Mirrored Hearts: Sealed by Fire (Encounters of the Heart Book 2)

by Ann Marie Bryan

  “Right.” He glowered at her. “So you’re just going to grovel, begging him to take you back?”

  Reeling from his words - because she knew that was exactly what she had to do - more tears spilled from Rozene’s eyes. Larry was hard, unapologetically so, but she would never stop trying. She intended to use every avenue to win back his love.

  “Yes. If that’s what it takes,” she croaked out, the tension in her chest almost stopping her breathing.

  “How the mighty has fallen.” The hiss in his voice was a firm reminder of his feeling towards her.

  Fury rose within her and she grabbed her bag from the sofa, and swung past him towards the front door.

  He caught her by the arm and turned her to face him. “Don’t leave here like -”

  “Let go of my arm,” she insisted, threatening him with her eyes.

  “What can I do to make it up to you?” he implored, releasing her arm. “Don’t leave here like this.”

  His suave, velvety voice would make any woman swoon, but Rozene did not utter a word. She steeled herself from becoming putty before him as his eyes twinkled seductively at her. She took it all in - His smoky bedroom eyes, his easy-going, gorgeous smile, his fit physique ... Just sinful.

  “Ro,” he attempted to engage her heart once more, soft and beseeching. “Make love with me one last time.” His eyes were dark with desire as they met hers.

  Her heart jolted in her chest and her purse fell to the floor with a loud thud.

  In the commotion, he pulled her to him.

  “Don’t,” she pleaded with him, pressing her palms against his chest.

  Ignoring her protest, he rubbed against her, reveling in the warmth their bodies created. “I know you want me.”

  “Chandler, stop,” she said firmly, pushing him away, but he yanked her back, holding her firmly against him. She wriggled, attempting to get away from him, but instead of being turned off, it turned him on.

  “Tell me you want me.” His voice was deep with need.

  Fear tightened her chest. “Stop it.”

  “Stop struggling,” he told her, annoyance then disappointment washing over him as he released her. “You never struggled before.”

  She backed away from him. “I can’t, Chandler.”

  “Can’t or won’t?”

  His eyes rested on her supple bosom, which rose and fell with each breath she took. Eventually his eyes pierced hers and the raw desire was like an intimate touch, causing her breath to quicken. She closed her eyes, to prevent herself from being sucked in. In that moment, Chandler scooped her up and they fell in a heap on the sofa.

  Her breath halted in her throat. “Get off me!”

  “Shhh,” he murmured, raining kisses over her face. “I know you want me.” He dragged his mouth down her neck.

  “Don’t,” she said, her breathing panicky, as she moved her neck out of his reach. However, her sharp gasps of breath and movements against him only served to further his excitement. He gazed at her lips ready to partake, and definitely ready to tame her.

  “Don’t do this,” she begged, her voice choked with fear.

  He observed the fear in her eyes and the desire in his eyes faded into oblivion. He laughed for a few seconds, and then became silent. When have I ever had to beg for sex? Never. Not in this life. He rolled off her and rested his head next to her shoulder. “Let me hold you for a minute.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and lay motionless.

  Rozene’s body felt numb, several emotions spiraling in her head. She didn’t even realize she was crying until her hand moved to wipe the tears from her face.

  Soon, Chandler heaved his body from hers. He watched as she quickly gathered her purse, knowing he’d traumatized her, but he didn’t care.

  “Take care of yourself, Chandler.” Her voice was uneven, and her hands were shaking as she smoothed her hair.

  “You’re lying to yourself, you know,” he muttered, his eyes stark with pain.

  “I’m done fighting with you.” Yes, all the fight had gone out of her. She was even planning to stop fighting herself for her stupid mistake. “I wish you the best. Bye.”

  But Chandler didn’t move, he sat gazing ahead.

  Hurrying away before she received anymore unwanted conversation, Rozene walked through the front door, and closed it behind her. She was well aware of how foolish it was to have risked a short term relationship with him. She understood his fear of losing her, but truthfully he never had her. Hopefully, one day, he’ll smile again.

