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