War of the Hearts

By Vivian Blue

Life has a way of doing a 360-degree turn, and for Athena Burgess, hers is about to come in full circle when she returns home to St. Louis, Missouri after eight years. She abruptly ran to Kansas City to live with her mother and finish out her senior year of high school after Hermes Rogers, one of the most popular boys at her high school, broke her heart. Things have changed in the time she was gone, and Hermes was just elected Mayor of St. Louis. How will she react when they come face to face for the first time after all of these years?

Hermes Rogers rose to the top quickly as a promising young politician, marrying his high school sweetheart, Tyche, shortly after his election. They are a young power couple looking to go all the way to the top, no matter the cost. And with Hermes’s father being the biggest drug dealer in the city and Tyche’s father being a state senator, there’s no way they could lose, right?

That is... until Athena comes back into the picture. A lot of drama awaits them in this War of Hearts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Royalty Publishing House
• Release date: Jul 30, 2017
• ISBN: 9781648403316

Book preview

1

Introducing the new mayor of St. Louis, Hermes Rogers, and his beautiful wife, Tyche Rogers! The crowd erupted into cheers as Hermes and Tyche made their way through the crowd. He’d just won the mayoral race two weeks ago, and was just sworn into office earlier today. He was the youngest mayor that the city ever had served in the position, and the energy of the city was electrifying! Hermes’s parents, Alroy and Jane Rogers, were present, along with their long time best friends, Kevin and Maxine Cooper. Their son, Ares, was the best friend of the newly appointed mayor, and worked tirelessly to help put Hermes into his position. It was a great day for everyone, and the celebration was just about to get underway, when the entrance of the police chief and his date made everyone stop and take notice.

Why is everyone staring at us? asked Athena nervously. They act like they’ve never seen us before. Abraham’s lips spread across his face, and a smile produced in the corner of his lips.

Don’t you start, Atti, said Abraham chuckling. You’re the one who decided to come back to St. Louis the day Hermes was getting sworn in. You know I had to attend, so now you’re stuck with all of the attention.

But of course, Athena replied, rolling her eyes. People continued to stare and gawk at them because of the beautiful red dress that adorned Athena. It was sleeveless, with a deep v-cut that exposed plenty of her cleavage. The bodice fit tightly around her waist and dropped with a deep split up her right thigh.

Besides, look at that dress that you’re wearing, scoffed her father. I mean, damn, Athena. Didn’t you have a less revealing dress? Athena giggled slightly as her father escorted her over to their table.

I wore this to a photo shoot for a friend and he let me keep it, Athena explained. The truth was that she’d gotten it as a gift. This was the only formal thing that I had in my luggage. Plus, I just got off the plane an hour ago.

You look perfect, Athena, Abe reassured her. I just don’t like how these men are looking at you. Athena smiled.

And here I was, worried about the women, she joked. Abe looked down at his daughter and they both shared a laugh. Truthfully, Athena was a bit nervous being back home because the new Mayor of St. Louis had broken her heart, and that’s why she abruptly moved to Kansas City with her mother as a teenager.

Who’s that with Chief Burgess? asked Hermes, taking a sip of his champagne.

I don’t know, but she looks amazing in that dress, Ares ogled. I’d love to get a closer look at that split. Ares raised one of his eyebrows and expediently walked away from his friend.

Hey! You’re leaving me! said Hermes with a snicker. He took a step forward and his wife grabbed his arm.

Where is he going? asked Tyche, curiously. Hermes looked over his shoulder at her.

He’s on his way to go see who’s the lady in red with Chief Burgess, Hermes laughed. You know he’s Casanova Brown.

Ain’t that the truth, Tyche agreed. However, truth be told, it was her husband that was the real ladies’ man. He used Ares as a cover for all of his infidelities. He was a beloved husband to his faithful wife, but his lingering eyes and ding-a-ling caused all types of problems to their not so perfect home. Tyche’s parents were rich and powerful, with years of old money behind them. Hermes’s parents were rich and powerful, due to shady dealings in drugs and gun running. They covered it up by using a variety of legitimate businesses to launder their money. It wasn’t too often that you’d hear about an Irishman marrying a black woman, but it was love at first sight when Alroy laid eyes on Jane for the first time. Are you sure Ares isn’t going over there to find out for you? Tyche cut her eyes at her husband as he glared at her in disbelief.

