"Kiss me," she said with longing.
"I want to," he said softly, "but if we kiss, it will change everything."
"I want to feel your lips on mine, Jordan," she said.
"I want that too--"
"So why not?"
"I'll fall for you if I kiss you," he told her.
Sunday
He was up and moving through the thick foliage surrounding the perimeter of the property. He scanned the bushes carefully. He had his Glock ready as he moved forward.
Quietly, Jordan pushed through a cluster of Otaheite Apple trees and savored the sweet, fruity scent that hung in the air. It kind of reminded him of Lissa when she was fresh out of the shower. He wasn't sure what perfumed soap or body wash she used, but it always made her smell delicious to him.
They fell asleep in each other's arms. He hadn't slept beside a woman in a very long time. Her soft, voluptuous curves made the experience feel almost like torture. But then he remembered that she was expecting him to be strong for her: to keep her safe and protected. That was his job and his only focus and mission at the moment. Winning her heart and claiming her body had to come later.
He moved off to the right, walking slowly. He calculated that the property was about half an acre. It was beautiful, but if they were going to stay here for an extended period of time there had to be some tree trimming. He needed a clear enough line of sight from the main road to the house. The trees didn't have to be chopped down, just trimmed, shaped and thinned so he could easily move among them.
No threats, but definitely some vulnerabilities. He walked slowly back to the house. When he entered it was still quiet. It was 5 a.m. in the morning. No one had woken up but him. He went into his assigned bedroom and took a quick shower.
Before he investigated the property he had done his customary exercises and read Bible scripture. He made sure to linger a little longer in his devotion time, asking God to keep him strong. He decided to wear grey sweat pants and a white t-shirt then went to check on Lissa.
She woke up once in the night from another nightmare, but he wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on her bosom, holding her close. She sighed, wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and went back to sleep.
In the early morning, he managed to move away from her, and not wake her because she was a heavy sleeper once she truly relaxed. He stood inside the room resting his back on the door, and watched her sleeping. She was truly beautiful.
His lips curved into a smile as he observed her steadily breathing in and out. He opened the door quietly and went to his room. Besides his Glock 19, he had a Beretta M9 that he had hidden in an inner compartment of one of his duffle bags. He reached into his bag, on the left side--unzipping the compartment and removed his gun. It was in its casing. He took it out and began pulling it apart to clean it.
After two hours of cleaning and oiling select parts of his weapons, he reassembled both guns then tested the triggers, squeezing gently then releasing, squeezing harder then releasing.
He filled ten magazines per pistol with rounds. His Glock 19 mags were loaded with 24 rounds each, while his Beretta mags held 15 rounds. Jordan pulled back the slider on each weapon then released it to select a bullet into the chamber. "Just in case," he muttered. He locked on safety for each and placed his guns in their leather cases.
Ryan, using his connections with his former security firm, got him a contract to work for them for three years. He was supposed to renew but wanted to pursue his veterinarian degree. It was not his first time being a private bodyguard, but Lissa was his first individual client in Jamaica. Through the security company he was able to attain his firearm license. He was grateful to Ryan for everything he'd done for him.
At 7 a.m. he emerged from his bedroom, and was surprised to see Lissa standing outside the door waiting on him. "Hi," she said smiling, "I was about to knock." She came closer, circled her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. "I was hoping to see you as I woke up," she told him.
"You have," he answered, feeling amused.
"No," her voice dipped, "beside me, your body close to mine." She looked up at him. "Jordan, I know that your job is to protect me and to keep me safe, but I'm feeling something else is happening between us. You said yourself you find me attractive. I am very attracted to you."
She reached up her right hand and touched his face. "But if you don't want to pursue--" Jordan looked into those dark brown eyes and felt his heart rate spike. He lifted her in his arms and brought her into his room, kicking the door closed behind them. He placed her on the bed and lay beside her.
Touching her face, Jordan kissed her cheeks then moved his lips down to her neck and suckled gently. Lissa arched up and moaned. She ran trembling hands across his shoulders, down to his chest. "Jordan, ahh! I don't mind if we make love, please," she said while biting her bottom lip.
He buried his face in her cleavage, then reached his left hand down and brought her right leg up and around his hip, while he slipped between her thighs. He began grinding on her, pressing himself into her. Rocking his hips back and forth as he pressed into her groin, his breathing accelerated. Lissa moaned louder, " Jor--Jordan! Ohh! Please ..." she said.
Jordan stopped and looked into her eyes. He wanted to go all the way. He didn't have a condom with him, but he also wanted to know how being natural with her felt. He grunted as he remembered they were still in that window where she should refrain from having sex.
He cursed softly then hissed his teeth. Lissa looked at his frown, reached up and placed a soft peck on his lips. "What is it?" she asked. He sighed. "You're still in that 'no sex window' ordered by the doctor," he said. She moved to sit up and he eased back from her. "Yeah," she said, disappointment on her face.
He sat at the edge of the bed, turning his back to her. Sexual frustration was like a raging fire coursing through his veins. He sighed heavily.
Lissa came up behind him and put her arms around his torso, rubbing her hands over his t-shirt to feel the hard muscles of his chest underneath. "Jordan," she said airily. He leaned into her. She rubbed her palms on his shoulders. "I really like you, but do you think what we're doing is risky?" she asked.
He was silent for a few seconds before he responded. He needed to know if what her dad said was true. He reached for her left hand and kissed the palm. "I need to know something," he said softly. She straightened up on her knees and leaned her body on him, carelessly throwing her arms around his neck. "What's that?" she asked.
He turned and grabbed her by her waist. Twisting around, he pulled her onto his lap. Nestling her upper body on his lap, while she giggled in surprise. He smiled at her. She reached up to tickle him, but he grabbed her hands and kissed the finger tips playfully. Bending forward he kissed her brow. He released her hands.
Lissa turned on her side towards his belly and pressed her face on it. She inhaled his scent and smiled. He smelt of soap and something undeniably masculine. Jordan smiled and began stroking her hair. "Your dad said you don't like when I touch you. I'm conflicted between what I've experienced with you, and what he told me. I need to know how you feel."
Lissa turned on her back to look up at him. She took the hand stroking her hair and brought it to her right cheek, then moved it slowly down to her breasts. She cupped his hand over her right breast and squeezed. Jordan began to slowly knead it for her. She looked into his eyes. "Does that answer your question?" she asked, her breathing ragged. "I need a clear answer Lis," he said, his face sober.
She reached up and touched his face. "Jordan, as I said last night, I love your touch."
"That's a little different from feeling comfortable with it--from desiring it," he told her.
She sighed and placed her hand on his chest. "Do you love it when I touch you?" she asked.
"Yes, I love when you're not shy and you touch me," he answered, stroking her hair with his other hand. He rested his left hand idly on her chest.
