Chapter 20: Reckless

 "I want you. Matter of fact, I need you. I want all of you. I'm so glad you decided to give us a chance ..."

In the morning, Dana opened her eyes, and looked at the space she expected Shane to be, but he wasn't there. She sat up, though feeling groggy, and looked around the room. 

She moved to scoot her butt to the edge of the bed when her hand touched something that felt like a thin piece of paper. She picked it up and looked at it. There were a few words scribbled on it that were definitely Shane's handwriting. She read the words carefully, her heart pounding. 

"Sweet baby, I'm so sorry I have to leave. Something's happened to my dad. My brother called. I would have told you, but didn't want to wake you. I'll call you. Please do me a favor. Pack your things and get ready by 9 o'clock. We may have to cut our visit to the villa short. I'm really sorry. I love you."

Dana's heart sank. She had plans for him today. She wanted to play some pool with him. Romp in the swimming pool with him and then maybe snuggle up and play video games on an online website. She lay back on the bed and sighed.

She hoped Shane's dad was okay. She never met his parents, but she did meet his twin and his wife. It was during a ceremony celebrating Sergeant Reynolds' and his cohorts' bravery during an incident in a volatile innercity community. Shane made sure to attend the ceremony of his best friend and Shaun having grown fond of Mark as well, made the effort to attend along with his wife.

Dana sighed and closed her eyes. She breathed a quiet prayer that all would be okay and it was something the doctors could rectify easily. She hoped it wasn't cancer.

***

Shane paced the waiting area of the University Hospital while he waited for the diagnosis. His brother had gone down the hall to the cafeteria to get something for the twins to eat for breakfast. Kerry would be driving in from Portmore after working at a private medical facility that weekend. It would be her first time as a resident there.

As for Belinda Crosby, Shane's mom, was sitting quietly on a chair waiting to hear what had happened to her husband. She had her own ideas of what transpired but didn't want to say anything. 

Shane leaned on a wall in the waiting area and closed his eyes. He was thinking about Dana. He wished he was still wrapped up in her warm, soft limbs. She was a beauty to behold. 

It was a good thing he could tell when his phone was ringing. He was able to snap out of his sleep and answer before it woke her up. But when he answered and heard what his brother said he felt like his heart was being ripped out. 

The doctor finally came and told them that David Crosby suffered a mild stroke. Belinda bowed her head and prayed thanking God that it wasn't more serious. Shane told the doctor thank you and asked the way forward. 

He told him that they had already begun treating elder Crosby and within a few days he should able to go home. He would however need the attentive care of a nurse until he fully recovered. Shane thanked the doctor again and waited for him to leave before he spoke to his mother. "Mommy, I need to make a phone call," he said. She nodded then said, "Okay."

Shane walked a few feet away from where his mom was sitting and hit redial. Dana was the last person he called and right now she was the first person he wanted to speak to. She answered quickly, sending sloppy kisses over the line to him. She said, "Baby, good morning. How is everything? How's your dad? You doing okay?"

Shane blew wet, sloppy kisses at her, though in a low tone, and said, "My sweet baby, you don't know how glad I am to hear your voice." He sighed. "The doctor said my dad had a mild stroke, but fortunately he'll be fine. 

"God knows I miss you. I miss your sweetness all over me. I wish I could be with you right now. Maybe even tasting your tempting honey-chocolate chip cookie, and feeling that sweet juice flowing down my chin into my beard."

Dana blushed. She was curious. "Di--did you really like it? I mean that I, you know ..." Dana giggled shyly. Shane wished she wasn't so shy, that she could be bolder, but he also found her bashfulness rather cute. He wanted to boost her confidence every chance he got.

"Yes sweet baby, yes, I enjoyed tasting your sweet nectar. I want to taste you again. I think I could get addicted," he told her. He briefly closed his eyes and thought about her on her back, her legs open for him. He bit his bottom lip and almost groaned. 

He turned around to see his mom leaning back on the wall behind the chair she was sitting on, her eyes closed. He walked further away from her, hoping that she wouldn't be able to hear him, though he was sort of whispering.

