"What if I told you I can make it so your uncle won't be able to stop us from being together?" he asked. He hadn't told her that Z was in jail in a foreign land. He kissed her head. She looked at him, her eyes wide. "I want to be with you Nes. I love you. But I love my uncle, please don't hurt him."
He cupped her face. "I won't hurt him, but I will neutralize him so he can't come near us ..."
She could feel his hardness pressed on her. He was moist, silky-smooth, but hard like steel. Lissa moaned his name and bent down on her hands and knees. He gently pushed her head down so her butt was lifted in the air, while he rubbed himself on her. She opened her legs wider as her body trembled in anticipation.
"Ohh ... baby you feel so good," she moaned.
"You're wet," she said licking her lips.
"Yes baby, wet for you. You're so sweet," he groaned. He rubbed himself on her folds, and Lissa reared up and moaned. The creamy coating of his precum excited her to the point where she grinded her hips in the motion he moved.
"You like this baby?" he asked tenderly. "Like me rubbing this all over you?"
"Hmm ... please. It feels so good." Gently, he coated it on her 'outer folds', her tight slit and on the tip of her clit. Realizing she liked what he was doing, he massaged the tip of his member on her clitoris until she was moaning non-stop.
"Do you want it baby? Do you want to feel me inside you?" Jordan asked softly.
"Ohh ... yes baby, please. Give it to me!" she moaned.
Jordan pressed gently into her, and Lissa moaned while pushing her body back on him--greeting him enthusiastically. As he slipped inside, his body shuddered and Lissa felt him grip her. She closed her eyes and undulated her hips for him.
"Hmmm ... Jordan. Yes please. You're so good." she said her voice husky.
Whimpering softly, she told him she loved him. "I love you Jordie. Take all of me, please."
His hands caressed her hips as he moved slowly inside her. Lissa bit her bottom lip and moaned his name. She heard him groan then speak her name with adoration.
"Lis, you're so beautiful. I love you Lissa. Sweet baby, I'm yours," he groaned, his voice deep and gruff.
***
Friday Morning
Lissa opened her eyes. She turned on the bed to see a pair of green eyes staring intently at her. Jordan leaned forward and kissed her brow. "Good morning," he said, the tone of his voice holding an air of amusement.
"Good morning," she replied smiling.
"What were you dreaming about?" he asked, smiling at her. Lissa blushed and moved to sit up, but he held on to her wrist and pulled her back towards his chest.
"Don't be shy," he whispered seductively. "Tell me."
Lissa shook her head. He cupped her face then tenderly kissed her lips. "Lis, I wanna know how to make you cum in every which way you want me to." He moved his hand down and squeezed her hip. "I wanna know how to please you. Don't be shy with me."
She cleared her throat. "You were making love to me." She sighed. "You ... you had me on my hands and knees bent over before you and you were..." Lissa chuckled softly.
"I was?" he asked smiling. His left eyebrow was raised above the other as he observed her face.
Lissa closed her eyes. "You were rubbing your ..."
He gently touched her cheek. She opened her eyes. "Tell me sweet baby," he said, his eyes holding her gaze in an intense but non-intimidating way. He brushed his thumb on her bottom lip.
She sighed, her breathing shallow. "You ... you rubbed your dick on my ... me," she said shyly.
Jordan's hand moved down to caress her buttocks. "Where sweet baby? Where did I put my dick?" His gaze darkened with desire.
"On my clit, my vagina. You were wet and you were rubbing your ... uh, juices on me," she said breathlessly, "and then ..." her voice trailed off as she saw how intensely he was looking at her.
"Then?" he asked, his voice gravelly and deep.
She swallowed. "Then you were inside me moving slow, but it felt so good I was moaning your name," she said.
"You were definitely moaning my name," he said darkly, his voice came out like a low growl.
Lissa's eyes opened wide as she realized what he was saying. "Oh my god!" Her right hand pushed him in shock though she didn't succeed in moving him.
He gave a low, seductive chuckle as she covered her mouth by reflex. "Nothing to be ashamed of sweet baby. I love that you dream about me like that. I think and dream about you too," he told her.
"You do?" she asked wide eyed. Heat coiled deep inside her. She squeezed her thighs together.
"Yes," he said, "in the sexiest of ways."
"I bet you're really wet right now. Am I right?" Jordan asked, his voice holding a hypnotic lilt that made her pulse race. He reached out and touched the upper thigh of her left leg, his thumb rubbing circles into the flesh.
Lissa blushed but nodded. His hand was short circuiting her senses. Her throat locked up, she couldn't speak.
He grabbed her around her waist and buried his head in her neck. He suckled on it tenderly. A shock of pleasure ran through her. The hand that rested on his chest now squeezed a muscular pec. She arched her head back and bit her lower lip.
"Ohh Jordan!" she whispered breathlessly. She wanted to give in to him. If he wanted to go further she would willingly surrender to him.
"Hmm ... Lis, I'm dying to have you. I want to feel you," Jordan said, his voice airy. His hands explored her body moving possessively across her shoulders, down her back to caress her hips and buttocks.
Lissa melted against him. The warmth of his skin and the strength of his powerful frame were making her weak. She lifted her hands to caress the tight curls of his hair. Jordan groaned and released a soft breath.
There was a knock on the door and Jordan grunted in annoyance. "Yes," he answered, his tone sharp.
"Bro, sorry to disturb," came the hesitant reply, "but daddy wants to talk to you."
Jordan released a groan of frustration. Reluctantly, he rolled away from her. With angst in his mind, he stood up and walked towards the door, but remembering who he was leaving behind, he twisted his torso around to look at Lissa.
"This isn't over," he said quietly. "I want to know what you like." A roguish smile formed on his lips. Lissa's breath caught in her throat as she tried to inhale. He winked at her, opened the door and stepped into the hallway.
Lissa shivered. Her limbs felt chilled without him holding her close. It was like a bucket of ice water had been dashed on her. She sighed. "Ugh!" She sank further into the covers, waiting for him to come back to her.
***
Two minutes later Jordan walked into the room with the phone in hand. He smiled at her. "There's someone I want to introduce to you," he said. "I told my dad about you. He wants to say 'hi'."
Lissa sat up and nervously took the phone from him. She took a deep breath and spoke. "Hello," she said. Her voice was almost a squeak. Nope. She didn't sound good to herself. She cleared her throat and tried again. "Hello."
"Hello, young lady. How are you?" Jonathan Marx answered.
She heard the smooth, measured tone of his voice and looked at Jordan. It was clear where the son got that deep voice from. She shifted on the bed, the fingers of her left hand pulling on the hem of her blouse. She wanted to make a good first impression.
Jordan came closer and pulled her down on the bed to lay beside him. He lay facing her while gently stroking her hair. She closed her eyes and tried to relax.
"Jordan just mentioned he now has a girlfriend. Your name is Melissa?" Jonathan Marx asked.
