Chapter 16: Healing.

"I won't hurt you. I would never hurt you, and I won't force myself on you. I want your love willingly. I want you to want me and willingly give yourself to me ..."

 

He woke up and did his Sunday morning routine as usual. He went for a jog, came back home and did 200 push-ups then did several reps of squats with a 250 pound barbell, then a few bench presses: 100 reps. He had a small space in his apartment he turned into a mini-gym. Later, he showered, cooked breakfast for himself, got dressed and went to church.

When Ryan came back from church, he took a nap and woke up at 1 o'clock in the afternoon. He turned on the data on his phone and saw a new message pop up from Lissa. He decided to first look at the messages in his family chat and replied to a few from his siblings. He smiled as he saw their answers, and told them that he loved them. 

He sat up and rested his back on the bed's headboard and tucked his pillow behind his back. He was about to open Lissa's message, when a message notification popped up from Jordan. He selected it and listened: 

"Bro your girlfriend, she's gone!" 

Ryan felt alarm. What?! He listened to Jordan: "Rhy, I reported to work early this morning. She didn't come downstairs or anything, so we assumed she was still sleeping because she was feeling tired yesterday, but her mom just checked her room. Rhy, she's gone!! She left a letter on her night table about regretting everything. You're girl is causing her parents a lot of grief. Her mom is distraught, her dad is worried sick. He blames himself. Call me as soon as you see this message."

Ryan couldn't believe this! He scrolled to the unread message he got from Lissa. He listened. He heard her sweet, sexy voice, he could hear her longing for him. He did want to comfort her like she said. Her dad said something to her? She cares about me! 

He thought about it: Would he be willing to raise another man's child or children? Yeah, he could. His dad had adopted one of his brothers. He saw the love his dad had for Elias and they as siblings shared a strong bond. Elias is his brother. He loved him just as much as Sidney and Alex. Would he raise another man's child? Yes he would, if the father had no interest or the circumstances allowed. 

He wanted to be with her. If things didn't work with Sarge he would step in. He was falling in love with her. Right now though he needed to find her. He called Jordan and told him he was on his way.

***

As soon as Shane landed, he tried her cellphone again. It went straight to voicemail. He had been calling her since 7 o'clock in the morning. He was getting worried now. He decided to call her brother, he wasn't ready to face her parents yet. Branno answered after the third ring. "You bastard. You made my sister fall in love with you then just left her!" Brandon shouted into the phone.

Shane felt hurt. "Brandon, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for what happened. Please, I've been trying to call her since 7 a.m. this morning. Please, let me talk to her," he said with a heavy sigh. He had a lot of making up to do.

"I can't give her the phone, she's not here!" Branno shouted angrily. He heard voices in the background. "Who is it?" the person asked. It sounded like Jason to him. He heard shuffling, then another male voice came on the phone. "Hello?" the voice said. Shane recognized it was Jason. 

"Hello," Shane answered, "Jason, good afternoon, I'm trying to get in touch with Lissa. I really need to speak with her."

"She isn't here," was the terse reply.

She's not there. So where is she then? Shane wondered. "Where is she?" he asked. He heard Jason sigh. 

"That's the thing," Jason said, "we don't know where she is."

What?! 

"What do you mean?" Shane asked. His heart started to race. A sliver of fear pierced his heart. 

"We don't know where she is," Jason said with a heavy sigh. "She left her parents a note about, you know, the situation, and her regrets of putting them in danger. Have you heard that their home was shot up?"

"Yeah, I am aware," Shane replied. 

As he stood outside the airport waiting for Shaun to pick him up, he felt angry at himself. He shouldn't have left her, but he felt it was best to put some distance between them. "Um ... I'm actually at the airport. I'm gonna drop my bags at my place and come straight over there," Shane told him.

"That might not be a good idea," Jason said lowering his voice. "They are very upset, and naturally they blame you for everything, especially leaving." Shane heard talking in the background. He tried to listen to what was being said. One of the voices sounded like Corporal Stewart. He needed to get over there. "I'm coming," Shane said, "whatever judgement I need to face I will do it for Lissa." Jason sighed. 

"Okay, I'll let them know," Jason said then hung up. 

After fifteen more minutes had passed, Shaun arrived to pick him up. He slid into his sibling's car and thanked him for picking him up. "I need to go to Lissa's home afterwards, can you give me a lift?" Shane asked.

Shaun observed his brother's body language. "Everything okay?" he asked.

Shane shook his head. "Lissa is missing and the family is blaming me." He groaned. "She left a note saying she regretting everything she put them through ..." He paused.

"Everything she's put them through since being with you?" Shaun asked glancing briefly at his brother while he drove. 

Shane nodded sadly. "Yeah," he answered. 

Shaun felt bad for his brother. He reached his hand over and squeezed Shane's shoulder. Shane nodded. "Thanks," he said. 

"Okay, I'll drop you off and stay with you while you're there," Shaun said. "Maybe I can help or at least provide a cool head in the situation."

Shane chuckled. "I doubt that will help," he replied ruefully. He looked at his brother. "Thanks, but you don't have to. This is something I have to face by myself."

"You don't have to," Shaun told him.

Shane sighed. "No, but I need to," he answered. "It is my fault their daughter is in the situation she's in. She called me yesterday, but I had the phone off charging it. Maybe if I had spoken to her, she wouldn't have run off to wherever she is now." 

"You might be right, but Lissa is my future in law, and you're my brother. I'm not allowing you to face this alone. Remember that time you stayed with me when Kerry had gone into labor, and there was a complication with the births and her mom started railing on me?"

Shane nodded. Yeah, he remembered. Kerry's mother was being unreasonable. Pregnancies can be complicated especially giving birth. It wasn't Shaun's fault there was a 'breech' with one of the twins. In the end, the doctors did their job and both the twins and Kerry are still here. 

Shane looked out the window. He would have come back to Lissa earlier. but the situation with the property had to be investigated. He would recommend it be sold. He needed to focus on Lissa now more than ever. She was about to enter her second trimester. He wouldn't leave her side again. He looked at his brother then looked out the window. "Thank you," he said quietly. Shaun gave him a brief pat on the shoulder. "No problem," he replied.

***

Ryan stepped into the Dixons' home and was greeted by Lissa's parents, and her cousin Carli and in-law, Jason. Jordan was in the living room waiting for him.  He walked in and sat on the grey couch beside him. Seconds later, Marcus brought a piece of notepad paper, holding it out for him to read. Carli and Jason sat on the blue couch opposite them.

"Thank you for coming by Ryan. We appreciate you. Here's the note she left us," Marcus said. Ryan took the note and read it. 

His eyes widened. Oh, my sweet baby, Ryan thought as he read it.  He looked up at her dad and asked, "What was your last conversation about?" 

Marcus cleared his throat. He looked awkward. He looked over at Jason and Carli who were very worried, but were not aware of the recent developments in the family. He sighed. They needed to know everything. 

He stared pointedly at Ryan. "We were discussing you actually, the fact that she was falling in love with you," he said. He noticed Jason's uncomfortable posture, but he needed to continue.

Ryan was surprised. He knew Lissa had a fondness for him and was now more willing to explore the physical attraction between them, but falling for him? Wow! He felt good. He couldn't help but smile a little. 

"I confronted her about her feelings for you," Marcus continued. "I also spoke with her about the rushed way her relationship with Shane started, and the situation that has escalated from that relationship. I told her that every action has a consequence and sometimes the consequences of our actions don't just affect us, but also our loved ones."

Ryan nodded his head. Now he understood her voicenote. He sighed inwardly. He really needed to find her. Her parents were frustrated with the situation. But so was she, and she was also scared and feeling guilty. 

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Carli got up to answer it. "I'll see who it is," she said. 

She returned, leading the way before Sargeant Crosby and another man who looked just like him, only smaller build. Ryan didn't know Sarge had a twin. Marcus turned to face them. "You've finally arrived," he said bitterly. Shane refrained from answering. 

Ryan did not smile at him. He was not happy to see him. He was willing to stake his claim on Lissa's heart, if she was open to him loving her. He needed to find her, declare his feelings for her and see where it would take them. 

Shane stood awkwardly while the other people in the room stared at him. He was about to speak when Sandra walked into the room, moved quickly towards him and hit him across his face. 

Slap!

The slap stung. Shane held his face. Branno came up behind his mother, and held her as she started to cry. Shaun placed his hand on his brother's shoulder to comfort him. 

"What do you want?" Sandra shouted angrily. "What are you doing here?" 

Shane looked very uncomfortable. Mrs Dixon sounded distraught. Ryan wished he could say something reassuring to her, but held his tongue.

Jason cleared his throat. "Let's hear what he has to say," he said, putting his arm around Carli.

"What could he possibly say that we need to hear?" Sandra shouted. Ryan decided to intervene. He was in love with Lissa, if Sarge could help find her, he would put his feelings aside for her sake. He said, "Mr and Mrs Dixon, this is a terrible situation, but we need to be as calm as possible, please." Marcus nodded his agreement. He walked over to his wife, Branno stepped back and he collected her in his arms. She was crying silently now. 

Ryan looked over at Jordan who was watching him. Jordan nodded at his friend to reassure him. Ryan smiled. He stood up and walked towards Shane. He stood before him. "When was the last time you heard from Lissa?" he asked. He needed to know, so he could find her, but also for his own selfish reasons. 

Shane looked at him and sighed. "She called me last night but my phone was charging. I turned it off. By the time I called her back, she had turned off her phone. I've been trying to call her since, but not getting through."

"If she's run away does anyone have an idea where she could have gone?" Ryan asked turning towards the family. He looked at Carli, who shook her head. Jason, shook his head also. Finally, he focused his gaze on her parents and her brother. "No, I have no clue where she could be," Sandra said. Both Brandon and Marcus shook their heads indicating 'no'. 

"I think there's something I remember," Shane said. He remembered that Lissa mentioned an aunt in Manchester. He looked at Ryan, who looked back at him. "She mentioned an aunt in Manchester, maybe she would go there." 

Sandra made a sound. "I'll call her!" She hurried upstairs for her phone, and came downstairs again. She dialed her sister's number.

"Shar, hey good afternoon. How are you?" Sandra asked politely.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Yeah, I want to know did Lissa call you recently, maybe about spending time down there with you?"

Sandra listened carefully for the reply. "She did! Really?!" she asked surprised. Lissa had not said anything to her. "But you told her no. Oh, its hectic down there? Okay. Have you heard from her since? Okay hun. I gotta go now. Mhm ... no man everything is okay. Yes man, just checking your schedule, but you said you wouldn't be able to have company down there. Yes, that's fine. Okay hun, talk to you later." Sandra ended the call. 