"When I get back I'm going to bend you over and finger you until your wet and ready for me, then I'm going to rub my dick on that sweet, wetness of yours, just to tease you, and after I'm going to plunge my tongue inside you, and lick you mercilessly until you squirt really hard for me."

He heard Dana moan and tell him to hurry and come back. He chuckled. "Already on my way sweet baby," he said. "Never mind packing your clothes. We're going to stay until tomorrow morning."

"Okay baby," Dana said excitedly. He blew her a kiss then hung up.

He went over to his mom, bent forward and gave her a brief hug. He told her he had to leave, but he would check in to find out how his dad was doing. Belinda looked at him. "Who was it on the phone?" she asked.

Shane smiled faintly. "Someone you should meet very soon," he said.

"Someone besides Melissa?" she asked surprised.

He nodded. "I'll explain later. Right now though I got to go."

"But--" Before she could say anything further, Shane kissed her cheek, straightened up; squeezed her arm, and walked briskly down the foyer. 

He met his brother and nephews walking towards him. "You leaving?" Shaun asked.

Shane nodded. "Unfinished business," he said.

"Who is she?" Shaun asked. 

"Possibly my future wife," Shane answered with a little chuckle. "You know you scare me when you do that."

Shaun smiled. "I'm sorry it's a habit," he said. "Considering what's going on with you and Lissa, you kind of jumped the gun. Are you sure? This last time hasn't gone so well. Have heard from Lissa?" Shaun asked.

 

Shane looked at his nephews. They had paper bags filled with sandwiches and other snacks. He rubbed Noah's head. "Noah and Nate can you go check on grandma? She's still in the waiting area."

Noah looked up at his uncle then his dad. Shaun nodded at him. Holding on to the sleeve of Nathan, he pulled his little brother forward. "Come Nate let's go cheer up grandma," he said.

Nathan shrugged his shoulders. "Okay," he said.

Shane and Shaun watched as the two boys ran up the hall. "Don't run!" Shaun called after them. They stopped running and walked briskly instead. 

When he was confident his sons were out of eavesdropping distance, Shaun turned to his brother. "What's going on with you?" he asked.

"I'm in love," Shane answered without hesitation.

Shaun looked at him. "Huh ... Is that true?" he asked. "It's not Lissa?" Shane shook his head indicating 'no'. 

"Who is she?" Shaun asked, studying his brother's body language. 

"It's Dana. Constable Campbell," Shane said.

Shaun's eyebrows flew up. "I always thought that young lady carried a bright torch for you," he replied. 

"Really?" Shane asked. He never noticed. 

Shaun nodded. "It was obvious to me and Kerry. You were the clueless one."

Shane observed his brother's behavior. He wasn't lying to him. But Shaun never tried lying to him anyway. Shane was at a loss for words. "I didn't notice," he said. He really needed to make it up to her. How could he have been so obtuse?

Shaun nodded. "Yeah, we could tell. She seemed to hang on your every word and would just stare at you. We could tell," he answered. 

Shane moved to go towards his car. Shaun walked with him. As they came around to the part of the parking lot where his vehicle was parked, Shaun whistled while Shane disarmed the vehicle and slipped inside.

"Yow! Fine piece a vehicle mi bro!" Shaun exclaimed. 

Shane chuckled. Both of them got their love of cars from their dad. He hoped his dad would make a speedy recovery. "Yup," he answered. "Finally got the insurance payment so I decided to upgrade."

Shaun continued to admire Shane's new SUV and whistled again. "Good choice on the color by the way," he told his brother.

Shane nodded. "Yeah, the moment I saw it I was in love," he replied.

"Speaking of love," Shaun said sobering up. "What's happening with you and Lissa?"

"She slept with a colleague of mine," Shane said simply.

Shaun's countenance darkened. "Who do we need to beat up?" he asked half joking, half serious. 

"A work colleague. Remember that guy who you saw at the Dixons' house. He was her body guard for a while, Corporal Stewart---that guy."

"That guy?!" Shaun's mouth flew open.

