Black Heart

by Jenny Lynn

  “Come on,” Nicholas said, taking my hand and walking towards the tower. “The view from the top is incredible.”

  “One thing first,” I told him. I looked around and noticed a family on vacation, I walked towards the friendly looking middle-aged man. “Excuse me?” I asked. “Could you take our picture?”

  “Of course,” he said with a smile, a slight Texan accent, as his wife gave their children snacks to munch on.

  Nicholas wrapped his arm around me and I leaned into him. With the tower visible behind us the man snapped a photo.

  “Could you take one more please?” Nicholas asked. The man smiled and nodded. As he raised the camera again, Nicholas dipped me low and kissed me. I heard a click, then Nicholas brought me back to my feet. I was giddy, laughing and blushing.

  “Honeymoon?” the man asked, handing me back the camera.

  “Yes,” I told him. “Just married.”

  “Congratulations,” he said. “My wife and I are celebrating ten years.”

  “You have a beautiful family,” I told him, glancing at his lovely wife, son and daughter.

  “I really do,” he said, beaming. “Enjoy your honeymoon.” He waved and we waved back as he walked over to his wife, took her hand and the family continued on their way.

  Nicholas and I made our way to the tower. The line wasn’t too long and was worth the wait.

  When we arrived at the top of the tower, Nicholas held me from behind and rested his chin on my shoulder as I gasped, taking in the view.

  “This is breathtaking,” I told him as I gazed out at the city stretched before us. We were so high up, people seemed like ants below.

  “I love being there when you experience things for the first time,” Nicholas whispered in my ear, then kissed my neck. Goosebumps spread across my skin as I pressed against him and felt myself in his strong arms. The wind played in my hair, the sunlight warmed me. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be here, with Nicholas. How incredible the world was, filled with so much beauty.

  We headed back down and Nicholas had his hand pressed against my lower back as he gently guided me back to the road. He clearly had something in mind. In the taxi, he asked to be taken to Alain Ducasse.

  “Where are we going?” I asked him.

  “Dinner,” he replied. “Alain Ducasse is a Michelin-starred restaurant with an impeccable menu.”

  “Sounds great, I’m famished,” I told him.

  We wound our way through the streets, past shops and bistros, until we arrived at our destination. The door was held open for me and we walked into the restaurant. At the front desk in perfect French, Nicholas confirmed his name and that he had a reservation for two. I slipped my hand into his as we were guided through the restaurant to a cozy table in the back under a beautiful painting of a floral arrangement.

  Nicholas pulled out my chair and I settled in at the table. A waiter came by and spoke with him briefly before nodding and walking away.

  “I wish I spoke French,” I told him. “It’s such a beautiful language, especially when you’re the one speaking it.”

  “My parents wanted us to speak more than one language growing up; it was important to them. So I learned French.”

  “I’m glad I have an interpreter in Paris,” I winked at him.

  The waiter came back with a bottle of champagne, pouring a glass for me and for Nicholas. I looked down at the menu, which was also in French. I shrugged my shoulders. “You’re going to have to order for me.”

  “That’s not a problem, Breanne, you know I like taking charge,” he said with a raised eyebrow. I thought back to last night, how he had pinned me down in bed and taken control of my body. It sent blood rushing to my cheeks. Nicholas spoke with the waiter again, who nodded and walked away. There were groups and couples throughout the restaurant, the sound of hushed conversations and laughter as people enjoyed delectable food and drink. The air smelled amazing and I couldn’t wait to try whatever Nicholas had ordered.

  We ate caviar, the gelatinous quivering spheres creamy with a hint of salt. Then there was a house-made tartare and baguette; a cheese board; escargot cooked with savory herbed-butter and medallions of marrow. Each dish was better than the last; we ate and talked into the night with candlelight flickering around us. When we were served creme brulee I was full, but couldn’t turn it down. I cracked through the top and scooped up a creamy spoonful. It melted against my tongue and I gave a little moan of pleasure. This had been, without a doubt, the best meal I had ever had.