She took a deep breath. "My dad told you I'm uncomfortable with your hands on me?" she asked.
He nodded. She remembered his awkward behavior yesterday. "Is that why you stayed in your room till noon and you were distant with me?" she asked.
"Yes, for the most part," he answered. "I know my duties as your guard. I've never been in a situation where I developed feelings for a client." She smiled up at him. "Am I special then?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Jordan saw her cheeky smile and chuckled a little. He reached around the back of her head and loosened the scrunchie that held her natural hair in a messy bun. He unravelled the tie and placed it on the bed beside him. Slowly, he ran his fingers through her hair, gently pulling the strands out, loosening them and moving his fingers deeper to her scalp.
Lissa closed her eyes. It was something simple. All he did was loosen her hair and caress it. But as his fingers gently probed and caressed her tresses, brushing lightly on her scalp, she felt wanted, seen and desired. He was making her body feel warm and languid all over. Her eyes drooped and she began sucking on her bottom lip, soft groans coming from her mouth. "I've wanted to do this for a while now," he told her.
"Jordan, I'm not uncomfortable with you touching me. I feel safe with you. I trust you. My dad told me he wanted to get another bodyguard--just before you walked into the garden--I told him I trust you and I don't want any other guard."
Jordan sighed. He took a deep breath and moved his left hand to rest on her tummy for a beat, then moved it lower to slip inside her blouse. He caressed her soft skin and closed his eyes. "You feel so good," he uttered with a sigh. Lissa groaned deeply. He squeezed her tummy and her body arched in response. "Ahh!" she moaned softly.
Jordan clenched his teeth. "I can't," he whispered. It was important to him to have her father's approval as well. He removed his hand from under her blouse and took deep breaths. He however continued caressing her hair.
She looked at him, her eyes sincere. "Jordan, I trust you," she said. "You make me feel safe. I-I ... If something were to happen between us I wouldn't regret it, even if you won't be with me," she said lowering her gaze.
Hearing the vulnerability in her voice, he cupped her face and lifted it. He kissed the tip of her nose. She eagerly reached up to kiss him. He moved back, but she managed to lightly brush on his lips. She touched his face. "Kiss me," she said with longing.
"I want to," he said softly, "but if we kiss, it will change everything."
"I want to feel your lips on mine, Jordan," she said.
"I want that too--"
"So why not?"
"I'll fall for you if I kiss you," he told her.
Her eyes searched his face. She was perplexed by his words. "Is that a bad thing?" she asked. He shook his head. "Not on the surface, but if I fall for you, I may not be able to think clearly enough to do the hard things that may be necessary. Maybe when the time comes, I'll be distracted."
She sat up quickly, her eyes challenging. "You don't know that. I think you're very capable at what you do, and you can't tell me you don't already feel something," she replied. "The way you touch me, the way you look at me." She closed her eyes. "Jordan, you knocked down my bedroom door because you thought I was in danger."
"But your dad was right, misguided, but right. He loves you, he would never hurt you," Jordan answered. His hand was still in midair where he was caressing her hair. He dropped it to his side.
Lissa moved to sit a few inches from him, away from his tempting body heat. "Why do you say he's misguided?" she asked, her eyes alert.
"Placing a sleeping person in water can lead to shock, and obviously they could drown if--"
"That's why he placed me in the cold water--to shock me awake," she retorted.
"The recommended thing to do is call a doctor or call for an ambulance service."
"This is not the first time he's put me in a tub full of cold water. The last time was when I was nineteen. Back then I took a little over the amount of painkillers I should have taken at one time.
"He came home from work and found me. He called the emergency number for an ambulance, but something was wrong with the line. He didn't get through right away. I think on the same day there was a major accident. I don't remember. All I know is that daddy saved my life.
"When I was a teen, I ... uh, was going through some stressful times, and I overdosed on painkillers. When he called for the ambulance they told him the only available one was en route with another patient to a hospital, but would get to us in under 30 minutes. He had to do something quickly. So he did some research and filled the tub with cold water and put me in it. An ambulance did come for me, but by then I was already awake."
"Did they take you to a hospital?" He wasn't sure, but Jordan didn't buy that story about the ambulance. That was years ago, and she could only tell him what her father told her. He had no information otherwise. He ignored the niggling feeling in his gut.
She nodded. "Yeah, they did. I was awake but I was groggy. They said my blood pressure was low."
Lissa took a deep breath and stood up. He watched her relive her past. The guilt and shame were evident on her face. Her shoulders slightly slumped, she wrapped her arms around her body. "I was nineteen. I had been taking antidepressants and going to college. I was studying Sociology, hoping to get into the Psychology Major when spaces freed up.
"I was depressed because I wasn't studying the course I wanted, plus my boyfriend at the time broke up with me after we had a fight. He called me weird, then dumped me. I used to cut myself." She looked up at Jordan, her eyes haunted by painful memories. Jordan stood and went to her. He placed his hands on her arms and pulled her in to him.
"Do you think real love exists Jordan?" she asked. She moved back a little so she could see his eyes. "Real love for people like me?"
He circled his arms around her and squeezed her close. She inhaled his cologne and closed her eyes. He stroked her back. "People like you?" he asked carefully, keeping his voice neutral.
"Yeah, damaged: unloved and unworthy--broken ..." her voice trailed off.
"Your father loves you, and your mother loves you. Branno loves you," he told her.
She sniffed. "The kind that gives you butterflies. That's what I'm talking about," she said.
"You are very beautiful, and you're a good person: very kind and sweet. Someone will see that and cherish you," he told her, while stroking her hair. He inhaled its smell. He loved each soft, black, curly strand.
"What about you?" she asked. She rubbed her face on his t-shirt. He put her upper body away from him to stare at her eyes. The question struck him like lightning. Could he give in to these feelings he had for her? He touched her right cheek.
Bending his head, he kissed her brow, then her eyelids, and each soft cheek. Finally, his lips hovered inches away from hers. He was about to give in--to claim her waiting lips--when there was a knock on the door. Lissa jumped slightly. Jordan released a soft breath and closed his eyes. He stepped back from her. "Yes?" he answered. He looked at the door.
"There's a phone call, sir. It's Mr Dixon. He requested to speak to you," the housekeeper said. Jordan sighed. Okay," he answered, "I'll be there. Give me a few seconds to sort myself out."
"Okay," Mrs Douglas said. She was gone.
***
Jordan picked up the telephone handset and said, "Hello."
"Good morning Jordan. I tried calling you on your cellphone but apparently it was off?" Marcus queried.
Is he testing me? Jordan wondered.
"My phone was on vibrate," he answered, keeping his voice in an even tone.
"Okay. Is Lissa nearby?" Marcus asked. "Been trying to get her as well."
"She's upstairs," Jordan answered. "I can call her if you want, but Mrs Douglas said you wanted to speak to me?"
