What the Heart Takes ~ Soulmates #3

PROLOGUE

Fire spread through Layne’s hand as he hit it against the wall at his back. The longer he stared at the bedroom door, the more he wanted to tear it down. It was the only thing standing between him and Heaven. The only thing preventing him from making sure she was okay. Every inch of him pulsed with a driving need to be near her. A need he couldn’t satisfy.

So maybe the door wasn’t the only thing keeping them apart. Not if he counted Dylan, which he had to considering his friend barely let him speak to Heaven since his arrival.

He’d done as Dylan asked. To wait three days before joining them in Montego Bay. Had kept his promise to remain at a respectful distance for a week. He’d successfully done so for three days. Until thirty minutes ago, when he watched Heaven run from the beach to the cottage. Then the pull overpowered him.

Though he knew his duties as a Keeper, it didn’t make understanding them any easier. Especially the bond he had with her, the constant pull that ate him alive. There was no way he could have remained in L.A. any longer, and while he appreciated at least being able to see her, keeping his distance grew tougher.

Now he had to wait for Dylan to deliver him news. Judging by the hostility he’d witnessed from his friend, Layne doubted he’d get the truth.

Dylan would never let him protect Heaven. Not at the level she needed to be. The level her father expected him to fulfill. He knew the road to regain Dylan’s trust wouldn’t be easy, but his friend promised to try. Yet somewhere between L.A. and Jamaica, he’d changed his mind.

The flash of a sunray on a nearby vase captured Layne’s attention, drawing his eyes into the sitting room. But he couldn’t escape the question in his mind. Had Dylan finally picked up on it? The fact that Layne had lied through his teeth. He did a damn good job of hiding the way he ached to be near Heaven. Even denied that ache when his friend had asked if he was in love with her.

He hated lying to Dylan, but the truth would have cost him their friendship. Besides, Delia said his feelings would change. He’d get use to his bond with Heaven. Find the balance. Settle into his roll as her Keeper.

But would he ever care for her any less? Yeah…care for her. That’s what it was. That’s all it could be, because admitting anything else would destroy everything he loved.

A soft groan came from the door hinge. He shifted his focus back to the object that once held his undivided attention. A tiny speck of hope flitted its way across his heart at the thought of seeing those bright, beautiful eyes that calmed his soul. Then the door swept open, revealing nothing more than his retreating friend.

Suspicious eyes trailed him from head-to-toe before moving past him toward the sitting room. Any second Dylan would pass him, withholding the explanation he needed. He had to remind himself not to demand answers from his friend. The less Dylan questioned his loyalty to their friendship, the more time Layne would get with Heaven.

Still, he needed something to silence the questions in his mind.

“Is she okay?”

Glaring in his direction, Dylan closed the door behind him. Three steps brought them within a foot of each other. “She’s fine. Don’t worry. You can head back to the beach. The sooner you learn the area, the better.”

Layne bit the inside of his jaw, fighting back a burst of irritation. So they were going to play this game?

Like hell.

“I want to talk to her.”

Dylan gave him another lookover before shaking his head. “Maybe later. She’s resting.”

Maybe later? Did he plan to hide her in their room for the rest of the evening? There was no point in doing that. Unless… “Are you hiding something from me?”

“I said she’s fine.”

Dark eyes pinned Layne to the wall, but he wasn’t about to leave without answers, no matter how many death stares Dylan gave him. “Come on, dude. I can tell you’re lying. I’m her Keeper. I have a right to know.”

Leaning in closer, Dylan gritted his teeth, spitting out the words, “You have no rights to Heaven. And you’re not the only one who can protect her. You’re the back-up plan.”

“I’m the only plan we have. Which isn’t that great to begin with since we don’t technically have a plan.” Not even a joke wiped the anger from Dylan’s face. Damn. Getting back in his good graces would be harder than Layne thought. He pressed his back to the wall, gauging his words before he spoke them. “I thought we were working through this, for Heaven. Even your mom said I’m supposed to be in her life.”

Dylan sent his fist to the wall beside Layne’s head. The crack of his knuckles resonated in Layne’s ears just a moment before his friend’s voice. “You’re walking a thin line, Layne. Back off.”

Guess he hadn’t chosen the right words. Or maybe he had. Maybe Dylan would never get over the kiss.

“Would you quit reading into everything I say? I told you, I’m sorry. What else can I do?”

“Do you really want to know the answer to that? Because you going to hell is my first suggestion.”

Too late for that. Layne was already in hell. Every second Dylan kept him from seeing Heaven increased the torment.

“I don’t want to fight with you. I just want to check on her. If it makes you feel any better, I’ll stay by the door. Just let me see her with my own eyes.”

“No.” Dylan growled the words before wincing. He took a step back as he slumped his shoulders. “Look, I know you’re worried about her, but I promise she is fine.”

“You also promised that we’d work through everything that happened so we could keep her safe. Your promises are hollow, Dylan.”

“I am trying, Layne. Believe me.” His eyes shifted to the spot where his fist had landed. “The dent in the drywall is proof of how much I’m trying.”

“Gee, I feel so much better.”

Pushing off the wall, Layne sidestepped Dylan, moving toward the nearby window. He sucked in a deep breath as he gripped the sill. Bright orange flowers grew near the cottage. Their fruity scent made its way to his nose, helping to soothe his nerves. The urge to punch his friend decreased each time he inhaled.

He knew fighting with Dylan wouldn’t help Heaven. But would Dylan ever feel the same?

Steps sounded from behind as Dylan joined him. They stood in awkward silence for what seemed like a lifetime. Then Dylan released a sigh.

“We’ve been through a lot. You know that as much as I do. I just don’t know if it’s enough to help me forgive you. Regardless of how drunk you claim you were, the urge to kiss Heaven stemmed from somewhere.”

“I already told you, I would have kissed anyone that night. Even Faith, and she’s the reason I was out of my mind.”

“What the hell, man?” Dylan’s eyes locked onto him. He leaned in closer, forcing Layne to take a step away from the window. “This is why I can’t do this. You’re lying to me. My gut keeps telling me that your answers are laced with bullshit.”

“Dylan—”

“Shut up, Layne.” Dylan shoved his finger into Layne’s chest, knocking him to the wall. “You screwed up. Big time. You shouldn’t be rewarded any time with my wife. You’re not above punishment.”

“Seriously?” He shoved Dylan away before righting himself. Then he advanced on his friend, arms spread wide. “Do you think I want this? I gave up my life to protect your wife. I may lose my life in order to keep that promise.” His finger landed in the center of Dylan’s chest. “You have her. I have nothing. I never will. Isn’t that punishment enough?”

Knocking his hand away, Dylan turned to face the window, shaking his head at first. A snort filled the air a second later. Then he met Layne’s eyes. “Maybe it is. Especially if you’re in love with her.”

“I’m not in love with anyone. I care about her. About her safety. I have to figure out how to keep her safe, which will require your help.

“It’s good to know what your priorities are, especially since the stakes are a little higher than we first thought.”

Watching his friend take a step past him, a rush of fear coiled in Layne’s gut. He knew Dylan was hiding something. He had been since the wedding, because his attitude changed after the reception.

“What do you mean the stakes are higher?”

Dylan touched the vase near the sitting room entrance before shooting Layne one last glance. “You’re not just protecting one life anymore. You’re protecting two. Because Heaven’s pregnant.”

A surge of fire coursed through Layne as the curtains burst into flames.