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

by Ann Marie Bryan

  She couldn’t wait to get out of his presence to examine her own head. She was surprised by her intense and immediate attraction to a complete stranger. His gaze alone was sending jolts of electricity through her body. She righted herself, determined to stop the lunacy.

  “We’ll go through the front entrance. We have plain clothes security personnel on hand in case of an emergency.”

  “Thank you,” she said quietly, glad for the change of pace. She loved her readers but some had been known to go overboard with their exuberance. That was the one thing she didn’t like about being in the spotlight.

  “Ready?” he asked, as the elevator reached the ground floor.

  “Yes.”

  As they exited the elevator, she heard someone calling her name and saw a man hastily approaching her. They stopped and Chandler stepped before her, blocking her from the man.

  “How can we help?” he asked the man.

  The man smiled timidly. “I’m sorry. I wanted Mrs. Kanate to sign a copy of her book for my son.”

  Rozene stepped beside Chandler. “No problem,” she said, smiling widely while taking the book from his hand. “What is your son’s name?”

  “Joel,” the man replied, gratefully. “He’s getting married soon.”

  “Now, that’s good news.” She smiled at the man, and then proceeded to autograph the book. “And, what is your name?”

  “Rohan. This is where I do my day job. I hope I wasn’t out of line to ask for an autographed copy. I know this is the end of your tour.”

  “Not at all. So nice to meet you, Rohan,” Rozene said, extending her hand, and smiling, “Added perks of the job, huh?” she teased.

  “For that, I’m grateful, ma’am.” Rohan shook her hand, giving her a dimpled grin.

  “Don’t forget to chat and pray with me and my team online,” Rozene said, handing the book to him. “You know we are on weekly, right?”

  “Yes, I heard about that. I will.”

  “Thank you. God bless you. Have a great night.”

  “You too, ma’am!” Rohan said, before walking away.

  Chandler gently touched her elbow. “I got the all clear from the security team. We can exit.”

  She gave him a bemused look before walking beside him towards the front door.

  Seeing they were not on the same page, he remarked, “Have you any idea how many incidents we’ve handled since you’ve been here? I know you want to be with your readers but you have to admit some are a little fanatical.”

  She lifted her perfectly plucked eyebrows. “Mr. Peynard, I mean Chandler, my ministry comes with great moments and not-so-great moments. God has provided me with a wonderful team, and I’m grateful.”

  His eyes narrowed in disbelief, but he said nothing. He allowed her to step into the revolving glass door then stepped in behind her.

  After greeting the valet, he collected his car key and made sure she was seated before hopping into the red Lexus GS sports car.

  He glanced at her to make sure she was settled before pulling away.

  Ten minutes later, Rozene thought the silence in the car was going to destroy her.

  As if reading her thoughts, he asked, “Why don’t you like me, Mrs. Kanate?”

  She glanced at him, but before she could respond, her cell phone rang. “Hey, Don,” she answered.

  “Rozene, hi. Are you at the hotel yet?”

  “No. On the way.”

  “Glad I caught you. Can you please give Chandler the box of books I’d asked you to hold for me? Zion’s book club president wants to pick up the copies later and I don’t want to disturb you.”

  It was on the tip of her tongue to say, it’s okay you can disturb me, but she did not want to be difficult. “Okay, I will.”

  After bidding Don goodbye, she looked at Chandler who had come to a stop at a stoplight. “Don is asking you to collect a box of books that I have for him.”

  “Not a problem,” he said, eyeing her. “I’d asked a question.”

  “Yes, you did.”

  “And?”

  “I don’t know you Chandler, so you are mistaken in saying I don’t like you.”

  “Get to know me then. You may need my services again. Plus, isn’t that the Christian thing to do – treat everyone well?”

  She almost sighed aloud, glad that they only had a few minutes before the hotel would be in sight. Then, she wouldn’t have to see him again. Lord, forgive me. It is best to have no contact with this man. She softened. “What do you do for a living, Chandler?”