Marcus cleared his throat. "My friend may need me to assist him a bit longer than the one day I planned on helping with him. I may be away for a few more days," he said.
"How long?" Jordan asked.
"Maybe two more days. Maybe a week," Marcus said. Jordan noticed something different in his voice. He wasn't sure what it was.
"What do you want me to do?" Jordan asked.
"I secured her mother at a private facility so that's taken care of. What I want you to do is to do your job. Guard her, make sure she's safe, and ..." Marcus paused.
"And?" Jordan asked, his right eyebrow slightly lifted above the other. Was that fear in Marcus's voice? he wondered.
"If possible, help her not to overthink. It's not in your job description, and ordinarily I would be there with her to help with that, but I may not be for a couple days. I need you to make sure she doesn't do anything stupid or crazy. Keep her distracted--her mind occupied with something positive. Lift her spirits when she's sad. I'll pay you extra if you wish."
Jordan sighed. His senses started tingling. Something wasn't right. "Extra payment won't be necessary. But to do what you ask may require me getting closer to her and comforting her." He would let him know the truth about Lissa's mental state. "While you were gone Lissa had a really bad dream. She was screaming at the top of her lungs. I had to comfort her."
"What did you do?" Marcus asked.
"I laid with her until morning. Nothing happened between us. Right now she's in a vulnerable state."
"What do you mean?"
"She's having difficulty sleeping--nightmares, crying. She's a bit emotional," Jordan divulged.
Marcus sighed. "So you're saying?"
"I'm saying if you want me to not only guard her, but also to babysit her somewhat, that may require me getting close to her physically. You made it clear you have an aversion to me doing that." Jordan took a deep breath. "Mr. Dixon, I care about your daughter. I will do my very best to ensure she is safe with me. But I also want you to trust me."
"Trust you with what?" Marcus was perplexed.
"This is new for me. I have never done this before--"
"What are you talking about? Just spill it," Marcus said.
"I have feelings for Lissa, and I want to explore where this could lead us."
"And what of your job to guard her. Can you ensure you keep a cool head under pressure for her sake?"
Jordan had been hesitant about pursuing something with her although the sparks between them were undeniable. The truth is he was drawn to her. He wanted her and maybe he needed her. He cleared his throat. "I can and I will for her sake," he said. "I promise to consider her feelings always. I promise to guard her with my life. I will take things slow with her, and I promise to cherish her." He took a deep breath, released it, then swallowed the saliva pooling in his mouth.
There was silence on the other end of the line. Jordan listened. "Mr Dixon, you still there?"
"Put Lissa on the phone for me," Marcus said his voice held a gravelly quality to it. Jordan blinked. "Okay," he said. He placed the phone on the coffee table and went upstairs. He checked his room and realized she wasn't there. He knocked on her door, she opened it and smiled up at him. She observed his sober expression and her smile became lopsided.
"Is everything okay?"
"Your dad wants to talk to you," he told her. She looked at his face. Her heart began to pound.
"Is he okay?" she asked. "I'm not sure," Jordan answered, "but he's waiting on the phone to talk to you."
Fear gripping her heart, Lissa hurried downstairs. She took up the phone. "Daddy? Daddy is everything okay?"
"Lissa baby, I may not be back for a week or so. I want you to make sure you do everything Jordan tells you, especially where it concerns your safety, okay?" Marcus said, his voice tender. Tears brimmed over in her eyes. "Something isn't right," she whispered to Jordan while covering the phone receiver with her hand.
"Daddy, where are you?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"I-I'm with Shane and his friend Red Man," Marcus answered his voice solemn.
"Where is that exactly?" she asked feeling both fear and frustration. "Daddy, just tell me where you are, and Jordan and I will come pick you up."
"No need, I will be back before you know it," he said.
"But a week?! Daddy ..."
Jordan's ears perked up. He said two days or maybe a week, not definitively a week. Something was wrong. He touched Lissa's arm. She looked up at him, her eyes wide. She covered the receiver and listened to him. "Ask him this for me, okay?"
Lissa nodded. "Ask if he's indoors or outdoors. She removed her hand. "Daddy, are you indoors or outdoors?
"I'm indoors," Marcus answered.
"Is he safe or unsafe where he is? If he's safe, tell him to say blue light, if he's not safe tell him to say red light," Jordan instructed her.
Lissa asked him. She listened to his response. Her voice came out in a strangled cry that caused Jordan's eyes to fly wide open with concern. He moved closer to her. "He said red light," Lissa said, her voice was filled with anguish.
"Jordan, I heard someone in the background. They told him to shut up and then the line went dead." She put down the phone. He picked it up and heard the dial tone. He placed the handset on its base, and reached for her. He held her as she cried. He sighed deeply. What was going on?
He lifted her in his arms and brought her to his room and laid her down. "I'm gonna make some calls, okay," he told her.
She sat up. "Where are you going?" she asked, her voice panicked. "Jordie, please don't leave! What if something's happened to daddy--"
"We need to know so we can get him back," he replied.
"But, I'm scared. I don't want you to get hurt," she said.
"I won't be long. I'll be careful," he reassured her.
"No!" She threw herself at him. "No! Jordan please! Don't go! Don't leave me too!" She was overcome with emotion. Trembling with fear, she clung to him. Gripping his shirt, she pressed herself into him. Suddenly feeling dazed, her legs gave way and she sank to the floor. In desperation, she held on to his feet. "Don't go!" she whispered fervently.
Jordan was alarmed. He had never seen her like this. He reached for her, lifted her and placed her on the bed. He lay beside her and covered her with his arms. She was still crying. "I'm here Lissa, I'm here," Jordan said. "I won't leave you."
There was a knock on the door. "Sir, is everything okay? The professor and I heard screaming." Jordan sighed. It was the housekeeper. "Do you have chamomile tea?" Jordan asked. "Yes, I believe we do" Mrs Douglas answered. Jordan began rocking Lissa slowly in his arms. She was still crying though more quietly. "Shhh .. baby. It's okay. I'm here," he told her.
"Make a half cup of chamomile tea, brew it very strong. Put only half a tea spoon of sugar and lemon or lime if you have any. Quickly as possible, please Mrs. Douglas."
"Right away sir," the housekeeper said. He heard her leaving the doorway her footsteps moving quickly.
"Is she okay?" came the gritty voice of Professor Pryce. Jordan grimaced. He didn't want this to happen. "She'll be fine," he said.
"Do you need any help?"
"No!" Jordan sighed. He sounded too sharp to himself. He took a ragged breath to steady himself. "No," he said softer. He didn't want the old man to see her like this. "I'll take care of it. She'll be fine." There was a pause, then, "Okay, I'll be in my study if you need me," Prof Pryce said.
"Okay," Jordan replied. He heard retreating footsteps.
