“Please, let me explain. I would never offer you an insult but I’m afraid I cannot indulge in any...uh...carnal delights. Regardless of your charm....”“I suppose I can understand.” A sly smile spread over Astra’s face as a cunning plan occurred to her. “Maybe there’s something else I can do for you…”Casshern’s eyes went wide and he raised his hands defensively, “No, please! There’s no nee-”“Protection.” Astra interrupted. “This Edleghard was an escort? A bodyguard?”“Oh, yes. How did you know?”. Brenda was becoming quitea vain young woman.Mario arrived and escorted Brenda to a waiting cab. Brenda noticed thatAnnie hadn't looked out her door when she and Mario past by. She wouldhave to check up on her friend, come to think of it she hadn't seenAnnie for several days and that wasn't like Annie."Where are we going for dinner?" Brenda asked."Do you like Chinese?" Yes, I love it." Good, we're going to Chinatown for some really good food."The cab drove the couple to Chinatown and dropped. They decided to simply leave their house as is, turn down the heat and have Simone check on it periodically, which she was more than happy to do. They didn't know how long they would be overseas, but they found it comforting that when they came home for visits, such as on holidays, their house would be waiting for them.Waiting-out the month before they left put Simone in something of a funk. Her joy over Kevin coming to live with her turned into a torturous waiting game as her parents wanted to. "Damn, Vega." J-J-Jade." I could have punched myself for stuttering."What?" she asked, slightly softer than her current actions.I couldn't speak after that. Her hand moved faster until I screamed, hitting a brick wall and shaking for what seemed like minutes until my vision came back. Jade wiped her hand on the sheets and kissed me before pulling me to her. My head was on her chest, and her arm was around my waist."I love you," I blurted out.Her hand froze on my lower back. "Don't," she said..