Promotion of Brandon McKenzie: The Protector

      Brandon McKenzie was a undercover agent.  He had been on a mission for years on finding out what had happened to those who lived there on the island.  His brother seemed to think it was his duty to safe guard a woman who had come upon the island by mistake.  He did not want to take the job.  But he knew after taking one look at her that she was going to help him somehow in finding out where all those missing people where being kept.  She was special in some way he just couldn't put his finger on it.  And she sure was a gorgeous woman too at that.  Years ago after his first wife and unborn child had passed away he vowed never to get close to another woman again.  As he spent more time with this beautiful woman who had come to the island for a reason other than to be with a lowly man as him self, he found it hard to keep that vow.  Was it possible to have a second chance to love and to be with someone special for life or was it just something that was going to be taken away from him all over again?

                     Chapter One

          Sylvia Johnson shivered as she looked around her and realized she was not on the island she had wanted to be on.  A chill ran down her spine as she looked about seeing only a barren field.  There were no people or animals running about as she thought there would have been.  Sylvia had been walking for some time and she had not ran into another person or any existing thing.  What was going on here? She wondered.  Surely someone lived on this island.  It could not be further than an island or two away from where she had wanted to go, right? she questioned herself.  Sylvia realized another storm was heading her way and knew she was going to have too find some shelter to stay in.  But where in the heck was everybody at?  No homes, no buildings of any type had she past since she had started her journey in finding out where she was and where her parents and friends had disappeared too.  Something was wrong. When Sylvia could not continue her journey any longer she fell to the ground unconscious from exhaustion.

            As Sylvia lay there, the storm hit hard.  Blowing debris around the barren field.  It caused ponds to form where at once there was only dry land.  In the distance trees snapped and broke.  The wind howled like wolves hunting for food.
 Hours later, after the storm had past as Sylvia laid there a man came upon her.  Chris McKenzie had been checking the out come of the storm when he had come upon a young woman lying in his corn field.  His three children were with him as he spotted her laying there, trying to keep warm. 
  Instantly, he knew she was not from there and that she was an enemy to those who lived on that island.  And yet at the same time he had this deep feeling that he was suppose to help her in some way.  Than an idea came to him.  He would bring her home but just long enough to get her cleaned up and warmed up and in the some clean clothes.  Than he would take her to his younger brother's home and leave a message for him.  His brother would know what to do with her. 
 Brandon McKenzie looked at the clock on his desk for the hundredth time that day.  He could not get out of his office fast enough it seemed.  The day dragged on.
 Tap, tap , tap was the only sound he heard as he tapped his pen on his desk.  His older brother Chris sure had dropped a big surprise on him yesterday when he had gotten home. Brandon had found a woman and a note from his brother in his bedroom and laying in his bed. 
 Of course the first thing he had planned on doing after reading the note was going over to his brother's home and beaten the living day lights out of him.   For him to even be thinking that he would even help an enemy out in the first place, weather or not she was a woman.  Now though Brandon was starting to have second thoughts about the situation and was considering on helping the woman out; that is once she woke up.  She seemed to be in a very deep sleep.  Brandon had taken note on how beautiful the woman was and how unusual her clothes were compared to the clothes the women wore on the island. 
           Chris had told him that she was more than likely from the mainland.  To those on the island mainlanders were enemies and were not suppose to be liked or welcomed on the island by anyone living there.  If they were they would be killed and tortured with the mainlander.  However, Brandon already knew this for he was in a special field of work.  He was also from the mainland- the United States.  He had come here easily enough because he had his brother and his family to invite him to live there as long as he did not have any connections of any kind off the island or communication with anyone.
 He did have ways around that and in fact had a secret hide out for the past eight years on a boat off the Atlantic coast line.  He would swim there once maybe twice a week to get updates on how the government and the people in general were doing.  
             He had not even told his brother about it because of his safety and his family's.  Since the research he'd begun had taken all his time up for the past three years he had not really paid much attention to the women on the island.  He was occupied with the findings he had made recently he could hardly even sleep at night not alone go out on dates.  Finally, as he looked at the clock and realized it was time to go home he packed  a few belongings and headed out of his office.
                                                           