  The waiter topped up our champagne and I looked at Nicholas across from me, the flickering candlelight dancing off his features. I loved the line of his jaw, the sensual curve of his lips and his eyes that stared into me. Just then I remembered the cufflinks — I reached into my purse.

  “I have something for you,” I told him. He raised his eyebrows in surprise.

  “Really? What is it?”

  “Open it and see,” I said with a playful smile, sliding the velvet box towards him.

  Nicholas picked it up, giving me a look that got my heart racing, and he opened it. He tilted his head, running a finger over the cufflinks inside.

  “You did this for me?” he asked, his words full of appreciation. I nodded. His genuine smile warmed me through my entire body. “You’re incredible Breanne, I love it. I love you.”

  “I love you too,” I told him as he took my hand and raised it to his lips, kissing it softly.

  He leaned forward, tracing his finger across my cheek and cupping my face in his hand. Only he could do this to me, make me feel like we’re the only two people in a crowded room. I leaned into him, lost in his touch and his gaze. This night, this trip. It was all more than I ever dreamed possible.

  23

  I straightened the photo on the nightstand, Nicholas and I standing in front of the Eiffel tower locked in a passionate embrace. I smiled as I ran my fingers over the silver frame. Had it really been a month since our honeymoon? It felt like just yesterday we were exploring France together, moving from the bustling city to touring vineyards in the countryside. Making love every day, then taking in all that the city had to offer us.

  I picked up my bag and headed to class. Nicholas had left hours earlier for the office. We had dinner plans tonight that I was looking forward to, excitement bubbling inside me. I took transit to campus. The air outside was slightly chilly, but my comfy white sweater kept me warm. I walked over to the coffee shop where I was meeting Tabitha, she was already seated at a table with her nose in a book.

  “Hey,” I said as I walked over. “Can I get you a coffee?”

  “I’d love a skim latte,” she told me, still staring at her book. It was finals, and we were a bit on edge, cramming in all the knowledge we could. I headed for the counter, past the rows of busy students, and ordered our drinks. When they were ready I brought them back to the table, setting them down between us.

  “Thanks,” Tabitha said, closing her book.

  “Are you ready?” I asked her.

  “I think so,” she answered. “I’ve studied all I can. How about you?”

  “I’m ready. I’ve been working hard all year, I need to trust that I have all the answers up here,” I said as I tapped my head.

  “How does it feel?” she asked. “To be almost done the year.”

  “Like a relief,” I said with a sigh as I wrapped my hands around the warm cup. “It feels like the end of a very long journey, and the start of something new.”

  “And how is married life treating you?” she asked.

  “It’s going amazing,” I said, beaming. “It feels nice, knowing what we are to each other. That we’ve made this lifelong commitment. Nicholas is still busy as ever with work but we make time for dates. It all works out. Speaking of things working out, you and Steven seem to be happy.”

  Tabitha blushed. “He’s incredible. Ever since your wedding, we can’t get enough of each other. I owe Nicholas big time for setting us up.”

  “I l
ove seeing you like this.”

  “What about you, you’re absolutely glowing today. You don’t even seem nervous about exams.”

  I shrugged. “I’m choosing to believe in myself. It’s helped me get through anything hard I’ve faced, so I’m not going to start doubting now.”

  “Well I wish I had your confidence,” Tabitha said as she took a sip, her hands shaking slightly. “I hate tests. They make me nervous.”

  “You’ll do great,” I assured her. “It’s all in your head.”

  We finished our coffees, and feeling energized we both headed to separate ends of campus.

  I found a seat in the lecture hall and when it began, I breezed through my exam. Everything I had learned that year was crystallized in my mind, flowing through me and out my pen. The hours sped by, and when I had finished I sat back in my seat with a smile. I felt confident in my answers, and in my future. Today was a good day.

  I took my booklet up to the front, handed it in, and walked past rows of students still writing. I headed through the doors out in the crisp air, making my way back to the bus. There was something I needed to pick up before Nicholas got home, before we went out for our date. Just one stop I had to make.

  I heard footsteps in the hallway and glanced at the clock, it was just after six. Nicholas must be home.

  “Breanne, I’m here. Ready to go?” I heard his voice beyond the bedroom.

