Lissa's Lover: Chapter 23: Tenderness

 




"You thinking of moving in permanently?" she asked, sarcasm dripping in her voice. He laughed softly. It was a deep, sexy sound that made her loins tingle.

"No," he said, "you shouldn't lift anything heavy for the next couple of weeks, nor do anything that will cause exertion. You'll need an extra pair of hands and feet. Since I'm already around, I thought I would volunteer in that regard." 


 

 Tuesday


Lissa watched Jordan eating and smiled. She was staring at his tattoos. He was sitting near the front door digging into his curry goat and white rice. She had finished eating the soup and cornbread, and was now laying back in the bed. She watched him, taking in his rugged profile. Quite handsome, she thought. But she was more curious about him than admiring his good looks. 

Jordan could feel her eyes on him. He decided not to look up, but to give her the pleasure of staring at him a little longer. After five more minutes of her boring a hole into him, he looked up at her, his eyes sweeping over her slowly. She was in a hospital gown

She had gone to the bathroom and hadn't bothered to cover herself with the sheets when she returned to bed. The gown didn't hide her curves, but he already knew she was curvy in all the right places. He remembered the warm, softness of her body pressed on him while he held her earlier that morning. Don't go there Jordie, he reminded himself.

A smile quirked up his lips. "Want some?" he asked. His deep voice had a sexy, teasing tone to it. Lissa blinked and looked away. He got up from the chair and came towards her. Sitting down and stretching out his legs, he brought the box close to her face and moved it around playfully. "It's really delicious," he said, his eyes teasing her. 

Lissa lifted her eyes and shook her head. She smiled at him. "No, I'm okay." It did smell good though. One bite wouldn't hurt. 

"You sure?" He smiled broadly at her. Lissa chuckled a little. "Okay, one bite can't hurt," she answered. She sat up and was about to take the box from him when he moved it away from her. He dug his fork into the box and brought out a fatty piece of goat meat and brought it to her lips. 

At first, she was hesitant. Looking into his eyes, she saw that he was teasing her. 

"I ..." she faltered. "I can feed myself," she said. She felt uncomfortable. He placed the fork in the box.

"I'm sure you can, but since you said earlier you were feeling weak I don't mind helping you," he told her. His green eyes were watching her intently. The food did smell good. Her mouth was watering. 

"Okay," she said nodding. He brought the fork back to her lips. She bent forward and opened her mouth. He carefully placed the fork inside, and she closed her eyes and mouth. He pulled the fork out and she chewed slowly. 

Jordan watched her lips moving. "Good?" he asked, his voice huskier than usual. She opened her eyes and stared at him. That gritty, husky quality was in his voice again. It was rather alluring. He cleared his throat, stood up and went back to the chair. 

"It's nice and peppery. Yeah, it's good," she answered. 

"I believe I heard the doctor telling your dad you should be back home by tomorrow evening all being well," Jordan said. "He said you have a minor procedure to do just to make sure everything is good with ... withwell you know." He blushed a little and Lissa thought that was adorable. "He says a week's bed rest and you should be fine once you take it easy afterwards."

Lissa thought about what she would say to Supe Dacres. By now he would have heard. She felt tired. She sank into the bed and closed her eyes. 

"Jordan?

"Yes, Ms Dixon?"

She opened her eyes and looked at him. Didn't he call me by my nickname a few hours earlier? Never mind, she thought. "Thank you for comforting me. I nearly got you in trouble with your friend. You were very kind to me, I won't forget that," she told him.

Jordan smiled at her. "It's not a problem. My job is to keep you safe and make sure you're comfortable," he replied.

"So, brushing your hand on my cheek, the kiss on the forehead and holding me the way you did in the car is also a part of bodyguard duty?" she asked, amused. She felt a familiar tingling in her loins. She needed to watch herself around him.

A smirk formed on his lips. "Only for the pretty ones," he said quietly. Lissa's heart skipped a beat. "I'm dating your friend," she said pointedly. 

Jordan sobered. He nodded. "Yes, that you are." He had finished eating and drank his boxed drink quickly. "I'll be back." He opened the door and stepped outside.

Lissa sighed and closed her eyes. She needed a break. Maybe a visit to Canada will help her get her head screwed on straight.

When Jordan returned an hour later he brought a suitcase with him. She sat up looking at him. He smiled at her. 

"You thinking of moving in permanently?" she asked, sarcasm dripping in her voice. He laughed softly. It was a deep, sexy sound that made her loins tingle. 

"No," he said, "you shouldn't lift anything heavy for the next couple of weeks, nor do anything that will cause exertion. You'll need an extra pair of hands and feet. Since I'm already around, I thought I would volunteer in that regard." 

"You're serious?" she asked. Her eyes took in the suitcase and the look in his eyes. The smile on his face was gone. "Very serious Ms Dixon." He sat in the chair by the door, leaned back and closed his eyes. 

She wondered what time it was. "Do you know the time?" she asked, feeling a little annoyed with him. He lifted his wrist to his face and opened his eyes. "It's 8 am," he answered then closed his eyes. Lissa closed her eyes. She didn't feel like talking anyway.


***

She was burning up. Her body was on fire. Lissa was shivering. She felt so cold. The nurse assigned to her pressed a button and another nurse rushed into the room to help attend to her. The doctor was informed of her condition. He would be with her in the next five minutes. She was also having trouble breathing. They placed an oxygen mask over her face.

Jordan stood in a corner of the room watching everything. He was on the phone with her dad. He tried to describe as much as possible what was happening. Marcus told him he would be there within two hours, and asked him to make sure she was okay. Jordan told him he would. When the doctor entered the room, Jordan watched everything carefully, down to the drug they gave her to break her fever. 