He turned her on her back. Her eyes were closed--her breathing coming in spurts. He spread himself on top of her. "Baby, you're having a panic attack," he said quietly. He touched her hair. Her eyes fluttered open, but they were unfocused.
"Lis, I won't leave you. I promise to be here with you, okay?" She nodded. "Hold me," he said. She reached up a hand and touched his face. Gently, he placed her hands around his shoulders. "Squeeze me close," he told her. She did as he instructed. He moved up so her head was near his chest. "Listen to my heartbeat, Lis" he said.
He started to breathe in slowly through his nose and exhale out his mouth. He closed his eyes and did that repeatedly. He relaxed, eased up and reached down to pull her up to his eye level. Jordan wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her to his chest. "Feel my heart beating Lis. Relax," he said.
Lissa tried to focus on his words and the beating of his heart. She noticed that his heart rate had slowed down and she felt its steady pulse. She closed her eyes. She relaxed and sighed. Jordan moved from on top of her and pulled her on her side, her back resting on his chest. "You're okay, baby."
"Jordan?"
"Yes Lis?"
"I'm sorry for my behavior. I ..."
He moved closer to her and wrapped his left leg over hers. She snuggled into him trying to get closer. He held her tightly until the housekeeper knocked on the door. "I have the tea for Miss Dixon," she said, worry in her tone. Jordan got up from the bed and opened the door. He took the tray from her. He looked up at Rachel's face when he noticed two plates filled with scrambled eggs and toast. He smiled to show his appreciation.
"I figured you would want to stay with her," she said. In the tray was a porcelain teapot that looked ancient but in good condition, two matching mugs, and two glass jars: one filled with sugar, the other with freshly squeezed lemon juice. A tiny bowl held two teabags that were not yet brewed.
Seeing him look at the contents of the tray she smiled. "Thought you might want to do it how you or she likes it. The water is very hot, so be careful."
He smiled at her. "Thank you." he said. She nodded and moved away from the door then turning back, she said, "I'll bring dinner to your room also." Jordan was grateful. He nodded. "That would be good, thank you," he said smiling.
She left him. Jordan brought the tray into the room and carefully placed it on the antique night stand. Lissa turned and looked at him. He took off his shirt as she watched him. One distraction coming up, he thought to himself. He was about to pour some of the water into a mug for her when she noticed the steam coming off it, and he was not wearing a shirt. Her protective nature kicked in and she stood up.
Moving quickly to take the teapot from him, she said, "Let me." He looked at her, searching her face. "You sure?" he asked. She nodded. "Yes, I am. Let me, I can do this." He nodded. "Okay," he replied, while watching her carefully.
She brewed tea for them both, handed him a mug and a plate, and sat on the bed with him. As he ate he watched her. She was aware that he was staring at her, maybe studying her. She lifted her eyes from her plate and looked at him. "I'm really sorry about earlier," she said. He nodded. "That's okay," he replied.
"I need to know something," he said. He piled on some eggs on one slice of toasted bread and bit into it. It was delicious. She turned to him. "Okay," she said. Her eyes observed him. He cleared his throat. "The antidepressants, the prescription's date was from four years ago. Um--"
"I was raped and beaten at seventeen. I was harming myself, cutting myself, swallowing painkillers when I wasn't in pain, cough medicine. Anything I could get a hold of to numb my depression, I took. Four years ago I stopped taking the antidepressants. I joined the JCF as a Counselling Psychologist five years ago. A year after that I got my final assessment from my therapist. She told me I didn't need the meds anymore. I was supposed to dispose of them, but I never did," she said.
"Was it Friday the first time in a while you took them?" he asked.
Lissa nodded. "Yeah, I haven't taken any since the day she told me I was stronger than I thought I was."
"I'm so sorry. Was he your boyfriend?" Jordan asked. He was in shock. He sipped some of the chamomile tea. Hot. Nice and strong. Good! he thought. He sipped some more, and was satisfied to experience its heat flowing down, making him feel warm all over. He felt better.
She nodded and smiled ruefully. She put a little of the eggs in her mouth, chewed then swallowed. "I thought I was in love. He was my first. I never thought my first time would be like that." She took a deep breath. To Jordan, she suddenly looked tired. She took a sharp gulp of the tea, then cleared her throat.
"Careful," he said smiling at her. "It's hot." She chuckled. "It is," she said. She stuffed more eggs in her mouth and tore off a piece of the bread and bit into it. Her mouth watered. She sipped more of the tea and continued eating. Jordan observed her as she ate, remembering how she volunteered to serve the tea, even though just a few seconds before she was distressed. He marveled at her. Her shoulders were slumped. She did look tired.
"I want to," she replied. Then she felt a little uncertain after she saw his eyebrows raised. "I'm sorry. It's not something people want to hear about, if-if you feel uncomfortable about listening--"
"It's not that," he told her. He reached for her hand. She gave it to him. He pulled her closer. "I want you to be okay with telling me these things. You," he said. "I want you to feel safe with me to tell me anything." She touched his face. "I trust you," she said.
Just then, they heard her phone ringing in her assigned bedroom. She got up, put her plate and mug on the night stand and rushed out the door to answer it. Jordan followed behind her. She answered. "Ms Dixon?" a man said.
"Yes?" she answered.
"This is Sergeant Reynolds," the man said. "Something has happened, we need you to come to the Half Way Tree Police Station right away. It's about your father."
"My father?" Lissa said her voice trembling. Jordan moved to her side and placed his hand on her back. As soon as Lissa had calmed down enough he would have left and done some checks himself, but was providence moving things in a different direction.
"Is he ...?"
"He's fine," Sarge Reynolds answered. "Just a few cuts and bruises, but he's okay otherwise. We want you to come get him. He may be too banged up to drive."
Tears brimmed over in Lissa's eyes and fell down her cheeks. "Thank you," she said. "We're coming right away." She hung up. "We need to get to the Half Way Tree Police Station. That's where daddy is. Sarge Reynolds says he has bruises and cuts but that's it. We have to go get him."
"No," Jordan said, "I will go alone." He was relieved her dad was okay.
"Jordan, no!" she said looking at him.
"Lis, even if he's at the station it doesn't mean the threat on his life, or whatever mishap is over--"
"All the more reason for me to go get him with you." she said, her voice firm.
"No," he said, his eyes boring into her. "I'm trained to handle these situations, you're not. I will be fine. I can't be out there trying to secure you're dad, and be worried about you too."
Lissa stopped speaking. She opened her mouth, then closed it. He said ... Her heart leaped. "You'll be worried about me?"
He nodded. "Yes, of course, I don't want you to be hurt."
"Jordan, I don't want you to be hurt either, because of me or my family drama."
He stared into her eyes, really stared into them. He saw her vulnerability and something else. He cupped her face and stepped closer to her. "Lis, it's my job to bleed so you don't. Answer me this question ..." She looked into his eyes, her cheeks still wet with tears. "When you look at me what do you see?"