          Once he arrived at his home he went straight to his bedroom and checked on the woman to see if she had awakened yet.  She had not but she seemed to be slowly coming around tossing and turning restlessly. Looking down at the young woman made Brandon feel things he had not felt in several long years.  Sweeping a lock of blonde hair away from his face he went into the bathroom and got a cup of water.  Watching Sylvia from the doorway he saw her turn onto her other side again.  Thinking he could awaken her he set the paper cup down and went to her.  Gently shaking her shoulders. “Wake up.” He whispered.
       “Wake up,” he said, shaking her with a little more force.
 Gradually coming around Sylvia opened her wary eyes on the man looking down on her.  Her normally calm demeanor slipped as she did not recognize him or her surroundings.  Images flashed before her for a split second and than suddenly they were gone.  Shaking away her uneasy feeling she sat up in bed and looked up at Brandon. 
       “It's all right. Lay back down.  I won't harm you.  You need as much rest as you possibly can get.”  Brandon, told her.
      “What is going on here? Where am I ?” Sylvia asked, her voice quivering a little.  Why in the world was a strange man looking down at her and why was she in someone else's room.  Things were not right. 
And where were her parents and friends?  Tears ran down her cheeks as memories started coming back to her.  The yacht over turning in the storm.  Her search for her friends and parents.  Not a single one of them had come up for air like she had.  All of them had dissapeared.  Suddenly, exhausted Sylvia laid back down and shivered from a burst of cold air down her spine. 

            “I know you are uncertain of me right now.  But all I can tell you is that you found yourself in a bad place.  The people on this island will not welcome you with open arms.  I don't know how you came upon this island but whatever you do, you need to always stay in this house and never leave without my permission. Actually, you need to stay in this room until I can figure out a way to get you back home.” He explained.  “Do you understand ?”  He asked. 
 As he watched her, he could see her hand above the cover shaking visibly.  He went to the closet and took out an extra blanket and covered her with it.  He sat back down on the wooden chair next to the bed. 
          “Thank you,” she said,
          “Your welcome.”
          “Honestly, I do not remember clearly everything that has taken place in the last couple of days. Just some blurred visions of my parents yacht tipping over during the big ocean storm.  When I came up for air and searched for my parents and friends I did not find them.  They had all dissapeared.  I vaguely remember roaming around a barren field before I passed out.”  She explained.  Wondering why she was so open with this strange man she decided not to say anymore.  She wanted to know more about this island and why she was in so much danger here.  “Tell me, why am I in danger for being on this island ?” She asked. 
         “I am not allowed to tell you much for your own safety.  My name is Brandon McKenzie and I am here to protect you from those who live on this island.  They do not welcome mainlanders.  So the best thing for you to do is to stay in this room until I can get you home safely.”                                              

         “I must be able to search for my parents and friends before you take me  home.  I will not leave here until I am satisfied one way or another if they still live or not.  I must know.” She said, desperately.
        “I'm sorry but the longer you stay here the more danger you will be in.  It's to bad about your family and friends. I”m sure if they have survived they will find safety elsewhere and get home soon as well.  But in the meantime you have to listen to me and stay in this house and in this room.”  He explained to her as best as he could.
         All he really wanted to do at that moment was run his fingers through her beautiful long black, curly hair.  Her big blue eyes and pale creamy skin intrigued him.  He was getting uncomfortably use to the girls on the island with their dark skin and dark chocolate eyes.  But her skin seemed so soft and barely touched by the sun that he itched to feel her to see if she were as soft as she looked and to smell her sweet scent.  Instead his hands gripped the side of his jeans. 
         “I can't stay here. I must leave soon, very soon.  I have family and friends out there that I have to find.  I refuse to stay here as prisoner to you or anyone else on this island. “ She answered. 
        “You will not leave here without my assistance or direct permission.  If at any time you do leave and I am not here to protect you there is no way I could get you back.  I have no authority on this island.  You would surely be punished and tortured, if not killed.  If you wish to survive and get home safely you will go by my rules and command.” Brandon told her forcefully.  He was being a little hard on her but he had to make her understand how serious her situation was.
         “I won't stay here.” She said defiantly. 