"Marcus, she's not there!" Sandra said alarmed. She looked at Carli, then said. "Thank you for not saying anything to your mom. When this is over I'll explain to her."

Carli nodded. "It's fine aunty. Mommy is pregnant, I don't want to say anything that will upset her," she replied. Shane cleared his throat. They all looked at him. "Maybe this is something," he said looking at Ryan. Ryan held his gaze steady. "She mentioned she had a friend in Gordon Town that she could visit. After what happened in Westmoreland, I told her to get out of town. She mentioned her aunt in Manchester and also this friend. I didn't get the name though."

"A friend in Gordon Town," Brandon spoke up. "I know of her.  Um ... mommy remember, she introduced us to her at their university graduation?" He looked at his mother. 

"I never met her," Marcus interjected.

"No, because you came late. Lissa introduced her to mommy and I before the ceremony began," Branno said looking at his dad. 

Sandra thought hard about it. Yes, she vaguely remembered the young woman. That was five years ago. She sighed. What was her name? "I don't remember her name," Sandra said feeling defeated. Marcus rubbed her back.

Carli was thinking really hard. She remembered her cousin mentioning her name several times in the past. "Her name starts with a 'P' I think," she said looking at her cousin's parents. 

Marcus nodded. "Okay," he responded. "Anything else?" he asked.

Branno jumped in, "Yeah, you're right. Her name starts with a P. It's a funny kind of name. It's one of those names that is more like a verb or something like that, like a descriptive word of what a persons is." He thought about it again. "Patience," he blurted out. He shook his head. "That's not it." He was getting frustrated.

"Patience is a noun, honey," Sandra said but with no harsh rebuke. He was trying to help.

Carli stared at the floor. She remembered Lissa telling her that this particular friend was a very kind girl, loyal and genuine. She was also very frugal and that her name truly fit her personality. She was always careful with money and cautious about all she did. She was stomped. She didn't know what to say. She couldn't remember the name.

"I'm stomped," she said feeling frustrated. Her brow knotted, she leaned on her husband. Jason lovingly rubbed his hand on her arm while he held her. 

Ryan looked at Carli. He was impressed by her good looks. Were all the women in this family gorgeous? Wow! Good genes, he mused. He looked at Shane. "Anything you can think of text me immediately." He looked at Marcus who nodded. 

He gave the family his cellphone number then said,"Any of you think of anything, please text me on WhatsApp or call." He turned to Jordan and nodded. Jordan stood up and walked towards his new boss and shook his hand. Marcus gave him a lopsided smile. "I'm gonna go with Corporal Stewart, I'm very good at finding missing persons. As soon as I get any leads I'll call you," he said.

Marcus nodded. "Okay," he said. 

Ryan moved towards the front door and Jordan followed close behind them. Shane and Shaun remained.  Shane needed to speak with her parents and try to show them how sorry he was. He was going to search for Lissa for himself but he would stay back and try to mend fences with the family. They all heard the front door open then close.

***

Ryan started his car, while Jordan fastened his seat belt. He fished in his pocket for his cellphone, opened the message app and played the voicenote he got from Lissa. He played it openly for Jordan to hear, while fastening his seat belt. As the message played, he placed the phone on his right thigh, and pressed down on the gas pedal. The car moved off slowly. 

Jordan listened to the message, his eyebrows raised. She has a really sexy voice, he noted. He looked over at Ryan. He cleared his throat. "She's got the hots for you," he said. His eyes were wide with surprise. Ryan smiled slightly. He nodded. "It seems that way," he replied. 

"Her man was standing just a couple inches away from you," Jordan said incredulously.

Ryan's smile got broader. "Mhm," he answered.

"You don't care, do you?" Jordan turned slightly towards his friend. 

Ryan did not respond.

"Bro, she's carrying his babies. That is a bond that cannot and should not be broken," Jordan warned.

Ryan kept his eyes on the road. Jordan was right, and he was trying to do the right thing, but he had to see this thing through. Now knowing that she was falling for him, he needed to declare his feelings for her. 

"He violated that bond when he left her alone and vulnerable all those months," Ryan said, his face becoming serious. His voice was deathly calm. Jordan felt the hairs on the back of his arms stand up. He knew what it meant when Ryan's countenance changed like that. Nothing could stop him from what he was going to do.

"So what are you going to do?" Jordan asked stunned.

"Firstly, I am going to find her," Ryan declared, "then I'm going to tell her all that I feel for her, and ask her to be with me. If she declines that's fine, because I care about her deeply, and want the best for her. If she's worried I'll treat her kids poorly there's no chance of that. I'm willing to raise them as if they are my own, and I'm also looking forward to growing a family with her, so more little ones to come."

Jordan shook his head in disbelief. "You're kind of crazy," he said.

Ryan glanced briefly at his friend then refocused on the road. He shook his head. "Not crazy, in love."

"Dawg, you've only known this girl a couple weeks," Jordan reminded him.

"I've known Lissa for almost three years. We've been friends," he told Jordan, his brow knotting. "I missed a chance to tell her how I really felt about her back then. I'm not missing the opportunity this time around. If she doesn't reciprocate that's fine, but I'm not letting this opportunity pass me by," he answered. He exited the message app and put his phone back in his pants' pocket.

Jordan went silent. He could see his friend's mind was made up. "I hope you know what you're doing," he said simply then held his peace.

Ryan chuckled. He was determined to prove his love to her.

"I have been behaving myself: Not going out much, not having sex with anyone, just going to work, church and home. Been doing that for one year and six months since my mom passed, and I recommitted my life to God. Then Lissa comes along and I can't think straight. I crave being with her, and not just, you know, the way a man wants a woman. I want to be with her."

Jordan decided to listen. 

"Jordie, she's special. There's something about her I'm drawn to. She's beautiful, no doubt, but she's a really good person. Sarge has his reasons for what he did: backing away from her. Maybe he thought he would protect her if he kept his distance, but it's backfired. Lissa is even more vulnerable and she's hurting. I want to be there for her."

"If you were in this Sergeant's position what would you do?" Jordan spoke up. He couldn't keep silent any longer. 

Ryan glanced briefly at his friend. "I honestly don't know. I would probably do the same thing, stay away for awhile. Or maybe dig my heels in and take her somewhere safe with me. All I know is, I couldn't be away from her for so long, knowing she's carrying my offspring. It would eat me up inside."

"How do you know that's not how this guy feels?" Jordan asked. 

Ryan nodded. "Sarge is a good guy. He probably is feeling really bad about everything. The truth is, I want to give them space to work out their issues. I am willing to do that, but I'm still going to tell her how I feel."

Jordan sighed then chuckled. "What do you feel besides lust?" Jordan asked. "You said it yourself, it's been awhile since you've had a woman in your bed."

Ryan chuckled. He kept his eyes on the road as he drove them both home. "I won't deny I find her very attractive. She's a gorgeous lady." Ryan glanced over at his friend. "I know you agree with me. I saw how you looked at her." His eyes bored into Jordan before refocusing on the traffic in front of them.

Jordan observed Ryan's body language and laughed. He shook his head. Ryan was jealous over a girl that he wasn't even dating. "Just like you, I'm a man with all my bodily functions in tact. Yes, I noticed that she looks good, but don't worry I have no plans of competing with you or your Sergeant for her affections. It's a bit too crowded for me."

Ryan gripped the steering wheel and tried to control the anger rising in him. "Jordie, you're my friend, but I will not tolerate you disrespecting Lissa, the woman I'm in love with. She never wished this situation on herself. And after what I've heard about her recently, I know she's a good girl." He heard about her refusing to do a threesome with her ex-boyfriend. He would never ask her for that. 

"She's just caught up in a bad situation. We're going to find her and I ask you please to treat her with respect. You wanted a job, I got you one. She told me she felt you didn't like her. I told her it's because you take a while to warm up to people. I asked her to give you a chance. Don't let me down." Ryan's voice went very soft with those last words.

Jordan observed his body language. Ryan was usually a jovial guy, so not many folks knew about his darker side. But as one of his closest his friends he had seen it, and it made him uncomfortable. Thankfully, it was never directed at him.

He could go from a funny and charming guy to scorched earth; burn everything in his path to the ground very quickly. It had been awhile since that side of him came out, and Jordan hoped he would never see it again. He sighed. "You're my bro. You've been with me through everything. I won't let you down," he said, not out of fear, but out of respect. Ryan was a good friend. He was always kind to him.

Ryan nodded. He relaxed a little. "Good. That's all I want to know. Give her a chance. She's a good girl," he said. "Just don't fall for her." 

Jordie shook his head. "You're whipped bro," he said laughing softly.

Ryan chuckled. He turned left up a road to get to Jordan's apartment. "You're probably right," he answered. 

The first thing he would do when he found her is kiss her, then lift her in his arms and take her back to his place, if she was willing. He would be selfish and keep her to himself for 24 hours. He would make love to her or he would just cuddle with her to comfort her, whatever she wanted.

He dropped Jordan off at his place then headed home. He needed to study the Gordon Town terrain. He would take a look at Google Maps as a reference.

***

Jason called Shane aside to speak with him privately. Shaun patted his brother's shoulder and sat down on Carli's favorite couch. Carli had gone in the kitchen to help Sandra prepare dinner.

Shane decided to stay but Marcus, Sandra and Brandon were ignoring him. He followed Jason into the foyer. He needed to find out from him what was going on with Lissa. 

"When was the last time you saw Lissa?" Jason asked him. Jason could understand the family's attitude towards Shane, but still felt they were treating him unfairly. He believed that Shane did love her. 

Shane sighed. "It's been a few months, maybe a little over three months, " he answered 

"That long?" Jason asked in shock.

Shane nodded. He regretted everything. Jason looked at him. "Bro, that's like you neglected her," he told him, "especially since she's pregnant!"

"Yeah, I know, I had that argument with her mom, and it made me realize that I needed to focus on finding this Mr Z guy. Remember that argument I had with Mrs Dixon?" Shane dipped his voice low. Jason nodded. "I remember," he replied.  He looked at him. He needed to help him see what was going on right in front of him. 

"It's been over three months since you've seen her, what if when you find her she's very upset with you and doesn't want to talk to you?"

Shane let out a rushed breath. "I would be hurt but I would understood. It would be my fault. I would do all I can to make it up to her," he answered. 

Jason probed further. "And what if she's so angry she tells she doesn't want to be in a relationship with you?"