Shane nodded. "Mhm," he answered. "Plus she told me to my face that she no longer wants a romantic relationship with me."

"So you're rebounding on Constable Campbell?" Shaun asked. His face had a frown.

Shane shook his head. "You know me better than that," he replied. "Remember that bond I told you Lissa and I shared?" 

Shaun nodded.

"Well when she was doing the nasty I had a really bad feeling in my chest almost like I was having a heart attack. The pressure in my chest was so intense I fainted."

Shaun's eyes were wide with shock. Shane saw the look on his face and reached out and squeezed his brother's shoulder. 

"I'm good now," Shane said trying to reassure him, but he could see that Shaun's countenance was dark. 

"Anyhoo, when I was having what I would call a panic attack, Dana came to see me. She was at the door. Although, when I heard the knock at the door initially I didn't know it was her."

Shaun nodded his understanding.

Shane continued: "Yeah, so I managed to open the door for her just before I collapsed on the floor. When I woke up I was on my bed. She even made me chicken broth. She and I spoke and she told me how she felt about me. 

"At first, I was going to let her down easy, but after seeing how concerned she was about me, I questioned her some more and realized that she really did care for me." Shane leaned his head on the car seat's headrest. 

"Shaun, she said she liked me since she first met me. That's ... hmm ... maybe close to three years now. We kissed and I realized that I do find her attractive. You could say her kind heart has won me over. Now I think she's the real one for me, not Lissa."

Shaun nodded. "You know it's not a good idea to jump from one relationship to another before your heart heals," he admonished his brother.

Shane chuckled softly. "That may be true, but Dana has healed my heart," he told him.

Shaun crossed his arms over his chest. "And how has she done that?" he asked skeptically.

"By her kind, soft ways; her just being there for me, and now being my lover. Shaun, she's gorgeous," Shane answered. He had a whimsical smile on his lips.

"Let me guess you guys slept together?" Shaun asked. His face was serious.

"Yes and no," Shane said.

"What do you mean?" his brother asked.

"We've done oral, but nothing more, not yet," he confessed.

"What are you feeling for her?" Shaun asked, studying his brother's face carefully. 

"I told her I love her," Shane answered.

"Jesus Chri--! Shane!" Shaun was livid. "How long have you started this romantic relationship?"

Shane sobered, his shoulders straight. "A few days, but it feels like a decade," he responded.

"Shane, she's a work colleague so naturally there will be some feeling of affection there, but romantic love? Come on!" Shaun said upset.

"You can't love that girl so quickly, especially since you just got your pride crushed. You're using her to soothe your wounds."

Shane shook his head. "I genuinely find her attractive. She is beau---"

"I don't doubt she is," Shaun interrupted his brother. "But it's too soon to call what you're feeling love. You're probably flattered and enamored by her because she's young and beautiful, and dotes on you, but there's Lissa who you said was the one you truly loved."

Shane was getting annoyed. He tried to stay calm, but his shoulders were rigid. "Yes, I said that about Lissa. Yes, I love her. I still love her. But what do you want me to do---sit around and mope? Be depressed and howl at the moon?" Shane's deep voice had lifted a semitone. 

"I loved Lissa, and she went and slept with another man because she couldn't wait for me! Dana has always been there. This girl has wanted me for over two years. She watched me pursue Lissa all that time, and kept quiet, respecting what I wanted, but still being a friend to me: a solid, unwavering presence in my life." 

His eyes narrowed as he looked at his brother. "You are my twin, but you don't know how this girl makes me feel. I am not going to throw away the loyalty she's shown me, not for Lissa, and not for you." He turned the key in the ignition of his vehicle. The engine purred powerfully to life.

Shaun stepped back. He watched his brother slowly back away from the parking space. "You're being reckless!" Shaun yelled, feeling frustrated. "Be careful you don't hurt this girl. If she's a good girl like you say she is, you will regret hurting her. I know you," he said angrily.

"I would rather die than hurt her," Shane said, his voice low and surly. "I'm going to introduce her to mom and dad soon, and I hope you will support me with this. I remember there was a time when your pursuit of Kerry was considered reckless by our parents, but especially by her mother. Please let me know if anything changes where dad is concerned." 