"Yes, but friends and family call me Lissa," she responded. She turned into Jordan's embrace. He circled his arms around her and kissed her forehead.
"I just wanted to call to wish my son a happy birthday since I won't be there in Jamaica to spend the day with him, and I also have to work that day. I probably won't get to talk to him since I'll get off work late," the older Marx said.
Lissa nodded subconsciously. "I'll try to keep his company on your behalf then," she said trying to be funny, but felt stupid the minute the words passed her lips. Surprisingly, she heard Jordan's dad laugh. It was a deep, but disarming sound that somehow made her relax. Lissa snuggled up in the crook of Jordan's arm and he stroked her back.
"That's generous of you my dear. I'm Jonathan by the way. Maybe next year or later in this year I'll visit and we can have a good chat."
"Sounds good," Lissa answered. She felt relieved.
"Okay, very nice to talk to you," Jonathan Marx said.
"Nice talking to you too," she replied. She handed the phone to Jordan, who said. "Okay dad, gonna get off the phone now." She watched as he listened to his dad's response. She saw his smile widen and heard him laugh softly.
Jordan looked over at her and blew her a kiss. "Yes, she is. She's very beautiful. Yeah, I think you will like her, and mom too," he said.
"Okay, yeh man I will. Okay, alright pops. Thanks for calling. Yeah, stay safe. Yeh man. Arite." Jordan ended the call.
He put the phone on the night table and lay down next to her. He snuggled up, wrapping his arms around her, and placed his head on her bosom. Lissa adjusted her head and neck on the pillow and lifted her hands to stroke his face and head.
Jordan closed his eyes. "Being here with you like this is ... I don't even know how to describe this feeling," he said. "I can't say it feels like heaven that sounds sacrilegious. Instead, I'll say being with you like this feels close to it."
Lissa smiled. She rubbed his head. "I don't know what to say. All I know is I'm falling deeper in love with you," she said with a sigh.
He burrowed his head into her blouse and found the top of her cleavage. He kissed her with soft, adoring pecks. Lissa squeezed his head and sighed. "I love you," she said.
"Hmm ... I love you," Jordan said, his voice thick with emotion.
They were like this for a while when Lissa's tummy grumbled rudely. Jordan laughed. He lifted his head, his gaze dropping to her midsection. "Let me guess ... hungry?"
Lissa laughed. "I guess so," she said.
He got up, sitting on the bed. "I'll make us something," he told her. Lissa nodded and blew him a playful kiss. "Thank you," she said.
"You're welcome," he said smiling at her. He got up and left the room.
***
"What turns you on?"
They were laying in bed, limbs intertwined. He prepared hominy corn porridge, fried eggs and toast. He brought it to his bedroom and they ate.
Sophia Aurora ate her portion in the kitchen then said she was going to visit a few friends. Jordan told her they would hang out later, maybe watch a movie, to which she agreed.
But now, his head was on Lissa's chest, his arms secured around her waist, while she threw her legs over his. Her right hand rested on his chest while her left stroked his face as he stared at her.
Lissa smiled. "I've never given it much thought," she answered.
"Think about it."
"Now?"
"Mhm," he said, his eyes teasing.
She chuckled softly. "I love when you hold me. I love the way your touch is gentle but kind of possessive at the same time. It's like how you touched my thigh earlier--your hand on me is gentle, but then you put a little pressure on my skin. I also like that thing you do: when your thumb rubs circles on my skin, it feels really good." She blushed when she saw his eyes darken.
"What about sex? What do you like?" He touched her face.
Her eyes dipped demurely to the level of his chest. "I-I like when a man is gentle and builds up the pace slowly, especially for our first time. I like when a man talks to me during, you know ..."
Jordan lifted her head by touching her chin.
"What you said earlier: you dreamt about me teasing you first before I made love to you. Is that something you want me to do?"
She nodded shyly. Jordan gently brushed his fingers on her cheek. He bent forward and placed a single peck on her lips.
"I love you," he said. "I want to please you. Okay? Anything you want, tell me. I'm not a threesome sort of guy, but I can be freaky in other ways."
Lissa dropped her head and laughed a little to relieve the awkward feeling she was experiencing. "I would never ask you for that," she said, humour tinging her voice. "Matter of fact, one of my exes asked for a threesome and I refused. So no, I'm not interested in doing that."
He moved his hand down to touch her waist. "Which ex asked for the threesome?"
She lifted her eyes and saw that his green eyes seemed even darker. His mood had shifted slightly. She looked down at his chest. "It's not important anymore. He and I have no dealings," she said quietly.
Jordan squeezed her waist. "Who was it?" he asked. His voice was soft, but she noticed it had an edge to it.
"Seriously, Jor--"
"Lis," his voice warned, "just tell me."
She sighed heavily. "It was Derrick," she said.
"The banker?" Jordan asked, his eyes narrowing.
She nodded. "How did you ...?" Then it dawned on her. "My dad told you about him?"
Jordan grunted his reply, "Mhm ..."
"There's nothing between us now, okay?"
He nodded. "I trust you," he said simply. And I'll make sure no one hurts you like that again, he thought.
Curiousity churned in her mind. "What did he tell you about Rick?"
"Rick?"
Lissa sat up. "His nickname," she replied. She looked towards the door. Jordan sat up and pulled her back into his embrace. "Don't shut me out," he whispered. He covered her with his arms. She sighed and turned to his chest.
"I'm sorry, that's a part of my life I'm not proud of."
"You don't have to be ashamed. I accept all of you." He kissed her forehead. He paused, then said, "Your dad, I think was trying to scare me off from being with you." He inhaled then exhaled slowly.
"He told me Derrick wasn't your first boyfriend but that he was the first that was very supportive. You fell hard for him. When he asked for the threesome you didn't tell your parents, only Branno, to protect his reputation with them. They only heard about what he did after Branno and he had a quarrel at your house."
"Yeah, I loved him, so I forgave him," Lissa answered. "If I hadn't caught him cheating I would still be with him." She turned her front profile slightly away from his view. Jordan's hold tightened around her. He squeezed and she groaned. She turned her body and pushed her buttocks on him.
Why does his touch make me feel like this? She wanted to whine on him. "Hmm ..." She licked her lips.
He moved his hands down and gently squeezed her hips. She sighed. She loved how it felt pressing her butt on his hard thighs.
"Do you still have feelings for him?" Jordan was enjoying the softness of her butt on him. He was aroused, but right now he needed to know how she felt about her ex. His heart constricted a little.
She shook her head. "No, not anymore." She turned her face towards him. He adjusted his arms to accommodate her movement. "As I told you before that's my past."
She looked into his eyes. "You're all I'm interested in. I want us to work." She touched his cheek. Jordan bent his head and she kissed him passionately. Relieved was the word that described what he was feeling at that moment. He ended their kiss by lowering his head to kiss her neck.
"Wanna get some sleep?" he asked her concerned. "This is your second day, right?"