  “Almost,” I called back. I headed for the bathroom, touching up my hair and makeup. I was wearing a cream-colored dress, slipping gold earrings on. “Can you give me a hand?” I asked. I heard him getting closer, open the bedroom door and come over to the bathroom. His reflection stood beside mine in the mirror.

  “You look beautiful,” he said with a smile. I could tell he was taken aback. It made me giddy, knowing he was still in awe of me.

  “Well it is a special night,” I replied. I held a necklace out to him and he came towards me, gently fastening it around my neck.

  “Every night with you is special,” he said, bending down to kiss my shoulder.

  “Would you do me a favor?” I asked as I applied mascara. “Could you get my shoes from the closet? They’re the nude Jimmy Choos, on the ground just inside the door.”

  “Of course,” he said. Nicholas walked over to the closet and I stood in the doorway, watching him. He pulled open the door and froze, crouching low. I started to walk over to him and he jumped to his feet, turning to look at me with his eyes wide.

  “Breanne, does this mean…?”

  I nodded, smiling, and he rushed over to me and picked me up, twirling me in his arms. He was grinning, his eyes slightly glassy, and he kissed me. Holding me close, he whispered that he loved me in my ear. I looked past him into the open closet. Between my heels and a pair of his dress shoes I had placed a tiny pair of shoes I had picked up earlier. As soon as I found out I was pregnant this morning, I had been thinking of ways to tell him the news.

  As we stood there, wrapped up in an embrace, I felt my heart swell with love. Love for Nicholas, and love for the life we were about to bring into this world. The future was bright, so full of promise. After everything we had been through, we were going to be a family. I placed my hand on my stomach, deeply moved by the miracle of life, and Nicholas looked down as well. He got to his knees in front of me and kissed my abdomen.

  “I can’t wait to meet you,” he whispered.

  I caressed the side of his face, marvelling at this amazing man. Nicholas Blackstone was going to be an incredible father, we were going to be wonderful parents. Some things in life, you just know. Every so often, a twist of fate, and life is capable of giving you everything you ever dreamed of. I knew better than anyone not to take anything for granted.

  Dearest You;

  This is a different kind of love letter - my love letter to you, my reader. I want to sincerely thank you for letting me take you on a journey, introducing you to characters and situations I hope left you with something special; a feeling, an escape... maybe even a fantasy.

  As a writer, I am immensely grateful that you chose to spend time with my book. You make art possible, and that is a powerful thing. I don't say this to flatter you - I want to empower you to keep supporting art, to help keep it alive and thriving.

  I hope that you'll go on to read my other books, if you haven't already, and if you would like to know about my next novel - there are many ways we can stay in touch to keep this magic going.

  If you are willing to share what I made, whether that's a kind review or telling people about my books on social media, that would mean the world to me.

  Jenny

  My newsletter: https://tinyletter.com/booksbyjennylynn

  My Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/jennylynnwriter

  My Amazon Page: www.amazon.com/author/booksbyjennylynn

  My Instagram: www.instagram.com/jennylynnwriter

  My Facebook: www.facebook.com/JennyLynnWriter

  My Twitter: www.twitter.com/JennyLynnWriter

  For my husband Andrew, the hero of my own romance that writes itself every day we’re together. You are my happily ever after.

  For my son Harrison, who taught me how deeply I could love from the moment you took your very first breath.

  And for you, reading these words. Thank you for reading this story, for letting me create a world and characters that I truly hope you enjoy. Being able to share with you is a privilege.

  Jenny

  About the Author

  Jenny Lynn is utterly, completely, head over heels in love with romance. She is an award winning author of short stories, magazine articles and novels - but coming up with creative and steamy love stories is what she enjoys best. When she’s not writing she’s living her own happily ever after with her husband, son, and their grumpy cat.

  If you loved this story, you would likely enjoy Jenny Lynn’s other novels which can be found on her Amazon author page. Sign up for Jenny Lynn’s newsletter to be kept in the loop for exciting teasers and new releases. Remember: The best thing you can do to support your favorite authors is to read, leave reviews, and let other people know about the book you’ve just read.