Dr. Watson turned to him and said, "She should be doing the D&C tomorrow, but I'll see if we can get her an appointment for tonight."

He nodded. He knew what a D&C was. 

The fever broke around 9:30 a.m. Jordan was relieved. Somehow she had developed inflammation and her body was trying its best to get rid of it. Hence the terribly high fever she had experienced. When the nurses and doctor left, he was alone with his thoughts. 

He heard them say she may have difficulty having children. They had sedated her, and were giving her antibiotics intravenously. He watched her sleeping. He sent Ryan a text about what happened, but didn't tell him what the medical staff said about her not being able to have children. Ryan replied that he would see her later after his shift ended. 

Jordan sat in the hospital chair. He knew his friend. Ryan had always wanted children. He wondered how he would feel if he heard Lissa possibly couldn't have kids. His brow knotted as he thought about it. 

Being a dad was a strong motivation for his friend. For him not so much. Of course he would love to have offspring, but it wasn't a top priority for him. He needed to make enough money to open his own animal shelter and veterinarian business. He was studying for it part-time. His friend Xander was the inspiration. 

He looked at his watch. There wasn't much he could do for her now, except ... There was some clothes in the duffle bag she brought back from her stay with her friend. Maybe he could wash them for her. He nodded to himself. He would leave his suitcase here and let Marcus take it to the house in his car.

The family bought a new washer and dryer set to replace the ones that had been damaged during the home invasion last month. She hadn't gotten around to doing her laundry yet. He could wash her clothes for her. "Yeah, I can do that," he said. He got up and left. He had a spare key to the front door. He rode over to the house and within minutes he had swept and mopped her bedroom floor.

He took her duffle bag with her clothes to the laundry room. He watched carefully as the washing machine drum filled up with water. Turning off the faucet, he unzipped her bag and began removing the clothes and placing them on the floor. 

As he sorted through white and coloured clothing, he also noticed her delicates. His hands smoothed them out. There were seven (7) of themdifferent colors and fabric types. He took up one that caught his attention. It was red with beautiful lace patterns and a cute little red bow at the front. The high cut of the panties meant they would expose more of her bikini line. He imagined how she looked in it. He was sure she would be very sexy. 

Feeling his loins respond and his pulse quicken as he thought of her, he took a deep breath and put the panties aside with the other underwear. There were five bras, all black. He started washing the whites then the pastel colours, feeding the washing machine steadily with sweaty clothing. 

When one load was done he checked her room to see if there was anything in there that was sweaty. He decided to remove the bed sheets. There was blood on one of them. The other sheet he had wrapped around her last night was taken away by the orderlies. He figured they would burn it.

After he washed, rinsed and semi-dried everything, he started hanging them on the lines in the back of the yard. Afterwards, he took out his phone and typed in how to hand wash women's underwear. He blushed as he thought of himself touching something that was so intimate of hers. Something she had sweat in, something her feminine essence had been on. 

Maybe this isn't a good idea, she would probably freak out, if she found out. And he was feeling aroused in the strongest way just thinking about what she looked like in each piece he touched. Her scent wasn't on it, not really. But he had refrained from taking a whiff. He felt ultra uncomfortable about doing that. Maybe she had already washed them. He filled a small basin he saw in the wash room with water, and also fetched some washing detergent. He stood at the outdoor sink and dipped each underwear slowly in the soapy water.

He took a deep breath and began doing what he felt would warrant her giving him a tongue lashing. When he was done rinsing, he placed each underwear on individual clothes pins, hanging them at the far end of the back line. 

He sighed as he looked at them. The thought of taking them off and seeing the other 'delicates' she possessed slipped into his mind. He shook his head and muttered a curse wordangry at himself for feeling something for a woman he could not have.

***

After Shane dropped Dana at work, he went to check on his farm in rural St. Catherine. The yield he was getting from the vegetable crops had more than doubled, plus he was seeing some positive results from his growing cacao trees. He had some planted on half acre, while the vegetables were on 5 acres. In between he planted some pineapples and melons. He was feeling good. 

After speaking with the farm supervisor about the progress the trees were making, he shook his hand and told him he would allow him to hire an extra farm hand to help clear land and to plant more cacao trees. He told him the money would be in his account by the weekend. 

He started this farm with Lissa in mind. But no matter, it was a good venture, and if all went well, Dana would get to enjoy it with him. He was excited to see what the rest of the year held for him. He knew Dana was worried about the arson charges

On his way to her house she told him that High Command had accepted his resignation. While he was concerned, he felt he had a bargaining chip up his sleeve. He just hoped Marcus was right about his hunch about the Sterling guy.

When he brought Dana a few blocks down from the police station, she looked at him for a good minute then hugged him, and told him she was sorry for what happened to the twins. He had reassured her that though he was disappointed he would be fine. He had touched Dana's lips, kissed her, then told her he was looking forward to sharing a life with her.

They arranged to meet at the same spot so he could take her home. She said it was her turn to cook him dinner and he was happy about it. He loved when she cooked for him. He left the farm and drove over to his parents' house. He needed to see his dad.


*** 


While in the shower, he thought of her. He thought of her soft, voluptuous curves on top of him. He wondered if she liked being on top or if she preferred feeling her lover's body over her instead. Either way he was thinking of what it would be like being with her.

What was this? Was he losing his mind? 

Jordan closed his eyes and remembered the smell of her bodyher hair. He was very close to doing something he hadn't done in a while. He increased the water pressure to wash the soap away, then turned off the showerhead. He toweled down quickly. If he stayed longer he would resort to self help. 