          “Yes, you will.  Even if that means tying you up during the day while I am at work.”
          “Ha, you would not dare do such a thing.” She said.  Shocked that he would even think of doing such a terrible thing to her. Surely he would not do that to her.
          “Lady, if you don't listen to me I will do exactly that.  So don't push me.”  He told her.  With that he got up and without so much as another glance at her he left the room.
        That man had nerve telling her such things.  Sylvia did not plan on staying long with or without Brandon's assistance or permission. She had to find out what had happened to her and to those she had been with before she had passed out.  She had to figure out an escape plan and quickly.  He had not even asked if she were hungry or thirsty which she was and very much so. 
        She had not eaten in over two days now and her stomach growled with hunger.  Her mouth felt dry.  She got up and went into the bathroom to get a drink of water.  Now she was just hungry.  She opened the bedroom door and ran right into Brandon's chest.
        “Feww....what in the,” she cried as she stepped back startled. 
 “Where do you think you are going ?” 
 “Excuse me, I just wanted to ask if you had something to eat. I am so hungry since I have not had anything for at least two days.” She said and backed into the bedroom once again.  Getting close to him like that made her skin tingle.  He was handsome.  With his green eyes and blonde sun streaked hair, narrow waist and strong capable arms. 
 He was a looker that was for sure.  She had best keep her distance from him too.  He spelled trouble.  
                                                          

       “Sorry, for startling you like that.  I'll be back with some dinner.”
He turned and walked away from her than.  Good thing he did too since he felt quiet sure he was about to take her in his arms and kiss her.  He shook those thoughts out of his head and went toward the kitchen.  He was going to have to be careful with this woman.  He made her something simple; a bowl of chicken noodle soup, grilled cheese and a glass of ice cold water.  He knew she was probably very hungry but knew she also should not eat to much all at once.  Entering the bedroom once again he found her wondering around the room looking at his furnishings and a few of the photos on his dresser.  He stood there silently in the doorway watching her.  “I hope you enjoy what I made you for dinner. It isn't much but you should not eat a whole lot right away.”  He said, as he came into the room.
       Turning around and seeing him there made her heart skip a beat or two.  She sat back down on the big bed and crossed her legs indian style.  “I appreciate anything right now.  Thank you.” She said, and took the bowl of soup and sandwich from him.  She ate in silence thinking about her situation.  Not much for conversation at the moment she ate quietly and quickly.
         “Mmmm...that was the best thing I've had in a long time.” She finished within minutes handing him back the bowl and plate.  Drinking the ice cold water was refreshing too.  It gave her energy she had not had in the past few days.  “If I promise not to leave here would you at least look for my parents and friends ?” She asked, looking up at him.
       “No, I can not do that.  There is too much danger involved in me leaving you here by yourself.  I'm sorry.” Brandon said, and got up from his chair.                                                

        “I do want to help you Sylvia, but right now is not a good time.”  With that he left her there staring after him and closed the door.
         Well, she thought to herself I'm not wasting time just because it is not the right time for you, mister.  I am going to find my parents and friends and than leave here even if I have to do it all on my own.  How dare he not help her or let her leave the house or his bedroom.  She couldn't stay there cramped up in a bedroom for who knows how long before he decided it was the right time to go looking for those she cared for. 
 Brandon could not believe his reaction to the woman on the other side of the bedroom door.  He listened again through the closed door wondering what she was doing or going through.  Ten minutes later he could tell she had finally gotten back into bed.  What had gotten into him?  Okay, so she was extremely unique looking, beautiful.  He could not get over it.  He went down the hallway and into the living room and knew his sleep was going to be hard to get that night.  He watched the ten o'clock news and went to the guest bedroom to go to bed after he took a cold long shower. 
           After he showered he checked all the locks in the house and the windows.  He did not want anything to happen to this woman.  His gut told him that she was special in some way.  He just had not figured out why.  It was shortly after midnight and he knew he had a long days work ahead of him the next day. 
         Four days later, Sylvia was still instructed to stay in the bedroom.  She knew Brandon, after agreeing to look for her parents and her friends had gone out twice to search for them.  He had given her two weeks to stay there with him while he went out to look for those she loved and cared for.        
 