"My period?"
"Mhm, yeah," he said.
"Yeah," she said nodding.
"I'll just snuggle up to you. If you don't mind?" He observed every detail of her facial expression.
She chuckled. "Sure, I love your company," she said smiling.
His eyes brightened. He knew she was telling the truth. Carefully, he squeezed and rubbed her tummy. "Does it hurt?" he asked.
She shook her head. She marveled at the tenderness this powerful 6'4" man was showing her. "Not so much now," she told him. "But I want to be held."
He threw his left leg over hers. She giggled at that move. "Come here," he said softly. Lissa closed her eyes and buried her head in his chest as he held her. She inhaled his scent and was happy.
***
He made some calls but there didn't seem to be anything he could do to help Z, short of doing something illegal. He didn't want to lose his freedom now that he had Izzie. He was in Izzie's room when she walked in. She put her arms around his neck and rubbed her hands over his muscular pecs. Nesbeth closed his eyes and turned to her. He stood up.
Staring lustfully at her, Nesbeth lifted her in his arms and laid her on the bed. He walked back to close the door. As he came towards her, his libido raging, he told himself he was going to make it last all day. He had held off for a little while, trying to be cautious, but now with Zavier locked away, he was tempted to be a little reckless. He bought audio jammers for Izzie's and his room.
He hoped the jammers worked. He was told they were state of the art, cutting edge technology. Well, he was gonna test that theory today. He removed the two signal/sound prohibitive devices he had hidden in his pockets and placed one on the night table, right beside Izzie's bed. She watched him. He turned it on.
"What's that for?" she asked.
"I'm going to make love to you. I know how you like to scream. I don't want anyone hearing you but me, maybe the neighbours," he said chuckling softly, "but none of your uncle's goons."
Izzie giggled. "I thought you like when I'm loud?" she asked. She lifted her right leg, brushing her toes on the crotch of his pants. She was happy to see his arousal growing more obvious as she teased him.
"Be right back," he said his gaze intense. She laughed softly and nodded.
Nesbeth placed the second jammer in the guest room where he slept. He placed it on the night table and took a deep breath. He turned it on. "You better work," he said. It better for how much I paid, he mused.
As he reentered Izzie's bedroom he wondered how Danae was doing. He would try to get her and the boys home, while burying Z. But right now, he planned on a very long, hot, steamy love session with Izzie, and multiple times as much as possible. He was hungry for her.
He turned to her as she jumped on him. He chuckled and hoisted her in his arms, her legs wrapped around his hips--his hands holding them firmly. He kissed her passionately, closing his eyes.
"I love you Nes," Izzie breathed.
"I love you Izzie," he murmured, brushing his lips on hers. He opened her mouth with his tongue and unleashed his hunger on her, roughly kissing her lips while groaning his need for her. Izzie reciprocated, her tongue meeting his fervently.
After a minute of heavy kissing, she leaned back from his face and stared at him. "No condoms, please," she said. She touched his face.
"Are you sure?" he asked, his body was burning up. He was tempted to do it without one. He enjoyed the last time they went bare back, but, "Are you really sure you want this?"
"Yes, I want you. Nes, you love me right? You won't leave me?" she asked, brushing her fingers through his dark brown hair.
The innocence and vulnerability in her eyes broke him. His grip tightened on her thighs. He shook his head. "No, I won't leave you. I love you," he said, his voice gravelly with emotion. She bent her head forward and he captured her lips with the desperation of a drowning man. He was drowning: drowning in the intoxication of her love.
Nesbeth carried her to the bed and laid her down.
***
He was deep inside her. His thrusts were slow, methodical but lethal. Izzie's eyes were closed as her body felt weightless under his love-making. "Ohh Nes, I love you. I love you!" she said breathlessly.
"I love you too Izzie. You're sweeter than sugar. I love you," he groaned.
As the throes of passion enveloped her and her body began to shake, she called his name and told him she would love him forever. She shivered under him, and he moaned her name. As his strokes became more insistent--more powerful, she screamed. He closed his eyes and gave in to his own release.
***
Saturday Morning - Seychelles Time
They gave him ten minutes. Only ten minutes to speak to his boys and wife. That beast of a man stood behind them watching and listening. Zavier hugged his sons. He was relieved to hear they had been released from police custody.
Danae came to see him yesterday, he refused to speak with her and told the guard he didn't want to see her. She however told the guard to tell him that she was seeking help from Nesbeth. But today, today was different. His temper had cooled a little, and he wanted to make sure she was okay. Plus, to make sure that cop, that supposed bodyguard/guide hadn't touched her.
"Zahir and Zaniv, I love you boys. Take care of your mother for me" Zavier said. They both nodded, faces solemn. He beckoned for his wife to come closer.
He released his sons and grabbed her, and kissed her roughly, squeezing her body to his. He opened his left eye and looked in the direction of Mael. Mael looked away from them. Feeling satisfied, he let her go abruptly, and slapped her bottom.
"Have you heard anything from Nesbeth?" Zavier asked.
"Not yet," Danae said, her eyes almost brimming over with tears.
He sighed. "Everything will be okay. If Nes can't help me in this situation I still have my one call to make. Do me a favor," he said looking at her. "There's a black book in the bottom right drawer of my desk in my study. Call Izzie and tell her to look for the name Kyle Wellington. He should be able to help."
"Kyle aka Midnight?" Danae asked.
"Yes him,"' he replied. He nodded.
"Oh, I have his number," she replied quickly.
Zavier's gaze narrowed on her. "How do you have his number?"
"What? Uh ... oh, yeah, the time when you invited him and his wife over for dinner a year ago, remember? I took both of their numbers."
Zavier looked at her, his eyes reading her facial ticks. She was lying to him, but he would deal with that later. Now, he needed to get out of this foreign prison. He nodded. "Tell Izzie to call him and here's the phone number for the prison." He recited the telephone number to her. She saved it in her mobile phone.
"Tell me what dinner did I invite them to again. The one a year ago?"
She nodded smiling.
"That dinner was cancelled." he said quietly, his gaze boring into her.
Danae's smile evaporated. She started wringing her fingers together. Zavier looked at her hands. "You okay honey?" he asked, but his tone was anything but endearing. It was cold and mocking. Danae swallowed saliva trying to wet her dry throat.
"Uh ..." she said, her mind working to come up with an appropriate answer.
"Time's up," Mael said, his voice low and surly.
Danae stepped back. Her eyes darted to him then back to her husband. Zavier smiled at her, but his eyes were cold. "See you tomorrow," he said. He hugged his sons again then turned to leave.
"Be good honey," he said, his back turned. He walked through the door that led back to the prison cells.
Danae stared at his back, knowing she had just done something he would punish her for later.
"Time's up folks," Mael said, his voice softer. The boys filed out, Zaniv first then Zahir. Danae walked through the doors and was standing in the foyer, her heart pounding. She let the tears fall silently. Her boys looked at her.