  He took his eyes off the road momentarily to look at her. She knew from the look in his eyes that he did not appreciate her question.

  “Is this your getting-to-know-Chandler strategy?”

  “Don’t be difficult. There’s no point in us speaking if you’re going to fuss.”

  Chandler chuckled - one of those you’ve got to be kidding ones – before deciding to take the high road. “I’m the Chief Aerospace Engineer at Renauto Aeronautical and Design Corporation.”

  “Nice.” She remembered that Renauto was one of the world’s largest aerospace companies and leading manufacturer of anything that could fly. “So you are good with your hands.”

  His sharp intake of breath echoed in the car. “You have no idea how good.”

  She saw the rousing sensations springing from his eyes, when he glanced at her briefly. She could just imagine what was going through his mind. Strangely, he terrified her and thrilled her all at the same time. Refusing to comment, she turned her head and stared straight ahead, glad that the hotel was finally in sight.

  Some fifteen minutes later, her hands trembled as she opened her room door. “Wait here,” she told him before stepping into her lavish suite. She turned when she heard the door close behind her.

  He held up a hand to stop her before she commented. “I’m coming in to get the box of books. Why do you want me to hang out at the door? Can’t handle what you’re feeling?”

  The eyes staring back at her were determined, to say the least.

  “Chandler,” she spoke quickly as dread spread through her heart before exploding and settling in her body. “Thanks again for all you did and for taking me here.” She pointed to the box of books next to the desk. “Thanks for giving that to Don for me. I do appreciate your kindness.”

  He gently took her hand in his, and brought it to his lips. His arresting gaze was filled with desire … all-consuming desire.

  Oh God! “Wha-what are …?” She found herself holding her breath.

  Triumph flared in his eyes and he all but took a victory lap.

  “You were leaving,” she said breathlessly, pulling away her hand.

  “It’s a matter of timing,” he said, ignoring her comment.

  Momentarily thrown off guard, she stared wide-eyed at him for a couple of seconds. “More like never.”

  He smiled wickedly at her. “Never?”

  “That’s what I said.”

  His eyes etched in ruthlessness, he moved to retrieve the box of books.

  She put on a determined gaze as he walked past her towards the door. He was way too sure of himself. “Thanks. Have a good evening.” And, a great life.

  He turned to look at her before opening the door and she felt the hard thud of her heart. She knew at that moment, he wouldn’t hesitate to seduce her if the opportunity presented itself.

  “Have a good evening,” he drawled before going through the door and closing it behind him.

  Thank you, Lord. Rozene released a sigh of relief. She had always picked her battles and this was not a battle she was willing to even acknowledge, much less fight. In the back of her mind, she knew it wasn’t over. I must stay prayed up.

  That memory brought her back to the present, and she reminded herself, I must stay prayed up.

  CHAPTER 8

  “Don’t allow the war to cause you to fight dirty, Larry. Don’t allow the heat of the battle to cause you to lose your testimony. God will fight your battle,
keep trusting Him.”

  “Mama, trust me, I’m not fighting dirty. I’m not even fighting. I just don’t have anything to say to her.”

  “Well, at least take her calls. What if Rozene was calling about the children?”

  Larry fought to hold back the scowl that was creeping over his face. Clearly, his mother had a conversation with Rozene.

  “I’ll try then,” he responded, forcing away dark thoughts about Rozene.

  “Thanks, son. I know it’s not easy, so thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, Mama. Anything for you.”

  “Anything?” She sighed. “Not true or you would have fulfilled your father’s request. He loved you in his own way you know.”

  “Mama, we’ve been through that. Not going to happen.”

  His mother knew better than to start another war with him. “Okay, son. Are you still heading my way?”

  “Yes, Mama. I’ll see you in another two hours.”

  “Later then, son. I love you.”

  “I love you too, Mama.” Larry smiled slightly at his cell phone, after his mother disconnected the call.