With the towel wrapped around his hips he walked into the guest bedroom and looked at himself in the mirror. He removed the towel and looked at the 'boner' between his thighs. He hoped if he ignored it, it would go away, but he couldn't stop thinking about her. He had to do something about this throbbing need he was feeling. He couldn't function in this state. He went back into the bathroom and closed the door.


***


Ryan moved quickly towards Dana and tapped her shoulder. He gestured his head towards the lunch room. She looked up at him. Her eyes were blank of emotion. She nodded, stood up from her desk and followed him. 

He closed the door behind them. "Since when have you been seeing Sarge?" he asked.

Dana looked him up and down, then said, “Not very long.”

Ryan’s eyes squinted as he looked her. “You know he’s using you, right?” he asked.

Dana folded her arms across her chest. “Okay, so what if he is? What is that to you?”

“Dana, you’re like my little sister. I don’t want you to get hurt. You know his reputation. We all know it.”

“And?”

“What do you mean ‘and’? I’m trying to help you here!”

Dana shook her head, a smirk forming on her lips. “And your relationship with Lissa before she even broke it off with Shane, is that you helping her?” she asked. She walked towards a table and sat down.

“Is that what he told you, that I was with her before she broke it off with him?”

Dana remained silent.

He came closer to her. “I didn’t even think you liked men the way you act sometimes,” he said, a mocking smile on his lips. “What is it about him, hmm? What is it about Sarge that has all you women weak? Can you tell me?” He came and stood in front of the table she was sitting behind.

He bent forward, the palms of his hands flat on the surface. His eyes bored into her. “Tell me, Dana, is he a good lover? Does he make you scream his name? Does he pin you up against a wall and give it to you real good? Does he make your cookie

“Stop this!” Dana stood up, incensed. “Corporal Stewart, I warn you to watch what you say to me. This could be considered sexual harassment.”

He chuckled. “How so? I haven’t touched you. Do you want me to touch you Dana? I always felt you had a little thing for me even though you spent most of your time gawking at Sarge.” He came around the side blocking her movement on the left. She moved to the right and he grabbed her arm, spinning her around to face him. Pulling her up to his chest, his lips were inches away from hers.

Dana looked into his eyes. His pupils were dilated, and based on his breathing, she knew he was aroused. Funny thing about life, she mused. You find a man you like, and all of a sudden other men start showing interest.

She threw her head back and laughed. It was a loud, vulgar sound. Ryan was perplexed by her behaviour. He let her go and stepped back. She continued to belt out the half angry, half hysterical noise as Ryan watched her. Suddenly, she stopped and looked at him.

“Don’t ever make the mistake of touching me again. Not only will I report you to Supe Dacres and HR, but I will tell Lissa about your foolishness, and I am sure Shane will not be pleased.” Her eyes were like piercing daggers as she spoke to him.

She walked up to himeyes flashing fire. “If you’re jealous of Shane I can understand. After all, he had Lissa first, and as for me, you will never taste my cookie, but Shane will.” She cut her eyes at him and walked to the door. She opened it and looked back at him. “I won’t say anything, but know this, try this again and I will not hesitate to ruin your career.” She closed the door behind her.

Ryan swore and kicked the chair she was sitting in. He didn’t know what came over him. Now Dana had this encounter between them over his head. The guys always said there was something a little crazy about her. Now that he experienced her weird behaviour, he was convinced it was true. He shook his head. He wished Sarge good luck.

He opened the door and walked out. Walking passed her desk, he held his head straight. He looked at his watch. He would be off work by 8 o’clock tonight. He hoped that wouldn’t be too late to visit his sweet pea. She had her flaws but she was a sweet-natured girl. He didn’t know what he was thinking a few minutes ago.

He furtively glanced at Dana, who, feeling his gaze on her, looked up and gave him a half smile. Her eyes were as cold as Antarctic ice. He pursed his lips and stepped through the police station’s front doors. He would be working in a volatile community. He needed to focus. Taking a deep breath, he walked towards the patrol vehicle where Sarge Reynolds, Contables Morrant and Sangster and Inspector Simpson were standing.

“Hey Stewie,” Sangster called to him. Ryan smiled politely at him. “Is true seh Dana and Sarge Crosby in a relationship?” Ryan was surprised they found out but acted as if he didn’t know. He shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t know anything about that,” he said.

“Eeh?” Sangster continued, “Crawford claim seh him see her a come out of a brand new SUV down the road, and when him teck a pripps in the vehicle a Sarge him see. Only thing, him have a beard now. Yow! A long time mi like dah girl deh enuh! But mi did think seh she nuh want nuh man. Yuh know, one a dem type a girl deh.”

Reynolds chuckled then said, “Who tell yuh that? Who tell yuh Constable Campbell doesn’t like men. She’s just picky.”

Ryan cleared his throat. He looked pointedly at Inspector Simpson. “Yuh ready?” he asked.

Simpson smiled at him. He noticed that Corporal Stewart seemed particularly wound up today. He wondered why. He nodded. Inspector Simpson looked at the rest of his team. “Okay, gentlemen let’s get going. Corporal doesn’t want to be distracted from his mission,” he said, an amused look on his face.

Morrant and Sangster chuckled cheekily. “Nuh worry yuh self Corpie we know ‘bout you and the Doc, but we nah seh nuttn ‘bout she, yah we dupes,” Sangster said. Both snickered loudly this time. Simpson's lips twitched as he tried not to laugh, but Reynolds was not amused. Morrant opened the door to the backseat and Sangster slipped in beside him.

Ryan stood frozen by the passenger side of the vehicle. So everyone knew? He sighed. It doesn't matter. I love her. I don't care what they think. Sarge Reynolds came up behind him and squeezed his shoulder. “I am sorry about what’s happened to Miss Dixon. Supe Dacres got a call from her father. We were planning to stop by and look for her after this shift.”