"Mommy, dad will be fine, uncle Kyle will help us," Zahir reassured her.
She touched his face and smiled. "Yes, you're right," she said, her voice shaky. She took out her cellphone to call Izzie when Mael stepped out of the interview room and touched her wrist. She looked up at him, her mouth open in shock. Mael looked over at the boys who eyed him suspiciously.
"Zaniv, Zahir, I need to ask your mother a few more questions," he said. "There's a squad car outside. Sergeants Martin and Allard will take you back to your hotel rooms."
Zaniv stepped forward. "We're not leaving her here with you," he said, but his Adam's apple bobbed nervously.
Mael turned towards him. "I won't do her any harm. I promise," he said.
"Zaniv, Zahir, it's okay. I'm sure that Detective Durand won't take long in asking his questions," she said looking at him pointedly. Mael nodded while looking at her. "I won't," he agreed.
Zahir touched his brother's arm. "Come on, let's go," Zahir said. "I have uncle Kyle's number too."
"His cellphone?" Zaniv asked, looking skeptically at his brother.
Zahir nodded. "Yep. I asked Zuzu for it and she gave it to me."
"She told me to only use it in case of emergencies. This is an emergency," he answered.
Zaniv was surprised. He was dating uncle Kyle's daughter, Zolah, and not even he had his personal line.
He nodded. "Okay," he said. He looked back at the tall bodyguard/cop who was still holding on to his mother's wrist.
"Let her go!" he roared. He was moving towards him, but Zahir grabbed his arm. "Bro, let's go," he said. Danae tore her hand from Mael's grip.
Mael put his hand at his side. Zaniv stared at Mael, then furiously walked away. Zahir stared at his mother and the bodyguard. A deadly calm came over him. He turned and followed his brother.
Danae turned angry eyes towards Mael. "What do you want?" she hissed.
"Let's take a walk," he said quietly.
Before she could protest he stepped before her, leaving her no choice but to follow. He opened the police station's front door in time to see the police car taking the boys back to the hotel drive away.
Danae followed Mael. Every so often her eyes lingered longer than they should on his broad shoulders and back. After a few minutes she found herself standing in front of beautiful scenery. "Where are we?" she asked.
He smiled at her. "Welcome to the National Botanical Gardens," Mael said. He entered the property and she walked behind him.
He found an empty gazebo and sat down. Begrudgingly, she sat beside him. She looked around her. She gazed appreciatively at the native trees, and plants. She observed the exotic birds flitting around and the anger melted out of her. She glanced at him briefly then looked at the scene ahead of her. A family of five: a husband, wife and their three children were having a picnic.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
Danae nodded. "I'm fine," she said.
"Your face?" he asked. She turned her face towards him. The bruise had darkened by degrees. He reached out to touch her cheek, but Danae brushed his hand away.
He grimaced. "Has he always been abusive to you?"
Danae shook her head. She stared at the happy family. "No, not in the beginning. Well even now ... it's not really like that. He loses his temper but this is the first time he's slapped me."
"When he loses his temper, what does he do?"
"Shouts. He may speak harshly."
"Anything physical?"
She shrugged her shoulders.
"I can't compel you to tell me anything," he said softly. He took her hand closest to him and squeezed it.
She didn't pull it away. "You can trust me," he said.
She shook her head. "I will not be the trigger you use to send my husband to prison," she said eyeing him warily.
"I'm willing to file that the case be dropped on one condition," he said.
She looked at him and asked, "What's that?"
"Have dinner with me tonight," Mael said.
"You're crazy," she retorted in disbelief. "So you do want to sleep with me?" She stood to her feet, temper flaring. "I can't believe this!"
"It's only dinner. I want nothing else from you," he said. "Well, maybe one dance." His eyes were filled with mischief.
"No!" she said.
She was about to walk away when he asked, "How long have you been married?"
That question stopped her in her tracks. "Over twenty years," she said sarcasm in her voice.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked feeling helpless. Her hands were shaking. Mael noticed that she was trembling and walked towards her. He rubbed his hands on her bare arms, trying to warm her up.
She was wearing a grey blouse with short sleeves and blue figure-hugging jeans. She wore blue and white flip flops on her feet. Her toenails were painted in a slivery grey color. Her relaxed hair was growing out of the pixie cut she had done two months ago. It was pushed back with a white and blue headband.
Her skin was dark brown, smooth and fine like delicate porcelain. He also loved the way she smelt. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and hold her. She wasn't wearing makeup, but he could see she didn't need it. To Mael she was naturally beautiful. "Are you hungry?" he asked. "Have you eaten breakfast?" It was midday.
"I ..." She shook her head. The touch of his hands on her skin felt oddly satisfying. She closed her eyes briefly, but opened them when she felt him move closer to her.
"Mrs Sterling, you're husband being in jail is not your fault. It's because of his actions. You don't need to punish yourself for what he did," he said, his tone soothing.
She relaxed a little. "I am a little hungry," she admitted.
They walked back to the station, the mood shifting to something more casual between them. They took his car and drove to a quaint little restaurant that served local dishes. He grabbed his leather jacket from the back seat of his car and placed it over her shoulders. Reflexively, she adjusted it so she could feel warm.
As she was about to pull out the chair, he quickly moved to pull it out for her. When she positioned herself to sit, he slowly pushed the chair under the table for her then sat down.
Danae smiled, her eyebrows lifted. She was about to say something sarcastic, but he reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. Stunned, she pulled her hand away. "This is highly inappropriate," she said, her voice breathy.
He nodded. "I know, but I am very curious about you."
'Tell me about yourself. You're from Jamaica?"
She nodded. "Born and raised," she said, trying to look at anything else but him. The way he looked at her was spiking her heart rate.
"Ever thought of living anywhere else?" Mael asked.
Danae chuckled then shook her head. "Not really," she said. She decided to return the favour and started to stare at him. An emotion flickered across his face as he saw her checking him out. He smiled at her and signaled a waiter to come to their table.
Her eyes took in his thick, black hair that was in a tapered cut. His eyelids were low and made his eyes appear smaller in the narrow way most Asian eyes looked, but they had an interesting quality.
When he smiled the corner of his eyelids curved up. His eyes however, were chestnut brown and clear, not the typical dark brown colour. He had a straighter nose but his lips were full and kissable. No beard, but his strong jawline was impressive. His skin, which was flawless except for the tiny scar over his left eyebrow, had a faint golden tan.
She admired the broadness of his shoulders and chest. He was wearing a black button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and dark grey jeans with black boots. She wondered how old he was. That's none of your business Dan Dan, she chided herself. His police badge hung over his neck via a chain.
He cleared his throat. Danae blushed and looked at the table. She didn't realize she was staring at him so intensely. "Do I meet your approval?" he asked cheekily.
"What?" she asked, feeling flustered. He chuckled softly, and she smiled--rolling her eyes.