I hope you’re not implying that I put him up to it, said Hermes with a bit of an attitude. Because I have no problems going over there myself to meet her acquaintance. I’m the muthafuckin’ mayor of this city now, so you better watch how you’re addressing me. He stormed off as people looked on and whispered about what they just witnessed. A frown came across Tyche’s face when her husband jerked away then walked off from her in a hurry. He was tired of her accusations and didn’t feel like being bothered with her insecurity tonight. He had been faithful to her for the past six months because he had to keep a clean image in order to get elected. He’s the man in St. Louis, and it was about that time for him to go get his ass kissed by all of the citizens of his fair city that were there to celebrate along with him. However, he was just as curious to know who was the stunning lady in that killer red dress.

Chief Burgess! called out Ares, moving gracefully through the crowd. The music was playing so loudly that Abe didn’t hear his name being called. Chief Burgess!

Daddy, I think someone is calling your name, said Athena turning her head. She vaguely saw a body moving through a sea of people, and when her eyes gazed upon the man who took her virginity, she almost lost her footing. Ahhh…

I’ve got you, said Ares, confidently. He grabbed Athena by the elbow and stopped her from an embarrassing fall. You’re safe in my hands.

That’s what you said when you took my virginity, Athena cooed. Ares hesitated for a moment because he was thrown off by her statement. He made sure the young woman was firmly planted on the floor before he turned Athena around to see her face. What… You don’t know me anymore? Ares stared lustfully as he looked down at her round breasts, wide hips, and toasty brown skin.

Athena? he called out. A smile came across her face as she straightened her posture.

That’s me, she replied. Ares gazed at her face and noticed those beautiful brown eyes that used to stare up at him over glasses, speaking of which, were missing. Also, she’d just gotten her braces taken off the day they shared their first kiss, and the memory was etched in his brain like it was yesterday.

Oh my God, you’re absolutely…

Beautiful. That shade of red looks lovely on you, said Hermes, walking up on them. Athena’s back was to him, so she slowly turned around and smiled.

Hello, and congratulations, Mayor Rogers, said Athena, coyly.

Why thank you, Miss… said Hermes, grabbing her hand. He stared at her assets, and the only thing he could think about was seeing her completely naked.

Burgess, she replied. Athena Burgess. Hermes’s mouth dropped open as he ogled at her body in that dress.

Athena! Brace face Atti! called out Hermes. Oh my word… you look completely different than I remembered.

Well, I no longer wear braces or glasses, so I guess I look different, she replied.

She still looks as cute as I remembered, added Ares. He still had Athena’s arm in his hand, and she felt his grip tighten when Hermes made his comment. It is so good to see you, Athena. Ares pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave a little squeeze.

It’s so nice to see you too, old friend, Athena whispered softly in his ear. The sound of her voice tickled the hairs in his ears. It reminded him of that night, and how the monotone felt so warm and inviting. They slowly pulled away from each other and stared intensely into each other’s eyes.

---

Athena Burgess, it’s so nice to see you again, said Hermes, pulling her away from Ares. The move was bold and several people saw it, including Tyche, and it angered her as she approached them. If she noticed the obvious, then she was sure that others did as well, and that’s a blatant sign of disrespect.

Hi, Hermes, Athena replied, less enthusiastic. How are you?

You know… I’m on top of the world, Hermes gushed. I’m the head nigga in charge of this city, so I’m feeling groovy like a two-dollar movie!

Hermes! called out Tyche. Hermes and Ares looked in her direction, while Athena looked for her father. Abe walked away when she started talking to her old friend because he didn’t want to interrupt their reunion. They’re ready to serve dinner, Tyche announced. Athena figured it was time for her to turn around and face her arch nemesis.

---

Hello, Tyche, said Athena, smugly. Tyche looked at her strangely.

Do I know you? she asked in an even more smug tone. Hermes smiled as he watched his wife’s fangs come out. She had a very uncomfortable look on her face because she wanted to know who was this mystery woman that her husband and his best friend were swooning all over.

You don’t remember me? asked Athena. She walked up on Tyche so she could get a better look at her face. I’m Athena… Athena Burgess. Tyche’s eyes widened because she couldn’t believe her eyes.

Brace face Atti… Tyche uttered. Oh my God, is that you?

Yes, it’s me, Athena replied. But without the braces and glasses. How do I look? She twirled around in a circle and caused the split in her dress to come open. Ares got a peek of the red lace panties that Athena wore, and his mouth watered as his pride stiffened a little against his leg.

Simply beautiful, sang Ares, lustfully.

I agree, Hermes signified, giving his best friend some dap.

---

How have you been? squeaked Tyche, giving Athena a fake side hug.