          After that he was getting her home.  It just did not seem good enough that he was willing to help her in this way because she wanted to do it herself.  She could not be cramped up in such a small room for two more weeks. She had to get out of there and look for them on her very own.  Without Brandon telling her what to do every step of the way.  Sylvia planned on leaving that night through the bedroom window after Brandon went to bed.
         She tucked a few items she had found in the bedroom underneath the bed such as matches, a flashlight and a couple of other small items she thought would be useful.  She wanted to search the island herself.
        Sylvia had to have the assurance and satisfaction of looking for them or it was not going to be good enough.  So after dinner in the bedroom once again like every night she thanked Brandon and told him good night.  “Will you be going out again tomorrow ?” She asked.
          “Not tomorrow, I have a very important meeting at work and I do not want any suspicion going around if I do not show up for it. “  He said, standing there watching her. 
 “Okay, fair enough.  Can I take a shower tonight before bed ?”  She asked.  She wanted to be fresh and clean before her escape.  And she had only taken one since her stay there with him. 
          “Sure, I can bring you a couple of towels.  Do you need anything else ?”  He asked, as he walked toward the door. 
          “No, that should be it.” After he had left the bedroom she checked to see if the things under the bed where in quick reach.  She was getting a little nervous about leaving now that she had time to think about it but her determination was stronger than ever.  She went to the bathroom and took down her hair which had been kept up all day.  It felt wonderful to have it down again.  Shaking it out and loose over her shoulders she was unaware that Brandon had re-entered the room and was watching her.  She smiled at him through the mirror once she saw him there. Her breath caught in her throat . She was not accustomed to being stared at by a handsome man.  She guessed though that he might think her attractive.  She had caught him looking at her several other times.  But she kept her mouth closed and her own desire inside.  She knew it would be a disaster if there were to become anything of their desire or feelings for each other. 
          It would not be a good thing for either of them to get involved.  But it was nice to know that she had finally caught an eye of a really handsome guy.  It made her feel good.  It also made her stomach feel fluttery every time he looked at her.  “Thank you, for the towels.” She said, and took them from his hands. 
           Leaving the bathroom for a minute she got her bearings in control again and got her nightgown and clean panties from the dresser.  “You may leave now.” 
        “You mean I don't get a thank you kiss.”  Brandon, teased her and than smiled.  That was exactly what he wanted from her but he knew he couldn't make the situation worse so he joked with her.  Making himself feel even worse. 
        “No, you do not get one of those from me.”  She said, smiling back at him. She swished away and closed the bathroom door behind her leaving behind a scent of roses. 
 Shaking his head to clear it he stood there just for a minute, listening, as she started the shower and than left the room to watch television in the the living room.
         