While the waiter stood before them, Mael smiled at Danae. "Permit me the honor to order something for you. I know you'll like it."
"Plus you're not familiar with our local dishes."
She took a deep breath and exhaled sharply, blowing air forcefully out her mouth.
"Okay," she said.
His smile broadened as he told the waiter what he wanted. Danae watched him. His self assured manner was intriguing.
After lunch he brought her back to her hotel. She thought he would leave afterwards, but he insisted on coming up to her room. When he entered through the door, he took his leather jacket from her. He spun her around and she gasped. Her hands brushed on his chest to catch her bearings. With his hands on her hips he looked into her eyes.
"I know you think I'm crazy, but he will hurt you again. If you ever need me, please don't hesitate to call," he said. Mael reached into his jeans' pocket and took out a card. He handed it to her.
"Don't throw it away, okay?" he said, his eyes exuded a kindness that made her heart flutter.
"My husband loves me. He would never hurt me. This is just a misunderstanding," she said stubbornly.
"The bruise on your face says otherwise," Mael said quietly. "I will be happy if nothing happens, and he doesn't hurt you again. But just in case, please keep my card. If ever you need me I will find you."
"I'll be back home," she told him. She could feel his sincerity.
"It doesn't matter. I have my ways. I can still protect you. Call me, okay?" He brushed his hand on the cheek that wasn't bruised. She closed her eyes as his fingers sent a tingly sensation across her skin down to her neck. The feeling settled and budded in her breasts that now ached for his hands to touch them. She bit her bottom lip. This is wrong, she told herself.
"You are beautiful," he said. Leaning forward, he gently kissed her neck. Brushing his moistened lips on the sensitive skin, he breathed in her fragrance.
Danae shivered. Arching her head back--a soft moan escaped her lips. Her fingers gripped his arms to keep herself balanced. He tightened his grip around her waist.
Pulling gently on her neck, he grunted when he felt her body go limp. He held her closer to him and brushed his lips on her temples. Her hand tentatively rested on his chest as she tried to centre herself.
While he embraced her, he thought of the fact that he didn't want her to leave Mahe. He didn't know if he would see her again. He listened to her breathing and felt his own heart beat pounding in his chest. He held her for a minute before he put her away from him.
Danae stared at him, her pulse accelerating. He stared at her intensely. His light brown eyes raked over her, watching every detail of her body's reaction to him. Danae could feel heat building inside her loins. He bent his head forward to touch her brow.
"Take care of yourself," he said softly.
With the leather jacket slung over his shoulder Mael walked to the door. "I'll sign the form for his release," he said. Then he was gone. Danae closed the door and walked dazedly into the bedroom. She pushed the sandals off her feet and lay on the bed. She closed her eyes. Her heart was beating fast.
For the first time in a long while someone else got her attention. She believed him that he would find her wherever she was. She placed the tiny square piece of paper on the night table. She couldn't do this. She couldn't betray Zavier like that.
She sighed. She wondered if her sons had got in contact with Kyle. She would have to tell them it was no longer necessary. Detective Mael was already planning on letting him go.
Mael? What an interesting name? She wondered what it meant.
***
Friday evening -Jamaica Time
The phone rang. Nesbeth looked at the caller ID with a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He answered more out of curiosity than formality. "Hello?" he said.
The arrogant tone that came across the line grated his nerves but he would hold his hackles down.
"Nesbeth aka N, aka Z's enforcer aka Sentinel, because no one could get past you to get to Z." the voice held a mocking tone. Nesbeth felt his annoyance growing.
"What do you want Midnight? Aka former second in command to Z's underworld army, aka Kyle Wellington, corrupt lawyer."
Kyle laughed loudly. "Ha hah ha ... no love lost between us, eh?"
"What do you want?" Nesbeth asked.
"I heard your boss--our friend, is in a little bind in the Seychelles. I'm just wondering if you heard?"
"Yes, I heard," Nesbeth answered.
"And what are you doing about it?" Kyle asked, amusement lacing his voice.
Nesbeth sat on the couch in the living room. Izzie had gone to the supermarket. He wanted to accompany her, but she said she wanted to cook a surprise meal for him. He allowed her to go after she promised she would be careful. It was 6:00 p.m. He usually worked from home making calls and electronically issuing monies, but today he had spent most of the day making calls to find out what he could do to help Z. He would issue the cheques and electronic payments to Z's staff on Monday morning.
Tulloch got back to him to let him know that so far, Derron was playing by their agreement. He also told him that Lequan was the one monitoring the surveillance on Z's behalf. He also had two other men helping him: Karey Brown aka Brownie and Oliver Myres aka Snake. Lequan was very loyal to Z, but Nesbeth had a card up his sleeve: something Lequan didn't know about Z. Two hours later, Derron called to inform him about the type of surveillance bugs Z purchased. By then he had already ordered and purchased the audio jammers he was using.
"I'm looking into it," Nesbeth said quietly.
Kyle laughed. "Right. And I'm sure your delay has nothing to do with that eager, young niece Zavier left behind."
Nesbeth anger was almost at tipping point. He remained silent.
"Oh ..." Kyle aka Midnight chuckled. "Did I touch a nerve?" he asked mockingly.
"Look, I'm not calling to fight you. I actually want to help you," Kyle said, his voice still holding that air of arrogance Nesbeth hated.
"I'm listening." N said tersely.
"With Z out of the way you can be with your girl, and I can get a share of what's mine," Kyle said.
"What are you talking about?" N asked. He rubbed his temples.
"I proposed a deal with Z about 20% of his manufacturing division, being on retainer as his lawyer, and a trust fund for my kids. He hasn't been forthcoming on his promises."
"And?"
"And you're a very smart man. Give me the terms Zavier and I discussed, and I'll make sure that bastard doesn't leave that prison, or better yet I can send him to an even harsher fate. Hell sounds more like it."
Nesbeth barked out a harsh laugh. "What sort of f*cking fool do you take me for?" he erupted.
"Get the f*ck off my phone! Time waster!"
""I know where Z is," Kyle said calmly. "Zahir called and told me what's going on over there. So ... you know I work for myself now. I'm involved with a firm I helped fund, but I have my own private practice. It would take me nothing to jump on a plane and get to the Seychelles within 48 hours. I can tell Z what you've been up to. I know you've been banging that young girl."
Nesbeth's hand tightened on his phone. "You listen to me," he said, his voice coming out as a low menacing growl.
"No! You listen to me white bwoy! Yuh far from yuh yaad! You may have been Z's right hand, but I was his left and I know your little secrets. You really think Z trusted you all those years? He told me to watch you with Danae. I know ..."
"What do you know?" N asked through gritted teeth.
"I saved your neck! I know that you were sleeping with Danae back in the day. Z suspected your relationship with his woman, and he told me to watch you and her. I saw you that night you asked her to run away with you. I saw you two other times too. I even stayed one night you guys were having sex. I protected you because then I saw you as my friend."
