“Probably? Right! You are so full of shit.” He broke away from her whirling around so she couldn’t see him. “I'm starting to wonder if I made a mistake coming here. I think you're using me so you don't have to raise him alone.”
“No! Jake, don't say that. Please...” She grabbed his arm. I can’t let him go!
“Then tell me the truth once and for all. Do you still love him?” It hurt more than anything, but there was no way around it.
“No! But I don't want him beaten to death either!”
He threw his arms up in the air, as she rattled on with anxious determination. “You know I care about him, we were through so much together, but I know it’s toxic, I know we should have spilt a long time ago, I know it would never work for us, he doesn't want what I do, he doesn't want a family, he can't be faithful—”
“—And you can be?”
“Yes! I'll prove it to you. We can go wherever you want! Anywhere.”
Not blinking, his desperation heightened. He needed to figure her out, to understand where she was coming from, like he'd done so many times before. But as much as he wanted to believe her, it didn’t seem possible. “Even Alaska?” He knew she hated the bitter cold. In an instant, she nodded. He grinned. “Now I know you're playing me.” Serious again, he came to an abrupt decision. “I want a paternity test.”
It didn't come as a complete surprise, but she had hoped he wouldn't pursue it. “Okay, I have no idea how but we can ask. I left the father blank on the birth certificate.”
He ignored the tears in her eyes. “If it proves I'm his father, you can put me on it. Then we'll talk about our future and why the fuck I should forget that bastard killed Ray and raped you. Deal?”
The calmness in his voice was so surreal it chilled her.
“Yeah, sure. Now?” She was ready to do whatever it took.
The unsavory memory of the night with Nick and Logan popped into her head. It will be fine; it has to be. Alex looks just like Jake.
She still wasn't satisfied. “Remember how you told me you didn't want your kids to grow up like you?”
He stiffened. “Yeah, so?”
“If you kill him, what about Alex? You'll be in prison and he'll have to grow up alone.”
Frantically rubbing his hand across his face, Jake took a deep, labored breath. “Okay, Kristen, I hear you! Let's go take care of this stuff for now.” He stopped. “Wait, when are you out of here anyway?”
Why should I let him get away free and clear? I’ll fuck him up really bad. I should do it right away, before she gets out. The thought made him snicker. The muscles in his arms tightened. But what will I do about her?
“Maybe tonight they said, if eat and have a normal temperature.”
“So, I need to chill out so you stay cool, heh?” He smiled, pulling her close. “I guess you can't go too far in the gown, can you?” He lifted the back. “You are wearing panties! Damn!”
“Of course! Have you seen how this thing flaps open?” She smiled, relieved.
He laughed. “Not yet! So, can I bring you normal food, instead of this hospital shit?”
“We can ask. Let's find out about the paternity test.” She took his hand, kissing it. “I really love you Jake, more than anything.”
“Not more than my son I hope. Equal maybe, but never more, okay?”
“Equally. What about you?”
“I never stopped loving you, Kristen.” He held her tighter and whispered in her ear, “But if you ever see him again, if you fuck me over again, I swear to God I will seriously hurt him. And I’m not playing. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
A sick feeling twisted her stomach. “Yes, Jake.”
“Good. Now, let’s see about my son.”
LOGAN
He decided to go home. It was no surprise, Gina was stifling. He needed his own space. Nick was getting back to him about the NYC venture. He was so hyped up and jumpy from the pills he'd taken, he ended up ditching his sandals and sprinting along the beach.
This time, he couldn’t ignore the brilliance of the sunset painting the horizon in amazing shades of orange and red. Or the voices and laughter of happy families packing up to return to their cozy little lives that poisoned the air.
At first, the cool grains of sand sprinkling over his feet was comforting. He felt light, clean, calm. Then the restlessness took over, his body pulsating with nervous energy that lured him toward the bars.
That's when he saw Alicia lounging on a bench, absorbed in a book. Something snapped in his head. He found himself rooted in front of her.
She didn’t have to look up. Her eyes narrowed with unrestrained hatred. “What the hell do you want?”
“That's what I was going to ask you. What the hell do you want with my wife? Why don't you get the fuck out of our lives?” He glared down at her.
A look of complete disbelief washed over her face. She inched back. “So you can fuck her up even more?”
Her eyes flashed. He stiffened uncomfortably, taken off guard. It seemed to energize her. “I think your little control games with her are over, Logan. Why don't you ask her if you don't believe me?”
“Yeah? What the hell do you know about that, huh?” He was in her face now, could feel steamy blood coursing through his veins.
Sensing danger, she cautiously stood, distancing herself from him. “I know enough. I know she hates you now!” She couldn't help herself, her disdain of him controlled her.
“Really?” He doubled over laughing. She stood watching, a smirk on her face. It infuriated him. “I should teach you a lesson, keep you from meddling and from fucking up my life!” His eyes held that familiar powerful and crazed hatred. The sound of people approaching echoed far away in his head. It wasn’t important. Nothing mattered but the uncontrollable scorn ripping him apart inside.
“I'm not Kristen, you touch me and I'll fucking rip you apart!” Her voice screeched through the air. The warm evening breeze flowed through her curls as she backed farther away.
A rude awakening crashed him back to reality. There were too many people around. He allowed the tenseness to dissolve.
Maybe I should visit Kristen, instead. Forget about this stupid bitch. She’s a useless piece of shit, a waste of my precious time. Yeah, I’ll let her slide. This time.
“Today is your lucky day.” He hissed, slinking closer. “Kristen wanted everything I gave her. Didn't she tell you that? I never forced her!” A sudden rush brought a despicable smile to his face. He shielded his eyes to savor her reaction.
This time Alicia chuckled, containing the creepiness spreading through her as she rushed toward the street. “I doubt that, asshole. And I think your days of screwing with her are over for good.”
Blinking back his astonishment, Logan froze, watching as she darted across the street to her building.
What the hell does she mean by that? The throbbing in his head dulled his vision. He desperately massaged his temples, struggling to think straight. It was useless. Instead, he took out his phone to call Kristen.
JAKE/KRISTEN