             It was past midnight before he turned the Tv off and went to go check up on Sylvia.  Knocking on the door softly he heard a slight screeching noise from within the bedroom.  Swinging the door open he found her sneaking out the bedroom window.  “Where in the hell do you think you are going ?” He yelled.  She had made it half way out of the window and than froze as she realized she had been caught.
        “Damn,” she muttered.  She paused for just a second and than without another sound slipped out of the window anyway, determined to get away.
        “Damn, that woman.  You better get back here before you get yourself caught,” he hollowed as he too climbed out of the window.  He could not see anything in front of him because of the pitch blackness.  But he followed the sound of her feet running through the leaves.  He was skilled at the work he did but he really had started to trust her enough to let his guard down a little.  She obviously did not realize that he checked up on her every night before he went to bed himself. Now she had exposed herself to those living there on the island.  Now she was really in danger. He was now in danger of being exposed for helping her and keeping her at his home.
         Chasing her was easy she did not try to be quiet.  It took him only a minute to catch up with her and grab her around her arm to make her stop.                               
        ”What did I tell you.  Now you have made it very clear to me that I can not trust you.  Is that what you want? ” He asked, highly angry with her for doing this to both of them.  ”Listen to me, you can not leave here on your own. You would not make it for a day out there.”  He said,  taking her back to his home , he kept a fairly tight hold on her arm.  She did not know what to say.  She had been caught and she was now highly scared of what she had just done.  “All I want to do Brandon is to get home but I have to find my parents and my friends first before I can do that.  They are out there somewhere I can feel it.  And I'm not going to sit around and do nothing to help them.  I have to go out there and look for them on my own.”  She said, sitting down on the edge of the bed.  She looked up than, wondering how she had ended up here with Brandon all alone without any of the others.  She didn't understand it but there was a reason and she was going to find out what it was. 
         “You are sad, and upset about possibly losing both of your parents and your friends. I understand that, but you Sylvia must understand that what you just did made it ten times worse.  Anyone could have seen you climb out of that window and me for that matter.  There is no way I can allow you to go out there on your own.  I've done everything that I can do to look for them and I am still willing to go and look some more but I'm going to have to keep a closer eye out on you which is going to make it twice as hard for me.”  He said, and got up from sitting next to her.
          “I will advise you not to try and do that again or the next time someone might see you and kill you.” 
        He left the bedroom after that and stood outside the door for quiet a long time before deciding he had made her understand finally what kind of danger she really was in.  She was sure determined to get herself caught and he really did not what to see any harm come to her.  He knew he was going to have to keep a closer eye out on her for now on.  At the same time he could not afford to take her to work with him or stay at home and watch her 24/7.   He was going to have to take that chance that she would not try to leave again. 
 “Damn, stubborn woman.”  He muttered as he went to bed that night.  He slept restlessly through the night and had dreams of the woman in his bed.  He could not shake the feeling or thought that she was there for a special purpose of some kind.  He just wished he knew what that purpose was going to be. 
 In the next two weeks Sylvia considered her plan to leave once again.  She knew Brandon was keeping  a closer watch on her but she knew the times of day he was not even at home.
            He had told her he was keeping the bedroom door double locked now so she could not get out not even through the window because he had put an extra lock on it too.  So now she was really a prisoner in his home.  And she hated it.  Hated the fact that she could not leave and search for those she loved the most.  But she was not about to give up.  She had been having moments of uneasiness about her situation and of her parents and friends who could not be dead.  She had experienced several times in the last couple of days images of people on ships carrying boxes to and from the shore off of this very island on the other side where no one dared to go.
          One image that flashed across her eyes were those of people in rags and they resembled her parents and friends. 
         She was now more than ever determined to find them and bring them back with her to the United states.  And if Brandon did not like that than that was just to bad. She was going to do it with or without his help.  That day after Brandon left for work Sylvia wrote him a letter of apology and thanks for keeping her safe.  She left the note on her bedside table, knowing he would check in on her as soon as he got home from work. She had two mornings ago tried out the locks on the bedroom door.  They had been double locked but having hair pins and hangers she had been able to get the door opened.  Now it was the matter of getting it to work again.  And she had also managed to find more matches and a another flashlight.
 Brandon had not thought to check all his drawers and closet which for her was a good thing.  Before she left she would have to find something in the kitchen to eat and to take with her for later.  Listening through the bedroom door she heard a noise.  Backing up away from it and standing there for several minutes she decided it was still safe enough to open the door.  She jingled it with a hair pin and it unlocked.  Now since she had no idea what direction the kitchen was she stepped out of the bedroom and started to take a step to her right and started down the hall.  She heard a noise from behind her and before she could run or scream, a hand came around and clamped over her mouth.  A gun was held to the back of her head.  She wanted to scream but could not.  The man's breath was close to her ear and her whole body shivered with fear. 
           “Don't try anything. Understand ?”  He growled into her ear.  He took her back into the bedroom and closed the door. “Take your clothes of,” he said, pushing her away from him.  She turned slowly to face her assailant.  He wore a mask; the only thing she could see were his eyes.  Stony black eyes stared at her, making her skin crawl.  She was terrified but she was not about to give in to this man's command.  She was not about to be forced to do anything.  He pointed the gun right at her chest. 
           “Hurry it up,” he demanded coming closer to her.