"At the last poker game I confronted him about you and Danae, and he pretended as if he didn't set me as a tail on you!" Kyle said, his temper flaring.
"But when Z promoted me above you, you hated me!" N shouted angrily. His chest felt like a ton of bricks were on it. He tried to slow his breathing. Son of a ... This f*cking fool thinks I'm a bigger idiot!
"I only hated the fact that he trusted that girl and wifed her up. Anybody with eyes could see she was no good," Kyle answered, clearly irritated.
"And I protected your ass! I'm not the only one that got a piece of Danae did I?!" N blurted out angrily.
Kyle did not reply.
"Yeah! Yeah! Okay! Nothing to say?! I shielded you! I never told him that she slept with you," Nesbeth said menacingly. "You owe me!"
"I slept with her I guess because I wanted to know what the hype was about," Kyle said with a sigh. "I threatened to tell Z about you and her, and she said she would do anything if I didn't tell him. She claimed she didn't want Z to kill you. Yes, I was curious. I'm not gonna lie. It was fifteen years ago, but I still remember that night. She was very good." He chuckled. "Very flexible."
"Son of a ... I don't want to hear this," N said, his mood darkening into rage.
Kyle sobered up. "But it was only one time. I never slept with her again."
N grunted his disgust. What he had with Danae was water under the bridge and he had worked hard to erase her from his mind and heart. Kyle heard the sound and laughed vulgarly. N knew about the one night stand. He had come to see her while Z had gone on a business trip. Danae made arrangements for the kids to sleep over at their aunt Marcia's house.
At the last minute she called him to say she was on her period and they couldn't do anything. She told him not to come. But he was so in love, he would have just held her if that was all he could do that night.
He entered the house, eagerly wanting to be with her, but as he approached her bedroom door, he heard her voice. Her loud moans were like a death knell to his heart. He also heard Kyle telling her that she was a good slut.
He had contemplated barging in on them, but then he changed his mind. He had no more claim on her than Midnight did. After that night, he broke it off with her and never touched her again. He never told her he knew, he just told her that Z was his friend and he didn't want to betray him anymore. He became a true enforcer thereafter: cold, hard, ruthless and calculating.
He never cared for love and affection, not until Izzie. With her innocence and beauty, her light crept into his heart little by little and won him over. Now he would do anything to protect her.
"Look N, our friendship may be in shambles, but we can still hold an alliance. I'm a man of my word. Let me help you bury Z and you can get to be with Izzie. In return all I want is what I should have gotten."
Nesbeth leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes. He was developing a splitting headache. "Deal," he muttered. Kyle cleared his throat. "I think it may be best you send Izzie away until this is over she has an uncle on her father's side. I still keep in touch with him."
"Who? Druz?" Nesbeth asked.
"Yup, him same one," Kyle answered.
"He's crippled. I deal with his son."
"Yes, but he's still one of the most dangerous men I know, besides you and me of course. Let her spend some time with him, get to know him, and then you can send her abroad. As for Bull Dog, he's good, but too eager. I don't trust him. Although still ... if he knows Izzie is his little cousin he will protect her."
N released a sharp breath.
Midnight chuckled softly. "Trust me," he said.
"I don't," N retorted, then chuckled. "But I will this time because your greed will ensure you do what you say." He heard the lock of the front door click, and the door knob mechanism turn. Izzie stepped through the door. She was heading to the kitchen to put down her grocery bags. He winked at her as she passed him.
"What about Danae and the boys?" N asked.
"I'll talk to her. This is her chance at freedom. If she doesn't agree she's a fool," Kyle said.
"His sons won't take it just like that," N warned, "especially Zahir. He has his dad's temper."
"I know," Kyle grimaced. "Well, some interesting documents will get to the police over there about what our friend Z has been up to, and we can plant it in their minds that he was actually in the Seychelles to extend his criminal network, not to vacation."
"How are you gonna convince the police of that?" N asked, curiousity peaked.
"I'll text you the type of documents I want you to send to me and I'll work my magic. Just send Izzie abroad. When things cool down and there's a guarantee that Z won't get out, you can go back for her, or you can decide to live overseas with her if you want. As for Zahir and Zaniv ... hmm ... Zaniv should be marrying my eldest girl, Zolah. I'll see how I can work through that to get him to drop it. As for Zahir, he likes my youngest. Zuzu is dating a friend of mine's son, but my daughter is loyal to me. She can date him for a while then dump him when I say so. Then she can go back to my friend's son."
N nodded though Kyle couldn't see him. "I'm in." His gaze dropped to the floor. "I may be cold, but you have no heart, using your daughters as pawns, that's heartless." A feeling of bitterness spread across his chest, dipping into the pit of his stomach.
Kyle chuckled coldly. "What's the point of having beautiful daughters if I can't use them like worthwhile pieces on a chest board?"
Nesbeth felt his chest tighten with anger, but he couldn't do anything about their situation. Izzie had to be his priority. "Tell me what you need and I will send them to you," he said quietly.
"Good," Kyle said smiling. "You will hear from me soon."
"Okay," he ended the call. He swore under his breath. If he could find an advantage over him, he would help Midnight's girls, but for now he would make no moves.
Izzie stood by the doorway. "Is uncle okay?" she asked.
He opened his arms to her and she came and sat in his lap while he held her. "What if I told you I can make it so your uncle won't be able to stop us from being together?" he asked. He hadn't told her that Z was in jail in a foreign land. He kissed her head. She looked at him, her eyes wide. "I want to be with you Nes. I love you. But I love my uncle, please don't hurt him."
He cupped her face. "I won't hurt him, but I will neutralize him so he can't come near us. You may have to be away from me for a little while, but only for a while." He looked around him: at the small crystal chandelier and the interesting photos of the Z family, and the paintings on the walls.
"You will have to leave this house," he said looking back at her, "but you will meet a side of your family your uncle kept from you."
"What are you talking about?" She looked at him puzzled.
"I'm talking about your uncle and your cousins," he said, gently brushing his hand through her hair.
"To neutralize your uncle Zavier I need you to spend time with your dad's side of the family. Your uncle Andrew knows about you, but you've never met him. I think it would be good for you to meet him. Don't you?"
She nodded. She wasn't sure about this, but she trusted Nesbeth implicitly.
"After you spend time with him I will send you to England to stay with my aunt and her family. I love you Isabel. I don't want Zavier to hurt you."
"I'm hungry for one thing right now, and I need it," he said his eyes devouring her body.
She lay back and smiled. "Bon appetit then," she teased.
He laughed, gathered her in his arms and kissed her.
***
Saturday Morning - Jamaica Time
After Jordan made breakfast, Sophia Aurora left to visit a friend. She told Jordan she was going shopping with a friend, but she was actually meeting up with the handsome Customs Agent she met a few days ago. He had called to say he wanted to talk to her about samples. She packed three samples in her bag: two for his sister and one for him to see if he liked them.