Ryan nodded. “Yeah, I think she would love that,“ he replied.

“Relationships can seem messy to those on the outside looking in. As long as you and Miss Dixon are good with each other, that’s all that matters,” Sarge Reynolds said. He patted Ryan’s shoulder and slid into the vehicle beside Sangster.

“Yuh coming?” Simpson asked.

Ryan nodded. He slipped in the passenger seat beside him. Simpson smiled at him. “Just teck care a wi girl (our girl), and me and you nah guh inna no problem.”

“Wi girl?” Ryan asked. He was feeling confused now

“Yeh man,” Simpson said smiling. “At some point in time all of us have wanted to be with her. She’s a good girl and really nice to talk to. But Sarge Crosby get fi deh wid her, and now you. Suh teck good care of her for us.” Simpson looked around the vehicle and saw the other men smiling to varying degrees.

Ryan looked too. He grunted. What was all this about?


***

Jordan returned to see Lissa watching television. He was a little surprised considering what had happened earlier. “How are you feeling?” he asked, as he drew nearer to her. She looked at him briefly, then said, “The doctor told me that I’m barren.” She blinked rapidly, her eyes watering. He sat on the edge of her bed and touched her hand.

“I’m really sorry,” he said. She noted that he didn’t seem surprised. “You knew?” she asked. He nodded his head slightly. “I overheard them talking. I heard them using medical jargon, but as I mentioned earlier I do have a little training.”

A single tear rolled down Lissa’s left cheek. She brushed it away in disgust. Her nose was a little runny. She drew up the cold before it ran down her nose and swallowed.

“Where did you learn—the medical stuff?” she queried.

He softened his tone for her, lifting his voice a semitone. “While I was in the Army I learned a few things, and now I go to classes part-time online. I have a few practicals I need to finish before exams, but the programme I’m in is pretty flexible.”

“To be a doctor?” she asked. Her eyes were wide as she looked at him. He nodded. “Mhm, yup. Animal doctor though.”

“Oh,” was all she said, then turned her head to the TV. He continued to stare at her. “Do you think I am damaged?” she asked.

Jordan sighed. The hand that squeezed hers reached up and touched her face. “Aren’t we all, one way or another?”

She turned her head and looked at him. The pain he saw in her eyes frightened him. He moved closer to her and wrapped his arms around her. She was stiff against his embrace, but he held her close until the dam of pain inside her broke and she started to cry.

At first, she let out little cries and whimpers. Then, as she felt his arms tighten around her, she shuddered and started to sob loudly. Her body was shaking with the release of the tears.

Jordan adjusted himself on the bed and rolled her onto her side so he could have space on it with her. He circled his arms around her waist and held her. As her body shook he molded himself behind her.

“It’s okay, Ms Dixon—Lissa,” he said, trying to soothe her.

“I won’t be able to have kids,” she said, her voice filled with anguish.

“It’s a possibility you won’t,” he corrected her. “It's a possibility you will. Anything is possible with God.” His heart ached for the grief she was feeling.

“You believe in God, Jordan?” she asked. Her voice was soft with an infantile quality.

"Yeah, I do," he replied.

“Why does He hate me?” Her voice held a note of despair.

Jordan sighed. “Lissa, He doesn’t hate you. None of us understand God’s plan, but I can guarantee He doesn’t hate you.”

She turned around and looked at him. Jordan stared into her eyes, and said, “He sent me here to protect you; to keep you safe. If He didn’t love you He wouldn’t do that.”

She closed her eyes. “I’m afraid,” she confessed. He cupped her face. “I know, but everything will be okay. I promise you.”

“How do you know?” she asked, opening her eyes. “Because I am here and somehow I feel I’m supposed to help you,” he said. Bending forward Jordan kissed her brow. The contact on her skin made her smile.

“Get some sleep,” he told her. She nodded. He was about to get up when she touched his arm. “Please stay,” she said. He looked at her like he was seeing her for the first time. His gaze softened.

“Okay,” he agreed. He sat up and untied his boots’ laces. He kicked them off his feet and lay back on the bed. He pulled her to him and she snuggled up in his embrace. He tangled his feet around hers. Her feet were cold. He was wearing socks. Hopefully, I can warm her up, he thought. He brushed his lips on her neck and heard her breathe in sharply, but she didn't protest. He rested his head on the pillow behind her and tried to relax.

“Close your eyes,” he said, his breath ragged. She closed them and he began humming softly in her ear. Slowly, he hummed a favorite Christian hymn his grandmother used to sing to him as a child. He tenderly brushed his fingers on her hair and listened to her breathing. When it became slow and even, he carefully slipped his body away from hers and sat up, not wanting to wake her.

He stood up, moved quietly to the chair and watched her sleeping. There was a sweet innocence inside her that was unmarred. He could sense it. He would protect it at all costs.

Around 11:00 a.m. Marcus came to visit his daughter. He had stopped by to check on Sandra first, then walked over to the next ward where Lissa was recovering.

As he stood by the doorway, he observed Jordan sitting in the only chair in the room, watching Lissa sleep. He looked tired, but there was something else—a look of determination was etched on his face. Marcus wondered what brought that on. He knocked on the door and Jordan looked over at him. Eyes still alert, though slightly bloodshot, observed him as he walked into the room.

Marcus came over to him. “You must be tired,” he said. Jordan stretched his limbs and sighed. “Yeah, I am,” he said. He looked over at Lissa and back to her dad. He yawned quietly then stood up. “There’s something you should know,” Jordan said his eyes sad. He walked over to the left corner of the room and looked at Marcus. Marcus was puzzled by Jordan’s behaviour but approached him. “What is it?” Marcus asked.