  Half an hour later, Chandler left his townhouse. He straightened, welcoming the cool evening breeze that hit his swollen eyes. He couldn’t think about her anymore.

  Willing the throbbing in his head to go away, he pulled the hood of his sweatshirt over his head and scurried the distance to the main entrance gate of the subdivision while allowing his vision to adjust. The second he exited the gate, he started running. That seemed to set him free.

  He ran hard, with his head and shoulders thrust forward. His breath came out in short pants, tearing at his throat, but that was not enough to stop him. Sweat mixed with tears, ran down his face. For miles he ran, with no particular destination in mind; seeing nothing, feeling nothing, hearing nothing except the pounding of his feet in sync with the pounding of his heart … nothing mattered anymore. Running was sufficient in itself. Hopefully, his run would halt the madness that was closing in on him.

  CHAPTER 28

  Guilt gnawed at Larry.

  Guilt. Guilt. Guilt. He couldn’t rid himself of it.

  His eyes landed on Rozene’s picture on the console table in the oval entryway and his breath caught in his throat. He closed his eyes to suppress the anxiety that flooded his stomach as he waited for Pastor Fotola’s car to pull up to the front door.

  Since his last encounter with Rozene in the study, he had awoken each day with a nagging feeling of guilt from the memory of her statement - ‘God Almighty, the creator of the universe has forgiven me. I have forgiven myself and I would have forgiven you.’ That day, he’d secretly watched as Rozene left their home with her shoulders slumped and her feet dragging.

  He had savored the sweetness of the blame game for so long that he was having difficulty accepting her statement, even though he knew it to be true. Now, he experienced a deep sense of loss and an equally deep vacuum of hopelessness in his heart.

  Last night, perched on his bed, he had cried, no, bawled his heart out, while reading 2 Samuel 12 - Nathan’s Parable and David’s Confession. He was particularly overcome with grief when he read verse seven, “And Nathan said to David, You are the man! ...” He had stumbled out of bed onto the floor and mirrored King David’s confession, ““I have sinned against the Lord.””

  He couldn’t continue living like this … no, not anymore. He had to tell Rozene the truth and deal with the consequences of his sin.

  The doorbell rang and he hastily wiped damp palms on his pants before opening the door.

  “Larry, my good man,” Pastor Fotola greeted him with a firm handshake.

  “Good to see you, Pastor.”

  Larry closed the door. “Let’s talk in the living room.”

  “Okay.”

  Larry led the way. “Thanks for coming on such short notice.”

  “No problem. I’m always here for you.”

  “Thank you.” Larry exhaled deeply, motioning with his hands for Pastor Fotola to sit on the sofa across from him.

  “It can’t be that bad,” Pastor Fotola said encouragingly.

  “I have really dug a hole for myself,” Larry told him, his hands resting under his chin. “Gabrielle is still not speaking to me. I’ve lost my wife. I cannot afford to lose my children.”

  Pastor Fotola watched him keenly. He knew he could speak frankly with him. “What is really happening with you, Larry?”

  “Since Rozene left the other day, I have been feeling guilty. Guilty about everything. I have been praying the Scripture, ‘Create in me a clean heart, O
God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me,’ over my life. I know I have to make a change, and I want to make a change. I would like Roz to come on home so we can be a family again. But I am terrified to tell her about my infidelity, and I’m equally terrified she’ll eventually find out.”

  Pastor Fotola crossed his legs and sat back on the sofa, silently thanking God. “I’m glad you didn’t allow the enemy to hijack you. I’m taking it you have forgiven her.”

  “Definitely,” Larry said, without hesitation. “And, I have forgiven myself. Now, I want to apologize to Roz for how I treated her. I want to tell her the truth about what I did, that I committed adultery too.”

  “That’s good, Larry. You’re doing a good thing. If you’re going to build afresh, truth is the best way to go.”