Shaun hated to fight with his brother. He hadn't had a disagreement with him in a long time. He felt sad about the last bit that Shane said. It was true. Their parents weren't fond of Kerry initially. They had someone else in mind. And her mother for some odd reason didn't like him. But they decided to date anyway. Shane was always there during that time as his confidant and advocate. 

He watched as his brother drove away. He observed that Shane's dark eyes had blackened even further in anger. He sighed. 

Walking back to the hospital entrance, he checked his watch. It was 10:00 a.m. He would wait till the evening to call him and apologize. Right now, he too was angry and needed to cool off. They both needed time to cool down.

***

Ahh! Shane! Oh my ... Ohh! Baby! I love you! Ohh! Yeah! Yeaaa! Ahhh!"

Shane grunted his pleasure upon seeing Dana's body go limp and trembling. He tasted her with such a fervor that she screamed and wreathed under his masterful lovemaking. 

Somehow, he managed not to penetrate her. But he knew sooner or much sooner, he would give in to the urge to become one with her. He climbed on the bed and lay beside her. He assumed the position of being on his knees again. He had to admit that kneeling before her did something to him he couldn't quite explain. All he knew was that he liked it. She was still breathing heavily. 

He cupped her face and turned her to look at him. "Did you enjoy it?" he asked, his eyes taking in every movement of her countenance. 

Dana had a slightly dazed look on her face. Her eyes were a little unfocused. She sighed happily. "Look at me," she said a little out of breath. "I can barely lift my legs. I am drained. Taking me two times, I never knew I could experience that twice."

Shane chuckled. He enjoyed the first time seeing her climax, but being able to rebuild the 'heat' between her thighs just a few minutes after, and then seeing her wreath and moan---meaning it was more intense for her, was an ego boost for him. He was in a good mood. 

She turned her body fully towards him. "Do you want me to do it back to you?" she asked. He looked at her. Her beautiful, oval shaped eyes were filled with love. He leaned towards her and kissed her brow. "Maybe later, you're tired, you need to sleep," he told her.

She chuckled. "No, no sir," she said, "you're not getting away from me so easily." She reached for his crotch and squeezed gently. 

"My turn to make your toes curl," she quipped. She got up and straddled him. Shane placed his hands at her hips. "Really now?" he replied. His eyes, holding that interesting glint she saw the night before, were mesmerizing. 

She laughed softly. "I'm gonna drain you," she teased. Slowly, she bent down to kiss his lips. Shane closed his eyes and tenderly kissed her. She bit his bottom lip. His eyes flew open as he felt the playful but sharp nip. Pleasure shot through him. His body shuddered. Gripping her waist, he tried to lift himself to kiss her, but Dana pushed him back on the bed. She kissed him passionately. 

With a soft chuckle, she helped him remove the soft cotton undershirt he was wearing. He had taken off his t-shirt and pants before they started, not wanting them to be drenched with her juices. Dana kissed his lips and eyelids, humming the tune of the song they danced to the night before. 

She moved down, kissing on his neck and chest. "Mmh, delicious," she said in a seductive tone. She kissed him, pulling slowly on his nipples. He gripped her waist and groaned. She rubbed her hands all over his chest and shoulders. She moved to sit on his legs and tenderly smoothed her palms over his ripped abdominal muscles. She was basking in the masculine strength she felt under her. 

His body was warm, almost hot. It felt extremely pleasurable between the soft, sensitive skin of her inner thighs. She wanted to bounce on him, to beg him to take her and make her his woman completely, but she pursed her lips.

Shane felt his passion rising for her. He tried to snake his hands around to her bottom to cup her, but she splayed his arms wide on the bed and grinned seductively at him. Bending forward again, she led with her tongue, plunging it deep in his mouth, teasing him to the point he was maddened with desire. 

He gripped her hips and grunted. "Mmh, Dana," he groaned. His breathing was coming out in spurts, his chest rising and falling faster.

