A Heart's Strength

A Heart’s Strength

Felix Brothers Trilogy Book Two

By: Kay Edwards

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2016 by Kay Edwards

All Rights Reserved.

About The Author

Kay Edwards is an up and coming newer author. This is Kay’s third series. Christ is the center of this author’s life. That fact can be easily seen in her writing. She likes to add charm and wit to her characters as she spins stories of love, redemption, heartache, triumph, and hope. In her latest series, she takes you to the rich and glamorous business world of New York City. Follow the Felix brothers as they each find their place as Christians in an upscale world. Revisit with Stefan Felix and his new wife Wendy as you discover the woman God has for Trevor Felix.

Dedications and Recognitions

I dedicate this to the one who wishes her story had been different. May she find healing and move past the choice she made. Though her choice can’t be reversed, I was more than happy to write her a story of how she dreamed it could have been. For those of you with her embrace the forgiveness that God has given you. Your child waits for you in the Father’s hands.

This book is also dedicated to those who chose life and discovered beauty from ashes and to those men who stepped up and chose to be a father to those beautiful lives.

Wendy Frey thanks for always encouraging me to stay true to Christ in my writing.

To my family, Leron, Tyler, Samantha, Joseph, and Maggie thank so much for giving me the space I need to continue to write.

I would also like to take the time to say thank you to my readers. You have made this journey a wonderful and exciting experience.

Prelude

Bri could hear the footsteps behind her. She ran as fast as she could to get away from the man who had just hurt her. Sharp glass pierced the tender bottoms of her feet as she continued her flight to freedom. Hearing the sirens of squad cars, she ignored the pain from the glass and headed quickly toward the sound of safety. She fell in her haste and whimpered as the glass cut into her knees and hands.

Please God, please hear me this time. She sobbed as her heart wondered why He had not stopped the man from harming her.

Bri stumbled into a busier street. Losing her footing again, she stumbled and fell once more.

She could now see the flashing lights of the squad cars. Bri watched as they stopped in front of her. She felt the blanket one of the officers placed on her naked body moments later.

Bri watched as the man chasing her ran into the street his gun drawn to shoot. Seconds later, shots were fired, and Bri’s rapist lay dead at the feet of New York City’s finest.

Chapter One

Two Months Later

Bri walked toward the elevator she glanced around the parking garage keeping an eye on her surroundings. When she noticed a group of people standing at the elevator waiting for the doors to open, she hastened her step. Bri hated being left alone in open areas with little security. Her feet were no longer tender, but the scars no eye could see were still very fresh and raw. She entered the elevator behind the woman and breathed a sigh of relief.

Stefan winked at his wife flirtatiously. Do you have your paperwork for the meeting?

Wendy shook her head as she made eye contact with the only other woman in the elevator. She smiled as she voiced a question. Why do men think that we’re the ones not prepared? Everyone knows it’s a guy thing to be unprepared.

Bri smiled shyly at the woman before speaking. I’m not sure.

Wendy frowned at Stefan when he tugged her hand. She shook her head at her boss. I’m almost positive there are laws against bosses behaving like this.

Bri could feel the blood leaving her face. Her voice sounded strangled even to her. He’s your boss?

Stefan realized how uncomfortable the woman was getting. He smiled as he spoke to relieve her obvious apprehension. I’m sorry. We should explain. I am her boss, but I’m also her husband. If you really think about it, that makes Wendy the boss.

Bri took a closer look at everyone in the elevator. She looked at her paper and began feeling a bit embarrassed as she realized who they were. She ventured a guess. You are the Felix brothers?

Wendy grinned. That they are.

Trevor glanced down at the paper in the woman’s hand. He looked at her and smiled. I believe that paper says that you are interviewing with me today.

Bri gave him a little nod. She glanced at Wendy trying to calm her sick stomach. How did you two meet?

Stefan started laughing. Kind of like this… She was interviewing for my assistant position. We were in the elevator together.

Bri gave a nervous laugh as she looked at Trevor. I assure you I’m okay with just a job.

Trevor nodded. He sensed that there was more to her statement but let it go. As the elevator opened, he smiled down at her. I guess the only thing left to do is the interview. If you follow me, we can begin. My office is this way.

Bri followed Trevor Felix to his office. She was relieved when he left the door open. She waited for him to indicate that he wanted her to sit down. Once seated, she waited for him to go over her papers and ask her questions. She tried to stop the shaking of her hands. When she couldn’t, she held them together tightly on her lap hoping he wouldn’t notice how nervous she was.

