Page 47 of Black Mark's Heart

"Mama used to stand here at night and dream of such a different future – one that involved being with the man I love, raising our family together," I told Jacob. He clapped his hands then put his face to mine as if to kiss my cheek. I smiled. "It was the best of my dreams."

"Rebecca said goodbye." Steffen stepped into the room behind me. "Her car arrived to take her and the children to the airport, so she had to hurry off," Steffen explained. "She said she will call you soon."

"I should probably go too..." My eyes drifted to the bedside table where a framed picture of Darius and I on our wedding day sat looking back at me.

Steffen saw what caught my eye. "Ah, yes. He used to hide it from me, but eventually, he started coming up here to remember you and didn't bother putting it away anymore." Steffen stepped forward, taking Jacob from my arms as I picked up the frame and examined the photo.

"I never got to see any of these pictures," I murmured. "I would have liked to have a copy."

"Take that one," Steffen suggested. "I'm sure the master won't mind."

"I'm sure he would," Darius's voice came from the doorway. He stepped into the room proper, his eyes unsure. He looked at me, and then noticed Jacob in Steffen's arms. His eyes became hard. Darius took the photo out of my hand and put it back on the bedside table. "What are you doing here, Mora?"

I opened my mouth to reply, but Jacob got in before me.

"Dada," Jacob laughed.

I turned around, astounded, only to find Jacob holding his arms out to Darius as he repeated his first word. Tears filled my eyes, torn between happiness and disappointment. Why did asking for Darius have to be his first word?

I went to Jacob with a smile. "Oh, Jacob. Your first words. Can you say Mama?" I asked.

Jacob reached out to Darius again. "Dada."

Darius looked ready to punch something. "Steffen, maybe you could take the child downstairs while I talk to Mora?"

Anger flooded my system. "No, it's okay. We were just leaving." I put my arms out to take Jacob back. Darius stepped forward, grabbing my arm to stop me.

"Why are you here? Did you need a walk down memory lane?" Darius snapped.

Jacob cringed at Darius's tone.

"I was invited here by your sister. She wanted to talk to me and meet Jacob," I snarled back, snatching my arm away. "Don't ever stop me from taking my son in my arms again."

Darius stepped back. "Steffen, a minute, please?"

Steffen gave me a look of reassurance. "I'll take Jacob downstairs to see the kitchen while you talk." Steffen left the room, closing the door on his way out.

"Don't start, Dare. I'm too emotional right now to do this," I warned. "I thought you'd be at work."

"Why did Rebecca want to see you?" Darius asked.

"To see how I was," I answered easily. It was the truth.

Darius considered me for a moment, and then he stepped to the window and looked out at the view. "Have you decided about the christening?" Darius asked.

"Yes, but it comes with a condition," I replied, watching him.

"What's that?"

I took a deep breath. "I'm having Jacob christened at the same time, so he'll be with me that night. I will stay with you, but so will Jacob."

"Mora," Darius groaned my name. "You are asking me to endure another man's..."

"I'll be your lover," I blurted before he could finish that sentence. Darius turned to look at me. I stepped towards him. "If you still want me, and if it's the only way I can have you, I'll do it." The tears fell and I swiped at them, not wanting to cry. "But I'm a package deal, Dare. Where I go, Jacob goes." My heart was aching to tell Darius that Jacob was his, but he needed to work that out. I wasn't ready to cut my throat for him yet, and that's what I felt like I'd be doing right now.

Darius assessed me with calculating eyes. I knew that look. I wiped the tears from my face and turned, walking out the door, before he could say something we'd both regret. I skipped down the stairs quickly, picking up my bag before going into the kitchen to collect Jacob.

"Thanks, Steffen. It was good to see you again." I kissed his cheek as I took Jacob from him. "Take care of him."

"I always do," Steffen answered, handing Jacob back to me. "He looks so much like his father."

"Let's hope he doesn't have his temper," I grumbled.

"Mora," Steffen touched my arm as I turned to leave. "He was shocked to find you here, and he's still coming to terms with another man being the priority in your life."

"Goodbye, Steffen." I took my son and left, too angry to care about my claustrophobia. I stormed into the elevator and hit the ground button. I looked at Jacob and rubbed his nose in an Eskimo kiss. "Your dad is an ass."

"Dada," Jacob smiled at me.

I smiled back. "Yeah, him too."

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