Keeper of the Stars: Part Four

by Aliyah Burke

  The fierce concentration on the young man’s face was apparent, but so was the joy he had as he walked in the afternoon sun towards his goal. One small hand reached out and his fingers wiggled with anticipation. From his lips poured the word “Mama” over and over again.

  Michael experienced a serious pang of envy when Ayanna turned and opened her arms to the overjoyed child. Of course, such an adorable child would have a stunning mother. She went down on one knee and embraced the little boy. As her arms wrapped around his body, she stood back up. She glanced at Michael over her shoulder before returning her complete attention to the woman who’d walked with the child.

  Glancing down at the table where Ayanna had been sitting, he noticed the clerk from the floral shop. He moved towards her and stood near the chair Ayanna had left. Lauren’s eyes focused on him.

  “Do you know her well?” Michael asked without looking at her, opting instead to watch Ayanna.

  “Yes, Lieutenant, I do.” Lauren stood, as well, and watched him as if she’d just figured out a huge secret.

  “Is she married? Is that her child?” The questions rattled from him as quickly as if fired from a semi-automatic gun. Logically, he knew it was her child, but part of him refused to accept it.

  He didn’t wait for an answer. Three long strides placed him beside Ayanna.

  It was sweltering out and yet this woman smelt fresh. He recognised the smell of her soap. It was light and gentle, soothing like baby powder.

  She stiffened and he knew she’d sensed him. His eyes moved to the hand splayed on the boy’s back. No wedding ring.

  She’s not wearing a ring, his mind crowed.

  This woman was his destiny.

  “Hello, Ayanna.”

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  About the Author

  Aliyah Burke is an avid reader and is never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She is married to a career military man, and they have a German Shepherd, two Borzois, and a DSH cat. Her days are spent sharing her time between work, writing, and dog training.

  Email: aliyah_burke@hotmail.com

  Aliyah loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.totallybound.com.

  Also by Aliyah Burke

  Through The Fire

  Seducing Damian

  Code of Honour: A Marriage Of Convenience

  Code of Honour: The Lieutenant’s Ex-Wife

  Code of Honour: A Man Like No Other

  Code of Honour: When Stars Collide

  In Aeternum: Casanova in Training

  In Aeternum: Harbour of Refuge

  In Aeternum: Protected by Shadows

  Interludes: Temporary Home

  Interludes: Alone With You

  What’s Her Secret?: Preconception

  Keeper of the Stars: Part One

  Keeper of the Stars: Part Two

  Keeper of the Stars: Part Three

  With Taige Crenshaw

  Kemet Uncovered: Talios

  Kemet Uncovered: Devi

  Kemet Uncovered: Linc

  Kemet Uncovered: Saffron

  Kemet Uncovered: Taber

  Kemet Uncovered: Ashia

  With McKenna Jeffries

  McKingley: All the Wright Moves

  McKingley: The Best Thing Yet

  McKingley: Risky Pleasures

  McKingley: Pure Harmony

  McKingley: Irresistible Forces

  McKingley: Seduction’s Dance

  Totally Bound Publishing