Jordan cleared his throat. “It’s Lissa’s condition. Her fallopian tubes were inflamed. I overheard the doctor saying she may never have kids again.” He spoke softly.

Marcus went for the chair, brought it to where Jordan was standing and sat on it. He took deep breaths while his eyes were closed. “Do you want me to get some water?” Jordan asked, concerned.

Marcus nodded. “That would be good thanks,” he replied. Jordan left the room.

Meanwhile, Marcus phoned his son and told him not to visit the hospital. He would meet him at home to talk to him about something. By the time he had finished speaking to Brandon, Jordan came back with two chilled bottles of water. He handed one to Marcus then pulled the cap off the other and started drinking.

Marcus watched him. “Ever had any peculiar cases of guarding people?” He bent forward feeling tired. Jordan observed his body language. He shook his head. “None quite like this,” he answered.

Marcus was sweating.

“Loosen your tie, Mr Dixon,” Jordan said. “Wha…What?’ Marcus asked. He was a little breathless.

Jordan quickly placed his bottle on the floor and went to Marcus. Without a word, he loosened the knot of Marcus’s tie and pulled the jacket off him and placed it on the back of the chair.

He took the water bottle from Marcus, screwed off the cap and gave it to him. “Drink,” Jordan ordered.

By this time, Marcus knew something was wrong with him. He gulped the water down quickly. Jordan left the room and dragged the first doctor he could find into the room. “He’s sweating, probably experiencing tachycardia, and shortness of breath.” The doctor looked at Jordan quizzically then moved to examine Marcus.

After listening to his breathing and heart beat, the doctor prescribed medication for anxiety. He nodded tersely at Jordan then left the room.

“Thank you for what you did. However, I don’t think the doc appreciated being hauled in here,” Marcus said removing his tie. He placed it on the back of the chair. He opened the top button and rolled up his shirt sleeves.

Jordan smiled ruefully. "Well, I wouldn't want the displeasure of explaining to your daughter that something serious was happening to you, and I did nothing about it." He gestured to Marcus. "Let me see that paper?"

Marcus handed it to him. Jordan read the prescription paper. The drug's name was Lexapro. He took out his phone and did a search on the word over the internet. He read the information carefully. It's used to treat anxiety and depression. He looked up at Mr Dixon. It was understandable. The man was under extreme stress.

"If you have any cash on you or a health card I can get this for you," Jordan told him. He'd help as much as he could. He folded the paper carefully and waited for Marcus's reply.

"It's fine I can do it," Marcus replied. Jordan stretched out his arm to him. "You're sure?" he asked. Marcus took the paper from him and nodded. He walked towards the door. "When I get back I want to renegotiate your work terms," he said.

Jordan's Adam's apple bobbed as he looked at his boss. Am I about to be fired? he wondered. Marcus was gone. Jordan picked up his water bottle off the floor and looked over at Lissa. She was still sleeping. He was glad about that. He walked over to her and touched her hair. He went for the chair and sat before her, his eyes observing every detail.

He opened the bottle cap, took three gulps and closed it. She's beautiful, he mused. "What's hidden inside you Lissa? What are you afraid to show to the world?" he whispered. He placed the bottle at his feet, leaned forward and kissed her brow. He was getting used to doing this intimate gesture. He brushed his thumb over her temples slowly. Her eyelids twitched and she opened her eyes. As realization of his closeness dawned on her, a smile formed slowly on her lips.

"Hey," he said softly. He smiled at her.

"Hey," she answered. He looked very handsome in a white polo shirt and blue jeans. He smelled divine. She turned on her side towards him. "You smell nice." Her smile widened. 

He chuckled softly. "Thank you." He stared at her and his smile melted away. He bent forward and kissed her forehead. Lissa felt a fluttering in her chest and down below. This was wrong, but his touch made her feel good. His face lingered close to hers as he looked into her eyes. She looked at him. If he kissed her she wouldn't be mad. 

He bit his bottom lip as he looked at her.  "You're very tempting Melissa Dixon. Now I understand why Rhy is crazy about you," he said with a sigh. He leaned back in the chair. "Your dad is here." He wouldn't tell her what happened to him. Lissa nodded. "Does he know about ...?"

Jordan nodded. "I hope that's okay?" 

Lissa nodded and stretched. "Yeah, I wouldn't be able to bring myself to tell him. Thank you." She stretched out her hand to him. He kissed it and she giggled.

"He says he wants to renegotiate my contract with him," Jordan said, watching her reaction. 

Lissa sat up. "Really?" She cracked her knuckles.

He looked at what she was doing then reached out his hand to stop her. "It'll be okay. For however long I'm your guard it's been an honor."

"I barely saw you in action," Lissa replied. She paused, then said, "You're different from Ryan."

Jordan chuckled. 

"No, I mean it," she continued, "you guys are two different people of course, but I don't know."

"How am I different?" He was curious.

"Ryan is kind and thoughtful, he makes me laugh, but I saw a side to him I never saw before. This morning ... kind of scary."

She swung her feet off the bed and steadied herself. Jordan moved his chair closer to be a barricade, just in case she lost her balance. "And me?" he asked. His voice was velvety-smooth to her senses.

Lissa looked into his eyes, brushing a loose, curly lock away from her face. "You're rough but you're also kind, you're dangerous, but you make me feel safe. You're reserved but not insecure. There's a quiet confidence about you I like, and a gentleness I never expected," she said, her eyes watching him intently. 

She attempted to stand, but her legs were weak. Before she fell sideways he grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap. His breathing was shallow as he looked up at her face. His hands on her hips, he swallowed as he thought of how she could straddle him, and they could do other things in this position. 

