Page 61 of Black Mark's Heart

Darius shoved his hands in his pockets and looked me over. I saw his pupils dilate at the sight of me still dripping wet in only a towel, and knew what that look meant.

I kissed Jacob's head as he calmed and snuggled into sleep on my chest. "Think about it," I sassed, and shut my door.

He wasn't getting me again. We were done now until my birthday. If the first of November arrived, and Darius wasn't in my bed to greet the sunrise with me, we'd be done for good. I wanted that message to be clear. I heard Darius groan on the other side of the door.

"I'm trying, Mora," he bemoaned loud enough for me to hear.

"I hope so," I whispered. I locked the door and went to put Jacob, already asleep after exhausting himself crying, to bed.

***

"Lynwood Corporation, Wendall Boson speaking."

I hesitated. I'd called Warren's line, not the new assistant, who wasn't so new anymore. "Hi Wendall, it’s Mora Blake. Could I speak to Darius if he's available please?" I didn't hold any hope to get to talk to him now.

"May I ask what it involves, Miss Blake?" Wendall asked.

"It's a family medical matter, Wendall," I explained, hoping that would be enough.

"I'll just see if he's available, Miss Blake."

He put me on hold. If Darius was in thinking mode, Wendall wouldn't interrupt him. He'd send Darius an instant message with my name and what I was calling about. If Darius didn't respond within thirty seconds, then he was busy and he'd read his messages later. It was the system I set up so I didn't disturb him unnecessarily.

"Mora?" Darius's worried voice came over the line. "What's wrong? Is everything okay with Jacob? Is it the baby?"

"Calm down, Dare," I almost smirked. "We are all good. I thought I'd let you know I have the next scan tomorrow and I wanted to ask, since, I mean..." I took a deep breath. "We can find out at this scan if it's a boy or girl. Did you want to know?"

I heard Darius's seat creak as he sat back. He'd been having Jacob on Sundays for a month now and suggested last Sunday, after Jacob fell asleep in the car on the way home, that he might try having him overnight again soon. We'd kept our interactions at handover brief and to the point. I don't know how it was for him, but it was killing me to have him close and not touch me.

"I'd like to come," Darius finally revealed.

"Me too, especially with you," I moaned. "But let's get back on topic."

Darius laughed, "I didn't go off topic. I meant I would like to attend the scan with you, Mora."

"Oh." I felt myself blush bright red. Of course he meant that. I was the randy one thinking about sex constantly. "Damn pregnancy hormones," I muttered, realized I'd said it out loud and groaned. "Sorry."

Darius sobered, "Don't apologize for wanting me, Mora. Never apologize for that. I want you just as badly." Darius's voice dropped an octave and I swooned. "Let me come to the scan tomorrow, and then I'll take you home and make love to you all afternoon."

"I'm not working this week, so I have Jacob."

"Mora..."

"The scan is at twelve tomorrow," I cut him off. "Same place as last time." I hung up and sagged on the lounge. Couldn't he just be rid of the Fehu already? I wanted my husband, wanted to be a family together.

The moment I thought it, I scolded myself. There was nothing to say that Darius was trying to leave the Fehu. There was no indication that we would ever be a couple again. He'd agreed to the custody arrangements with Jacob easily, so the potential was that he'd already given up on us. The saddest thing was that I was starting to as well.

***

Darius was there waiting when I walked into the medical center the next day. I checked in before going to sit with him. Jacob immediately put his arms out for Darius, and I let him go to him. I was in a foul mood today. I had barely slept last night, I was horny, and Jacob had got to my cello while I made breakfast. He played with the pegs until he unfastened all my strings. I would spend the entire afternoon tuning it back in again.

"Mama looks grumpy today," Darius cooed to Jacob. "Why is that?"

"Jacob got to my cello again," I muttered unhappily.

Darius looked at Jacob, who was grinning happily. "Oh, I thought it was because your latest sexcapades had been busted."

I frowned, looking at Darius. "I'm sorry, what?" I snapped at him quietly.

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