Forgive To Be Forgiven

Chapter One

"Why are you doing this to me, to us?"

In confusion Terry watched John stuff his belongings into a small bag.

"You can't handle the truth."

His face grew emotionless as he spoke. His gaze never met hers.

"We can fix this. Whatever it takes," her voice cracked.

"Can't you grant me my freedom without interrogation?" he asked.

"But I love you."

Fortified by his own will, the sincerity of her words failed to sway him. For the past year, John dated his married floor supervisor. Now that her divorce was final, he would be able to make his move to greener pastures. Terry's sobbing started to annoy him. No matter how much she pleaded, his mind was set. This was goodbye.

"Do you want to know what this is about?" he snapped.

Wide-eyed she stared at him, stunned by his curt tone. Her voice became imprisoned within her throat.

"I'm tired," he said.

She made a few steps in an effort to embrace him. He wanted none of it. No comfort. His mission wasn't to be consoled. It was to leave. He held his hands out, stopping her dead in her tracks.

"I need a new life. A fresh start which does not include you. Don't get me wrong, Terry. Together we made great memories, but it's no longer working for me."

His words ripped through her flesh and bones and managed to sever her soul.

"What if I-"

"Nothing remains forever, you know that," John said.

John scanned the room to ensure he packed all he possessed. Satisfied, he went to leave but Terry blocked the door.

"Woman, move out of my way!" he said, causing her to flinch. Stubborn, she remained unmoved.

He narrowed his gaze, making eye contact with her. There was a mixture of pain and love, yet no regret all combined in her beautiful face. However, he refused to make her deter him from a better life.

"I said move!" he repeated, pushing her out of his way, causing her to lose her balance.

To regain her steadiness she grabbed his shirt and ended up tearing it in the process. Her repayment; a backhand which sent her crashing to the floor.

"I'm so sorry, Terry!"

He never laid his hands on her - ever. Guilt gripped his conscience. To make some sort of amends became his new mission.

Heat radiated from where John planted his hand seconds ago. Her fresh tears seemed to soothe the pain yet, they did nothing for her fragmented heart. At that moment, she decided if he wanted to leave, she wouldn't stop him. He knelt beside her and she winced.

"Terry, please forgive me," he pleaded as he ran his fingers through her thick tresses.

When she did not respond, he kissed her wet cheek.

"I still love you," he said.

Such words rendered her vulnerable in his presence. A sense of hope and glee overrode her rational capabilities. Without further coaxing, she fell under his control. Over stepping his own restraints, he captured her lips with his, savouring their warmth. It was meant to be one of a friendly nature until she matched him, passion for passion.

"I need to go," he said in the height of the carnal tension they created.

He had a choice to make. Hightail it out of there now, or enjoy the pleasures of her body he grew to love. The lusty appetite she aroused in him clouded his better judgement. His resolve crumbled.