  Larry wiped his hands over his face. Yes, truth is the way to go. He’d been bold and brave all his life, negotiated amazing deals at the boardroom table, yet he was having heart palpitations every time thoughts of confessing to Rozene hit.

  “What are you afraid of?”

  A brooding expression cloaked Larry’s face. “I’m afraid to lose her.”

  “I understand. But, Larry,” Pastor Fotola called for his attention, “only God knows the outcome. Lean on Him and allow Him to instruct you.”

  Larry squeezed his trembling hands together. “I don’t want to lose her.”

  “I know you don’t, so let us trust God. You are doing what is right. Go with God, step by step. Stand in faith, and let him guide you.”

  Larry nodded thoughtfully. “I will.”

  They were both quiet for a moment, and then Larry choked out, “Do you think she’ll forgive me? I couldn’t -” He folded his lips to prevent them from trembling.

  Pastor Fotola rushed to his side and patted his shoulder. “I don’t have all the answers, but this I know, you can trust God. Don’t waste your energy trying to figure out how Rozene will react. Pray for the right timing, the right words, and a heart that’s receptive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.”

  Larry nodded with understanding. It was just what he needed to hear.

  “Focus on what you need to do to come into your new season,” Pastor Fotola continued. “‘…whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.’ God needs you, you and Rozene.”

  “Thanks for the reminder.” Larry smiled inwardly. “I will trust God. I have to.”

  All this because he missed the aroma of Rozene’s presence. She was the missing ingredient in his life. I can live without her but my life is better with her in it. He needed her to be properly balanced. She was supplying something he didn’t even know he needed.

  “Great. Let’s firm this up by agreeing in prayer,” Pastor Fotola said.

  “Yes. Thank … you,” Larry managed to say. “Thank you for allowing God to use you to bless me.”

  “You’re welcome. It’s going to be all right.” Pastor Fotola squeezed his shoulder, then decided to lighten the moment. “But you know,” he chuckled. “In my line of work, you can’t last on personality alone.”

  Larry couldn’t help but chuckle too. “That I understand.”

  “Good to see you laughing, Larry.”

  With that, Pastor Fotola began to pray, knowing that Larry’s and Rozene’s hearts were under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Let the sealing begin, Lord, was his heart’s cry.

  CHAPTER 29

  Larry closed his eyes briefly and replayed the first line of his speech in his mind. If he could get that line out, and get it out with the sincerity that was in his heart, he would be well on his way to celebrating a victorious Saturday evening.

  After slipping on his tuxedo, he took a last look, squared his shoulders, and left the bedroom. A few minutes later, seated in his car, he uttered a short prayer, before driving away.

  Only God can fix it, an inner voice reminded him.

  He nodded, smiling and ordered himself to relax.

  He would be a good twenty minutes early, but he wanted to make sure he was ready to deliver the speech of a lifetime. He knew she would be ready for him, so he wanted to make sure he was ready for her. For after all, a man must be big enough to admit his failures, learn from them, and correct them. In any case, this particular failure had had him in chains for far too long. Now, it was time to break free.

  Fifty minutes later, he greeted Cedrick Somack, the new chief security officer at the electronic entrance gate to the super exclusive Abella, a French Restaurant and Lounge which was owned by Benson, his cousin. Cedrick greeted him by name, clearly taken with himself for remembering the clientele of the prestigious restaurant.

  And perhaps rightly so. Abella offered unique contemporary French dining experiences that tantalized the taste buds, leaving memories that would linger forever … well, that’s if you could get a table.

  Larry remembered Benson’s ecstatic expression when he insisted that even the most discerning palates would enjoy an exceptional dining experience. ‘An investment in yourself that just won’t ever dissatisfy,’ Benson had said. And the restaurant did live up to the hype from all the great reviews in top chef magazines, and on social media.

  Larry smiled as he drove through the gate, and then through another entrance into the heart of the breathtaking location. Marked by elegance and luxury, the magnificent off-white and gold building, borrowed generously from modern French architecture.

  The name Abella was fitting, Larry concluded, once again.

