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  Zak shook his head.

  His father pursed his lips. “I imagine her heart is just as heavy. You treat her commonly, then turn your back on her.”

  Zakaria bristled. “I didn’t, Baba.”

  “But you did. You made her believe that you loved her. She trusted that, and she gave herself to you. Then what did you do? You abandoned her like she was nothing.”

  Tears pierced Zak’s eyes. His body tensed defensively as he leaned forward in his seat. “I had to protect her, Baba.”

  His father shrugged. “If you love her, you protect her by being by her side. You protect her by ensuring she wants for nothing. You give her sons and daughters to love. You commit all of yourself to her, and you let her be your partner. You cannot turn your back on her and say you are protecting her. There is no love in that.”

  Zak shook his head. “It’s been too long. She is probably happy now.”

  His father laughed. “She loved you with everything in her soul. I’m certain she is as miserable as you are.”

  * * *

  Kendrick laughed into the receiver, the chortle core deep.

  “Why is that funny?” Zak asked.

  “Because the two of you are just alike.”

  “Does she think about me?”

  His friend laughed again. “She does, but she doesn’t say it. I see it on her face, that is, when she sits still long enough.”

  “So what do I do?” Zak asked.

  “I’m not the one to ask, Zak. I realize I didn’t give either one of you any good advice. You’re on your own with this one, my friend.”

  As Zak disconnected the call, his mother moving behind him made him jump. “Ommah, I didn’t see you there,” he said.

  “I figured as much,” she answered, having overheard the conversation. She pointed to his cell phone, her eyebrows raised.

  Zak lifted the device. “Oh. I was talking with Kendrick Boudreaux.”

  His mother nodded. “About his sister?”

  Zak met her gaze. He didn’t bother to answer.

  “Did it help?” he mother asked.

  “No,” Zak finally answered. “He didn’t know how to help me.”

  His mother smiled. “You men!” she said, her smile bright.

  He smiled with her, shrugging his shoulders. His mother headed back toward the door and then suddenly stopped, spinning back around on her heels. She stared at him for a brief moment before speaking. “If you love her, Zakaria, tell her. If you must, beg her forgiveness. But to do that, son, you must go to her.” She moved to his side and kissed his cheek as she continued. “When a woman loves a man she wants him to be just that. A man! Take charge. Tell her what will be. If Maitlyn loves you like I think she did, she will happily follow your lead.”

  Zak chuckled softly. “You say that like it will be so easy.”

  His mother laughed with him. “When love is right, it usually is.”

  * * *

  Maitlyn flipped through papers scattered across the kitchen table. She turned briefly to stare out the window. She swiped a hand across her eyes and took a deep breath before turning her attention back to the work before her.

  “Hey, you,” Kendrick said as he moved back into the room.

  Looking up, Maitlyn smiled. “Hey, yourself. I see you made it home safe and sound.”

  Kendrick nodded. “It was a good vacation,” he said, meeting her gaze.

  “Did you meet any old friends?” she asked.

  Her brother smiled as he nodded his head. “One of them asked about you. I told him you were doing really well.”

  Maitlyn smiled and nodded. They’d become closer since he’d shared his secrets with her. She also worried more when he disappeared for weeks at a time. Seeing him eased that worry. Hearing that Zakaria was also doing well made her feel better, too.

  “So, what are you up to?” Kendrick asked.

  “Just making sure everything is covered for the reception tomorrow. I need to make sure the fire chief has a copy of the permit for the fireworks.”

  “You work too hard, sis,” he said. “You’ll need your own vacation once this party is over.”

  Maitlyn rolled her eyes. “Uh, no, thank you. I think I’m done with vacations for a very long while.”

  Kendrick nodded. “I need to say something to you,” he started, dropping down against the cushioned seat across from her. “I gave that mutual friend of ours some bad advice. I thought we were protecting you. With everything we’re involved in, it just felt safer. But now I realize I was wrong.”

  Before Maitlyn could respond, their mother entered the room. Katherine tossed them both a look and smiled brightly. “I don’t mean to interrupt you two. I’m glad you have each other to talk to.”