She couldn't tell Jordan. He was very protective of her where boys were concerned. As she headed towards Port Royal she was excited to see him. She wore a black mini skirt and a white tank top with tiny hearts decorating the hem.
She wore black and pink sandals on her feet. Her toes were painted in a light shade of pink. Her relaxed hair was in a ponytail, a pink scrunchie holding the hair away for her face. When she saw him coming up to her along the Palisadoes Promenade she felt like skipping. He waved to her as he approached and she walked faster to meet him.
Meanwhile, Lissa kept Jordan's company as he did the laundry, washed the dishes and cleaned the apartment. When he was done he was a little tired so she massaged his shoulders. He went to take a shower, then Lissa went to bathe and changed her sanitary pad. She dressed in clean clothes: a pair of shorts and a blouse.
She had wished him a happy birthday and apologized for not being able to cook for him, but told him she would try to go out to dinner with him and Aurora later that evening. He wanted to spend the time talking to her, but he was more tired than he realized. She told him to sleep and she would be beside him when he woke up. He closed his and drifted off with her stroking his hair.
As she watched him sleeping, she thought of how everything had led to this moment in time with him. Everything. She should probably be angry with her dad for telling Jordan about her past boyfriends, but she wasn't, not anymore. That reminded her, she needed to give him a call. He hadn't called her, probably trying to give her space, but she knew her father would be worried about her.
She called him. Marcus answered the phone quickly. "Pumpkin, are you okay?"
She smiled. "I'm okay daddy. How are you? How is mommy feeling now?" she asked.
Marcus took a deep breath. "Your mother is doing fine. Just to get her out of there and back into a stable environment. So until I can guarantee that, she stays at the facility."
"How are you baby? Is he treating you well?"
"Yes daddy, Jordan is treating me very well. He told me he loves me and I told him that I feel the same way," she said softly. Her eyes drifted to where he was sleeping. "I love him daddy."
Marcus sighed. "I have something to tell you," he said.
"What?" She perked up to listen.
"You know that time you thanked me for doing your laundry?"
"Yes," she said nodding.
He took another deep breath, then sighed. "I took the credit but it wasn't me. Jordan was the one who went home and did your laundry. He washed them, and put them on the clothes line. The only thing I did was take them off the line when they were dry, folded them, and put them in your drawers and closet."
She stared at her lover. She reached out and brushed her fingers on the beard he was growing out.
"Are you angry with me, honey?" Marcus asked, feeling guilty.
Lissa was surprised. That would mean Jordan washed her underwear as well. She felt oddly aroused by that revelation. "No daddy, I'm not angry. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"I didn't trust him. I mean ... he was getting close to you in a way I didn't like, and I was resentful of him for it. You had just broken up with Corporal Stewart, and he is his friend. I didn't want you hurt. But I see that he really cares for you. Also, you are a grown woman. You should know who and what you want."
Lissa felt stinging tears at the back of her eyes. She allowed them to roll down her face. "Thank you daddy," she said, her voice shaky. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
"Daddy, I've got to go now, okay?" she said.
"Okay Pumpkin, daddy loves you," he replied.
"I love you too daddy." she answered, then ended the call. She leaned over Jordan and placed her phone on the night table.
She pulled herself upright on her knees and looked through the bedroom window at the sunlight streaming through. She drew closer to the window and looked down at the cars passing by, and people strolling along going about their business. She looked at this man she knew only for a few months, but it felt like forever, and smiled. In her heart she felt the stirring of gratitude and touched her chest.
She bowed her head thinking about how things had turned around for her. She felt the stirring in her chest--the prompting to want something more. "Show me what to do God," she whispered. She reached for her phone and began reading The Book of Psalms in the Bible's Old Testament.
She stumbled across Psalm 25, and verses 4 to 7 spoke to her:
She closed her eyes and prayed: "Lord show me your ways. Guide me in your paths. I need your help."
A thought came to mind. Maybe it was time she asked Jordan about his faith in God and being a Christian. Yes, she would ask him as soon as he woke up.
***
Sunday Night - Seychelles Time
Kyle dialed Danae's cellphone and she picked up immediately.
"Kyle! Thank God! You've heard from Zahir?" she said sitting up in bed.
He chuckled. "Sounding beautiful as always. What time is it over there?" he asked.
"Um ..."
She looked at the clock on the wall before her. She had fallen asleep on the couch. She cried herself to sleep. Both Zaniv and Zahir weren't speaking to her. It wasn't her fault Zavier found out about her drinking. She sighed. She sat up, feeling groggy. "It's 7:30 in the night here, um it's Sunday. What time is it there?'
"It's just after 10 in the morning. Saturday," he answered, feeling amused. "Listen, Zahir explained the situation to me. You need to work on your sobriety my dear Danae."
Danae swallowed saliva. Who was he to talk to her? He was a raging alcoholic once, but she needed to suck it up. It was her fault Zavier was in prison. "Yeah, I'm working on that. Can you help Zavier?"
"I'm actually calling to help you."
"Wha-what do you mean?" she asked.
"I know Z hasn't been the best husband," Kyle said.
"I don't know what--"
"And that bruise Zahir says is on your face now: you don't know anything about that?"
She sucked her teeth.
He laughed.
"I forget that you only help people when there's something in it for you. What do you want Kyle?"
"You, in my bed again," he said, his voice deathly soft.
"Wouldn't your wife be interested to know this?" she said chuckling.
"Oh please, my wife is too busy with her young lover."
"What?"
"And if you didn't know, my wife has been with your husband!" Kyle said bitterly.
Danae put her hand at her throat. She swallowed hard. "What are you talking about?"
"I found out recently." He laughed bitterly.
"How?"
"After different instances of your husband subtly goading me about my wife, I decided to do my own investigations. They speak regularly via text messages, but they haven't been sleeping together recently.
"How? How do you know?" she asked, her heart breaking into a million pieces.
"I first suspected when he kept dropping statements, then that time when Zuzu was at my friend's house I hadn't even gotten a chance to call Becca to tell her what was happening. I wanted to get all the facts before I called her. But when we got to the police station to pick up our daughter she said she knew what happened; that Zuzu's boyfriend had kept her safe. How could she have known unless either Z or one of his men told her?
"Then at that last poker game, he said what he said and it struck me like lightning, I needed to find out if something was happening between them. That night I went home I checked her phone while she was sleeping. I also found her texts to her young lover."
"I'm offering you an out Danae. Time for you to finally be happy."
She started to cry. "I don't believe you," she said sobbing. "What did he say at the poker game?"
"He asked me how I knew Becca wasn't cheating on me or something like that."
Danae sucked in a sharp breath. Suddenly, her lower abdominal muscles started cramping. She bent over and groaned, gritting her teeth as sharp pain hit her stomach.
"Ahh!" she cried out. A feeling of nausea hit her and she broke into a cold sweat.