Shane felt like a ton of bricks had fallen on his chest. He leaned against the wall as the thought hit him. "I couldn't imagine that," he told him. He looked Jason squarely in the eyes. "Is something going on I'm not aware of," he asked.

Jason came closer to him and whispered. "Read the room bro, besides me and Carli, nobody else cares to have you here. Lissa is under immense pressure from her family." As much as he could remember, he told Shane of the contents of Lissa's note to her parents.  

Shane felt even more guilty. What could he do? "I want to win them over," he told Jason quietly. Jason nodded his understanding. He felt sympathy for Shane. "If you had showed up after the house got shot up maybe it would have been a different story, but now I think their minds are made up against you." 

He patted Shane on his shoulder. He would warn him. "Not everyone close to you is on your side, sometimes they pretend to be with you because it suits their interest." He squeezed Shane's shoulder and walked into the kitchen to be with the family. 

Shaun came out of the living room when he saw Jason walk past him, and gave him a polite nod. He went to his brother.  "What did he say?" he asked.

Shane looked at his sibling. "I think he just warned me that the family hates my guts, and don't want me to be with their daughter." Shane looked towards where he heard the sounds of the family talking. "And Lissa may no longer be interested in being with me." 

He wasn't sure about the "not everyone close" to him being for him warning, but he would keep his eyes open. He sighed deeply. 

If Lissa was no longer interested in having a relationship with him because of the circumstances, he could understand. He however needed to know what the future would look like for his children. He would never force her to be with him, but he needed to know the truth. He would try to win her back, but he would never force her.  

***

Lissa had fallen asleep on Prudence's couch while she had gone to church. Prudence walked through the door and saw her asleep. When she first saw her, she noticed her friend had gained weight around the waist but refrained from saying anything. But now that she was back from church she had more time to probe carefully. 

She walked passed her and went into her bedroom and undressed. She felt uneasy, like something was wrong. She had been pestering her friend for months to come and spend time with her, but now all of a sudden she agrees to come and wants her to pick her up in the early morning. Something was definitely off. She was going to find out what was going on with Lissa. She needed to know. 

They had been friends since first year of university. Their bond was very strong. Whatever was the problem she would be there for her. She pulled on a cotton blouse and a pair of soft fabric shorts that were cut so high up they showed off the curve of her butt cheeks.

 She was a Christian but she liked wearing those type of clothes at home. Besides, she lived alone. She had no boyfriend and had sort of, kind of, given up on having one, at least for now. She wanted to fall in love and be married but who would marry a thirty-two year old virgin? Her last boyfriend, who briefly was her fiance, said she was too rigid about relationships. All because she said he had to marry her before he could taste her 'cherry'.

She grinned at herself in the mirror. She was looking quite sexy, maybe she would find someone soon. At least she hoped so. She checked on Lissa. She was still sleeping. She decided to lay down herself and take a nap. When they both woke up fresh and rested, she would find out what her friend was up to. 

***

Lissa woke up, turned on her phone and checked her messages. There was a voicenote from Ryan. She listened:

"Hey Lissa, I hope you're okay, wherever you are. Your family is very worried about you, and so am I. Also, Shane is back. He came to the house, but your brother and parents weren't pleased to see him. He's also worried about you. 

"Lissa, I can't tell you what to do, but we want you to come home. Also, I really want to talk to you. Lissa, your safety is very important to me. Okay? Send me a text or call or something. Let me know that you're okay. I spoke to your dad. I understand what you meant, and yes if you want me to, I'll hold you close and comfort you. Just say the word." 

Lissa sighed. She did want to see him. She sent him a text. "Meet me here," she said sending him an address and a time to meet her. "Please, don't tell anyone where I am. Please!"

Within a minute Ryan texted her back, "I promise."

Promptly at 4 o'clock in the evening, Ryan stood outside of Prudence's house, leaning on his car waiting for her. He sent her a text telling her he was waiting for her outside. 

After waiting for two minutes, Lissa came outside to meet him. Her friend Prudence was close behind her wearing a jeans skirt and t-shirt. Lissa had on a dress that was loose fitting, and a pair of black sandals. Her friend nodded at him, but looked uncomfortable. 

When Lissa got close to him, he reached for her and hugged her. He squeezed her close. "Hmm ... I was worried sick about you," he said. He touched her face and looked into her eyes. He opened her car door and waited for her to slide in before he closed it for her. He walked around his side and sat in his vehicle. He looked over at the young woman leaning on the gate watching them. "Your friend doesn't seem happy to see me." he said amused.

Lissa looked over at her friend and smiled. Prudence smiled back faintly. "I'll be back later, promise," she told her. Prudence only nodded and went back into he house. Lissa sighed. "I was supposed to spend the day with her, but you sent me the voicenote and now you're here."

"Who did you tell her I was?" Ryan asked. He started the car and drove off slowly.

Lissa chuckled softly. "I told her you were my boyfriend," she said smiling at him. Ryan's face lit up. He quickly looked at her then focused on driving. "Does that mean there's a chance between us?" he asked feeling happy. 

Lissa smiled. "Maybe. I would like that, but as you know my situation. I do care about Shane and in a way I still love him, but I can't deal with the drama. I won't deny him seeing his kids, but I can't deal with all the stress any longer."

Ryan smiled. He was happy. "I have no problems raising your kids as my own. If Sarge wants to be in the picture, I won't stop him." He grabbed her hand. "We don't have to rush things. I want to be with you, but I'm willing to take things slow so you can heal from the situation," he said looking at her sincerely.  "We can be friends. I think that would be ideal."

Lissa nodded. That sounded like music to her ears. "Yeah, that sounds good." She watched as he easily manoeuvred the vehicle. "So where are you taking me?" she asked. She leaned back in the seat.

"To my place," he told her. She looked at him surprised. "We can talk more freely there, and I can cook us dinner," he said smiling.

With eyebrows raised, she watched him. "You sure you don't have plans to ravish me at your house?" she teased. He laughed, but did not look at her. "I don't mind if I get the chance to, but that's entirely up to you." 

He glanced at her, his eyes taking her in. He shook his head as he concentrated on driving. "No, I'll be a gentleman, because that's what you need right now." He smiled at her, then turned his face forward watching the traffic. Lissa sighed happily. She was glad she decided to see him.

***

Lissa lay on Ryan's large, soft couch while he prepared dinner. He was cooking roasted pork in the oven, on the stove he did rice and peas and boiled corn. For the beverage he made carrot juice. When the corn cobs were cooked tender, the rice and peas ready, and the pork was almost done, he came into the small living room to sit with her. 

Lissa sat up to allow him space beside her. As he sat down he pulled her to him. She yielded to his embrace and lay in his arms. She closed her eyes and listened to his heart beat. It was beating a little fast but it was reassuring. 

"Your heart is beating fast," she said teasing him.

He chuckled softly. "It is?" he asked.

"Mhm," she replied.

"You must be the reason," he told her.  He leaned up against the arm rest of the couch, and pulled her to him so that she was partially laying on him. He kissed her hair.

She had taken out the braids. Her hair was up in a bun. He smelled it. It smelt like it was freshly washed. It smelled really nice and fruity. It was black and shiny. The roots of her hair were natural, wavy-curly, while the hair ends were straight. He kissed the side of her head. Lissa closed her eyes. 

"You plan on relaxing your hair again?" he asked circling his arms around her. She nodded. "Mhm, after I stop breastfeeding." He nodded. "Your natural hair is gorgeous by the way," he told her.

Lissa opened her eyes and turned her head slightly. He kissed her left temple. She closed her eyes and sighed. "Thank you," she said. "It's very thick and hard to manage though, and with my schedule I don't have the time or even the money to be seeing a hair dresser every week or every fortnight. I'm planning to put it back in braids again." Ryan squeezed her closer. Lissa groaned and relaxed on him. "Thank you," she said. "I needed this." 

"You're welcome," he answered. She felt wonderful in his arms.

"If you want to, I can help you with that," he said.

"How?" she asked.

"My sister is a cosmetologist, certified. She just opened her salon and is looking for clients. She does relaxed as well as natural hairstyles. I can take you there when you're ready," he answered. He gently brushed a thin wisp of hair from her neck. The contact made Lissa shiver. 

"Will she give me a discount because I know you?" she asked cheekily. 

Ryan grinned. "I'll see what I can do," he said smiling, 

"Hmmm ..." she said softly.

"What?" he asked amused.

"It's been a while since I've been held like this," she told him.

"Sarge used to?" 

She nodded. She looked at the floor. A memory flashed across her mind. She sighed. "I'm sorry," she said feeling sad. Ryan squeezed her closer.

"Lissa, look at me," Ryan said, releasing her from his embrace. He wanted her, but he was a gentleman before anything else. 

Lissa eased off his chest and turned her torso around to look at him. He touched her face. "I care deeply for you. I want to have a relationship with you, but if you want to be back with Sarge I can drive you over to his place so you can talk to him." He brushed his hand on her hair.

Lissa looked into his eyes. She missed Shane very much, but the situation was taking a toll on her mentally. "I'll see him but not now. I need to think first. I'm taking a big risk being with him."

She looked at his chest. It was solid, strong and inviting. "You want a relationship with me?" she asked.

He nodded. "Yeah, I do. I want to be with you. I'm falling in love with you," he told her. 

She smiled sadly at him. "You're such a nice guy," she said. "I wish my heart wasn't hurting the way it is now. One thing I did wrong that my dad pointed out to me, and he's right. I started a sexual relationship with Shane before I figured out what to do about my boyfriend at the time. His name is Derrick."

Lissa reached out and held on to his right hand. She placed it on her cheek. Ryan leaned forward and pulled her back to him. Lissa lay on his chest. She was feeling emotional. She adjusted herself on his body. He put his arms around her and kissed her hair. "You feel good. I'm so sorry," Lissa said with a sigh. "I wish I wasn't feeling this way. Right now I can't give you the answer you want, and I want to be fair to you." 

Ryan sighed. He rubbed his hand on her arm. "Okay," he said. He sat up while holding her. "I'm gonna go check on dinner," he answered. Lissa scooted over on the couch. He got up and went to the kitchen. She had her phone turned off while they were together. She turned it on and checked her messages. There were missed calls from her mom and dad, also Shane. She would call her parents before she called Shane.

She would call them as soon as got back to Prudence's house. She turned off the phone. She would tell them she was staying at Prudence but not say where, and she would ask Ryan not to tell them. She hoped she could trust him.

Her dad's words stung, but she had to be honest with herself. He was right. She was rushing from relationship to relationship. She wasn't taking the time to heal.