She closed her eyes briefly, then opened them. She spoke softly, her words possessing a lilt he hadn't heard before: "I see a man who I never expected I would like or be attracted to. I see someone who I can be myself with. Someone who when he touches me I light up and I burn with something deep and fulfilling." She touched his face. "I see someone I care about very much. I don't want you hurt because of me."
"Do you see someone you could fall in love with?" he asked, his heart beating fast.
She looked at his eyes, at every line of his face, and smiled. She thought of her brief relationship with Shane--all it's twists and turns, and how it ended in disaster. She thought of her brief time with Ryan and how it was rushed and felt forced. She touched his face.
"Yes, I do, but I want to take things slow," she said softly. Jordan released a ragged breath and drew her into his arms. He held her close then reached up with both hands to cup her face.
Leaning forward her kissed her brow, he kissed her eyelids, and both cheeks. He started making kissy noises. Lissa giggled. He paused and looked into her eyes. She looked into his. He bent his head slightly to the right and tentatively brushed his lips on the corner of her mouth. She licked her lips and put her hands on his chest.
Gently, he pressed his lips on hers, then opened his mouth and slowly sucked on her bottom lip. Lissa felt a jolt of sensation shoot through her: Like electricity, it ran across her chest spreading out to every nerve ending--causing her nipples to bud and harden. As he kissed her, the sensations grew stronger and sharper, running down her belly, past her groin to pool as a throbbing heat in her loins. She moaned.
Jordan deepened the kiss wrapping his arms around her waist. He suckled her upper lip then slowly slipped his tongue inside her mouth. She eagerly greeted him, causing his own body to feel on fire. He groaned her name and kissed her more passionately. He wanted more. So much more of her.
He lifted her in his arms and brought her back to his bedroom. He kissed her deeply, savoring the way her mouth tasted. She teased him with the skillful way her tongue danced with his. Laying her on the bed, he took her hand so she could touch his arousal. Lissa gasped and looked up at his face. She observed his green eyes appearing darker as he stared at her intently. He pressed himself into her, pushing her back on the bed. He kissed her slightly swollen lips, suckling on the bottom lip while groaning. With a groan he tore his lips away briefly and kissed her neck, suckling it gently. He heard her moan, and grunted in soft breaths.
Reaching down he squeezed her breasts possessively and looked into her eyes. "Lissa," he groaned. "I want more. I know I shouldn't, but I want more." She moaned and reached for him. He sat up and made her straddle his lap. His left hand moved up to her head and gently caressed her hair. She closed her eyes and arched her back.
She began bouncing on him and he moved his hips sensually. He bit his bottom lip as he watched her moving. Lissa grinded on him as he caressed her body. There was this mysterious way his touch soothed, but made her feel aroused at the same time. There was something special about him: something special about the chemistry between them. She smiled at him and reached up to kiss his brow.
She took a deep breath and released it slowly. She stopped moving, and rested her head on his shoulder. She inhaled his scent and detected a hint of a citrusy fragrance. She figured that was his cologne.
She sat back on him and stared at his tattoos. She took special note of the large German shepherd tattoo which covered his whole right arm from the top of it down to his wrist. The words 'War Dog' were written across its chest. She was curious about what that meant. One of these days she would ask him to explain. She stared at the 'Prince of Peace' tattoo and smiled.
She looked up at his face and saw that his eyes were filled with amusement. "Like what you see?" he asked. She grinned at him. Touching his shoulder, she ran her fingers down, tracing the ink on his arm. "I like you," she said. "I've never been a fan of tattoos, but I'm guessing they all have meaning to you." She gazed at the 'Prince of Peace' tattoo again and looked into his eyes. "I like them because of you," she said simply.
Jordan felt a stirring in his chest that caused his abdominal muscles to contract. He circled his arms around her and squeezed. Lissa dropped her chin on his shoulder and sighed. She spoke softly, "Jordan, there's something about you I can't quite fathom. It's in the way you touch me. I want you. I really want this moment between us .. but, but maybe we shouldn't. I-I ... I want to do things differently this time."
She eased back and he relaxed his hold on her. Lissa cupped his face. "I need to know. I need to understand why your touch does what it does to me."
He chuckled and slapped her butt. "What do you mean?"
She smiled. "I know you, but I don't really know you ... your hands on me feel ..." She laughed nervously. "You're gonna think I'm crazy," she said.
"Try me." He hugged her, rubbing her back.
"Your arms around me feel like home," she said shyly. "Your hands on my skin feel so good. I don't know if I should curl up and fall asleep, or bend over so you can have your way with me." She giggled softly.
Jordan smiled. "You can do both," he replied cheekily. "Bend over for me so I can satisfy you, afterwards you can curl up with me and sleep." His voice dipped low and intimate. Lissa let out a little laugh. He kissed her brow.
He placed a soft peck on her lips. "I want to date you. What I said about nurturing and having you like a delicate flower, I meant every word."
"You also said you couldn't," she reminded him. He nodded, "True," he said, "I've never had such a strong attraction to a client before. I wanted to keep this relationship between us professional, but it's getting complicated." He lifted Lissa off his lap and onto the bed.
"I'm drawn to you in a strong way. Lissa, I'm a Christian, been one for six years now. Every night I read the Bible, pray and ask for wisdom. The last few days, every night, I've been asking God to keep me from craving you. Lis, I want you to the point I can't think straight when I'm near you. At this point I'm running on muscle memory when it comes to bodyguard procedures. My mind is wrapped up in you."
Lissa was flattered, but also concerned. "I ... Should I feel guilty or--"
"No need Lis," he said touching her face. "I've willingly given in to this torture. I tried fighting myself, but I have to admit, I'm not fighting hard enough. I don't want to resist you. I think of your sweet, soft curves on my body and it's all I can do not to come to your room and rip your clothes off you." His green eyes had an enigmatic gleam that was pulling her in.
He gripped her and pulled her to him. Lissa gasped as she felt his strong arms tighten around her. She leaned back and bit her bottom lip. "Whatever you want to do I won't stop you," she said breathlessly. She swallowed hard and looked at him. Jordan exhaled as if punched in the gut. He cupped her face and placed soft pecks on her lips. Lissa sighed and swayed towards him.
He began to gently kiss her neck. Lissa tilted her head back to give him access. He pulled the sensitive skin in his mouth and began suckling, making little slurpy sounds. Lissa gripped his shoulders, feeling warm, sensual emotions wash over her. "Ahh, Jordan! Hmm..."
Her arms slowly circled his neck as he moved his lips down to her collar bone. She gasped and went limp with desire. Little whimpering sounds came from her mouth. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to be lost in the sensations that were taking over her body. Jordan laid her down, then caressed her breasts. She moaned softly, feeling on fire.