Lifting her head briefly, she looked at him cheekily. "Mmh, I'm gonna make you howl," she said. She bent her head again and flicked her tongue on his hardened nipples.

And that was exactly what she made him do.

***

Gently rubbing his fingers along her right arm, Shane held her close. His eyes were closed. "At what age did you see yourself getting married?" He had fallen asleep. When he woke up, she had showered and was sitting on the bed watching him. 

She did drain him. He couldn't believe it! He fell asleep quickly---sprawled out naked. When he woke up, he realized she was watching him, devouring every detail of his body. He smiled at her, got up and went to the bathroom to relieve himself, then took a shower.

Now as they lay together, arms intertwined, he was settled in his mind. He wanted her for himself. No one else could satisfy him the way she did---no one else could have her. 

Dana looked up at him. Her eyes had been closed, but she wasn't sleeping. She stretched lazily, feeling as cosy as a cat on a cushy bed. 

Turning to him, she pressed her face into the soft fabric of his shirt. The pleasant smell of soap and his own interesting body odour were very comforting. She could feel the heat radiating off his body. She was content. "This age actually, at 26," she giggled a little. "I thought I would be married by now." She placed her hand on his chest where she felt his heart beating.

Shane bent his head and kissed her brow. "I want you. Matter of fact, I need you. I want all of you. I'm so glad you decided to give us a chance. Imagine me missing out on all of this," he said. Reaching down he gently slapped her curvy bottom. 

She was wearing a t-shirt and panties, but no bra. He cupped her buttocks, rubbing and squeezing her. He saw Dana's eyes roll back and her breath quicken. "I'm gonna take you very soon. I want to wait, but you're driving me crazy," he told her. He squeezed her body close to him. "I want to marry you. I know we're kind of rushing things, but I need you."

"Shane, baby, at this point I'm addicted. I'm yours whenever you want it," she replied. He cupped her face. She opened her eyes.

"Your sweetness has me weak. I'm barely holding on to control. I'm dying to be inside you," he said with a low growl.

He sat up and walked towards the mirror in the bedroom. They were still in her room. Dana sat up and looked at his broad back. She watched as he looked at himself in the mirror then turned to her. 

"Dana Elizabeth Campbell, I'm going to marry you very soon," he declared. She smiled at him, her heart beating rapidly. She scooted to the edge of the bed, stood up and went to him. 

She leaned into him, circling her arms around his waist. She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "I will be honored to be your wife," she said. She lifted her head and looked at him, her eyes wide open. "I'm yours."

Shane wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her close. He was very happy. He bent his head and tenderly kissed her lips. Rubbing her back, he said, "It's past breakfast time, but maybe we can get something at the restaurant."

She smiled up at him and nodded. "Okay," she replied, "Sounds like a plan. I love you."

"I love you too," he answered. He slapped her butt. "Get dressed," he said, his eyes taking all of her in. He observed her perky breasts, the nipples proudly pushing against the soft, cotton blouse she was wearing. He lustfully noted the firm, round curves of each breast and sucked on his bottom lip. He was tempted to tease them again.

Her waist to hip ratio was perfect, and her beautiful, shapely legs were like the well crafted columns of an architectural masterpiece. "You are beautiful," he told her. She smiled broadly at him. He picked up his clothes strewn messily on the floor and got dressed. He would change into something clean in his room.

He flung his left arm over her shoulder and walked with her to the corner of the room where her duffle bag was sitting on the floor. 

"Be ready in ten minutes," he said. 

Dana nodded then said, "Okay." 

He kissed her forehead, playfully slapped her butt, then left the room to get ready. 

***

While they ate, he decided to tell her about Marcus' potential discovery of who Mr Z is:

"Lissa's dad may have crossed paths with Mr Z. He called the morning you came by, you know, the day I fainted," Dana nodded, "and told me he met a man with a gold ring. It had a large purple stone set in the middle. The letter Z was on both sides of the ring. The band was also thick with a design like squiggly lines tapering into the rim of it."