I’m doing fine, Athena replied. She noticed the tight-fitting, black sequined and sheer dress that Tyche had on. It definitely wasn’t appropriate for the occasion, but Tyche didn’t give a fuck. She was now one of the most powerful women in the city, and she felt it was time that everyone took notice of her.

In true Atti fashion, I see that you opted to stand out from the crowd, Tyche joked. Athena was known throughout her high school years to take a chance on her choice of fashions. She used to rock preppy, sporty, and hip-hop styles all in one outfit, and was able to pull it off with others copying her style the next day.

And in true Tyche fashion, I see that you wore something completely inappropriate for this occasion, Athena shot back. But you’ve always been a little tacky when it came to knowing what is or isn’t appropriate. Tyche’s mouth fell open and Athena looked at Ares and winked. Now, if you would excuse me, I see my father. Athena walked away gracefully, and left everyone feeling some type of way about her. Ares was still in love with Athena after all of these years, while Hermes lusted hard for her, and Tyche was pissed off because she was left looking stupid, as usual.

2

Dinner was served, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Hermes was seated with Tyche and Ares on both sides of him, while his parents and other public officials sat at the table with them. They were sitting on stage looking down at everyone, and Chief Burgess just so happened to be placed at a table right in front of them. Athena noticed both Ares and Hermes were watching her, but she was only interested in one of them. She had no interest in Hermes because he was married, and if he wasn’t, she still wouldn’t want him after the way he dissed her for Tyche. Her eyes were focused on Ares Cooper because he stole her heart many years ago. It was time for them to get reconnected if he wasn’t taken, and she didn’t see a date seated next to him, which meant he was single.

---

Ares couldn’t focus on dinner because he was too busy staring at Athena. The red lipstick that stained her lips called out to him, and all he wanted to do was taste her tongue to see if it still tasted as sweet as he remembered. Their eyes locked and a smirk came across Athena’s face. Ares licked his lips suggestively at her, and one of her eyebrows lifted. She raised her fork full of mashed potatoes and placed it in her mouth, then slowly pulled it out and let the end of it linger between her lips. Next, she licked the back of it and let it slide down her tongue smoothly. Ares’s mouth slightly opened as he watched her pruriently. He wished it was a part of him getting all of that attention, but he enjoyed the show happening in front of him. She picked up a piece of asparagus and he almost got up out of his chair, when she licked around the tip and engulfed the entire thing into her mouth. He bit down on his bottom lip and watched intently, while she molested that vegetable. She sucked it in and out of her mouth a few times before biting down on it, and at that precise moment, Ares almost creamed his pants.

Man, damn, mumbled Hermes, thirstily. He was watching Athena as well and wanted to leave the table just as much as Ares. He thought she was putting on a little show for him, but it was all for his best friend, seated next to him. Hermes leaned over towards Ares and whispered at him. Did you just see that?

I most certainly did, uttered Ares. And my Johnson is harder than Superman’s elbow against my leg. It will take several minutes and several thoughts of Alderwoman Atkins, stark butt naked to make him go down. Both men laughed and everyone suddenly seemed interested in what was so funny.

---

What’s so funny, Hermes? asked Tyche, defensively.

Nothing, he replied, continuing to chuckle. It was an inside joke between me and my boy.

It’s rude to whisper amongst each other when others are present, dear, Jane mentioned. I raised you better than that!

Leave him alone, scoffed Alroy in his Irish accent. He has a wife to nag him, so he doesn’t need his mother doing it too! Alroy took a sip of his beer and smiled at his son.

Thanks, Dad, Hermes replied happily. I’m glad someone understands my pain.

Son, you should be used to it by now, Alroy replied. You’ve been married to Tyche for almost four years now, and I remember she worried the hell out of you about marrying her.

I beg your pardon, Dad? said Tyche, offended. She put her hand against her chest in outrage. I didn’t worry the hell out of your son. I just remind him that I’ve always had his back, and now I have to remind him of his responsibilities as a husband and as a mayor. Ares was not interested in the conversation at all because he was too busy watching Athena eat her dinner. She excused herself from the table and stood up, straightening her dress. She gazed up at Ares, who watched her intently, and smiled wickedly at him. When she walked away, he saw this as an opportunity to get up on her, so he excused himself from the table and quickly headed in the same direction as Athena. Ares was almost close enough to grab her, when a longtime friend of his father spotted him. He called Ares’s name, causing him to turn to take a look, but when he turned back around, Athena was gone.

---

Ares was stuck talking to Judge Buford for twenty minutes about the importance of putting good people on the bench. He wasn’t interested in the conversation and spent most of the time, looking for that red dress. Relief fell over him when his parents walked up to them. Ares thought he’d found