  It was early Friday morning and his mother had called and prayed with him. He was glad she did. Last night was a long, emotionally exhausting night for him after another deep heart-wrenching conversation about his marriage with Pastor Fotola.

  Pastor Fotola wanted him to tell Rozene he’d been unfaithful. He had pretty much lost his cool, blurting out, “Never!” But Pastor Fotola remained silent, and he felt forced to ask, “And why would I do that?” He had all intention of keeping his infidelity buried. Yes, buried. Anyway, what was the point of telling Rozene? He was not taking her back.

  But even as his mind rehashed memories, Pastor Fotola’s words kept echoing in his ears. “You committed the same sin that she did. You are being unfair to her. At least give her a chance to explain.”

  Pastor Fotola even had Bible verses lined up - “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

  Larry flinched, pushing out a harsh breath. It was difficult to stop the debate running to and fro in his head.

  He’d taken the day off from work, but not to be bombarded by unwelcome thoughts. What is this? Beat up Larry day. He then decided to focus on his next move.

  After visiting his mother, he would fulfill his once a month motivational speaking engagement at Kanate Educational Learning Center, one of the charities that he’d set up to coach and train, K-12 and college students. Today, he would encourage the college students to write about their goals, pray about them, and pursue their destinies. Now that’s something to smile about.

  He was proud to be associated with the learning center. The center was making a great impact in the lives of the students, opening weekdays and Saturdays.

  His mother had instilled in him and his other siblings, the principle of giving back and lending a helping hand to others. ‘How fruitful have you been with what God has given you?’ she would ask them on a regular basis while they were growing up. Then, she would add, ‘Always let the blessings of God flow through you to touch others. Let them know, not only are you thinking about them but that you are doing something to help them.’

  Thinking about his mother brought another smile to Larry’s face. She was a testament of God’s faithfulness. And what did Mama say about Fridays, ‘If you’ve made it to Friday, that’s something to shout about.’

  Almost two hours later, Larry meandered through the beautiful garden at Chateau de Kanate to find his mother. “Mama,” he called out.

  No response came.

  He stood for a moment, watching the warm rays of sunlight shining through the elegant purity of blossoming garden. She could be anywhere, he deliberated as yellow petals danced in the gentle breeze around him.

  Then he remembered.

  He took another five-minute walk deeper into the garden, and his pride soared when he saw his mother. She was sitting in one of her favorite spots – near a pear tree. She seemed oblivious of the soft white petals floating around her before settling on the grass. Her head was buried in a book and he had no doubt that it was the Bible.

  She lifted her head and stared at Larry momentarily, before leaping out of the chair to hug him.

  “My son!” she squealed with joy. She had the knack for making him feel like he was her favorite child, actually her only child. Yet, he knew she loved her other children.

  “Mama!”

  She held him at arm’s length, her large, light-brown eyes joyful. “I’m so glad to see you on this beautiful day.”

  “You too, Mama. Beautiful day, but you know it’s going to be pouring later today.”

  She smiled at him. “Sounds like life. Come sit with me. Have you had breakfast?”

  “Yes, but I’ll have a glass of apple juice,” he told her, walking towards a table that was laden with breakfast goodies.

  “Let me get it for you.” She smiled at him before reaching for the glass.

  “Thanks, Mama.” Larry returned her smile before moving to sit near the pear tree.

  “What are you up to?” his mother asked, handing him a glass of apple juice.

  He was silent for a moment, his brows raised at the sight of his mother’s red and white form fitting dress that clung to a surprisingly trim, five-feet-six-inch frame. Her salt-and-pepper, wavy hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail to show off her beautiful heart-shaped face.

  “Thanks, Mama,” he said, before taking a sip of the juice. “What am I up to?” he repeated her question, his face crumpling. Is she seeing someone? Lord knows she deserved happiness after her life of misery with his father, real estate mogul, Peter Kanate. He had passed from a heart attack, some five years ago.