After five minutes had passed, Ryan came into the room and told her that the food was ready. She stood and went to him. He extended his hand to her. She took it and allowed him to lead her to the dining table. 

She sat down and he placed the crock-pot with the steaming, hot roasted pork on a trivet and went for a large serving spoon from the kitchen. Their plates were already set out in place. He also brought in the rice and peas in a rice bowl, and the corn was piled on a platter.

Lissa looked appreciatively at the food. She lifted her eyes and caught him staring at her. His eyes searched her face then lingered at the seductive swell of her breasts. They were covered up in this dress, but the new bra she was wearing for support made them look even perkier than usual. She blushed and looked away from him. 

She looked up at the ceiling. It was a modern design, so was also the decor of the apartment. The walls were painted in a pale cream color but the finish was impeccable. She wondered if Jason and his dad got the contract to paint this building also. 

Ryan sat down and reached for her hand. She gave her right hand to him. He bowed his head and prayed. Oh! She didn't know he was religious. After he finished blessing the food, he looked up and smiled at her. She was curious. "Do you go to church? she asked. He nodded.

"Yeah, I went this morning," he answered. 

She was surprised. "Are ... are you a Christian then?" she asked.

He smiled then started sharing some rice for her. "Tell me when it's enough for you,' he said. She nodded and waited for him to answer. Ryan saw that she was watching him intently. 

"Yes, I am a Christian. Been a Christian for four years but took it more seriously after my mom passed." He smiled sadly. 

Lissa sighed. "I'm sorry if I made you upset," she said. She too was feeling out of sorts.

 "Yes, that's okay. No more," she said. He stopped putting rice in her plate.

He shook his head. "Not upset," he told her. "When I think of her I feel sad, but that's normal." Lissa nodded reassuringly. 

After he gave her two pieces of corn, and a nice slice of the roasted pork, and the carrot juice in a slender glass, Lissa dug into the food. She was ravenous. 

Ryan watched her eating. He was pleased that she had a good appetite, he made enough for both of them. He could give her 'seconds' if she asked. "Do you have any more questions like that about me? I don't mind answering your questions," he said.

She cleared her throat and looked up from her plate. "Yeah, I do," she said. "Shane hadn't been with anyone sexually, or so he said for almost a year before he got with me. I wanna know are you, you know, have you been having sex?"

Ryan chuckled. He shook his head. "No I haven't. I wasn't very sexually active before I got saved, so even more so afterwards I tried to keep myself under control."

Lissa listened to him, remembering the erotic ways he touched her a few days ago. She would challenge him a little. She took a deep breath and released it. "You were touching me very intimately a few days ago. Since you're a Christian, shouldn't you have stopped yourself from indulging in that sort of thing?"

Ryan smiled ruefully. Touche, he thought. "Yes, I should have stopped myself. And believe me, it's taking all my restraints not to take you in my arms right now and kiss you," he admitted. His gaze dropped to her lips.

"But you wanted to the other day. If I hadn't said no, you would have been deep in my panties that night," she quipped.

Ouch! Ryan chuckled quietly. She was hitting him hard. He nodded. He would be transparent. "You are right. I find you very tempting, and in that moment with you, I was overcome with emotion. I would have yielded and given you all of me that night."

"What do you mean all of you?" she asked, her brows furrowed.

"The next time I make love to someone I want that girl to be my wife. Someone I would spend the rest of my life with," he replied. "I would prefer her to be my wife first, but I'm a man and human. I may get weak and give in. It's been a while for me," he confessed.

Lissa was surprised at his openness. "How long has it been?" she asked.

He put a piece of roasted pork in his mouth and chewed. "A year and six months exactly," he said smiling. He swallowed then picked up another piece with his fork. He stuffed his mouth with the tasty meat, chewed and swallowed.

Lissa chuckled. "Sounds like you've been counting down the days," she said a little amused.

Ryan laughed softly. "A little bit," he said with a sigh.

Lissa reached out her hand to him. He took it and squeezed. "Ryan," she began, "you're a really great guy. You're really sweet, but I'm caught up in this thing with Shane. I need to figure out what to do about it and if I really have feelings for him, or if it was just a rebound from my ex. Plus, I'm pregnant for him. I need to sort myself out for their sakes." She stood up, leaned over the table and kissed him tenderly. 

While she kissed him, he pulled her in closer. She lifted her lips, and kissed his eyelids and forehead then sat down in her chair. "You are really sweet, but I-I think we should be friends."

"You kiss me like you want more, Lissa. I want to treat you right and keep you safe. And satisfy you the way you need to be satisfied." He reached for her and guided her carefully around the table to sit on his lap. He touched her face. He pulled it down to his and kissed her passionately.

Lissa groaned as he kissed her. His lips were soft and sensual. She wished she could feel them on her skin, but especially on those areas that ached for him the most. No, she had to keep it together. She kissed him but held herself back from losing control.

 Afterwards, he leaned back and looked into her eyes. "You're really sweet," he told her. "I want to have you to myself, and I don't mind giving all my love to you. I'm also willing to help you raise your children. Would you have more kids?"

"Yeah, I would have more kids. Maybe two more, not twins though," she said chuckling. "And yes Ryan, I won't deny I want more. I crave your touch. I crave your lips all over me. But I don't want to hurt you. I'm sorry, I think we should just be friends."

"Why don't you let me worry about my heart. Let me please you. You say you want my lips all over you, I can do that for you. I want to kiss every sensitive spot," Ryan said. He stroked her face, biting his bottom lip. 

"I want to hear you moan and call my name. I want to pleasure you to the point where we drive each other crazy. I want to see your body shiver." He gently kissed the fingers of her left hand. Lissa watched him feeling mesmerized, wishing she got to know him first.

Lissa took all of him in: his thick eyebrows, his chocolate-brown eyes, his sexy, pink lips. She stared at his broad shoulders and chest. He was so tempting. She sighed. Lissa wished she could give in, but she noted what he said about giving all of himself. She wasn't worthy of his love. 

"Ryan please," she said. Her eyes pleading with him. "If in any way I hurt you, I would hate myself. You've been a good friend, and very kind. I still don't know what the future holds for me and Shane. I can't put you in the middle of that," she replied.

Ryan sighed. "Okay, I will back off a little," he said, "but I'm falling in love with you. I'm in love with you." He cupped her face. "Lissa, I want you. I want to give you my love," he spoke tenderly. His voice was passionate as he stared into her eyes.

"Oh Ryan, sweetheart, I'm messed up. I don't deserve you," she said. She started crying. Ryan held her close, caressing her back. He wouldn't kiss her but he would hold her. "I'm here whenever you need me. And yes, Lissa, you deserve to be loved," he said kissing her brow.

Lissa allowed tears to fall while Ryan rubbed her back and told her everything would be okay. Being in his arms was very reassuring. She wished she was carrying his kids. 

If only she could experience his 'loving'. She wondered if all Christian men were like this: warm, tender, sensitive and very sexy. Shane made her feel special and he was gentle with her. She sensed the same gentleness in Ryan but even more intensely. She looked at his face. His beautiful eyes stared back at her. His full lips looked very tempting. She gently brushed her fingers on his lips. He closed his eyes and sighed. 

"Are Christian men better lovers?" she asked cheekily. She wiped her tears with her fingers. Ryan reached up to kiss her wet eyelids and cheeks. She closed her eyes, reveling in his tenderness. She was aroused by him. When he leaned back, she opened her eyes and looked at him.

Ryan smiled seductively at her. His beautiful eyes captured hers in a hypnotic stare for a few seconds. They held a secret she wanted to discover. She touched his jaw and smiled. 

Ryan couldn't help staring at her. She was still beautiful, though she had been crying. He looked passed the tears and the grief in her eyes, to a yearning he could sense inside her. 

"Let me show you," he answered softly. He reached his hand down and gently squeezed her thighs. He knew he could love her past her pain, if she let him. Her loins stirred. She gasped, her lips parted. 

She groaned. His touch felt really good. She wanted to lay back and let him touch her all over. She rested her forehead on his then kissed his brow. "I want you to, believe me, but if it means you giving your heart to me, I can't. I care about you and I refuse to hurt you."

He wrapped his arms around her waist. "Okay," he said. "Just friends then, but if you change your mind, I'm here."

Lissa sensed that she was giving up something really special, but felt it was for the best. "Thank you," she said. She planted a brief peck on his lips. 

He deserves a girl with less drama, she thought. 

She looked into his eyes, and realized for the first time in her life, she had put someone else's heart before her own. She felt different but in a good way. She smiled at him. She got up from his lap and went back to her plate, sat down and resumed eating.

They chatted about random things for a little while, and she laughed as she listened to him. He had a great sense of humor. She realized she was falling in love with him, but now understood that sometimes love means letting a person go so they can flourish. 

***

He brought her home 8 o'clock that night, with the proviso that she would call her parents as soon as she got in the house. She agreed. "By the way the dinner was magnifique! Yuh definitely grow wid yuh granny! It was delicious," she said giggling. Ryan smiled at her, a million thoughts running across his mind. He didn't want the night to end.

As she was preparing to step out of the car, he grabbed her by the neck and pressed his lips on hers, then pressed them on her neck. He reached up and squeezed her breasts possessively. Lissa arched her back, her body shivering. The hand that touched her breasts moved down to her thighs, reached up her skirt and squeezed them. His other hand still held the back of her neck. 

He pushed his hand further up her dress and brushed it against her crotch. Lissa gasped. He wedged his hand between her thighs and touched her. Lissa opened her thighs for him. He cupped her and gently squeezed. His breathing was rushed. He rubbed his hand on her and whispered, "Hmm ... Nice! Lissa, you're lucky I'm behaving myself. If I wasn't I would have taken you multiple times back at my place. I would be deep inside you, and take you over and over and over." He breathed heavily as he whispered near her ear.

Lissa closed her eyes and moaned. "Ahh! Lissa, if you only knew," he growled. "I would bend you over ..." He squeezed her crotch possessively. She whimpered. He kissed her passionately. He moved his hand up to her face and cupped it gently. "So to your question, I don't know if Christian men are better lovers, but I dare you to find out if I am." He playfully blew in her ear then released her. She shivered. 

Lissa looked at him. There was a look in his eyes she never saw before. It was a dark almost dangerous look that scared and excited her at the same time. She was trembling. She reached for the car door handle and stepped out. Her legs felt weak, but she managed to walk to the gate. 

She knocked on Prudence's front door. Her friend opened the door for her. Prudence looked at Ryan who was staring intently at her friend. He honked his horn and drove off. Lissa walked slowly into the house and collapsed on the couch. She started to cry.