Trevor smiled as he looked at the paperwork. He definitely had some questions for her, but if he had to be honest, she was his first interview for a reason. He had wanted to see her first because of her schooling. I see here that you went to a Christian college. Is that correct.

Bri nodded wondering why that information seemed to mattered to him. I did.

Trevor regarded the woman sitting in the chair. He could tell she was not comfortable but could not pinpoint why. Her resume really was great. He tried to put her at ease with a less stressful question. Do you find your Christian education beneficial?

Bri wasn’t sure if he thought her choice of education was a good thing or a bad thing. She didn’t care, though. Her faith came first. Bri answered his question with sureness. It was valuable. I wouldn’t change a thing about my education even if I could. I'm a Christian.

Trevor nodded. He agreed. It helped in his mind that she had a Christian education and was indeed professing to be a follower of Christ. He thought of their client parties and went on to the next subject he needed to discuss. There are a few things this job requires that may involve flexibility. Are you flexible with your time? If I need you after hours, will that be a problem?

Bri was not sure how to take his question. She hated being out after dark, but she really needed the job. Bri needed Trevor to clarify his question though before she could give him an answer. I’m not sure what you mean.

Trevor glanced up at her. She seemed a bit fearful. He understood how his question could have been taken. He made sure that Bri knew it was work related and not inappropriate. He explained himself. We have to attend parties sometimes after hours. We are expected to rub elbows with our clients. We also like to try to find new business.

Bri still didn’t understand exactly what he meant. For her to take this job, she knew she needed to know exactly what kind of parties and how exactly he expected her to gain new business. What does that mean?

Trevor wished he could put the woman sitting across from him at ease. He liked her resume, but if he had to be honest, she could not be this shy and speak to the clients that he would need her to speak with. He set the paperwork aside. Am I making you uncomfortable?

Bri knew what came next if she answered honestly. She didn’t lie but didn’t completely respond to the question. I really need this job. I’m very nervous. I’m sorry about that. I just like to know what it is you are asking. I don’t want to say I am able to do something if I can’t. As I said before, I'm a Christian.

Trevor could appreciate her bluntness. He gave her an understanding nod. I can comprehend what you are saying. As I was explaining, I may need you to frequent some parties with me. Violet and Wendy both attend with Stefan and Liam. I assure you everything is completely business related. We pick you up at your door and get you home safe. I was being honest when I said that these parties are to connect with our clients as well as find new clients. We do not ask anything inappropriate take place as you network.

Bri understood what he was saying. She had attended the kind of parties he was speaking of before. However, one company had tried to have her dress sexy and be available for their clients on a different level. She was not willing to do that and was relieved that was not being asked of her. I will make sure I’m free for those events. I had to do that at my last job so I’m familiar with what you’re asking me to do. Thank you for clarifying it for me.

Trevor noticed an interesting detail on her resume. It says here you haven’t worked in two months. Can this be explained?

Bri gave Trevor an honest answer without revealing the personal nature of what had happened to her. I was injured. My feet had glass in them. They are fully healed now, but I had to take some time off. My old employer was unable to hold my position. I did leave in good standing, though. He is open to any call you would need to make to verify that.

Trevor nodded. That explains my next question. Why you didn’t give notice. I suppose it would be difficult to predict an injury.

Bri took a deep breath. If he only knew the entire story, he would realize how difficult it really was to predict things that can go wrong. She glanced up at him hoping he would see she did have a lot to offer his company. She truly needed this job. She hoped he would give her a chance. Her counselor had given her the clear to work again. If Bri had to be honest, she needed to work again. Sitting in an apartment reliving what had happened to her was doing nothing to help her heal.

Trevor realized he had no desire to interview anyone else for the position. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Bri was who God wanted him to hire. He looked up at her. I would like to offer the position to you. You can start today if you would like. I’ll take you down to HR and get you set up.

Bri was surprised at Trevor’s quick offer. She had prayed that she would be hired. It was a nice feeling knowing God was saying ‘yes’ this time. She was going to accept but remembered one thing. I have a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday. Will that be a problem?

Trevor shook his head. I can’t see a problem with that at all. I understand that you may have other obligations to see to first. You will leave here today with a check as well. We have a sign on bonus for all of those that work directly with those of us in executive positions.

Bri found her first genuine smile in two months. Standing to her feet, Bri extended her hand. I would very much like to work with you. I accept your offer of this position. Thank you.

Trevor stood up and shook Bri’s outstretched hand. If you’ll follow me, the only thing to do is get you to HR. It will probably take them an hour to get everything in order. You don’t have to start today but if you want you can. I will leave that up to you.