Dana's eyebrows were raised as she listened. "Did he say what the lines looked like?" she asked. Shane shook his head, "No, he said he tried to focus on them to see what they were but because of the angle he saw them couldn't get a clear view," he answered. Dana bit into her tortilla with ground beef. She watched as Shane ate his chicken breast sandwich. She loved watching whatever he did. He was so handsome.

They were fortunate to get something from the restaurant. The proprietor, who was not the owner of the villa, was the one cooking that morning. He didn't allow his staff to work on Sundays. 

He told Shane and Dana that he would usually be done serving food by 11:00 a.m. on a Sunday, then he'd close up and go home. But for some reason he felt like sticking around a little bit. Both Shane and Dana thanked him for his generosity in turning on his stove and preparing food for them. Shane paid and decided to tip him 15% of the cost of their meals. 

While they sat there Dana felt the urge to use the restroom. She kissed his cheek and walked towards the villa's back door. The restaurant owner came up to Shane. "Food was good?" he asked Shane smiling. 

Shane nodded and smiled back at him. "Thank you for being so accommodating," he said. 

The man smiled, "And thank you for the tip. That was very generous of you." 

Shane nodded then said, "For good service I have no problem paying." The man grinned at him. 

The man looked towards the villa. "You know, my wife and I have been married for thirty-one (31) years. She's like a part of me in the true sense of two becoming one. Oh ... forgive me," he said. He lifted the palm of his hands up facing Shane. "I mean no disrespect and don't want to pry, but I couldn't help noticing how in sync you and the young lady are---in movement and body language."

Shane turned his body fully towards the restaurant owner and smiled. "I'm crazy about her," he confessed. 

The man moved towards Shane's table and sat down. "She is your wife?" he asked. "I am Richard by the way." He extended his hand to Shane who shook it. 

Nodding, "Shane," Shane told him smiling. He gestured his head slightly towards the villa. "No, not yet," he confessed, "very soon though. I'm actually a---well I was a police officer. I recently retired. She's my Constable. I'm her Sergeant." 

Richard nodded. "I see. I am married, but she is a gorgeous woman," he said eyeing Shane sideways for his reaction. 

Shane chuckled. He looked at Richard then said, "Yes, she is beautiful. I never thought we would end up in a relationship because of our jobs, but she showed me something I never experienced before."

"What's that?" Richard asked feeling curious.

"Undiluted love from a woman that's not my mom, and even my mom can be a bit judgmental, but this girl, she makes me feel like I can conquer the world if I wanted to."

Richard nodded his understanding. "That's how my wife, Cheryl, makes me feel. She actually inspired me to start this restaurant," he disclosed. "And we have two more branches elsewhere." 

Shane's eyebrows shot up. "Well I've enjoyed the food and I'm sure Dana will agree with me," he said.

"Dana?" Richard asked.

"Mhm," Shane answered, nodding. 

"I have a granddaughter by the name of Dana," he said smiling broadly. "She's seven years old, but she acts like she's forty, but in a smart kind of way."

Shane nodded and smiled. He wondered if Dana was feeling okay. Why is she not back yet? he wondered. 

"She's a beautiful girl," Richard noted. "By any chance do you know what the name Dana means?" he asked smiling at Shane.

Though distracted by his concern for Dana, Shane smiled politely at Richard and shook his head. "No," he replied.

Richard smiled leaning towards the younger man. "Her name means 'wise'. In Arabic the name means 'pearl', but in Hebrew it means 'God is my judge'," he said. 

Shane nodded. To him, Dana was all those things and more. She was his beautiful, hidden pearl. She was a wise; virtuous woman. And she was becoming the steady anchor and comfort he could lean on.

Richard sobered, his smile melting away. "I don't know you, but I feel led to say these things to you. Do you believe in God young man?" he asked.

Shane felt the hairs on the back of his neck and arms stand up. He nodded, feeling a little unnerved by the strange turn in the conversation. "I'm a Christian," he answered. 

Richard nodded. "I sensed it. I'm going to say something to you that you may think is strange, but it's for your own good, and hers as well."

Shane felt his heart pounding. "She loves you, but you made a bond with another woman that was recently broken," Richard said. "Do not penetrate her until after you marry her." Shane looked at Richard as if he had seen a ghost. 