Prudence sat beside her. "You need to tell me what's happening with you, right now!" she demanded. She went into the kitchen and brought her a cool glass of water. Lissa sat up, took it from her and sipped it carefully.

 She started to tell her about finding out that Derrick was cheating on her; how Shane was there for her; she got pregnant for him, and how now, Ryan was showing her a passion she yearned for, but could never have.

Prudence looked at her with a grave look on her face. "This Ryan guy seems like trouble to me. Although, he may be a good guy, but you're already tied to this Shane guy. You're pregnant. You have to bear that in mind," Prudence said quietly.

Lissa nodded. "I know," she said sadly. "I know."

Later that night, as she promised him, she called her parents and told them she was staying at Prudence. As she was going to bed she heard a text notification on her phone. It was him. 

He told her he loved her and he was sorry but at the same time not sorry for how he touched her. He told her however that he wouldn't do it again, and would treat her as a friend from now on. She told him thanks and he told her good night with a heart emoji. She smiled at it and closed her eyes. Tomorrow, she would call Shane. 

*** 

The next day he called her and told her good morning and asked how she was feeling. She told him she was still rattled from their encounter then laughed a little. He apologized again, but teased her about the fact that she wanted it too. Lissa sighed. He was correct. Deep down, she liked the way he handled her yesterday. 

"Will you come see me today?" he asked.

"I don't think so," she replied. 

"Why? You afraid I'll force myself on you?" he asked chuckling. His voice had a strange hypnotic lilt to it that made her feel weak. 

She was curious. "Um ... Is there like a rough side to you? I mean during sex or foreplay? 

Ryan laughed softly. "Are you curious?"

Lissa swallowed her saliva when she heard the dip in his voice. He sounded very different this morning. His voice excited her, but it was also making her uncomfortable. 

"I ... Well I am, I guess," she said feeling subdued.

"Actually I'm here, just finished a workout, and thinking about you. Lissa, I'm really hard for you right now. I wish you were here with me," he said releasing a ragged breath. 

He sighed. "Yes, I can be a little rough during sex and foreplay, but I will be gentle with you," he answered. "You're pregnant, so I will take my time. But if you weren't, I would be a little bit rough with you, but only to make you feel good. I can also be very gentle. It depends on the moment and the mood my woman and I are in."

Lissa bit her bottom lip as she listened to him. He was making her think thoughts. 

"Do you like it a little rough Lissa?" he asked. His voice was husky with desire. 

She cleared her throat, then said, "I'm not sure. I've never really experienced that, but ... um, I don't want to feel pain during sex, so maybe not."

"So you've never had your ex or Sarge grab you by your waist or grip you hard while making love?" he asked, his voice sounded velvety soft.

She began twirling a loose lock of hair. "Yes, I have, but the way you are talking it sounds like you mean something more aggressive," she explained.

He took a shallow breath and released it slowly, "It's more like applying a little pressure so your body anticipates my touch, and when I'm about to be inside you, you're wet and ready for me."

Lissa felt her heart pounding. Her throat felt dry but she tried to swallow. She felt hot all over. She listened as he continued to speak, wanting to be with him.

"I won't hurt you. I would never hurt you, and I won't force myself on you. I want your love willingly. I want you to want me and willingly give yourself to me," he told her. 

"Can I trust you?" she asked him.

He chuckled a little then spoke, his voice tender: "I think the real question you should ask is if you can trust yourself and these feelings you have inside you. I'm here Lissa, all you have to do is reach out for me." He paused and took a deep breath, "I promise to catch you. You won't be in this alone. I'll be in the moment with you. I promise."

Lissa felt something inside her shift. She closed her eyes. "My heart is broken," she said.

"Lissa baby, I know, let me soothe the pain for you. I can help heal it."

"If I ... If we start a relationship, I'm pregnant, I may not be in the mood for, you know, sex," she said. She was testing him. 

He sighed. "I'm willing to wait. We can make love or we don't have to. Yeah, right now I'm very hard for you, but I have ways to deal with that. Having you in my arms is more important to me. So yes, I will wait until you're ready, and if it means waiting until our wedding night I'll do that for you. "

She believed him. "I-I need to think about it," she replied. 

"Lissa, can I call you baby?" he asked.

"Yes," she answered shyly.

"Lissa, baby, take your time. Okay? I love you. As I've said, I'm here," he told her.

"Thank you," she said quietly. This was unexpected. 

"You're welcome sweet baby," he answered. "Can I call you later?" he asked.

"Yes, but I won't have an answer by then," she hurried to say.

He chuckled, "I don't expect you to, but I still want to talk to you. Hearing your voice is like a drug to me. I can't get enough."

A faint smile curled up her lips. "Okay," she said softly.

"Okay. Talk to you later sweet baby," he said

"Okay," she answered.

He ended the call.

***

She dialed Shane's number. He answered immediately.

"Lissa! Baby, where are you? Are you okay?" he asked. He sounded worried. Lissa sighed. His voice felt like a warm, familiar blanket. "I'm okay. I'm staying at a friend's house for the last week of my leave then I will go back home," she replied.

"Okay," he said sounding relieved. "When can I see you?" he asked. "I'm dying to hold you," he declared.

"Today is good," she said. She needed to know if she felt the same way about him. Being around him for a few hours could help her see if she still held a spark for him.

"Okay baby, tell me where and I'll come for you?"

"You got back a car?" she asked.

"No, but I'll borrow Shaun's" he replied.

"Oh okay," she answered. She texted him the address of a restaurant in Papine. 

"Okay baby, what time?" he asked. He was excited to see her.

"Around 2 o'clock," she said.

"Will do. I love you baby," he said.

She paused, then said, "Love you too." 

Shane hung up.

She called Ryan. He answered by blowing kisses to her. Lissa lay back on the bed and closed her eyes. 

"You miss me already?" he asked. She smiled. He sounded like he was smiling. "Yeah, and what if I do?" she asked. 

"I'm good with that. I was just thinking of you. I'm making breakfast," he replied. 

"Oh? What does the chef have on the menu?" she asked. She was happy talking to him. 

"Hold on," he replied, "let me turn off the stove." There was a pause then he came on the line. "Steamed fish head and yam, bananas and two big ole cartwheel dumplings." He chuckled. 

Lissa smiled. She liked his laugh. 

"I wanted to tell you something," she said.

"Okay," he answered, "go ahead."

"I'll be seeing Shane a little later. I won't let him come to Prudence's home. I don't think my friend would appreciate random strangers coming to her yard. So I am meeting him somewhere in Papine," she told him. She sighed.

She listened for a reply but he remained silent. "Are ... Are you upset?" she asked.

Ryan was surprised she told him, but he figured in some way she wanted to trust him, and wanted him to trust her.  "No baby, I'm not upset. Go do what you gotta do. I told you, I'm here for you, but if you want to work things out with Shane I will not stand in your way. I'll be disappointed, but if this is what you want, I will be happy for you." 

She was seeking his reassurance and approval. He wished he could hold and comfort her. He blew more kisses at her and listened to her giggle. "Explore what you and Sarge have. No pressure from me. Okay?" He wanted to tell her the opposite, that she should choose him, but he wanted her to be comfortable with whatever decision she made 

"I-I want to come see you later on. Is that okay? After I see him?" she asked nervously.

He heard the tremor in her voice. He sensed her insecurity. He cleared his throat. He promised her he would take it slow with her. So he would. "You sure?" he asked. 

"I-I don't know," she said slowly. 

"Okay, would you like to sleep over? You can grab some clothes and stay here with me. There's another bed here ... or if you want to, we can cuddle in my bed until you fall asleep. We don't have to have sex."

"I just ... I just want to be held," she said her voice echoing her frustration. Ryan's heart melted. "Okay baby," he softened his voice, "then all I'll do is hold you, and we can cuddle and talk. Okay?" he answered.

"Okay," she replied with a sigh.  

"What time do you think you'll be done talking to him?" he asked. 

"Maybe by 7 or 8. I'll let him drop me off at the same place and you can come pick me up take me back to Prudence and I'll pick out some clothes."

"Okay, talk later sweet baby," he said.

"Later," she said. She was happy.

He blew her a kiss and hung up. 

Lissa smiled at the phone. She wasn't sure if being around him would mean they would end up in a relationship, but she knew she wanted to be in his arms.

***

On her way to work, Prudence gave Lissa her a spare house key and dropped her off in front of the restaurant in Papine at 1:45 p.m. At 2:05 p.m., Shane came for her. She slid into the vehicle and he gave a kiss on the cheek. He drove her over to his house in Portmore. 

When he closed the front door behind her he reached her and hugged her. He was about to kiss her when she turned her head slightly away. He was perplexed by her reaction to him. He released her and allowed her to sit on the couch. 

He sat beside her but did not touch her. "How are you?" he asked. His eyes were watching her every move. She looked at him. He was growing a beard. He looked even more handsome with facial hair. "You look good," she said. 

"As do you," he said filling his eyes with her. "You're so beautiful." He reached for her hand, she gave it to him. He pulled her forward and onto his lap. He held her close and rested his head on her bosom. "I have missed you, my Lissa." He squeezed her close to him. Lissa sighed. That cologne, his personal scent, Lissa mused. 

A flood of emotions hit her hard. She broke down and started crying. Shane lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bedroom. He laid her on his bed and lay beside her. He secured her in his embrace and whispered that he loved her.

"I'm so sorry baby," he said. "I'm sorry. I wanted to find this Mr Z guy and get him out of the way, so I could be with you. That's why I was taking so long to see you. I never meant to hurt you."

"He attacked my home Shane. He shot up our house, Branno and his girlfriend could have been killed," she said while crying.

Shane felt a stab in his heart. No wonder her parents hate my guts, he thought. "Branno was there at the time?" he asked.

Lissa nodded. "Yes, he and his girlfriend," she said, her eyes wide, tears flowing down her cheeks.

"Where were you?" he asked. 

"I was being kidnapped by a man Mr Z sent," she answered. "Luckily Derrick showed up when he did and thwarted his plans, the guy's name is De'aundre. He's in lock-up somewhere."

Shane grimaced. He touched her cheek. "I'm so sorry Lissa. If I could wave a wand and make everything go away, I would. But I'm here now and I won't leave you," he told her.

"That's what you said the last time," she said sadly. 

"I know," he answered, "I was trying to get some leads on Mr Z and after your mom spoke to me I was thinking that putting some distance between us would be good. That way Mr Z would come after me and leave you alone."

Lissa stared at him, eyes wide open. "My mom spoke to you?" she asked.