"Jor-Jordan... I'm burning up. I ..."
Jordan captured her lips passionately. He groaned as he tasted her. "Lissa!" he moaned softly. Tenderly, he kissed her, making a trail of kisses from her collar bone to her chest. Being hampered by the neck of her blouse he growled impatiently and quickly lifted the blouse off her body. He laid it aside and went back to kissing her chest, then down to the soft, full flesh teasing him in her bra. Her body was shaking.
Lissa reached up, cupped and squeezed his chest muscles. "You're so strong," she whispered. Jordan pushed his face between her cleavage and groaned. She put her arms around him. He smelt her and moaned. "God forgive me," he said. He touched her skin and bit his bottom lip. While tugging the bra down so he could see more of her breasts, he felt her body tremble. He kissed the exposed flesh and groaned her name. He wanted to see her nipples.
She touched his shoulders, her body was shivering. An alarm bell went off in his head. Remembering her behaviour earlier, he looked up at her face and placed one hand on her tummy. "What do you want me to do?" he asked.
Surprised that he asked that question, a myriad of emotions passed through her. "No one has ever asked me ..." She paused feeling confused. He reached up and touched her face. "I want you, but I won't force it. You're trembling. I just want you to be sure," he said.
Her eyes floated up in embarrassment. Staring at the ceiling, she said, "I want to--" Her voice sounded shaky, uncertain.
"Lis, look at me." Jordan brushed his thumb on her right cheek. She turned her head and stared at him. "I want you. I want this, and I want you to want it too. I know you like when I touch you, and I know you find me attractive. Maybe a part of you wants this too, but maybe your heart isn't fully in it."
She looked away from him. He sighed and touched her thigh. "It's okay. We don't have to." Jordan rubbed her thighs. Lissa nodded, her head down. He leaned forward and kissed her lips slowly, then moved away from her. "I'm gonna go pick up your dad. okay?"
Lissa's eyes watered but she refused to shed anymore tears. "Okay," she answered, her voice hoarse. She pushed her hands through her blouse, and drew it over her chest, down to cover her belly. "You can stay here if you want," he told her. "But promise me you'll get some sleep, okay?" She nodded.
He nodded. He reached for his t-shirt and drew it over his head, covering his chest and abdominal muscles. Lissa felt a pang of regret that she couldn't see them.
Jordan stooped down beside the bed to pull out his blue duffle bag from under it. He opened the bag and unzipped the small section that hid his Glock and Beretta weapons. He took the Glock out and laid it on the bed. Lissa gawked at it. Her eyes were fixed on its clean, sleek look.
He pulled out his other bag--the black one, and searched for his gun holsters. He had two: a single holster and a double one which he was quite fond of. He took out the single gun holster and put it on his shoulder. He took out blue jeans and dark grey belt.
Quickly, Jordan drew down his sweat pants and stepped into his jeans, pulling it up. Lissa's breath caught when she saw his powerful thigh muscles. He zipped up, buttoned the waist, and pushed the belt through the loops and buckled it. He was aware of Lissa's eyes hungrily devouring him. He winked at her and she blushed.
He blew Lissa a kiss, as he reached for his gun and removed its leather casing, and dropped it in the duffle bag. He put three extra mags in a small pouch and clipped that to his belt, just above his left hip. Securing the gun holster snugly across his chest and back, he carefully tucked the Glock under his left arm. Lissa's eyes almost popped out of their sockets as she watched him.
"Hand me my jeans jacket," he told her. He pointed to it hanging on a nail in the wall behind them. She raised herself up and reached for it. Standing on the bed, she gave it to him. He took it, tossed it over his right shoulder and held on to her hips.
"Everything will be fine, okay?" he said looking up at her. She nodded. She bent forward and he kissed her. It was a slow, tender kiss that made her loins ache with longing. She hugged him.
He rubbed her back. "I've got to go," he said. "Okay," she said with a sigh. Each time he touched her she felt this fluttery, nervous feeling welling up inside her. She didn't know how to describe it. He slapped her butt and moved to the door. Lissa giggled, she couldn't help it. He smiled at her, winked, then opened the door and stepped out. Quietly, he closed the door behind him.
Lissa realized his bags were unzipped. She jumped off the bed and pulled them to her. She saw a gun encased in leather in a smaller inside compartment. She quickly zipped it up. Then zipped the larger part of the bag and pushed it under the bed. She also closed the black duffle bag and pushed it under the bed. She wondered why he left the bags open like that. Is he testing me?
He stepped into the room just as she was about to stand up. "Oh, I forgot to put my bags away."
"I did that for you already," she told him. "I zipped everything up and put them under the bed." She watched his eyes. He smiled at her. Maybe he just forgot, she thought.
He leaned forward and touched her face. "Be back soon, okay?" he said, his voice husky. Lissa smiled sadly. "Okay," she answered. He kissed her lips then walked to the door. He looked back at her, then stepped outside of the room, closing the door. Lissa sat on the edge of the bed. She leaned back and lay on the soft sheets. They smelt of him. She closed her eyes.
He opened the door and walked through. She sat up and stared at him. "What? What's wrong?" She stood up, moving towards him."Lis, I need you now. I can't stop thinking about you. I need you." He swooped her up in his arms and kissed her passionately. He wrapped her legs around his hips and kissed her like his life depended on it.
He threw her gently on the bed and quickly removed his jacket and his shirt. He marched towards her with a determined look that took her breath away. She bit her lips and groaned. He kissed her, pressing his tongue between her lips with a raw passion that made her moan. Plunging his tongue in her mouth, he groaned softly. He eased his head back and stared at him. "Lis, tell me you want me," he demanded.
"I want you," she replied breathlessly. He cupped her face then kissed her lips, her cheek bones, her jaw, and then her neck. He made sensual noises while he kissed. He pulled off her blouse, then said, "I can't pretend anymore. Lis, I want it. I need it." He grinded on her as he spoke. She closed her eyes. "Okay," she whispered. "Okay."
He kissed her cleavage as she moaned his name and rubbed her fingers on his head. "Ohh Jordan, yes, please. I want it too." Her breath caught in her throat, and she swallowed as she felt him lift her and place her higher up on the bed. He was very strong. She caressed his head and kissed him.
Lissa closed her eyes when she felt him unhook her bra and pull it off her. She arched up as his warm, rough hands cupped her and squeezed. Her mouth opened and she began to breathe faster, her head spinning.
His gaze was intense as he watched her. He kissed her neck then slowly moved his mouth down to tease the aching flesh of her breasts. He lifted his head and caressed her gently rubbing his thumbs on her twin peaks. She cried out and called his name. Jordan groaned as he pleasured her. "Hmm ... Lis you're beautiful," he told her. Bending down to her he suckled gently and closed his eyes. His hands snaked down to caress her bottom.