Bri followed her new boss out of his office. Her mind was preoccupied thinking about the opportunity that had just been given to her. Stepping into the elevator, Bri was brought back to reality. Trevor Felix was not a tiny man. She swallowed her fear as the doors closed leaving the two of them alone. She tried not to tremble as the tiny space engulfed her making her realize how much smaller she was compared to him.

Trevor wondered if his new assistant realized how telling her face was. He could not shake the feeling that something was wrong. He also could not shake the feeling that this was the person he was supposed to hire.

The elevator doors opened on the eighth floor. It was all Bri could do not to bolt out in front of Trevor. She kept calm and followed him toward the Human Resources offices on shaky legs.

Trevor squared away everything with the staff in HR before he turned to leave. He looked at Bri. When they’re done with you here, come find me again. I’ll be working with the others on a few projects today. Anyone on the fortieth floor will be able to get you to me.

Bri nodded her head. Okay.

Trevor glanced back at Bri once more before he headed back to his office. After taking the elevator back up, he looked at Wendy’s assistant. Sabrina, would you be willing to help Ms. Confer find me when she comes up? I’ll be in Stefan’s office.

Sabrina nodded. No worries, I’ll point the way.

Trevor had started walking away but turned back to her before he headed toward his brother’s office. By the way, congrats on your engagement.

Sabrina smiled at Trevor. Thank you. Your mom approved so I said yes.

Trevor chuckled as he walked down the hall. After entering Stefan’s office, he shook his head at the kissing couple. Do you two get anything done?

Wendy looked up at Trevor like she had not been kissing Stefan back. I just asked him the same thing. Your brother is a shameless flirt. We may have to let him go.

Stefan rolled his eyes. I’m the CEO. That will be a bit difficult. Not only that, you were a bit involved with that kiss too.

Trevor chuckled. He has you there. He also makes a good point with the CEO thing. I may be the older brother, but he’s the boss.

Liam walked in with Violet. He glanced at his assistant. We may get more work done on our own.

Violet laughed. I’m volunteering to stay late.

Wendy chuckled. You have four boys at home. I just bet you are.

Violet shook her head. I have five boys at home. Men do not know how to grow up. Trust me, my husband is every bit the scamp the others are.

Stefan frowned at Violet. We know how to grow up.

Wendy glanced up at her husband. Thinking of the little incident he, his brothers, and their boys had gotten into the past weekend, she couldn’t help but wonder aloud. So, what’s stopping you?

Stefan knew she was referring to the little occurrence that the guys of the family had gotten into with his new sons. You are not going to let me forget that, are you?

Wendy chuckled as she wrapped her arms around his waist. There are certain ways to behave in public. Putting whoopee cushions on each other’s chairs in a restaurant is not one of those ways. I do love you, though.

Violet glanced at Trevor. I hear you hired your first interview.

Stefan looked at his brother surprised. You hired the woman from the elevator?

Trevor nodded. She’s perfect for the position. Bri’s not a flirt at all. Her resume is spot on, and she has a Christian education. She made certain I was aware that she was a follower of Christ. The way she had me clarify certain things leads me to believe she has a strong moral compass.

Wendy smiled. She seemed nice. She also appeared to be a bit shy.

Trevor’s expression was thoughtful. I noticed that too. She told me she was just nervous about the interview.

The group worked for a half hour on two different sets of blueprints. They had made a great deal of progress when Sabrina knocked at the door. Bri stood beside her.

Bri waited until Trevor waved her in. She listened as he caught her up on the project. Looking at the blueprints, she got lost in the design. She smiled. These are really good.

Wendy grinned at the other woman. Thanks. I love designing.

Stefan looked at Bri. What do you see that could change?

Bri studied the blueprints. The design for the inside was flawless. The outside was a different story altogether. There were too many places that would be unsafe. Some of them would be too secluded even in the daytime. She pointed to different areas. You need more artificial light at night for these spaces. The bushes are beautiful here I’m sure, but they would work better here. It would keep this area more open.

Wendy glanced at Stefan and then the design. She’s right. It would look better if this were more open.

Trevor looked over her shoulder. He pointed to one of the areas she had some concerns about. Why the light?

Bri spoke without thinking. It isn’t safe without it. Anyone could get grabbed here and here. This area would be safer without the bushes here so that you could get away with less light.

Liam pointed to one other area. What about here?

Bri studied it a little. She nibbled her bottom lip as she figured it out. If you put flower beds here and smaller benches, it would open the area up so lighting can get through. It would still be elegant even with the changes.

Wendy yawned drawing Trevor’s attention. His voice was gentle. Are you still having nightmares?

Bri looked at Wendy and waited for her to answer the question.

Wendy