  “It’s no problem, Mom,” Kendrick said, standing back up. “We’re done. Maitlyn needs to get back to work.” He leaned and kissed her, and then moved around the center island to hug and kiss his mother.

  When he was gone, Katherine moved to the table where she sat. She and Maitlyn locked gazes.

  “Is everything okay, Mommy?” Maitlyn asked, unnerved by the look her mother was giving her.

  “I told you once that there was nothing any of my kids could do that I wouldn’t find out about. Remember?”

  Maitlyn nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Your daddy and I don’t keep any secrets. Not even the ones you kids think we do. If your daddy knows it, I know it and vice versa. And I agree with your brother. I think he was very wrong. How can he give you advice on love and relationships when he’s too scared to have one of his own? Zakaria is a good man. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t be Kendrick’s friend and you wouldn’t be in love with him.”

  Maitlyn’s eyes widened, a tear rolling across her cheek.

  Her mother laughed. “Your old mama doesn’t miss a trick. I keep telling you kids that!”

  * * *

  Boudreaux Towers stood majestically in the downtown area. The multilevel office complex was a work of art in the New Orleans business district, unlike anything ever seen before. The brainchild of Mason Boudreaux, Maitlyn’s oldest brother, the building had just been completed under the direction of their brother Darryl and his new wife. Glowing with light to celebrate the holiday season, the building was spectacular.

  Maitlyn had taken the entire penthouse floor, with its magnificent views of the city, and had transformed it to a winter wonderland for the newly married Darryl and Camryn Boudreaux. She stood by the windows, taking in the magnitude of it all. They were only an hour from welcoming in the New Year, and she felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her. But something was still missing.

  On the dance floor, the bride and groom were grinning as they danced with family and friends. All her brothers and sisters and her parents were on the floor, gyrating to the beat of the music. The entire Stallion family, Mason’s wife, Phaedra, her brothers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Stallion were on the dance floor, as well, along with their wives, having a great time. Their conjoined families were happy, and their joy made Maitlyn smile.

  It could have been perfect, Maitlyn thought, if only...She shook the thought from her mind. She was suddenly distracted when Kendrick broke from the group and headed in the direction of the door. Surprise and excitement painted his expression. She turned to look where he stared.

  * * *

  Zakaria Sayed stood in the entrance of the large room. His presence was commanding, and everyone in the room turned to ogle. He first shook hands with Kendrick and then followed the gesture of Kendrick’s head that led to Maitlyn.

  For a brief moment the two stood staring at each other.

  Zak felt emotion swell full and thick in his chest. She was beautiful, and the sight of her was a soothing balm to his heart. She looked exquisite in her gown—the
sheer red garment complemented the glow in her complexion. He knew in that moment that he would do anything for her to take him back. Willing his legs to move, he headed in her direction.

  As he closed the gap between them, he felt his breath catch deep in his chest. He could feel the fissure in his heart begin to close. He then saw the tears in Maitlyn’s eyes; she had moved to meet him halfway. After kicking off her high heels, she threw herself into his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him with undeniable passion.

  “I’m sorry,” Zak said, his breath warm as he whispered into her ear. “Can you forgive me?”

  “Don’t you ever do that to me again,” Maitlyn whispered back.

  Zak nodded his head. “I promise.”

  “I’ve missed you,” Maitlyn murmured.

  “I love you, Maitlyn. I’ve never stopped loving you.”

  Maitlyn tightened her hold. She began to weep. “I love you, too,” she whispered loudly, wanting to shout it from the rooftop.

  Zak pulled back slightly, then plunged his mouth against hers, kissing her deeply. He could feel his soul sliding home and swore he would never leave her again. Outside, fireworks shimmered against the midnight sky. Across the dance floor, hugs and kisses rained around the room as the midnight hour welcomed the New Year and new beginnings.

  * * * * *

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Kimani Romance.

  You dream in vibrant hues! Harlequin Kimani Romance stories feature sophisticated, soulful and sensual African-American and multicultural heroes and heroines who develop fulfilling relationships as they lead lives full of drama, glamour and passion.

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  ISBN-13: 9781460325797

  HEARTS AFIRE

  Copyright © 2014 by Deborah Fletcher Mello

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