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FOREVER PASSIONA
FOREVER PASSIONHoward University graduate student Sydney Tanner's most important goal is to get an MBA degree. Hoping to earn enough money to finish her last year, she accepts a genealogy research project on the Harts, a prominent Baltimore family. But she never expects her work to bring her into contact with dark, long-buried secrets -- and with handsome congressman Marcus Hart.
Marcus knew his family was far from perfect, but he preferred to put his energies into serving the community instead of stirring up the past. Accustomed to women constantly vying for his attention, Marcus was instantly intrigued by Sydney's disinterested, cool attitude. But he was determined to melt her icy resolve even if it meant going against his mother's wishes. Now, in the face of family resistance and someone willing to do anything to keep the Hart past concealed, Sydney and Marcus must confront mistrust and deceit together if they are to gain a world of love.
"I’m sure you’re glad to get away from that mess." Keith was a smooth dancer, seeming a natural to the fast music with its seductive base.
"I wasn’t going to say anything." Sydney moved in closer. "Is it always like that?"
"Things are a little rough right now," he answered. "Aunt May usually keeps the peace, but she was too tired to come. It’s not always this bad, but Marcus..."
"You blame this on him?"
Keith’s enthusiasm waned. "Not all of it, but he’s...well, its all of us... Dad mostly."
"He doesn’t seem very involved."
"He’s not. It’s like we only have one parent."
Sydney felt compassion for him. Anthony’s distance had damaged the young man, Victoria obviously preferred her eldest son whom he would always be compared to. Keith didn’t have it so easy.
She touched his arm gently. "Don’t worry, Keith. Trust me. You have it better than so many."
"Speaking of yourself?" He grabbed her, jokingly dipping her and causing her to laugh loudly.
"Yes," she answered. "We’ll leave it at that. Besides, you’re an attractive, successful guy. You’re future is going to be great."
He spun her around, garnering stares from others. "Yeah, but Marcus is more attractive, more successful and more charismatic. His future is..."
"Keith," she interrupted. "Don’t talk that way. It’s not always about Marcus."
"You don’t know." The smiles were all gone, as he wrapped his arm around her. "Mother raves about Marcus to everyone, all the time. What he’s done, what he’ll do, what he means to the Hart family name. I guess anyone could be a partner at a law firm, but it takes a real Hart to be come a Senator."
"He hasn’t made Senator yet," Sydney added, "and you will make partner. You know this. And it’s not that easy to make partner at a firm like yours. Besides, you won’t have to deal with as much of the outside stuff like Marcus. You’ll appreciate it."
Keith smiled and swung her around again. When she faced him, she noticed a dejected look on his face.
"Even you prefer him," Keith whispered.
"Keith." Sydney sighed. "I don’t prefer either. I’m not in the market for romance. I just ended a relationship. Understand..."
"Still," he said. "If you were in the market. I mean, assuming you could deal with the psychotic family drama, you’d prefer Marcus . Every woman does."
"The right one won’t." Sydney touched his cheek. She felt for him.
She also hated that he spoke the truth. She was attracted to Marcus, although she despised him. She felt nothing comparable to the more pleasing brother.
Sydney inhaled as she felt a hand on her shoulder. Keith’s expression told her who it was.
"Just as I said," he told her as they stopped dancing. "Here to interrupt, I assume?"
"Not by choice," Marcus deep voice spoke.
Sydney felt a chill run down her spine as Marcus arm slid around her waist. She felt helpless to resist, feeling a pull at the pit of her stomach. She couldn’t move.
"You’re boss is here." Marcus pointed to Richard McDaniel, standing at the edge of the dance floor looking eager.
With some hesitation and a spiteful look at his brother, Keith excused himself and headed off. Marcus took control of Sydney and jumped into the lead.
"We can stop now." Sydney felt too aware of his hand holding hers, his other around her waist. She was only inches from him. He was large, so strong. She felt a little dizzy.
"On the contrary," Marcus said, holding on to her as she attempted to break away. He recognized his arousal at being so close to her.
As soon as Lindsay excused herself to the ladies room, he’d headed for the dance floor. His jealousy attacked him as he saw Keith twirl Sydney, dip her, wrap his arms around her. They laughed. She touched him over and over again. He had to stop this.
Luck came in the form of Richard McDaniel, who never passed up an opportunity to kiss up to Marcus. His motivation was to get Marcus on the good side of Preston Corp., knowing his influence in the community. It only took Marcus a second to convince Richard that it was Keith who had some new news on the issue and he needed to speak to him now.
"You said you wanted to dance." He pulled her closer, feeling the effect. He ordered himself to keep control. Don’t let her send your mind to pieces again. You can handle this woman.
"Not with you." She averted his gaze, pushing away. His hand slid down her back., and she was lightheaded. The room felt humid.
"What would people say?" he asked. "You’re representing the Harts now. Appearances, remember?"
"I don’t give a damn about your appearances." Sydney tried to control her breathing. "And I’m not a part of your family. I’ve told you this before."
"I was only teasing," he said, becoming intoxicated by the blossomy scent of her hair. Her soft cheek was so inviting. "But since you want to get serious, I’d say it sure looks like you’re trying to be part of this family. You don’t appear to be the twirling, dipping type, but I see you’re making exceptions."
"Cut it out with the innuendos." She gave into her fate. She wasn’t getting away. It could only last so long.
"I plead ignorant," he lied. He wanted the truth, and was determined to get it.
"You’re a lot of things, Marcus, but not ignorant." She lifted her head, looking into his eyes. She paused, straining to remember what she wanted to say. He was too gorgeous for her. She swallowed. "You’re suggesting I’m making the moves on Keith."
"I told you he was easily smitten." Marcus saw resistance in her eyes. He yearned to melt it away. "You suggested it wasn’t an issue for you."
"I also told you it wasn’t any of your business." She was locked on his face, hating him and wanting to kiss him at the same time.
"You’re encouraging him," he said. If he could hold her closer, he would. Even still, it wouldn’t be enough. "He’s very vulnerable right now."
"I’m doing nothing like that." Sydney had to think before she spoke. "Why don’t you run off to your girlfriend? I’m sure its killing her, not being able to fawn over you absolutely every second."
"Jealous?" He smiled.
"You should be so lucky." Sydney thought this song was lasting two hours.
He smiled wider, his eyes closing to a seductive halfway. "Lucky indeed."
Sydney felt her knees weaken. She had to get away. She was getting in trouble.
"Lindsay is not an issue anymore," he said, having already resolved to end it tonight.
Sydney recognized a sense of relief at his suggestion and was angry at herself for it. She refused to care about him, this family, anyone right now.
"Let me go." She pushed against him.
"Sydney." He whispered her name. He’d thought he was making progress, her resolve wasting away. Then suddenly, this.
"I don’t care about you or your brother," she said. His lips were so enticing. "Leave me alone and let me go."
He obliged, confused and insulted by her comments. He watched her walk away, wanting to go after her. He had to get his head straight and figure this woman out. He had to use the gift of perception that thirty-five years gave him to find out what was behind that brick, double concrete enforced wall.
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