  Benson had met his wife, Abella, some ten years ago while he was studying French cuisine in Paris. He was so taken by her beauty that he named the restaurant after her. When she told him that her name meant breath, Benson didn’t skimp on cost for he was determined that every detail, even the minute features of the restaurant would be designed to ‘take your breath away’.

  And so it did. This stylish “playground” which the rich and famous frequented for private parties and events, had become a hot spot. Filled with unimaginable treats, this exclusive setting was the perfect place for many celebrities to enjoy relaxing moments while sipping aperitifs before dinner.

  Larry slid from behind the steering wheel of his Audi and walked up the steps to the lobby as the valet parked his car. The glass doors to the lobby swung open. The young woman who greeted him looked more like a model than a receptionist. Her eyes widened under two carefully plucked eyebrows, and she smiled at Larry with a set of even white teeth. “Mr. Kanate, good evening. Pleasure to have you here, sir.”

  Larry smiled at her. “Thanks, Jordanne.” The staff badge on the lapel of her trendy black suit indicated her name was Jordanne Bratten.

  “Please come with me, sir. I’ll take you to your table.”

  “Thanks.” Larry followed her through the lobby, oblivious that he was turning the heads of several female guests.

  As he remembered, the lobby was gorgeous. Just perfect - open, immaculate, and welcoming. Beautiful arrangements of fresh flowers were intricately incorporated and the pleasing fragrances they emitted, delighted his senses. Luxurious marble floors and chandeliers grabbed attention as they moved from the lobby to a bank of elevators that took them to a private dining room.

  Impressive. Larry briefly glanced around the cozy yet quietly sophisticated room. Piped instrumental music filled the room. He reprimanded himself for not taking up Benson’s offer to visit anytime he wanted to.

  “I hope it’s to your liking, sir. We have prepared all that you’ve asked for.”

  “Yes. Thanks, Jordanne.”

  “You are most welcome, sir.” Smiling, she left the room.

  Larry walked to the spacious lounge area and reclined on the white, overstuffed leather loveseat, which was set before a coffee table with a beautiful, tall floral arrangement and a gold tray with two wine glasses and champagne in a gold-trimmed wine chille
r.

  The room was a little too dark for his liking, so he found the remote sitting on the entertainment console near the huge flat screen TV. He tried several shades of lighting before reaching his desired goal. He wanted to see her clearly, when she entered the room.

  Moving to the dinner table, he inspected the two dozen red roses he’d ordered. A smile popped on his face. They were perfect.

  By his watch, he had a few minutes to spare and what better use for them than to continue lifting up the situation before the Lord.

  “Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for this time in my life. God, I thank you that your grace and mercy continue to abide with me. Thank you that your favor goes before me. Grant me wisdom as I speak, Lord. Help me to speak with clarity, yet humility. Prepare Rozene’s heart to hear my heart, Lord. Help me, Lord, to hear her heart. And, God may understanding prevail as we share together. Lord, my life is in your hands. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, amen.”

  Soon, Larry took up the flowers and positioned himself in line with the entrance door.

  He didn’t have to wait long.

  He heard Rozene’s joyful, “Thank you” as the customer service representative opened the door and closed it behind her.

  CHAPTER 30

  Sweet instrumental music filled her ears as Rozene entered the room. Her skin felt warm in anticipation of the meeting. The moment was here.

  She moved from the doorway and Larry had to stop his jaw from dropping. Her long white dress hugged the curves of her lithe body and was setting every nerve in his body on fire. Yes, all of them. He silenced his inner voice - the one that was screaming, Hot! Hot! Hot! As he watched her gliding towards him.

  Of course, he remembered this one-of-a-kind gown. Two years ago, they had attended an Oscar de la Renta fashion show in Nashville, Tennessee, and she loved the gown so much that he had secretly purchased it for her. He knew she was holding it for a special occasion.

  It was difficult not to zone in on her slight cleavage, but when his gaze lingered there, he quickly zipped it back to her face.