Shane stood up. "What are you talking about?" he asked. He felt scared but also indignant. How did this stranger know so much? "Who are you?!" Shane demanded.

"A believer in Christ just like you, but with a different calling," Richard told him. "Please sit down. I mean no disrespect. Just hear me out."

Shane eyed him suspiciously but sat down. "Spiritual bonds are serious things, especially those that occur between a man and a woman," Richard said, smiling faintly at him. 

"When the Bible says two become one it is not just talking about the wedding ceremony, or of both lives combining together. To an extent, it is a biological melding, as in the sharing of DNA between two people, but it is also a deeply spiritual experience. You formed a bond with another that has been broken but the essence of it still remains between you two. 

"However, if you marry Dana, God will honor this new relationship. He will bless and help you solidify a new bond with this young woman, a better and holier one. You will be able to break the old bond completely. 

"But you must wait until after you marry Dana to have sex with her. If not, God will not be pleased, the relationship will not work, and this young woman will become bitter. And you, you will never be the same. If you have been touching her intimately I implore you to stop before you go further, and you both live to regret it."

Richard stood up. He turned towards the restaurant. "If you love her you will wait, for her sake and yours," he warned. "Also, you and her made plans for a particular mission. She loves you enough to risk her life for you, but if you allow her to go through with it she will die." 

He walked away from Shane. On his way back to the restaurant's entrance, Richard gathered Shane and Dana's empty plates and glasses. He stepped into the restaurant and closed its door behind him. 

Shane heard the clanging sound of pots and pans being moved around, and water running. Richard was cleaning up to leave. He closed the window blinds, and began packing up his things.

Shane's heart was pounding. His felt this bone chilling fear rise up within him. He got up and went to look for Dana. He searched her room, but she wasn't there. He was more worried now. He swiped his room key and opened the door, but of course she wasn't there. He felt fear strike deep in his heart. Then, he had a thought, he would check the garden. 

He walked around to the back door of the villa and opened it. Walking passed the restaurant to the side where the swimming pool was, he walked passed the pool to the secluded garden area and called out her name. She answered him faintly, her voice sounded strange. 

He jogged to where he thought he heard her answer. He saw her sitting on a smooth rock near some hibiscus plants. He came and stood before her. He stooped down and stared at her. He was anxious. "Baby, what's wrong?" he asked. He touched her face. "I'm in a lot of pain," she told him. 

"What?" he asked confused.

"My period's come but something is wrong, It's never hurt like this!" she said sounding distressed. He held on to her hands to pull her to her feet. 

But she resisted saying, "No! I'm bleeding really hard. It's running down my leg." He saw fear etched on her features. He lifted her in his arms to bring her to his room. "Your shirt---your clothes," she said protesting. 

"Doesn't matter," he said. "You are more important to me." 

***

She was laying on his towel while he rushed on the road to buy the brand of sanitary pads she said she used. Instead of the regular type, she told him to buy the kind for heavy flow. Fortunately, he was able to get a pad for Dana in the meantime, after explaining the situation to one of the female staff. 

He brought her duffle bag to his room, so she could shower, change her clothes and put on the sanitary napkin. He kissed her lips, rubbed her back and told her loved her. Then he quickly gathered his car keys and left to buy the necessary item.

When he came back she was sleeping. He lay beside her and watched her for a little while. His thoughts were racing. He observed every beautiful line and curve of her face and knew he was falling in love with her. 

She stirred, as if startled awake and sat up, her eyes wide. She looked down at him and threw herself at him. Her breathing was ragged, heart beating fast. He held her close. "What is it?" he asked feeling fearful. 

"Bad dream," she said in a soft voice. He squeezed her close and sighed. 

He stroked her hair. "I'm here sweet baby. I'm here. I won't leave you," he said, while comforting her

"You promise me?" she asked, her bottom lip shaking. 

