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  Look Into My Heart

  By Iris Bolling

  ISBN-13: 978-0-9801066-2-6

  ISBN-10: 0-9801066-2-1

  Look Into My Heart

  Copyright ©2009 by Iris Bolling

  All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the publisher or author, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

  Cover and book design by: Judith R.E. Wansley

  Siri Austin Entertainment LLC

  www.irisbolling.net

  www.siriaustin.com

  Acknowledgements

  Thank you my heavenly father.

  Raymond, Chris and Champaine, thank you for your love, support and patience.

  Judith Wansley, thank you for the ability to

  “draw a little bit.”

  Linda Gordon and Kathy Six thank you for your time and knowledge.

  Roz Terry, LaFonde Harris, and Gemma Mejias: the roots to my tree, thanks for always answering the telephone.

  Valarie Johnson and Tanya Thompson, thank you for keeping it real.

  Wiley “Devin” Franklin, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  To the beautiful people, Monica Jackson, Justin Wansley, Jason Wansley and Stephen Howell.

  May God’s blessings always be with you.

  To my mom, Evelyn Lucas, my sister Helen McCant and brother Albert “Turkey” Doles, family is the strength that binds us forever and always.

  To all of my readers, your wait is over. Enjoy book three of

  The Heart Series as the saga of JD and Tracy’s journey towards

  the White House continues. Cynthia will capture your heart.

  This book is dedicated to, Julia C. Nedrick, thanks for being there.

  Books by Iris Bolling

  The Heart Series

  Once You’ve Touched The Heart

  The Heart of Him

  Look Into My Heart

  A Heart Divided

  A Lost Heart

  The Heart

  The Heart Always Wins

  Night of Seduction Series

  Night of Seduction/Heaven’s Gate

  The Pendleton Rule

  Gems and Gents Series

  Teach Me

  The Book of Joshua I – Trust

  The Book of Joshua II – Believe

  A Lassiter’s Christmas

  Ruby…Red Slippers & All

  The Book of Adam – Hypnotic

  The Book of Timothy – Symmetry

  Phire: I’m Just Saying

  Brooks Family Values Series

  Synergy

  Fatal Mistake

  Propensity For Love

  The Dunning Trilogy

  Invested

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Books by Iris

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32>

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Epilogue

  More from Iris

  Prologue

  Cynthia sat in her office at TNT Event Planning waiting for her late night caller to appear. It had been nearly two years since the two had met privately and she wondered—why now. What could he possibly want from her? If it wasn’t for the fact that she knew him well enough to hear the distress in his voice, she would have simply said no when he asked to meet with her. But there was something urgent in his call and she couldn’t turn her back on him. The man taught her the meaning of real love. He did not have those feelings for her, but he certainly loved his wife Carolyn Roth-Roberts with all her flaws, and she has plenty. Nevertheless, it was difficult for her not to appreciate and treasure the short period of time they spent together before he said, “I do.”

  She crossed her legs and sat back in the chair remembering how caring and attentive he was whenever he had free time, or Carolyn was out with one of her playmates. Governor Gavin W. Roberts knew about his wife’s extra curriculum activities, but he loved her nonetheless. That realization did not come to light for Cynthia until the night of her friend, Tracy Harrison’s wedding. Carolyn was distraught over JD Harrison, the now Attorney General of Virginia and a political powerhouse, choosing to marry Tracy Washington, a virtual unknown over her. The realization sent her running into Gavin’s arms that night. The way he held and consoled her, even though she was crying over another man, let Cynthia know it was time to step out. It was not in her nature to be the third wheel in anyone’s relationship. But she would be lying to herself if she said Gavin did not touch her heart with his gentle ways and caring manner.

  “I always loved your legs in short dresses,” Gavin said from the doorway.

  Looking up with a welcoming smile Cynthia simply stared at the man who changed her life. He showed her that she was worthy of the love of a good man. She just was having a hard time finding that man. “Hello stranger. I would hug you, but you and I know that would lead to something else, and we are not going there.” Frowning, she noticed the stress she heard in his voice had reached his face. She could see he needed to talk and of course she wondered if it was Carolyn, but was too polite to ask. “So, what has you so rattled that the strain is showing on that handsome face?”

  The one thing he always loved about Cynthia Thornton was she did not mince words. She was always straight with him. He missed that. Taking a seat across from her desk Gavin sighed heavily. “Before we get into serious things, tell me what’s been happening with you. I understand the Prince of Emure has his eyes on you.”