"Where ... ?" His voice was hoarse. He tried again. "Where did you want to go?" he asked. She looked at him. She could feel his masculine aura pulling her in, and was aware of the strength of his arms as he held her. A nerve was ticking at the side of his neck. She felt a little dazed as she stared at him. "I need to pee," she breathed.


He nodded and lifted her in his arms. He brought her to the door and gently placed her feet on the floor. He opened the door for her. "My legs," she said, her voice trembling. 

"What do you want me to do?" he asked, his heart pounding. 

"Help me please," she said, averting her eyes. She blushed. "How can I help?" he asked, his voice husky. "My ... my underwear," she said quietly. He looked at her eyes. He could see she was feeling awkward. He took a deep breath. "Okay," he said. 

Jordan carried her into the bathroom and closed the door behind them. He placed her before the toilet. Stooping down, he slipped his hands under the hospital gown, and felt for the waist of her panties, while closing his eyes. He pulled it down as she rested her arms on his shoulders. His hands lightly brushed against her skin, and she shivered. A soft breath escaped her lips.

Jordan looked up at her face and saw that she was biting her lips. Was she feeling the chemistry between them? He wanted to caress her thighs, but stopped himself. He brought her panties to her ankles and she sat down. He was about to leave when she grabbed his hand. He watched her pee. Her eyes were closed and she had a frown on her face. She seemed to be in pain. 

"Does it hurt to pee?" he asked. 

She nodded. "Like a cramp," she told him. She tore off a piece of toilet paper to wipe herself. Jordan looked away from her. Lissa attempted to stand on her own but had difficulty. Jordan reached out his hands and pulled her upright. 

Bending forward he pulled her panties up, his eyes closed. He remained crouched while she leaned on his shoulders. He didn't open his eyes until he heard the toilet flush. He straightened up and held on to her left hand to support her. He helped her to the faucet and circled his arms around her waist while she washed her hands. The close contact of his body made Lissa want to go limp in his embrace. She resisted the urge to rest on him. Their eyes met in the mirror and her heart rate spiked as she saw the look in his eyes. 

Reaching for the door, Jordan opened it and lifted her in his arms. He carried her to the bed and laid her down. She was staring at him. Her eyes dipped in a shy, demure way. Jordan wondered what she was thinking.

"Thank you Jordan."

"You're welcome Miss--"

"Please call me Lissa," she told him. He nodded. "I will," he said.

He sat in the chair, his expression guarded. "Are you hungry?" he asked. 

She nodded. "Yeah."

He stood up. "I'll see what the cafeteria has on the menu." He sauntered to the door. Lissa could see his eyes were now neutral, but earlier she saw passion smoldering in their depths and was enthralled by it. She wondered what it would be like to be consumed by it. She closed her eyes. She wondered what Ryan was doing right now.

***

He was running after a young man dressed in blue jeans and black marina. Why do they always run? He rounded the corner of the community, a part of the area that was known for killing rival gang members and stopped.  He took out his gun quickly and fired three shots in the air. He young man halted.

"Hey bwoy move further an' mi shoot yuh!" Ryan said out of breath. "Weh yah run fah, eeh? Weh di rass yah run fah? Mi just seh mi wah ask yuh a question an' yuh just run off. Yuh lucky mi inna one good mood todeh." He aimed the gun at the man. "Turn around, man!" he barked. The young man turned around, but held his head down. "Hol' up yuh head mek mi see yuh face." Ryan walked cautiously towards him.

"Weh yuh friends dem deh, eeh?" he asked.

"Mi nuh have any friends, sir," the young man answered.

Ryan searched the young man's pockets. "Weh yuh name?"

"Lamar, sir," came the shaky reply. 

Ryan walked behind him. "Di new don fi dah area yah, weh him name?"

"Mi nuh know nuh don sir," the young man said shaking. Ryan holstered his gun. He was in a crouched position. He stood upright and looked at the young man who looked more like a boy. "How old are you Lamar?" he asked. 

"Fifteen, sir," Lamar answered. Ryan sighed. "Why did you run?" he asked.

"Sir, inna di community dem seh if dem see anybody talking to police dem will kill dem, sir," Lamar said. He shoved his hands in his pockets. Ryan could see that he was shaking. "Okay. Understood," he replied. 

He held onto Lamar's arm and pulled him into an old derelict building a few metres away. The windows and doors were gone. There was no roof, just a decaying, empty structure.

"Where's your mom or dad?" Ryan asked.

"Mom deh forrin sir. Nuh know mi father. Mi live wid me granny, sir." 

Ryan's felt sympathy for Lamar. "I just want to know a few things. Just answer these questions for me and I'll let you go, okay?"

Lamar nodded. "Okay sir," he answered nervously.

"Who's the new don?"

"Sir!"

"Lamar, the quicker you answer me, the quicker I let you go."

Lamar sighed. "Him name Bull Dog, sir. Him have some pitbull inna him yaad that's why dem call him that sir."

Lamar looked around him. His eyes scanning the bushes behind the abandoned building. Ryan shook his head. To live in constant fear like this was not good.

"Is it true he orchestrated his uncle's death to take over?" Ryan asked, watching as Lamar's eyes darted across the empty space of the room to look at the trees behind them.

"Lamar?"

Lamar nodded. "Yes sir, but mi nuh know everything about that."

"Have you ever heard the name Mr Z?" Ryan asked. Lamar's face grew pale. 

Ryan noticed it. He struck a nerve. "You've heard the name?" he asked.

Lamar nodded. His eyes large with fear. 

"Have you ever seen him?"

Lamar shook his head. "Dem have a place dem meet him to do business, that's all I know," Lamar said. "Only the gang know where sir."