Moving lower he kissed her belly, her thighs and hips. Lissa whimpered and moaned his name. She was lost in sweet abandon. She was sure she had forgotten her name.
He moved slowly, deliberately. Every kiss, every caress was done to drive her crazy. He didn't smile. He looked at her like he was about to devour her, and that was exactly what she wanted. He placed his hands on her thighs and looked at her. "Mine?" he asked.
She took a breath then nodded. "Yes," she said, breathing out, her heart rate spiking. Only then did he smile, a sexy, mysterious smile that made her loins clench with excitement. He opened her thighs and she didn't resist. He looked at the soft, seductive curve of her pubic bone. She was wearing baby pink panties. She took shallow breaths through her mouth, waiting for what he would do next.
He cupped her gently and she arched her back, a soft breath escaping quivering lips. He bent down and pressed his lips on her and inhaled her scent. Lissa moaned. This was unexpected. Her body shivered as he pressed his lips on her. She was getting really wet for him.
Gently, he repeatedly kissed her mound through her underwear and heard her gasp. He licked his lips and used his teeth to slide her underwear slightly to the left. He kissed the soft flesh of her labia, and groaned her name. He ran his tongue along the curve of it and Lissa jerked up, her body shivering. "Ohh Jordie! Ohh!"
She caressed his head and moaned. "Jordie please! Please!" He grunted. "Okay," he said, his voice sounding like silk.
He slipped his fingers into the waist of her panties and pulled them down. He looked at her and groaned. Looking up at her face, his breath caught. "Do you shave?" he asked, his voice a little gruff. Lissa's breathing was shallow as she observed the way he looked at her. She nodded shyly. "A week ago. I usually get waxed, but it's been hectic lately, you know ..."
He nodded. He reached out and touched her. She groaned and squeezed his hand between her thighs. "You're really beautiful," he whispered. Lissa closed her eyes and moaned.
He cupped her while her thighs were pressed together--his hand in between them. She felt wonderful. He moved his body further down on the bed and lowered his torso. She released his hand and opened her legs wider for him.
He looked at her and bit his bottom lip. With his Adam's apple bobbing reflexively, he licked his lips. "Hmm .. Lis baby, you're so beautiful." She blushed. "You like what you see?" she asked shyly. He grunted. "Mhm, I love it," he said softly.
He kissed her with tender, dewy kisses. Lissa made soft guttural sounds that aroused him. His reached out his hand and cupped her, moving slowly over her mound, stroking her gently. He looked up at her face. "I want you to be mine and mine alone," he told her.
She reached out for him and he lay on top of her. "I-I don't have much left to give. I'm damaged," she said.
"Not to me. To me you're not damaged. You just need someone to truly love you. I promise to do that," he replied. Passionately, he captured her lips.
"Hmm ..." Lissa groaned as her body was caught up in the throes of orgasmic pleasure. She opened her eyes and smiled. She looked around her. She touched her chest. She was still wearing her blouse. She sighed. Her hands moved down to her shorts, to her crotch. It was moist. She indeed had a 'wet dream'. She closed her eyes. Turning on her left side, wrapping her arms around herself: "Jordie, I need you too."
She blinked, then sat up and rose to her feet. She didn't feel sleepy anymore. She felt hungry. She ate what was left on her plate, then neatly piled the empty plates, teacups and teapot in the tray and brought them downstairs. She placed them in the kitchen sink and was about to wash them, when the housekeeper walked into the room. "I'll do that," she said. Lissa nodded and stepped back.
She went to the fridge and removed the slice of cheese and the spice bun she bought yesterday. She retrieved a small knife from the knife rack above the counter. Cutting the bun in two, she tore the thin clear bag protecting the cheese from contamination and placed it inside the bun. She removed a plate from the cupboard and put her bun and cheese sandwich in the microwave. She set the timer for two minutes. She liked when the cheese melted in the bun. She stood watching her sweet-savory treat warm up.
Professor Pryce walked into the kitchen and observed her body language. "You okay?" he asked. His eyes scanned her facial expression. Lissa smiled sadly. "I'm not sure." "I heard you screaming your young friend's name," he said matter-of-factly. Lissa grimaced. "It's a long story." He stepped aside and gestured with his hand outstretched to the garden. "I've got free time. At my age that's all I've got," he retorted.
Rachel looked over at them while washing the dishes. "Go," she said to Lissa. "When it's ready I'll bring it to you. Lissa felt trapped. She observed Rachel's smile and the Prof's smirk, and nodded resignedly. She sighed. "Okay," she said and led the way to the garden.
***
Cough! Cough! Cough! Cough!
"What's wrong with you?" Inspector Lindsay asked. He stood at the prison cell looking in at the young man who had a terrible cough. The young man, De'aundre, gazed angrily at the officer. "Not feeling so confident now, eh?" Lindsay mocked. He chuckled. "Listen, it's best you cooperate with the police y'ere mi. Because if we find another way to get to Z without your help I can't help you," he said.
De'aundre laughed. "Mi nah help unnuh ah baxide!" he blurted out angrily. Lindsay sighed."Have it your way then," he said. He walked to a large metal door and knocked. It was opened for him and he stepped outside. He walked through several doors until he got to the administrative area of the prison. The Warden looked up at him from his desk. "Any luck?" he asked. Lindsay shook his head, feeling disappointed. "No, he's still not talking," he replied.
Warden Sheldon Matthis sighed. "Sorry. I've also been talking to him to get him to cooperate. It's like he's brainwashed." He stood to his feet. He escorted Inspector Lindsay through another door, out to the main gate facing the street. "If there's any progress, I'll let you know," he said Lindsay nodded. "Appreciated," he said. He walked towards his vehicle, entered it and drove off quickly. Matthis returned to his post.
***
"Hey sweet angel," the young inmate said. The young woman he was talking to did not answer him. She walked passed him and continued to hand out printed sheets of papers to the other men sitting on all-in-one school desks and chairs. He looked down at the paper she placed before him. She walked back to stand beside an older woman who lifted a copy of the document to her face. "Okay gentlemen," the older woman said, "you have thirty minutes to complete these Math problems. They're similar equations to the ones I've been teaching you for the past month and half. Okay?"
"Yes Miss Miller," the men said in a united chorus. She smiled at them. "Okay, you may begin."
The young man stared heatedly at the tall, graceful young lady standing beside Mrs Miller. He was captivated by her smile though now she had none. He stared at her, silently willing her to look up at him. She had an air of stuck-upness about her, but he really didn't mind. He loved a challenge. He stared at her, almost an unflinching stare. She lifted her head but at the last minute her mother spoke to her and she stepped out to do something.