  Placing her pen on the desk Cynthia stood, walked over and sat in his lap. She kissed his forehead and smiled, “Everyone is fine.” She laid her head against his and smiled, “And you know you don’t give a damn about what’s happening with the Prince of Emure. But I don’t like the vibe I’m getting from you. So tell me what’s wrong and how I can help you fix it.”

  Gavin gathered his arms around her waist and held on tight. How he wished he had fallen in love with her instead of Carolyn. “I need to tell you about something that has given someone control of my career.” He reached into his pocket and gave her a blue velvet jewelry box. “I need you to keep this safe until it’s needed. You’ll know when and who to give it to.”

  Cynthia pulled away and looked down at him, “You’re scaring me. Is something going to happen to you?”

  “No,” he smiled, “nothing like that.”

  As much as she wanted to, she didn’t believe him. She took the box and opened it. Inside was a beautiful platinum heart shaped locket on a matching chain. When she opened the heart there was a small item that looked like a miniature compact disc. She closed the locke
t and replaced it inside the box. Moving from his lap, she retook her seat at her desk and placed the box inside her purse. “Tell me what’s on your mind.”

  ♡♡♡

  Outside the TNT building, the Governor’s two bodyguards sat in the front seat of the black sedan, waiting for his return as instructed. “I’m not too crazy about this secret meeting. You stay here. I think I’ll just take a look around to make sure the perimeter is clear,” the man sitting in passenger seat stated.

  “Make sure he doesn’t see you. The man does not like his orders being disobeyed.”

  “It’s for his safety.” The man exited the vehicle and walked around the building. On the back side there was a light shining through the window. He assumed that’s where the meeting was taking place. Being careful not to be seen he stood flushed against the outer wall and glanced through the window. A sly grin crossed his face when he saw the meeting was with Cynthia Thornton and she was sitting on the Governor’s lap. “Playa, Playa.” He whispered as he shook his head. No longer concerned with the meeting he was just about to walk away when he saw the exchange of the blue velvet box. “Damn,” the expletive word escaped. Walking back towards the front of the building, he stop pulled out his cell-phone and pushed a button. Once the call was answered he informed the receiver, “I believe we have a problem. The information has been passed to a third party.” The voice asked, “Who?"

  “Cynthia Thornton, owner of TNT Event Planning.” The man hung up the telephone and returned to the vehicle.

  “Well?” the driver questioned.

  “Here I was concerned for his safety and he’s in there with a woman.” The two men looked at each other and shared a knowing smile.

  ♡♡♡

  Donovan Tucker sat outside a club, watching his boss’ teenage daughter which was proving to be more than he had bargained for. Man how he longed for the days of watching over Tracy, his boss little sister. Now she was easy. She spent most of her days in the library until she went off to college. Even then it wasn’t difficult to make sure no harm came to her and to be honest, it was an honor to be given such a task. His boss, Al “Turk” day, entrusted the life of his little sister to him. To this day Tuck, as he was called by his men, believed he had a part in her becoming the person she was today — a beautiful strong black woman with her own multi-million dollar company, the wife of the Attorney General and now the mother of little JC Harrison. He couldn’t help but smile at how her life had turned out after the rough start. It was good she had Turk around making sure she was happy. Then when Turk landed in prison, he gave Tucker the duty of watching over her. But his teenage daughter was nothing like Tracy that was for sure. His cell phone buzzed, interrupting his thoughts. “Make it good,” he answered.

  Listening intently to the information being given, he frowned. “The silent partner is making his move. He just put out a hit on the Governor’s friend.”

  This was not good. Just when he thought things with Tracy was settled all hell was about to break lose. “Who has the contract?”

  “The Latin Eagles.”

  “Damn, not them again. I’ll handle it.” Tucker disconnected the call. He immediately made another call.

  “Thompson,” the man answered.

  “We have an issue. Meet me at Maxie’s Club in an hour.”

  Chapter 1

  The clock on the mantel indicated it was well after midnight. Cynthia glanced out of the window, a small smile crept onto her face; the snow had not begun. With a little luck we can get out of here before the storm hit, she thought. Well at the very least, she would let the catering staff leave within the hour. Stepping back into the grand ballroom of the mansion that was still filled with dignitaries, politicians and their wives, she looked around the room, a little angry with herself. Since her friend, Ashley’s wedding, Cynthia Thornton promised herself she would no longer settle for just any man. She wanted the love of her life. No longer would she jump in bed with anyone other than whoever he may be. She was never one to believe in happily ever after or love at first sight. However, since her friends Tracy, Ashley and Rosaline had married the loves of their lives, she wanted the same, no matter how long it took him to come along. That was two years ago and the only prospect she had was Prince LaVere’ Ashro of Emure. Yes, a true Prince and she still had doubts.