"Yeah, she asked me to stay away from you. She felt it best I end our relationship and leave you alone. I told her I couldn't leave you, but I would give you some space, hoping that Mr Z would leave you alone. I was wrong," Shane said the last part angrily.

Lissa was stunned. She didn't know her mom asked him to leave her. 

"You ... you didn't know?" Shane asked surprised. Lissa shook her head. She was getting angry now. 

"I am sorry. I told her that I would keep my distance just until I could figure out who Z was or at least to identify how to get to him. I should have said something to you, but you were recovering from being sick. We almost lost the babies. I didn't want to stress you out. And I guess deep down I felt like she was right. I was putting your life in danger by being around you."

He sat up and looked down at her. "Constable Campbell sent the video of the kidnapping to me," he said.

Lissa sat up abruptly. "There's a video?" She had no clue. He nodded. "You haven't seen it?"

She shook her head. "No," she said.

He took out his phone and opened WhatsApp. He played the video so she could watch it. He handed it to her. Her eyes grew large as she saw the brutality both Ryan and his friend Jordan, inflicted on her kidnappers. She looked at Shane. She handed him the phone. She wondered if Ryan had seen it.

"Dana told me it was Ryan and another guy. I believe I met him yesterday," he said matter-of-factly.

Lissa nodded. "Yes, Jordan. He's his high school best friend."

Shane nodded. "Okay." Shane rested his hand on her thigh. Lissa felt uncomfortable. Shane leaned in to kiss her lips, but she drew away. He was puzzled at her behavior towards him. "Lissa is something wrong? I know you must be angry with me but I'm here now and I promise I won't leave you again."

"Leaving doesn't only comprise being away physically, there's also feeling abandoned emotionally," she told him. "Feeling neglected. Feeling lost and without a home." As she spoke her voice became louder and angrier. He could hear the anguish in her tone. "Having your parents berate you day and night especially after nearly losing a sibling. I hope you never know the fear that I felt realizing that strangers were shooting up my home and feeling terrified that my brother was trapped in the house while they're men invading my home. Knowing it's my fault and I can't do a thing about it!" Tears streamed down her face. He reached out to touch her, but she slapped his hand away. She took a deep breath and released it slowly. 

"Shane, I didn't come here to pretend like nothing happened. I actually came here for answers. I wanna know where you were. Where were you Shane? I was hurting, alone and scared!" she shouted angrily. "I was horny and sexually frustrated but you weren't here to make me feel good. 

"My parents love me, but I felt they were treating me like a half wit, or someone irresponsible. I had to justify my love for you. And when Branno's life was threatened I was so scared. Thank God he managed to escape unharmed, but he was resentful towards me, still is. And my mom, my mom gave me the cold shoulder. She's just talking to me again, but our relationship is strained. The other day, my dad told me that it was a mistake starting a relationship with you because I hadn't even broken up with Derrick officially, and you know what, he's right. We rushed this relationship." 

Shane sat back and listened to her. He told her months before if they broke up it would devastate him. "What do you want from me Lissa?" he asked sadly.

"I want us to co-parent. I don't want to be with you anymore," she said angrily, tears rolling down her cheeks. 

He could see her anger and her grief. "I love you, let me make it up to you," he said. 

Lissa shook her head. "As long as this Mr Z is a ghost from your past that haunts your present and future, it won't work. Shane, I'm pregnant. I can't be running up and down, hiding here or there from this aberration, whomever he is! I'm tired. What happened at my house was the final straw. Then he had the nerve to try to kidnap me! The guy that came for me said Mr Z just wanted to talk, that he wouldn't hurt me, but then he put something over my face to drug me. I could have panicked and lost the babies!" she said. She was so angry.

"I love you. I loved you and you left me. I am angry about what my mom told you. I am so pissed, and when I go home I will confront her on this, but you're my man. This is our relationship. First of all, you should have told me she said that so I could address that situation quickly."

"The only other option I had was to take you somewhere safe again and I had nowhere else in mind," Shane interjected. "Jason said he knew some place but I did not want more of the family involved in this mess. Also he's newly married, I wouldn't want him involved and get hurt. I felt it best to back away, but Lissa I never neglected you. I asked Dana to keep an eye on you, to let me know if you were okay."

"Well you never told me that and she never said anything," she retorted.

Shane sighed deeply. He lay on his bed. "She's also doing some undercover work for me. The less you know the better for her safety and yours."

Lissa searched his face. He was telling the truth. Now, she was feeling worried for Dana. 'What will she be doing?" she asked.

"She supposed to get a job at one of Mr Z's legit business places. We've already identified the place. She's applied for a job there. It's just for her to get a call back. If not we'll move to plan B."

"What's plan B?" she asked. He looked at her. "I can't tell you." he said simply.

She nodded. "Okay for her sake I hope she will be safe. Does Supe Dacres know?"

Shane shook his head. "No," he answered. He was angry with himself for hurting her, but he sensed an underlying emotion that he couldn't quite put his finger on. He remembered what Jason said to him.

"Lissa I need to know something. Please be honest with me," he said.

Lissa nodded. "Okay," she said.

"Do you still love me?" he asked. His eyes bored into her. She turned her head and stared at the chest of drawer in the room. "Yes., I still love you, but it's not the same," she answered.

"What do you mean?" he asked. His eyes focused on her face. 

"With everything that's happened it feels like you abandoned me in this hell," she answered soberly. "Shane all I've done since you left is cry and cry. I'm tired of crying."

Is there someone else?" he asked. His eyes narrowing as he watched her.

She looked back at him feeling annoyed.  "Did you just hear what I said?" she asked. "You left. You barely called me in the beginning. Then you stopped calling. When I would call, the phone went to voicemail. Not  a word from you. Nothing! I am hurting and all you can think of is yourself?! For months I never heard from you. Months!" She took a deep breath 

No," she said, "There is no one else," she answered him.

He looked at her. "Is that true?" he asked.

 "Okay, yes, there is someone who says he likes me, but I already told him that it's best we remain friends. I'm tired. I'm tired of being hurt."

Shane sat up. "Who is he?" Jealousy was making his blood boil. 

She looked at him, her eyes were cold and black, They no longer shun with love and affection for him. "Seriously?! That doesn't matter," she told him. "I turned him down."

"Do I know him?" Shane asked. His voice became deathly quiet. 

She did not answer him. She stared at him, her eyes were filled with pain and grief. Shane remembered Jason's words echoing in his mind. 

"Not everyone close to you is on your side, 

sometimes they pretend to be with you because it suits their interest."  

 He grabbed her arm. "Lissa, who is it? Tell me!" he shouted angrily.

She tried wringing her arm away from him, but he held on tighter to it. She yelped. "You're hurting me!" she screamed. 

"Tell me!" he said angrily.

"It doesn't matter," she said. "I told him no!" she shouted.

Shane thought about it. How did Corporal Stewart get involved in this situation? "How did Corporal Stewart become your bodyguard?" he asked. He released her. "Lissa look at me! Tell me the truth. Is it Corporal Stewart? Is it Ryan?" he asked her. His gaze searching her face for hints. Lissa looked at him. She cocked her head slightly to the right. Her eyes looking at him with disdain. He got his answer. 

He picked up his phone and dialed Ryan's number.

"Corporal Stewart, I think you and I need to talk," he said.

"What about? About the fact that you're trying to take my woman away from me!" Shane growled angrily.

"Yes, she's here with me. No, she never told me it was you, but a little birdie told me to keep my eyes open. I just realized out of all the things that have happened in this situation, you are the odd one in the equation. How did you end up being at Lissa's house, being her guard, hmm?"

Shane looked at Lissa, his eyes boring into her.  She lowered her head and stared at the floor.

"Yes, sure you can come by," Shane answered

Lissa looked up, her eyes filled with alarm.

"I'll text you my address," Shane said bearing his teeth in a cold grin. He chuckled harshly, feeling like a fool. "Yes, we'll be waiting," he said then hung up. He sent off a text then laughed. He threw the phone on the bed. He went into the bathroom and slammed the door shut.

***

Ryan called Jordan to be his back up. He arrived in the Greater Portmore community and parked his bike a few houses down from Sarge Crosby's house. He sat on the bike and waited. Ryan drove up a few minutes later. He rolled down his window and looked at his friend. Jordan looked at him. Ryan was wearing a bullet proof vest over his white t-shirt. He was concerned. "Is that really necessary?" he asked. "The vest?"

Ryan nodded. His countenance was sober. "I don't know what kind of state of mind Sarge is in. I don't even know what Lissa said to him. So I'm being careful," he said. 

"I'm going to go up to the house now. If he lets me in I'll wait five minutes then text you. I am going to make him aware that I will be texting you. If I tell him that and I am unable to send a message to you wait three more minutes. It would mean I'm trying to calm him down. If three minutes pass and you don't here from me, come around the back, and come get Lissa out first. Okay?"

Jordan nodded. "Okay," he replied. Ryan nodded. He leaned forward and extended his arm through the window, curling his hand into a fist. 

Jordan bumped fists with him. He pulled the mask up over his face only exposing his eyes. Ryan smiled slightly then drove down to Shane's house. He parked the car and stepped out of the vehicle. He opened the gate and stepped up to the door. Jordan watched as he entered the house. He started the five minute countdown on his watch and waited.

***

He knocked on Sarge's front door. He was surprised to see Lissa open it for him. He noticed that her eyes were wide with fear. He stepped into the room as she backed away. He saw Shane sitting in his living room couch with a shotgun in his hand. At that moment, he was fearful but he would protect Lissa at all costs. 

Ryan stepped inside. "Sarge," Ryan said softly.

Shane lifted the shotgun from beside him and held it in his hands. "Have a seat Corporal," Shane said. He gestured to a small arm hair in the room. Ryan noted that the shotgun was double barreled, which he knew how to use. If he had to wrestle with him to get it away from him he would. He hoped he wouldn't have to use it against him. 

Ryan sat down as he told him. 

"Lissa sit on his lap," Shane instructed. 

"Shane, what is this?" she asked flabbergasted. "Why are you doing this? I told you, I told him we'll just be friends." Ryan looked at her. She was being very brave. 

"Lissa sit down!" Shane's voice cracked like a whip. She flinched. She was afraid of him. She had never seen this side of him before.

Ryan held out his hand to her. She went to him and sat on his lap. She was trembling and rightfully so. Ryan put his arms around her waist. "Everything will be okay, but I want you to do everything I tell you. Okay?" he whispered. She nodded but didn't look at him. "Good. I won't let him hurt you. I promise," he told her softly

"So Ryan," Shane began, leaning forward, "how long has this affair been going on?" he asked. 