Ryan nodded. "Okay Lamar consider me your new dad. If you need anything you call me." He took out a pen, took Lamar's hand and scribbled his cell number in the palm of it. Lamar's mouth opened wide. He looked at the name Mr. Stewart. 

"Mi is not an informer, sir," Lamar said cautiously. Ryan laughed quietly. "No, you aren't. However, one good turn deserves another. You helped me, so I'm helping you. You're going into fifth form this year, right?"

"Fourth form, sir," Lamar said, his head down.

"Fourth form?" Ryan sought to confirm.

Lamar nodded. "Yes sir."

"Your school books bought or anything like that?" Ryan placed his hands on his hips and tried to steady his breathing. He was still a little winded from chasing Lamar.

Lamar looked outside through one of the bare windows. He shook his head. 

Ryan squeezed the young boy's shoulder. "Consider this the answer to your prayers then," he said smiling at him. "Okay, you can go. I'm a man of my word. If you call that number I will help you with back to school stuff." 

Lamar looked at him skeptically, but nodded. Ryan chuckled. "I'm a man of my word. Okay, gwaan now and be careful," he warned him. 

Lamar nodded. "Okay sir," he said. He walked slowly to the door, and tentatively stuck his head out and looked around. He ducked into the bushes and disappeared. 

Ryan retrieved his gun for its holster and turned off safety. He moved carefully through the bushes into a clearing and walked cautiously through a part of the community that was abandoned. He turned onto the main road and broadcasted his location to his colleagues. Within minutes, Simpson and the other men pulled up before him in the pickup truck. Ryan switched on safety on his gun and reholstered it.

"Weh yuh did run guh? Yuh see us talking to Miss Daphne and yuh just disappear," Morrant complained. Miss Daphne owned a 'cook shop' in the community.

Ryan aka Corporal Stewart grinned at him. "Yes dad," he answered.

Morrant hissed his teeth. Simpson unlocked the passenger side door and Ryan slipped inside. "Just looking about some intel," he told them.

"Really?" Sarge Reynolds asked.

"Mhm," Ryan leaned into the seat. "Are you guys visiting Miss Dixon later?" he asked.

"I'll come," Reynolds said. Simpson nodded. Ryan looked at Morrant and Sangster. They turned their heads. Reynolds slapped them both on the back of their necks. "Unnu (you plural) going to look for Dr Dixon later, right?" he asked. He slapped Morrant. 

"Ow!" Morrant yelled. He mumbled his agreement. Reynolds lifted his hand to slap Sangster. Sangster's eyes showed his annoyance, but his lips said, "Okay."

"Good!" Reynolds said chuckling. Morrant and Sangster were like two siblings but from different mothers. They were together most of the time. It was lunch time. The team would set up at the intersection of two roads, on the sidewalk, and eat lunch. Ryan hoped his baby was feeling better. He really missed her. 

He was curious about something. He hoped what he was thinking was wrong. He took out his two corned beef and egg sandwiches from his work bag, and started eating.


***


Marcus hugged his daughter and smiled at her. He wouldn't tell her what happened to him. He put the medication in the glove compartment of his car before coming back to see her. She didn't need to know. He wanted her to focus on getting better.

"You okay?" he asked. She nodded. "There's something I need to tell you," he said. She looked at him. "I'll be away for two weeks. I'll be traveling to Dubai for business, but I will come back in no time." Speaking of which, I need to let Mr Broadber know I won't be available for a little while, he thought. Lissa grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "Daddy yuh sure? I hear those Arabs don't play when it comes to their rules."

Marcus smiled at her. "Worried about the old man, eh?" He chuckled and hugged her briefly. "Trust me, after what happened the last time I did my research. Plus, I appreciate another man's culture, so I will abide by their rules." He sat in the chair before her. "You should be going home tomorrow. Make sure you check on your mother regularly, okay?"

Lissa nodded. "I will."

He looked behind him. He had sent Jordan to buy snacks for all of them. He was able to get stewed pork and rice and peas for Lissa to eat. But Marcus figured in the night she would feel peckish.

"Do you like Jordan?" Marcus asked.

Lissa's heart skipped a beat. "Yeah, he's okay," she answered. "Why do you ask?"

"I want to pay him more. I was looking at the industry rates for personal bodyguards in the United States. I can't pay him nearly as much, but I can give a little more on what I pay him."

He pinched his daughter's chin. "Are you comfortable having him around?" He watched her body language. Lissa nodded. She was smiling. "Yeah, he's cool. I have no problems with him so far."

"I also want him to stay at the house for more than four days a week, especially since I won't be around for a little bit."

Lissa nodded and smiled at her father. In everything, he put her, her mom's and Branno's needs first. "That's fine daddy. How much will you pay him?"

Marcus whispered the amount in her left ear. Her eyebrows flew up. "We can afford that monthly?" she asked.

Marcus chuckled. "This has been a good year at your mother's business and at the law firm. Don't worry about it." He squeezed her arm. She leaned into him and he hugged her. "You also need a kind of nurse to take care of you: helping you lift things and so on. Jordan seems quite capable." She was surprised at her parents' deep pockets. She was impressed. "Thank you daddy," she said hugging him. Marcus smiled. "Anything for my baby," he answered.

Just then, Jordan walked in with a small bag full of snacks and two beef patties for himself. He also bought a half gallon bottle of soda. Jordan extended his hand to give Marcus the change but he shook his head. "Keep it," he said, and Jordan smiled while pocketing the money. Marcus sat eating his bun and cheese, while Lissa ate the pineapple tart Jordan bought for her. There was also a cinnamon bun, a cheese bread, and a plantain tart left in the bag. Marcus placed it on the night table for her.

