant one thing. Nate was still up to no good. Knowing his present company, she rushed out the door and down the steps as quick as her legs would carry her.

  Stupid, stupid man. He honestly thought his irrational behavior wouldn’t get him into trouble. As tough as he pretended to be, she knew that one day, someone would put him in his place. She’d always figured it would be Dylan. Maybe Layne would do it instead.

  The moment she stepped outside the front door, she heard Nate’s groans. Guess Layne had taken matters into his own hands. Whatever he was doing to Nate, he didn’t deserve any less, but the louder his moans grew, the more she worried. About Layne.

  Racing over toward Nate’s car, the strangest scent penetrated her nose. Burnt hair perhaps. It didn’t matter. She needed to separate these two before they killed each other. Lord knows Nate wouldn’t think twice about following through with his plans to hurt someone.

  Yet Layne seemed to have the upper hand.

  As much as she’d enjoy watching Layne knock some sense into Nate, it wouldn’t change anything. And Nate would be hell bent on punishing Layne.

  “That’s enough!” She hoped yelling at them would be enough. But with the amount of testosterone raging between them, neither wanted to back down. Wedging herself between them, a bead of sweat formed at her neck. She ignored the tickle in her gut as she pushed and pulled until Layne released Nate.

  “Layne, go back into the house and calm down. I’ll get Nate out of here.”

  “You’d better, Delia. I swear I’m going to break every bone in his body if you don’t. When Dylan hears about the threats he made against Heaven, he’ll finish him.”

  Threats? What in the world had Nate mouthed off about now? How she wished she had the abilities of an influencer. She’d convince him to go to the deepest recess of the earth and never return.

  “Go ahead and tell him, Layne. It won’t change the facts. All the facts. Even the ones you’re trying to deny.”

  “Stay away from Dylan and Heaven.” Layne paused between his labored breaths to steal a glance at Delia. “Good luck dealing with his warped brain.”

  Delia nodded, watching him walk toward the front door. At least one of them had some sense. It definitely wasn’t Nate. Speaking of which…

  Once the echo of a closing door sounded from behind, the space between them decreased.

  “You’re lucky that boy didn’t beat the hell out of you. God knows you deserve it.”

  Nate snorted as he looked down at his arm, rubbing the spot Layne had clenched in his fist. “He has no idea who he’s messing with. You know I could have snapped him like a twig.”

  “Then why did I hear you groaning?” Her eyes darted to the car. “Judging by the crack in your window, I’d say you should give Layne more credit. You’re lucky I stopped him.”

  Nate turned to assess the damage on his car. He trailed the crack with his finger as a rumble shook his chest. “I’ve known that boy most of his life. Why would I hurt him? He’s not the one destroying Dylan.”

  “She’s not either, Nate. Heaven loves Dylan. If you hadn’t chosen this dark path years ago, you would see that.”

  “Whatever, Dee. We know nothing about this girl.”

  Someone had removed his memory, or hate had eaten the logical side of his brain. Probably the latter.

  “You know that’s not true. We know more about her than you think.”

  “Does that mean she has one of their abilities or just Dylan’s?”

  She’d be lying if she denied wondering the same thing. But even if Heaven had other abilities—their abilities—they’d be great ones to have.

  “You and I both know how powerful she might be. And we both know that scares the hell out of you.”

  “You know nothing.”

  God, he was stubborn. She stepped next to him, touching her finger to the crack in the glass. The nagging feeling returned to her gut but she pushed it from her thoughts.

  “I know that your jealousy led you down this path years ago. I just hoped one day you would make your way back. Guess hating them is more important.”

  “This isn’t about that and you know it. It’s about giving Dylan the happiness we never had.”

  “Heaven will give that to him. I swear to you, they are not the unfortunate pair.” She traced the crack on the window, wondering how hard Layne had pushed Nate into it. Her stomach did a somersault.

  Nate’s hand brushed against hers as he felt the glass, too. “You know you can’t stop me from separating them.”

  “It’s too late, “ she whispered, meeting his eyes. “They’re not just bound anymore. Other things are in motion.”

  “What things? Did you see something in your cards? Damn it, Dee, he’s my son. I have a right to know.”

  Shaking her head she turned from the car and from Nate. The less he knew about her reading, the less chance he had of using her knowledge against Dylan. “You gave up that right when you started interfering with them. But I will tell you this. Seeing Heaven today only confirmed what my gut is telling me. Something is in the works, Nate. Something you won’t want to mess with. Unless you want to destroy our son.”

  CHAPTER 8

  Dylan gripped the crumpled newspaper as he stood by the staircase. The same newspaper that his father used to cause a scene at his engagement party. The one that had a mob of paparazzi standing at his front gate, waiting. Some with questions. Some with sarcasm. All with little black cameras.

  His stomach rolled each time the photo entered his vision. To know someone stole their intimate moment and shared it with the world. He wanted to hit something. Not just because they had their privacy invaded. Because someone he knew exploited his love for Heaven, making a moc
kery of it. The tactless article beneath was proof of that.

  Neither the article nor the photo could capture the emotions running through him that day. The love. Hope. Anticipation. Fear. And it all exploded with one word. Yes. Spoken from Heaven’s lips, it set every cell in his body alive.

  This paper twisted all those emotions into something scandalous. His father had to be at fault. Of the four people who knew the security code, he would gain the most by allowing a paparazzo on the estate. At least knowing this photo burned his dad made it a little tolerable.

  His eyes trailed up the staircase. He wanted to go to Heaven, to take her in his arms and shut out the rest of the world. She needed it as much as he did. The hum of their connection wrapped around him, settling into a steady thrum. While the day’s events still weighed on her, the bath was helping. Thankfully Hope insisted she take one.

  The weather strip swished across the floor, drawing his attention to the front door. Layne stood there, his jaw clenching when he met Dylan’s gaze.

  “What’s the damage?”

  The click of the knob resonated through the hallway as the door closed behind Layne. Shaking the hair from his face, he made his way to the staircase, stopping just a few feet from Dylan. “I’m guessing there’s at least twenty of them. Hard to tell when they swarmed each car that pulled out. I didn’t see your dad or Susan among them.”

  He wouldn’t either. Susan already had what she wanted. His and Heaven’s faces smeared all over the tabloids. He’d know for sure if she’d snapped the picture when he viewed the security footage. Regardless of whom it turned out to be, the guilty party could count on ramifications. A trespassing charge would be the least of their worries.

  A rip echoed in his ears. Inside each of his hands laid the paper, jagged edges lining the top and bottom. Good. This piece of trash didn’t deserve to see the light of day. Why couldn’t Sid Baker still be on staff at Truth? At least he would have warned Dylan about the article.

  “I wish that paper had been the only one,” Layne said, stretching his arms toward Dylan. “Whoever did this wanted it to be big.” Clenched inside his hand lay a folded newspaper, atop its delivery plastic. It looked nothing like the one Dylan just tore. He’d ended his subscription to Truth after the first photo leak. But if the one inside Layne’s hand had the same photo…