He nodded. "I promise. Have the pain killers worn off?" he asked. Luckily, he had a packet in his duffle bag, but he bought more for her. He made sure to give her the ones he had with a bottle of water he purchased from the villa's concessionaire stand. She sighed and hugged him tightly. "No pain now," she said, "just drowsy."

"Okay sweet baby, the pills will do that to you."

"I've never had a painful period in my life," she told him. 

He brushed her hair away from her eyes. "You're getting older baby, anything can happen." He leaned forward and kissed her brow. "You will be okay. Okay?"

She nodded. "Thank you for taking care of me," she replied.

"You're most welcome baby. Actually, that is my job now, to take care of you and make sure you are okay," he told her, smiling. But he was sad and Richard's words kept ringing in his head. He sat up. "I'll be right back," he told her. He needed to confront him. She nodded and closed her eyes.

He went to the restaurant and saw that Richard was still there. He approached him angrily. "What did you do to her?" Shane asked angrily.

"What are you talking about?" Richard asked him puzzled.

"You said what you said to me today and she suddenly falls ill. What kind of witchcraft is this?" Shane asked coming up to him menacingly.

Richard shook his head. "I did nothing to her, but you may have sexually. Have you guys had sex?" he asked.

"That's none of your business, but no we haven't," Shane answered hotly. 

Richard nodded. "Then she will be just fine. What's wrong with her?" he asked.

Shane ran his fingers over his beard in frustration. "Her period came but she says it's more painful than normal," he said.

"Have you touched her otherwise?"

"What the hell is this?" Shane exploded.

"You came to me friend," Richard answered quietly.

"Yes! After you said what you said!" Shane said angrily, his voice rising.

"I only said what I believe the Lord wanted me to say," Richard replied calmly

Shane tried to calm himself down, breathing deeply through his mouth. "I may have touched her otherwise, yes," he admitted, feeling uncomfortable.

Richard smiled kindly at him. "You have nothing to worry about. It's probably a physiological change as her body gets used to you." 

"And how do you know this?" Shane asked, his eyes guarded. 

"Because I was young once, and I wasn't always a good, behaving believer in Christ. I did things with my wife before we got married. The first time we made love her period came that same evening. It wasn't supposed to come that day," Richard said, chuckling as he remembered. 

Observing Shane carefully, he came closer to the younger man. "She will be fine Shane, but do something you may have neglected to do in a while," Richard instructed.

"What's that?" Shane asked. His heart was hurting. He hoped he wasn't the cause of Dana's discomfort.

"Pray," Richard said simply. 

'I pray all the time," Shane answered feeling indignant.

"Well, have a serious heart to heart with your Father, with a contrite heart and mind. I know you understand what I mean," Richard adjusted the heavy bag on his shoulder as he spoke to him.

Shane stared at him, his heart rate rising even further.

"Pray that she will feel better. Also, pray to recommit yourself to Him and ask Him to help both of you to trust Him---to wait until after you're married to have sex." Richard smiled at him reassuringly. "All will be well my young friend, you'll see. God loves you and Dana. Everything will be alright if you both turn to Him. 

"As for the other woman, do not worry about her. God has his own plans for her. Focus on Him, and He will give you the wisdom you need." Richard hoisted his bag over his shoulder. "I wish you the very best," he said smiling. He walked away from Shane to around the side of the property where cars were parked. 

Shane heard the engine of a car start and drive out of the villa. He sighed and walked back to the villa's back entrance, back to his room. He was feeling confused. His heart was heavy.

He was sorry for everything: for not being there for Lissa; for the turmoil his actions in the past had brought into her and her family's lives, and all the crazy stuff that happened in between. Like he told Lissa, he was done with running.

He wanted to be with Dana. He wanted to wait like he promised her. He felt a tugging on his heart. He wanted to do the right thing. It was time he prioritized his relationship with the Lord.

"Lord, I'm sorry," he said. His voice was a shaky whisper.

More than ever he needed answers. He needed clarity. He went down on his knees by the bed. He looked up at Dana and saw that she was sleeping peacefully. His vision blurred as he looked at the bed sheets. Tears fell from his eyes down to his cheeks. He bowed his head and prayed.

<-- Chapter 19