Jordan stood, ate, and listened to what Lissa's dad required of him. He was stunned when Marcus told him how much he would pay him, but also felt resolved to do his best when he heard that her dad would be gone for two weeks. Sandra would be out in a week's time her doctor said. Jordan made a mental note to ensure he checked on her.
Marcus was leaving at the end of the week. "Take care of my little angel for me," he said. Jordan nodded and promised he would.
Marcus had gone home, taking Jordan's bag with him. Jordan revealed that he did some laundry for Lissa and they were still on the clothes lines. Marcus was surprised. He looked at him. Quite interesting, he thought. He agreed to take them down and fold them for her. Jordan nodded.

A look of understanding passed between the two men, then Marcus went home. Jordan would stay the night, if the hospital allowed, and leave with her the next day when she would be discharged. Marcus would come pick them up tomorrow, but afterwards Jordan would have access to Marcus's car while he was gone.

***

Around 8 p.m., the doctor and his team came for Lissa and helped her onto a gurney and took her to do the D&C (Dilation and Curettage). Jordan watched them wheel her away. He knew it was standard procedure, but his heart was still pounding. He sat in the chair, picked up his empty water bottle from the floor, and crushed it in his right hand. He dropped it in Lissa's snack bag.

After forty-five minutes the procedure was over. When she came back, she was heavily sedated and mumbling incoherently. The orderlies that brought her back carefully lifted her and laid her on the bed, then left pushing the gurney before them.

Jordan sat on the edge of the bed and watched her. Her eyes were closed. He sighed. He was moving away when she reached out and touched his hand. In a sleepy, melancholy voice she called his name, "Jordan?" She opened her eyes and looked at him.

"Yes Lissa?"

"Sing to me, please," she said, her voice slurred. He scooted closer and began singing softly to her. His baritone voice connected to something deep inside her. It felt like it reverberated in her soul. She sighed and looked at him. She squeezed his hand. He squeezed hers. She closed her eyes.

He brushed his fingers on her face, down to her neck and shoulders. Lissa mumbled something then sighed. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. He opened the palm and kissed itnipping the skin gently with his teeth. He heard her groan and his loins stirred for her.

Biting his bottom lip, he moved his left hand down to her waist and squeezed her gently. Her mouth opened and a soft moan slipped from her lips. He grunted. "Lissa, you're really lovely," he said. His voice was husky and a bit gruff. "Every part of you." He remembered his fingers brushing on her thighs and almost groaned. He bit his bottom lip instead.

Lissa opened her eyes and looked at him. She wouldn't stop him. Though his touch was igniting a fire inside her, there was something soothing and safe about it. Her lips parted as she gazed at him, her heart racing. While he caressed her waist through the fabric of the gown, she could feel his thumb tracing circles on her tummy.

Her eyelids drooped as the pressure of his hand sent delightful chills down her spine, creating a hollow ache and need inside her. She had a flashback of his fingers brushing on her thighs earlier, and arched her back involuntarily. She closed her eyes, breathing through her mouth. Maybe he could just hold her for a little while. She wouldn't dare ask him though, she was concerned they would cross the line in their bodyguard-client relationship. The scary thing was, she wanted to.

Jordan stared at her. He could tell by how she responded that she was enjoying his touch. He saw her chest rise, her body arch, and wished he could have her. His throat was dry. If only I met you before he did, he mused. He swallowed and took a deep breath. He moved his hand from her waist. "Get some sleep," he told her. His voice was hoarse, his breathing shallow.

Lissa opened her eyes and smiled at him. Jordan's lips curved upwards as he brushed his fingers on her hair. She shut her eyes. As he gently stroked her curly tresses, he began humming in a low, mellow tone.

Five minutes later, the lines on her brow smoothed out due to sleep, and he sighed with relief. He would never want to hurt her. And he didn't want to jeopardize her safety by his mind being distractedclouded because of his attraction for her. He also didn't want to violate his friendship with Ryan, but a part of him believed he could treat her better than his friend would. He dreaded how Ryan would react when he found out she may no longer be able to have children. He wouldn't allow him to break her spirit.

Bending forward, he kissed her head. He was tempted to kiss her full lips, but doing it when she wasn't conscious was stealing the kiss. If ever his lips touched hers, he needed her to be lucid during that encounter. He wanted her passion to engulf him, but only if she could consent to making love.
As he lifted his head a lone figure stood by the doorway watching everything. Sarge Reynolds observed what the young man was doing. He didn't know who he was, but he had some nerve touching Ryan's woman like that. He stepped quietly into room.

Jordan's back stiffened. He froze. It was a very faint sound, but he heard footsteps coming into the room. It wasn't Marcus and it wasn't Branno. By now they would be home.

He straightened up and looked around to see an older man in police uniform. The man's eyes assessed him. He returned the favor, observing the gun on the cop's service belt.

"Who are you?" Sergeant Mark Reynolds asked.

"I'm Lissa's bodyguard," Jordan answered, turning fully towards him. He was still sitting on the bed.

Sarge Reynolds' eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Just her bodyguard?" he asked perplexed. Jordan nodded. He stood up.

Reynolds saw that the young man was quite tall. Much taller than him. "So if you're just her bodyguard, why are you touching her like that?" Reynolds asked. His eyes boring into Jordan. He had no right touching her like that, Mark thought to himself.

Ryan approached the door, hearing that last part of the conversation. He looked at the bed and saw that Lissa was sleeping. With anger burning in his eyes, he turned to his friend. He stepped into the room, fists clenched. Jordan watched Ryan's every move, his muscles tense.

"I thought you said I have nothing to worry about?"






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