  Unaware that his mother was observing him, Larry smiled. He would have some tough questions for the dude if she was dating again.

  “Had me worried for a moment with that look on your face,” Darlene said as she sat next to Larry.

  “Worried?”

  “You seemed far away.”

  He eyed her. “Are you dating? The air around you seemed a bit different.”

  His mother grinned at him. “Would you have a problem with that?”

  “No, Mama,” Larry hastened to tell her. “Just curious.”

  Darlene smiled, for she knew him only too well. That man would get no peace. “No, I’m not seeing anyone. But it’s great to know you would not have a problem with it.”

  Larry chuckled. “I know what you’re thinking. That man would get no peace, right?”

  “I’m sure he would. Right after you got his background check, fingerprints, and all. Well, that’s if he survived the many interrogation sessions.” She smiled at him. “Your father was not all bad, you know.”

  His jaws dropped. He had to hide it by turning to place his drink on the small table next to him. “Mama, not disrespecting you, but really?”

  She got up and walked a few paces, before turning to face him, her expression introspective.

  “Mama, he was abusive,” Larry all but shouted. “You of all people shouldn’t forget.”

  Darlene drew a long breath, preparing for the discussion she knew she couldn’t avoid. “Yes, he was abusive, Larry. I’m not denying that.”

  Frustrated, Larry stood up. “But you’re making excuses for him, Mama. Not only was he abusive but he was a womanizer, of the worst sort ... everyone around us knew about his affairs. He never hid them. All up in your face with that mess.”

  She smiled and calmly reached for his hand. “Come sit with me, son. Don’t upset yourself.”

  Running a hand over his low-cut, black hair, Larry let out a ragged breath before returning to the chair with her. Even so, he stared straight ahead.


  “Look at me, Larry,” she said quietly, releasing his hand.

  But Larry didn’t. Instead, he closed his eyes and drew in a tight breath, the kind that steadies you when the hurt is way too deep for you to immediately cry.

  “Larry,” his mother called out quietly.

  “I don’t want to look at you right now, Mama,” he managed to say.

  “Son, I know you love me. You would move heaven and earth for your Mama. I get that.”

  He glanced at her, tears brimming, but did not speak.

  “So let’s talk. I know you wished I hadn’t stayed with your father, the monster.” She grasped his hand that was fidgeting on his leg.

  Larry responded in a harsh whisper. “I hated that I couldn’t help you and,” he paused for a moment to dry his eyes with the back of his hand, “and I hated it even more that you stayed with him. I hated that I had to see the marks he left on your face. I hated that you were always sad.”

  Darlene let her heart relax. “Son, listen to me. I’m so sorry. You were young and you should never have witnessed the abuse I suffered. Now that you are older, there is no need for you to carry that burden. It is over. It had been over, for a long while.” She clutched his shoulder, and moved closer. “I’m sorry too that I disappointed you. I’m not making excuses for your father; what he did was wrong. But he was not always like that. We started off well, but things got real bad after the death of his father and he had to take over the family business. Everything changed between us. A lot happened back then. I’m thankful I survived.”

  Peter Kanate had inherited the family business from his father, Etalon, a French-American business tycoon whom the press described as having the Midas Touch. In his father’s eyes, Peter did not possess the prowess to help carry out the vision he had for Kanate Management and Realty Corporation, so after Peter inherited the business, he spent many of his waking hours at the office trying to prove just that.

  Later in life, since he didn’t get along with Larry, he’d taken Zane and Zadan under his wings and schooled them in the running of his empire. Still, he’d secretly hoped Larry would come on board, so he stated in his will that Larry should be the Chief Operating Officer. Larry, of course, never took up that position. Not for lack of trying on his mother’s part, because her husband had always begged her to convince Larry to run the corporation. Still, Larry was not interested, telling her, ‘Sorry, Mama. Not my calling.’