  With all that said, she wanted to kick herself as she stood in the doorway looking around the room for the tall, ruggedly handsome man in a uniform who had been exchanging glances with her all night. She knew those glances—received them every time, yes, every time she walked into a room where the male population existed. All of her one hundred ten pounds, five feet six inch natural reddish brown hair, caramel skin, hazel eyes and voluptuous behind, made the “you look good” glances a norm in her life. But the glances from this man indicate he wanted to devour her in a very intimate way. That mere fact should have her running in the other direction, not trying to seek this man out. She could still feel the intensity of his glance in the pit of her stomach, which was inconveniently traveling to the area below her navel.

  If this were any other client, she would let her assistants handle the closing and leave, before she would allow herself to forget about her promise to wait for Mr. Right. However, this was The Brooks. Avery and Gwendolyn Brooks was one of the most powerful political families in the country, in addition to being her friend Ashley’s in-laws. With the potential for more business, there was no way she would not see this function to the end.

  Cynthia put the man in the uniform and Prince LaVere’ out her mind, put on her most professional smile and began to mix in with the crowd. Part of her job as an event planner was to ensure everyone was enjoying themselves and on this particular occasion, to keep the host, James and Ashley Brooks, abreast of the impending weather condition. It was early November and the prediction of a major snowstorm had some a little on edge.

  Walking over to the mantel where the couple was standing in a virtual who’s who in politics Cynthia could feel James’ eyes on her as she whispered in Ashley’s ear. She knew he was wondering what kind of trouble she was getting his wife into, now. Cynthia and her friends’ husbands had a love hate relationship. Their wives loved her and they, in turn hated her. Always one to stir up trouble Cynthia stood and gave James a wicked wink just as Ashley began to walk away with her. James put his hands around her waist to delay her departure. “Where do you think you’re going?” he whispered. “You know I like having you by my side.”

  Ashley kissed his cheek and smiled. “I’m going to check on the weather, handsome, I’ll be right back.”

  “I’ll go with you,” James replied quickly.

  “No, stay here and talk with LaVere’. I won’t be gone long.”

  The man next to James smiled warmly at Cynthia, who, from what he could read in her face, was enjoying the banter going on between the couple. If he was not mistaken, she was deliberately egging James’ anger on with her facial expressions. It was apparent the three were very close friends from the looks they shared. “Oh James, for goodness sake she is not going to break walking from here to the window. Get a grip.” Cynthia said in a joking tone.

  “Are you offering your neck?” James asked in a not too gentle tone.

  Ashley put one hand on James chest and the other on Cynthia’s shoulder and stepped between the two, “Okay, on the count of three, break and go to your opposing corners.”

  Prince LaVere’ laughed and patted James on his shoulders, “James, my friend, I like your wife and her friend, whom, I have not had the pleasure of dancing with this evening.”

  Prince LaVere’ remembered meeting the hazel eyed beauty at James and Ashley’s wedding the previous summer. To this day, he had a difficult time forgetting the smooth silk feel of her skin when he held her hand. Nor could he forget the dazzling smile he received when he helped her up from a fall.

  “You don’t want to get that close—she is the devil’s spawn,” James replied with a curt smile.

&n
bsp; “James!” Ashley exclaimed.

  James took a sip of his drink, and gave Ashley a questioning glance. “Well she is, isn’t she?”

  Cynthia smiled, and then turned to the Prince, “Please forgive us. We both love Ashley, but have different opinions on her activities. I believe she is very capable of walking a mere ten feet to the window. While James believes she should not take any steps at all.” She turned to Ashley, “Does he carry you to the bathroom and sit on the toilet with you?”

  The Prince laughed along with Ashley and the other people standing around, however, it took a moment for James to see the humor in the comment. James smiled and threw up his hands, “I give up,” he kissed Ashley before she walked away.

  “James,” LaVere’ smiled at his college friend, “it’s good to see you so happy. A good woman can do that for a man.”

  Shaking his head James smiled, “I never thought it could happen, but I am a happy man. Ashley and the twins make my life worth living.”

  “Spoken like a man in love.” Hearing Cynthia laugh, LaVere’ looked in the direction of the women who had gathered by the window on the opposite side of the room. He cleared his throat and turned to James. “Now would you extend the opportunity to your friend?” he asked as he pointed towards Cynthia.

  James looked over at Cynthia, Ashley and their friend Rosaline who had joined them at the window and shook his head. “I don’t want to jeopardize our friendship by doing that.”

  LaVere’ smiled, “Something that exquisite cannot be that bad,” he replied while watching every move Cynthia made.

  James took another sip of his drink, “Believe me, it can,” he mumbled to himself.