"There is no affair," Ryan told him. 

Shane chuckled. "Then how did you end up as her bodyguard" Shane lifted the gun and aimed it at the floor a foot away from Ryan's feet.

"The day Lissa was supposed to make a critical decision about something I was coming off a double shift and about to head home, Supe Dacres asked me to take her to the Hope Botanical Gardens to cool off." He looked at Lissa, who finally lifted her eyes to his.

"I'm sorry," she said. He shook his head. "No need to be," he whispered.

She turned her upper body and stared angrily at the one she once loved, but no more. "It was the day you asked me to run away with you. You told me to meet you at the ABM. Remember?"

Shane nodded.

"I went to Supe Dacres and told him what you said, and he confirmed that you had in fact given in your resignation letter."

Ryan was stunned at this revelation. He stared at her then at Shane. "You sent in a resignation letter?" he asked shocked.

"Mhm," Shane answered, "I felt it was the best thing for us to leave the country. Just like you said, you're pregnant, I wanted us to leave and hoped you would be out of his reach ..."

"I was confused. I wanted to be with you, but I didn't want to leave my family or the work I do here. I love my job as a counselor. I don't think you were considering these things," Lissa interjected. 

She took a deep breath and stood up. Under other circumstances sitting on Ryan firm, muscular thighs would have been pleasurable, but now she was thinking of how to walk out of this mess unscathed. She wasn't sure Shane wouldn't snap and shoot both her and Ryan.

"I was considering your safety. The safety of our unborn kids," he said. "Lissa go back and sit on him," Shane ordered. 

"No," she answered.

"Lissa!" his voice warned.

"No Shane!" she said, taking a step towards him. "Just kill me now if that is the plan. Just kill me and put me out of my misery. I can't take this anymore. I wish we never had sex. I wish we never got together. Just kill me and stop this!" 

Shane aimed his gun at Ryan's chest. Ryan tensed. Lissa moved quickly to stand before Ryan. "You're gonna have to kill me today. I won't allow you to hurt him."

Shane stared at her. His eyes cold. "Do you love him?" he asked.

"No. I care for him, but I don't love him," she replied. 

"Is this true?" he asked leaning forward. He rested the shotgun on the couch. 

"Let's put it this way. Everything or everyone I love always hurts me in the end," she told him. She gave him a sardonic stare. Shane realized she was also referring to him. 

"How did you become her bodyguard?" Shane asked looking directly at Ryan.

Ryan realized that five minutes had passed. He cleared his throat. "I need to make a phone call Sarge. Please allow me to."

"Why should I?" Shane asked scornfully.

"I brought back up with me," he told him. "If he doesn't hear from me in the next minute he'll barge in here and if you say you love Lissa you won't put her life at risk."

"You would risk her life?" Shane challenged. His fingers touched the barrel of the shotgun. 

Ryan shook his head. "No, you would risk her life, by allowing a US Army vet to come in here with one mission, save Lissa and to hell with anyone else in here! Which means anything can happen, including Lissa's safety being compromised," Ryan answered, his voice slightly raised. He was getting angry. 

Shane took his hand off the gun. "Alright, call him," he replied.

Ryan took out his cellphone and called his friend. "We're okay, for now," he told Jordan. "Stand by." He hung up. "Let Lissa go and we can talk man to man," he told Shane. 

"No, the hell no!" Lissa said angrily. "He has beef with me. Let him do his worst. It's obvious he doesn't love me!"

"Lissa, I love you," Shane declared. His voice cracked. "I bought you an engagement ring!" he said. He took out the ring box and showed her. Lissa couldn't believe it! He was going to propose?! Her legs suddenly felt weak. She stumbled. Ryan rushed to her side, catching her. He helped her to sit on the chair he was sitting on and stood beside her.

Shane stood up. "Is she okay?" he asked. He went to her and bent down before her. Ryan stood by her side, watching him carefully. Shane touched her face. "Lissa baby, I'm sorry," he said.

Ryan's left hand clenched into a fist, but he controlled himself. He watched Shane closely.

Lissa looked up at Shane. "I love you, but loving you hurts," she said sadly. "I said we should co-parent. That doesn't mean we would never be together again. I just need some time to focus on the babies and not worry about you. Although it will be hard not to worry. It felt like you abandoned me Shane. My heart is broken. Now you do this: you threaten Corporal Ryan's life and mine. How can I trust you?"

"Li .." he started to speak, but she interrupted him.

"A part of me will always love you, but I can't take anymore. I can't..." she said sobbing.

Shane stood up and staggered away from her as if he was drunk. He wasn't however, it finally dawned on him that he was losing the best thing that ever happened to him, and his current actions were making things worse.

He looked at Ryan. "Get her out of here," he told him.

Ryan reached for her arm to help her stand. Her legs were still weak. She collapsed to the floor. He looked at Shane. Shane blinked. The look on Ryan's face made him feel ashamed. 

Ryan bent down and pulled Lissa to her feet. He then placed his arms under her shoulders and legs, and lifted her to his chest.

"For the record," Ryan said, his voice a harsh whisper, "I never meant to have feelings for her, but she is a good girl. She was hurting because of how things have been. Supe asked me to take her home after I brought her to Hope Gardens, when I saw the house and the state it was in, I offered to do cement work to patch the gun shot holes. 

"Her father was the one who asked me to be her bodyguard. He did a background check on me and found out I used to work for one of the top guard companies in the country. He called and offered me the job to be her 'shadow'. I initially turned down the offer but after her dad asked High Command I reluctantly agreed."

Shane's eyes narrowed on him. "Why did you decline initially?" he asked.

Ryan sighed. He adjusted Lissa's weight in his arms. "Because of my schedule. You know about my armed response background, that's why I was assigned to the Specialized Operations Branch. The schedule is very hectic."

Shane nodded. He understood. That's where he was assigned as a rookie officer and then he asked to be transferred to the Criminal Investigations Bureau (CIB).

"Being around her made me realize what a special woman she is. I told her I cared about her, but she said she wanted to give your relationship a chance."

"Before you came she told me she wanted us to co-parent, and you heard her mention it again a short while ago," Shane responded. 

"Right now, being around you isn't safe," Ryan told him. "Have you seen her house?" he asked. "Bro, I am the least of your problems. You have a psycho after you and you hold a gun on me? Just a few days ago I saved your girl. Where were you?"

"If Lissa had come with me, maybe that wouldn't have happened," he said stubbornly.

"Maybe, but you should have been with her so you guys could properly discuss it," Ryan said scolding him. "Bro, I didn't get in the way of your relationship, you did." He walked to the front door with Lissa in his arms. He stopped and looked at Shane. 

Shane came to the door and opened it for him. He looked at Lissa, who had her eyes closed and was crying. She was right, as long as Mr Z was in the picture, neither he, her or their kids would be safe. The best thing he could do is let her go for now, and try to win her back later when the threat was over, or maybe allow her to find peace with someone else. 

He looked Ryan squarely in his eyes and said, "Take care of her." He looked at her. "She's my sweet Lissa, always will be, even if we can't be together." He touched her face. Lissa opened her eyes and looked at him. "I love you. I'm sorry for everything," he said. "Take care of Adam and Abigail for me." Lissa sighed and squeezed her eyes shut. He eyed Ryan. "Be good to her," he said quietly. Ryan looked at him and nodded. Shane stepped back. Ryan walked through the front door with Lissa in his arms. Shane locked the door behind them.

"Lissa, it's gonna be okay. We're safe now. You're safe. I got you," Ryan told her. He looked at the woman who had risked her life for him, and fell in love with her more deeply. She turned her body to his chest and curled up into him. He squeezed her in his embrace. "Do you want me to take you home to your parents house?" he asked. He wanted to be considerate of her needs. 

Bang! Bang!

They heard gunshots. Lissa screamed and sobbed loudly. Jordan sprang into action. He ran towards his friend and Lissa. Ryan gave him Lissa to hold while he ran back to the house. He knocked on the door but there was no response. He stepped back then charged at the door kicking it. As he tried to kick the door in, he saw flames springing up. He took out his cellphone and dialed a direct line to the Portmore Fire Brigade Department. Then he called Supe Dacres and told him what was happening.

"Don't enter the house!" Supe told him. "I don't want to hear of two officers' lives being lost today."

Ryan stepped back from the door but stood by the house and waited. After ten minutes, the Fire Brigade came on the scene and attacked the fire from a high point and a low point. Once it was under control, one member in protective gear, used an axe to demolish the door. He kicked it off its hinges and entered the house. After fifteen minutes he emerged from the smoke."There's no one in there", he said. Ryan was stunned. "But I heard gun shots," he said. The man came to stand before him. "That may be true, but no one is in that house," he said.

Ryan was feeling overwhelmed. He watched as the men and women for the Brigade took control of the fire and eventually extinguished it. The day was like a never ending nightmare. He walked back to Lissa and Jordan. They were sitting on Jordan's bike. Lissa had her hands on Jordan's chest while she cried.  Her face was buried in his leather jacket. Jordan was rubbing her back with one hand while the other was at his side. Jordan looked at him. Ryan could see the concern on his friend's face. "She hasn't stopped crying," he told him. "Since you gave her to me, she's just been crying non-stop," he said. 

Ryan's heart broke for her. "Lissa, honey, come to me," he said. "I'll take you home." Lissa stirred and lifted her head, she looked at him. Ryan opened his arms to her. Lissa looked up at Jordan, who smiled kindly at her. "Thank you," she said to him. He nodded. She turned and went to Ryan, who lifted her in his arms and brought her back to his car. Jordan walked behind them. "My key's in my front left pocket," Ryan said. Jordan pushed his hand in his friend's jeans pocket, retrieved the car keys, and opened the passenger side door for Lissa. Ryan placed her inside. He took the keys from Jordan. "Thank you for helping me bro," he said sincerely.

"No problem," Jordan replied. 

Ryan looked at Jordan and whispered, "They said no one was in the house. More than likely he fired those shots as decoys, then slipped through the back of the house after lighting that fire."

Jordan listened, his eyebrows raised. This was getting more intriguing. He did say he wanted a little excitement in his life. He nodded and listened to his friend.

"I'm gonna take her home, or I don't know, wherever she wants to go. She was staying at a friend's house in Gordon Town."

"Keep safe," Jordan said. This was shaping up to be his kind of job. Ryan nodded and patted him on the shoulder. They bumped fists and Ryan entered his vehicle, started the engine and drove off. 

