Lissa's Lover

 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.  The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:16-17 NIV)   Shane parked his car in front of the Dixons' house and took a deep breath. He looked down the road and then at the house. He saw that a few of the bullet holes were already patched, and was grateful that Corporal Stewart was doing such a great job.  The insurance finally came in and he was relieved. He decided to upgrade to a plum colored SUV, something sleek looking. The glass was slightly tinted. It was a four seater vehicle that was spacious with nice, comfy seats.  He was told by the sales rep that the engine was very fuel efficient, which he was glad to hear. He also told him that the vehicle's RPM was between 1500 - 2000. Shane smiled and told him he didn't believe him. He was allowed to take it for a ride and...

"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...

"You're safe. I got you. I won't let anyone hurt you."  "You're safe. I got you. I won't let anyone hurt you."  Lissa looked into his eyes. Could she believe him? It seemed like all the men in her life, except her dad and Branno, were the same. She was tired of having her trust betrayed; tired of having her heart trampled. Could she trust him? He touched her face then leaned forward and hugged her. His arms around her shoulders made her feel secure. "Thank you," she said. She was grateful he showed up when he did. If he hadn't ... No, she didn't want to think like that. He released her from his embrace and looked at her. "I told you, I'm here if you need me." She felt a little perplexed. Was he following her the whole time? He was very brave. "Surely you being here when I need you has limits, you have your own life and ..." She paused trying to calm the stormy thoughts inside her head. She was very attracted ...

"We have been friends for nearly forty years. Almost forty long years, good and bad times. I have always been loyal to you. I have covered your tracks and your ass a million times, as you have done mine. But it seems my loyalty almost cost me my zuhūr na'imah (زهور ناعمة - delicate flower). I am your friend but I will choose my family every time."  Zuzu felt weirdly dazed with Branno laying on top of her. She looked up at his face. She saw fear but also something else. She wasn't sure if it was anger or determination or both. Glass shards fell around them. He flinched when they hit him but he didn't move away from her. He held her close to him. She wrestled a little to get her arm out of the sheet wrapped firmly around her.

"There's a traditional saying from my mom's Arabic roots. It's this: a lḥubbu dawāʼu al-qulūb, which in English says 'love is the medicine of hearts'. This means that love is like medicine. It can heal emotional scars; a broken heart. It can soothe any deep spiri tual pain, and bring hope and joy. I want to be that for you Branno, if you will let me." "Mhm… Brandon, aahh, right there! Right there! Mmh ... feels good! Ahh! Deeper! More, give me more! Mmh!" "Right here?" "Mhm, yes. Harder! Branno aah! Oh god please! Deep, go deep! Mmh! Ohh you're so good! Mmh. Haa! You feel so good." "Where else do you want me to massage?" Brandon asked. His hands rested on his best friend's naked back. He swallowed hard. He knew he was slightly turned on by the sounds she was making. He couldn't take her seriously however, she was the true definition of a tease.  They were in her room. She was laying on her tummy and he wa...

 "I am here to see if you are okay," she paused, "but I'm also here because I want you to do something for me." "Anything," he said looking at the love of his life's mother.  "I want you to stop seeing my daughter, please," she said, her eyes boring into him.    Note: Jamaican patois is used heavily in this chapter. Please see translation in brackets beside the characters' dialogue. Shane moved stealthily through the sugarcane. He saw his colleagues move quickly ahead, chasing after one of the perpetrators. There were seventeen officers on the ground in total, but Shane also knew that numbers did not always guarantee individual safety as a police officer.  He looked around him, his eyes carefully scanning the rows of cane plants. He had his gun ready. He chose to breathe in calmly through his nose and breathe out through his mouth. This was to help him keep his heart rate steady and his anxiety as minimal as possible.  As he moved for...