She heard the ping of notifications coming onto her phone and looked to see text messages between two chat partners named Zer and Buttercup. She read the messages, her head spinning
"Baby, tell me again. Do you still care about me?" Buttercup asked via texts.
"With all my heart," Zer texted.
"I love my husband, but I miss how we used to be. Remember those nights when you would send Kyle on those crazy errands."
Laugh emoji. "Yes," Zer replied, "but I wanted you to be with me, in my bed, me being inside you. I want to do it again. Are you really happy with M?"
"Not lately, but I love him," Buttercup replied.
"If you truly loved him why are you texting me?" Zer asked.
"Come be with me," Zer texted.
"What about Dan?" Buttercup asked.
"She's my wife but she doesn't hold a candle to you," came the reply.
"Be with me and I'll leave her for you." Kissy face emoji.
"You know I can't."
"But you remember how good we were?" Zer asked
"Lol. I remember," Buttercup replied. "Not coming near you though. You'll make a girl wish for things she can't have."
Danae stopped scrolling. She put the phone down. She went to the bathroom and threw up everything she ate for supper. With trembling hands, she washed her face, and rinsed out her mouth at the bathroom sink. She sighed and held on to the sink, bending her torso forward on it.
When she came back into the room she put the phone to her ear and said, "You're free to do whatever you like. I won't stop you," she said resignedly. "But as for sleeping with you, I'm done being the fool, and I'm done sleeping with you for favors."
As a wave of pain hit her, she doubled over clutching her tummy. It was getting worse now. The pain was shooting upwards. She ended the call before Kyle could say anything further. She sent a text to both Zahir and Zaniv that she was in pain and needed their help.
After three minutes with no response, she called one son then the other. The calls went straight to voicemail. Danae panicked, the pain was almost unbearable.
Squeezing her eyes shut, she counted to ten and gritted her teeth. She forced herself to stand and staggered to the bedroom. She lay on the bed and took up Mael's business card. Desperately, she dialed his number.
He answered on the fourth ring.
"Hello," he said.
"Detective, please ... I need your help."
"Where are you?" he asked, a sense of urgency in his voice.
"In my hotel room. I'm in a lot of pain. Please help me! Please!" She turned on her side as the pain hit her more sharply. "Oh god!" She laid the phone on the bed beside her.
Sweat ran down her neck, her back and across her chest, but she felt a cold chill. She clutched her tummy and cried. With tears flowing down, she wondered if all the sacrifices she made for Zavier were ever worth it. She regretted everything except for her sons. She would never regret them.
Twenty minutes later, she was on the bathroom floor coughing up blood in the toilet. She heard a loud knocking on the door. Danae dragged herself to the front door and managed to open it.
She smiled wearily at Mael. "You came for me," she said. Mael grabbed her as she swayed towards him. He lifted her in his arms when she fainted. Blood had crusted at the corners of her mouth.
Mael rushed to the elevators with her, and was relieved to get an empty one. He rode down in it with her in his arms and took her to his car. He laid her in the back seat and drove off like a mad man to the hospital.
***
Saturday Evening - Jamaica Time
He was fast asleep when Lissa touched his arm. "Jordie, baby," she said softly. Jordan opened his eyes. "There's a man on the phone. He says he's your cousin. He wants to talk to you." Jordan sat up and she placed the phone in his hand. He cleared his throat.
"Hello," he answered, his deep voice gravelly.
"Whapm cuz!" the familiar voice boomed across the line. "Today is your birthday, nuh suh?"
"Yow! Wah gwaan bredda?!" Jordan was elated to hear from him. "Yeh, it's my birthday, yeh man!"
"Suh yah how much now?" his cousin asked.
"Thirty-two," Jordan said grinning.
He heard his cousin laugh. "Man a get over the hill!" More laughter.
Jordan chuckled. "We're all getting there. Suh yuh nuh about forty now?" he asked cheerfully.
"No, not yet. I'm just thirty-six, thirty-seven next year April, not forty yet."
"Suh wah yah deal wid for yuh birthday? Yuh wah pass through?" the cousin asked.
Jordan cast his gaze on Lissa and affectionately blew her a kiss. "Tell yuh what, mi will pass through tomorrow, Sunday. I have a date tonight."
"Date? Yuh find woman?" the cousin asked laughing.
Jordan grinned and chuckled softly. "Time fi mi settle down now. As yuh seh mi get over the hill. Whapm to you? That girl yuh tell mi about: yuh still dealing wid her?"
Yeh man, is mi baby mother. She give me two kids so far: a boy and a girl."
"Waah! Sounds good! Mi know yuh is a man that's not really into the ring thing, but would you put a ring on yuh woman finger? Yuh wud marry her?"
There was a pause then the sound of a throat clearing. "To tell yuh the truth she asked me. Yeah, I am thinking about it. Anything she wants to make her happy."
Jordan smiled. "Mi plan to marry mine ..."
Lissa threw herself on the bed and covered her mouth to stifle her laughter. Jordan grinned at her.
"Tell yuh what cuz: I'm gonna pass by the old neighborhood tomorrow and bring her wid me. Sound good?"
The cousin laughed. "Alright, mi know dadda would want to see yuh. Tell you what's going on now: yah suh kind of hot yah now. So bring her by the house in Duhaney Park. Remember when yuh just come down from America mi did carry yuh over deh? Is Kelly place still, but she nuh mind yuh dropping in."
Jordan nodded. Kelly was his younger cousin, and quite a sassy miss, but a good girl. "Arite over Kelly then. Tomorrow? What time?" he queried.
"Yeh man, tomorrow. Come by about 2:30 in the afternoon, that way you can bring yuh girl and get some dinner."
"Who's cooking? You know Kelly can't ..."
His cousin laughed heartily. "Me. I'm going to cook and maybe mi baby mother will help. I'll get Kelly to watch the kids. Nuh worry yourself."
Jordan laughed. "Okay cuz, see you tomorrow."
"Arite Jordie, later."
"Later Dom," Jordan said hanging up.
He launched himself at Lissa and rolled with her until she was on top of him. She was grinning from ear to ear.
"You liked what you heard about marriage?" he asked smiling up at her.
She nodded. "Very much," she bent her head and kissed him.
"I meant every word," he said after she lifted her head.
"I need to know something," she said.
"Okay," he said lifting himself to rest on his elbows.
"How do you become a Christian?" she asked.
He moved to sit up. She rolled off his chest and sat on the bed. He took her hands.
"Do you want to know how to be saved or about Christianity?" he asked, his gaze softening towards her.
"Both," she said her heart pounding. It had been on her mind all morning. Now she felt it was the right time to ask.
"About two thousand years ago a Jew by the name of Jesus walked the earth. He fed the hungry and helped persons who were in pain, and those suffering. More importantly, he was God's Son who came to this earth because he had a mission." Jordan touched her face. "He came to save us."
Lissa listened to him, a weird feeling swelling in her chest. "Save us?" she asked.
He nodded and smiled. "Let me explain," he said.
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