Jordan walked towards the house. He went around the back once he saw the Brigade team weren't looking his way. He was a part of the Demolitions team in Afghanistan. Obviously, this Sargeant Crosby had to use something incendiary to start the fire. There was a shed in the back yard. He walked towards it. The door was closed but not locked. He opened it and walked in. 

There was a strongbox on a wooden table in the shed. He pulled the lid and looked inside. It was empty, but he smelt something funny. He lifted it to his nose and smelt. Gun powder. Sarge Crosby stored a gun in this box. He put the box down and looked around him. There was something in the left corner on a shelf way up at the top. He reached up on tiptoe and retrieved it. He looked at it. It was a piece of damp cloth. He smelt it. He smelt kerosene. 

"Okay," Jordan said. Taking the piece of fabric with him, he asked for the Brigade officer in charge of the scene. Jordan gave him the piece of cloth. "It's kerosene," he told him. "Smell it," The man looked at him with a quizzical look on his face. He smelt the fabric and nodded. "Thank you," he said. "Where did you get this?" 

"There's a shed in the back of the yard," Jordan told him. "The door was unlocked. I didn't see any container with the kerosene though but that's definitely kerosene. The man noted his accent. "How did you get involved here? Who are you? You're American?" he asked.

Jordan chuckled. "I was just passing by. I was visiting my girlfriend when I saw this scene," Jordan lied. "I'm Jamaican. America borrowed me for a while. US Army," he replied.

The man smiled. "Okay well, welcome back. Thank you, but don't touch anything else," he said. Jordan nodded, hands raised. "Promise." He walked away from the scene while the man gave him a curious gaze. 

Jordan went to his motorcycle, sat on it and started the engine. He revved it, engaged the clutch. shifted into first gear. The women of the Brigade watched as he gently activated the throttle. He winked at a pretty, light skinned Brigade member as he slowly released the clutch and carefully twisted the throttle. She watched him ride off and increase his speed. 

***

Ryan reached out his hand and touched Lissa's. She stared in front of her, not moving. He released her hand and touched her cheek. She blinked but didn't move. He called her name but she did not respond. Something is wrong! He called her father and told him he had Lissa, but she was not herself. 

"Explain what you mean?" Marcus asked.

"She's just staring out the window. She isn't moving."

"Where are you?' Marcus asked.

"I'm driving," Ryan replied. 

"Get her in cold water to shock her system," Marcus told him. "If that doesn't work call me back, I'll come get her."

"Shouldn't I bring her to you guys?" Ryan asked.

Marcus sighed. He paused. "Do you have a bath tub?" 

Ryan nodded even though her dad couldn't see him. "Yeah, I do," he answered, puzzled. 

"Lay her in the tub with cold water or as cold as you can get it to shock her. She'll be agitated for a little bit, just hold her until she calms down. I'm actually at the hospital right now. Her mother fainted." 

Ryan's heart dropped. "I'm really sorry," he answered. Marcus did not respond.

"Are you responsible for her being in that state?" Marcus asked.

"No, she saw Shane, I actually went to his house to get her," Ryan said with a sigh. "Look, before you see it on the news, you should know, Shane is MIA again and he set his house on fire. Maybe this time he'll be gone for a longer period of time. We need to talk."

Marcus swore quietly. "Set his house on fire?!" Was Lissa dealing with a mad man? Marcus wondered. He let out a deep sigh. "Okay, as soon as Sandra comes to, I will call you," he replied. "Take care of her."

"Will do," Ryan answered and hung up.

He drove Lissa to Prudence's house. He searched Lissa's bag for the house keys. He entered the house, Prudence hadn't come home yet. He entered a room just to the right of the veranda and saw clothes hanging in a wardrobe. He figured that was Prudence's bedroom. There was another bedroom to the right of the kitchen. He entered it and was relieved to see the sundress she wore the day they went to the zoo on a clothes hanger. He took it down and folded it. He looked around for a bag. He saw her suitcase by the bed. He looked in the closet and saw her duffle bag. There were a few pieces of clothing hanging on hangers. He took the clothes down and packed them in her bag and suitcase. 

He carried bags to the car and packed them in the trunk and slammed it shut. He went back into the house, found a piece of paper and a pen. He wrote a note to Prudence, pretending to be Lissa, telling her she would be spending time at a friend's house, she would call her.

He jumped in his car and drove the quarter mile distance to his apartment. Lissa had fallen asleep. When he parked the car in the apartment complex, he gently nudged her awake. She sat up, blinked and looked at him. As realization dawned on her, a smile crept up her lips. Ryan felt relief. He reached for her and hugged her close to him. 

He touched her face. "How do you feel?" he asked. "I'm okay," she replied. She looked at the building. 'At your place?" she asked. He nodded. "Is that okay?" he asked. She nodded. He smiled at her. He opened his car door and came around for her. He opened the door for her and she stepped out. He took her hand and kissed it. "Stay here," he told her. He went for her bags, and closed and locked the trunk. He threw the duffle bag over his shoulder, while he pulled the suitcase in one hand and held her hand in the other.

In the apartment he put on the kettle to make some tea for her. Lissa was laying on his bed. After five minutes, he dropped a 'green tea' tea bag in a mug, and carefully brewed the contents then threw away the bag. He had a lemon in the fridge. He washed it, cut it in half and squeezed a little of the juice into the mug. He added a teaspoon of sugar and brought it with a tea coaster in his hand. He placed the coaster on his night table and placed the hot mug on it.

He climbed into bed with her and touched her arm. She opened her eyes and smiled at him. She sat up slowly. "I brought you some tea," he told her. She reached out and hugged him. Ryan hugged her back. "Thank you for coming for me," she said. 

"You're welcome. I told you. I'm here when you need me," he replied. "You were very brave. You put yourself in harm's way for me. I was 50% confident that Sarge wouldn't shoot me, but I wasn't sure," he said chuckling,

Lissa sighed. "I've never seen him like that either," she said. "Ryan, is he .. is he dead?" she asked. 

He shook his head. "No. He lit the fire as a distraction, I guess. The fire personnel I talked to said there was no one in the house. They'll probably go back in to do a thorough sweep, but I don't think they'll find him." He reached out and rubbed her right thigh. He looked at her. "Your dad, your dad says your mom isn't feeling well."

Lissa nodded. "Yeah," she said sadly. "I'm sorry for everything that's happened. I have a lot of making up to do."

She took up the mug carefully and began sipping the tea. She nodded at him. "Good," she said. He smiled at her.

Just then, his cellphone rang and Ryan answered. It was Supe Dacres on the line. Ryan told him what he saw, and what the Fire Brigade personnel told him, but did not tell him that Lissa was with him. 

"I was locked in a meeting for two hours. We have a lead on who Mr Z is. I'm heading over to Shane's house now to take a look at it," Supe told him.

"Okay, sounds good," Ryan replied. He looked at Lissa and smiled affectionately at her. She continued to sip her tea, a smile on her face.

"Is Lissa okay?" Supe asked.

"Yes, she's home," Ryan told him.

"Okay, I'll allow for time off from your shift tonight because of all you've gone through. Report to work early tomorrow for debriefing," Supe Dacres said.

Ryan nodded. "Okay, thank you. Tomorrow then," he said feeling relieved. He was tired and didn't want to leave Lissa's side tonight. He ended the call and turned off his phone. He sat on the bed and touched Lissa's face. "Would you like to freshen up? I brought your clothes here." She was pleasantly surprised. "Okay," she said smiling. She placed the mug on the coaster. He pointed to her bags. She got up and went to her bags in the right corner of his room and removed underwear, a pajama set with soft cotton shorts not pants, soap, a soft rag and a towel. He led her to the bathroom and then closed the door for her. He wouldn't touch her tonight. He brought the mug and coaster into the kitchen and placed it in the sink. He went back to his bedroom and waited for her. 

***

After she came out of the shower, he went in. After five minutes, he was out and in the bedroom with a towel wrapped around his hips. Lissa looked at his chest and abdominal muscles. He's gorgeous, she thought to herself. Her eyes drifted further south but saw nothing. She smirked to herself. Maybe soon, she thought. He watched her examining his physique and was amused. He grinned at her, his eyes teasing her. "Close your eyes," he instructed. 

She smiled cheekily. "Do I have to?" she asked mischievously. He smiled at her then nodded. "Yes, you do," he said. Lissa turned her head and closed her eyes, a broad grin on her face. She heard a drawer being pulled out, the shifting around of clothes, then soft fabric brushing on skin. "Open them," he said. He sounded like he was very close to her. She opened her eyes. He was standing beside her. She jumped in surprise.

"You ninja!" she exclaimed. "I didn't hear you coming closer."

He chuckled and said, "It's one thing Jordan and I used to practice when we were younger: who can move swiftly and with as little noise as possible."

"Who won?" she asked feeling curious.

"He would, but I think I've improved over the years," He looked at her and was blown away by her almost ethereal beauty. She was wearing a pink pajamas set with shorts. It did a good job of showing off her legs. Her hair was up in a bun with a baby-pink colored silk scarf over it.

She looked at him. "You have," she said impressed at his build. He wasn't wearing a shirt, just a pair of shorts. He reached for her and she curled up into his embrace. He kissed her brow and squeezed her close to him. 

Lissa sighed happily. His skin was cool, smooth and comfy. His arms felt strong but his touch was gentle. He smelled so good. She was content in his arms. She looked at his broad chest and remembered her dream. It wasn't an exact replica of what she saw, but kind of close. She touched it and looked up at him. He smiled, winking at her. She laughed softly and took her hand away. There would be plenty of time to explore him. Right now she needed to relax and rest.

They watched television for a while. When he looked down at her, after two hours had passed, he saw that she was fast asleep. She looked beautiful. He gently kissed her brow, reached for the TV remote and turned off the 32" unit. He placed the remote on the night table. He reluctantly left her side and turned off the ceiling light. He switched on the lamp and dimmed it a little. He climbed into bed and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her down into the covers with him. A muffled groan escaped her lips, but she didn't wake up. He settled himself behind her, pulling her close to his chest, his right arm rested over her tummy. Feeling content, Ryan closed his eyes and fell asleep.

***

Shane followed them. He watched as Lissa walked with Ryan to the apartment building. He would let her go, at least for now. Right now, he needed to find Mr Z and eliminate him. He sat back on his motorcycle as he looked around the apartment complex's parking lot. It was dark. It was getting late. A man and a woman had exited their vehicle and were walking hand in hand towards the building. 

He looked at his watch. It was 9:30 p.m. He would go back to his small, sparse apartment and get some sleep. Tomorrow was another day, but this time the hunted would become the hunter.