Devon sighed. He raked his eyes lazily over the Math problems on the paper. He knew how to do all of them. Shrugging his shoulders, he tackled each one with precision and humor. These are too easy, he mused. After fifteen minutes he was finished and leaned back on the chair, a smirk on his lips. He closed his eyes and imagined her sitting on his lap. Her body facing him, her long legs straddling him. He would bury his face in her breasts and kiss them. He loved her dark skin: smooth, glowing, soft looking.
He opened his eyes as he felt his loins respond. If he wasn't careful he would embarrass himself. He bit his lower lip, then sighed. She wouldn't look his way. She was too refined for him, a college girl he heard the Correctional Officers say. They too were carrying feelings for her, but so far she only smiled politely and said the usual pleasantries: "Hello", "Good morning", and "Good afternoon", if she and her mother came for afternoon sessions, but that was it. She spoke politely to some of the other inmates, but to him she was cold as an ice berg.
"Mr Sharpe?"
Devon's head snapped up from his reverie. "Yes Miss?" he answered. Just then, Mrs Miller's daughter walked in. "Are you finished with your test paper?" Mrs Miller asked. He nodded. "Yes Miss," he said, but his eyes lingered on her daughter's face. She looked pensive. He wondered what was wrong. He promised his Correctional Officer that he was done hurting people, but he would make an exception for the person who made this little princess sad.
"Could you bring it?" Mrs Miller requested.
"Um .. Miss, I-I am having a leg cramp, I can't move right now. Could you come for it, please," Devon answered. Mrs Miller looked at him. "You love playing games?" she asked. "Hand it to me," she said sternly. She stretched out her hand, her face no nonsense.
"Miss trust me, if I could I would get up and bring it to you, but I really do have a leg cramp." A third leg cramp, he mused. The young woman was staring at the floor. Her skirt was knee length, but he could tell her legs were shapely. She's gorgeous.
"Bear in mind your Correctional Officer assured me you would cooperate with these classes as part of your rehabilitation," Mrs Miller charged. Devon cleared his throat. "I have that in mind Miss, but right now I can't stand up." His friend Gregory, who was sitting beside him, looked over while he listened to the conversation. He looked at his friend's awkward body language. His eyes drifted lower and noticed the sign of Devon's 'excitement'. He chuckled.
Mrs Miller looked over at Gregory. "What's so funny, Gregory?" she asked, her tone sharp. Gregory smirked. "Nothing," he said shaking his head. He looked sideways at his friend. "But Devon is having a leg cramp, Miss," Gregory said cheekily. "He was complaining about it this morning. The cramp had him walking with a limp. Miss, right now, it's really hard on him." Devon heard the three men closest to his desk snickering. He sucked his teeth. Mrs Miller looked perplexed. She withdrew her hand. A thought crept into her mind, but she brushed it aside. She looked at her daughter. "Get it from him, please?" she asked.
Reluctantly, the young woman stepped forward. When she reached to Devon's desk she looked down at him with disdain. "Hand it to me," she said rolling her eyes. He smiled at her and lifted the test paper. As she reached for it he made sure to let his fingers brush over the top of her hand. She yanked her hand away. A rushed breath escaped her lips. Devon felt a shiver run down his spine. His gaze grew dark as he looked at her. His body hardened. He wished he could be alone with her.
An hour later, at 10 o'clock, she was walking across the lawn of the special prison facility. Her mother had asked her to print a stack of papers for Monday's lesson plans. As she walked past him, Devon stared at her. She was beautiful. Gregory walked over to him and pinched his shoulder. "Way out of your league my friend," he said. Devon sucked his teeth. "Says who?" he asked, feeling annoyed.
She looked at him then turned her head quickly. They sat on the benches out in the yard, eyes glued to her movements until she disappeared in the building. "You're not quite a convict, but it may happen soon."
Devon looked at him. "What are you talking about?" he asked, his eyes boring into his friend.
"Didn't you hear? There's a breakthrough in finding your boss, Mr Z," Gregory said, his voice dipped low.
"Who tell yuh that? How yuh hear?" Devon turned his body to face his friend.
"It's what I heard, I don't know the full deets, but yeah yuh better cooperate with the police or yuh corner dark." His friend looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Anyway, mi have fi talk to mi CO 'bout sumn suh later." Devon nodded. Gregory left him. Devon turned and looked back to the classroom building she walked into and stood up. He just wanted to talk to her.
He walked slowly. He felt something earlier: a jolt of energy, a spark, that had him thinking about her. Her mother was in the admin building. She was in the office talking on the phone to the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services, giving her report on the progress she was making with the inmates. She spoke to him at the end of every month. Meanwhile, Marsha was laying out the lesson plans on each desk for Monday. As he walked to the classroom he heard a male voice. He stood at the wall and listened.
"Nice girl, how yuh just a gwaan suh? Just talk to mi nuh," the male voice said. It sounded like Biggs aka Dominic. He was Bull Dog, the new, emerging don's son. The streets said Dog was brutal and he never forgot a grudge. Biggs was usually silent in the class. He only spoke when Mrs Miller directly asked him a question. He was an average student at best. He was quite tall with an imposing muscular frame. Devon had good muscle definition, but compared to Biggs, he was a skinny scarecrow. But what he lacked in muscle tone he made up for with brains.
Devon's fists curled and tightened as he listened. She did not answer Biggs's banter. Good girl, he thought. "Baby-love, mi can teck care of yuh enuh," Biggs continued. "Mi inna this place now, but mi soon come out. Police nuh have nothing on mi." She still did not respond. "Babes, come here!" He heard Biggs's insistent words and her gasp of fear. "Let me go!" Marsha yelled.
Devon moved quickly, lunging at him and decking him hard on the chin. Biggs fell back on the floor. He rolled then stood up slowly. "Shadow, yuh want her fi yuhself?" Biggs accused sharply. Everybody in the facility knew Devon's street name. He wasn't perturbed by its revelation to Marsha. He stood still, observing Biggs's body language.
He didn't deny the accusation. He liked Marsha. "The girl doesn't want to talk to you Biggs, just leave her alone," he said. Biggs scoffed at him "Yuh chat too much!" He rushed at Devon, his shoulders bent forward. At the last minute Devon stepped out of the way, and used his opponent's own momentum to slam him into the wall. Biggs fell to the floor unconscious.
"Yuh arite?" Devon asked, turning to Marsha, his chest heaving. She nodded, her eyes wide with fear. She made a move to walk towards the front door, but her legs gave way. Devon ran to her quickly and held her up, his arms around her waist.
He inhaled her perfume. A subtle smile formed on his lips. Just as I thought she would smell. His grip tightened around her when it seemed she would faint. He brought her to a chair and sat her down. Inmates were not allowed to visit the admin area unless with a CO to accompany them.
He swore silently. His CO's day off was today. "Take a deep breath," he said. He smiled at her. She looked up at him. Her dark brown eyes showed fear, but also gratitude. He would take the risk. He ran out of the classroom and sprinted across the lawn to the administrative building.
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