          “Bastard, you can not hurt me, so leave now.”   Sylvia shouted at him as he came even closer to her.  Backing up as far as she could she bumped into the wooden chair.  If she could just swing the chair at him and run out the door she'd be all right.  But she could not do that for he was standing in front of the door and pointing the gun right at her. 
          “Damn it, bitch I said get undressed or I will do it myself.”  He said, angrily.  He threw his gun down and attacked her but she fought him back and tried to reach the gun but it was to far from where she lay.  She kicked and scratched but he was too strong for her.  He had ripped her shirt off and was working on her pants when a gun shot rang loudly through out the room.  The man who lay on top of her went still.  Sylvia for a second did not move.  Than Brandon came to her and was helping her get the man off of her.  In shock, Sylvia slumped back onto the floor.  Brandon sat down next to her and rocked her back and fourth in his arms.  He hugged and kissed her on top of her head like she was a small child. 
             “Are you hurt ?” He asked, softly. 
             “I'm fine,” she said and burst into tears as she realized what had just taken place.  She squeezed Brandon tightly. “Oh, Brandon he was going to rape me.  I was so scared.”
            “It will not happen again.  We can not stay here any longer.  We have to leave now.”  He said, bringing them both to their feet.  He checked her for any signs of bruising and than made her look up at him to see if she truly would be okay.  That was a mistake.  Once he saw the hurt and sadness in her blue-black eyes he could not help but bend his head and taste the sweetness of her lips. 
 She tasted of salt, her lips damp from her tears.  At first she did not respond to him, however, before he could stop she put her arms around his neck and deepened their kiss.
             At first it was tender, and slow, one of exploring.  Than it became urgent and passionate.  He bit down on her bottom lip gently to get access of her mouth.  She let him in easily, their tongues twisting and doing battles of their own.  Brandon knew he should stop before they went any further.  He did not what this to happen between them and it could not happen.  He stopped and gently pushed her away.  “We should not do this. We have to leave,” he said, in a hurried and breathless whisper. 
           “I know,” she said, quietly.
          Brandon took a hold of her hand as they climbed out of the bedroom window.  They heard footsteps coming toward them through the hallway.  “Can you run ?”  Brandon asked, after they had both safely gotten to the ground.
          “Yes, I can run.” They started running as fast as they could.  Brandon knew a place they could hide for awhile.  If they got there before getting captured then they would be safe for a short period of time.  They found themselves in the woods not to long after dark.  Brandon was still very careful in what direction he took them into.  he did not think that those who were after Sylvia would give up so easily.  And so he kept a hold of her hand and they did not slow down for a long time.  Now though they had to be more careful.  It was dark and they could barely see in front of them.
             Sylvia had not said a word since they had left the house.  Her mind wondered suddenly becoming hazy for seconds at a time.  She felt odd and dizzy but did not mentioned any of this to Brandon.  He had made it clear to her that she was in danger on this island and yet she had persisted on getting away from him.  The only person on the island willing to keep her safe.  It scared her terribly to think that if he had not come home the moment he had she would have been raped and probably killed.  Now they both were running from someone that was determined to do her harm.  “Why, is this happening to me ?” She asked herself.  In any case she was now more in danger than ever.  But at least Brandon was there with her. 
           “Would you like to rest now ?”  Brandon asked, as he slowed down a bit.  Everything was quiet.  He stopped for a second than kept on walking.  It was hard for him to wonder what the woman next to him was thinking.  She was quite different than the women who lived there on the island.  She was very beautiful, in a unique kind of way.  She was tall and slender.  But for him it was her mind that intrigued him the most. 
            It always seemed to be ticking away and planning something.  It never seemed to slow down. 
 The only sounds they could hear were of nature.  She turned to face him.  Making up her mind that she would be all right from this point on by herself.  She was about to tell him thanks again for saving her life but just than bright white lights suddenly silenced her and blinded them both.  They came from above them through the thick trees and a loud noise came from above them too.  Brandon was quick and grabbed her hand and they both started to run again.  The lights got brighter and the noise louder, closer to them as if it would land right on top of them.  The sound of twigs breaking and whispers came to them through the dark woods.  “Run, Sylvia,” he called back to her for she had lost her grip on his hand.  She ran and she ran fast.  Sylvia almost caught up with him when gun shots were heard.  She did not stop moving and she did finally catch up with Brandon. 
         Around a big boulder there was the cave he use to go too a few years back to do his research in.  Brandon knew it would be safe there and so he took Sylvia there, and before the men behind them could catch up they were safely inside it with a steel bar across the stone like door. 
 Out of breath they both sat down on the sandy ground.  “Are you all right, Sylvia ?”  Brandon asked.  Although he was out of breath himself, he would be fine.  His concern was for Sylvia.
       “Fine, just wonderful,” she answered whizzing a bit.  She took gulps of fresh air into her lungs and breathed deeply to calm herself.  She was still chilled and alarmed but there was no reason to let Brandon know that. 
       She had been running through dark woods and had been shot at and almost raped in the course of a few hours.  No big deal, just life threatening thats all.  Something she had been doing for a long time.  Haw, she could not believe all this was happening to her. 
 It was outright scary stuff.  But it was reality for the moment and she was going to have to deal with it.  So getting up and pacing the cave and than sitting back down only on the furthest side away from the door and him.  She tried to lay down and get some rest.  “I pray that my parents and friends are going to be all right,” she whispered.
         “Yes, I know.  I do too.”  He said, quietly.
         She shivered from being cold and wondered what she could do to keep warm.  Than she laid her head down and tried to go to sleep.  But sleep did not come for hours.
 In the early hours of the morning, Brandon got up and went to lay next to Sylvia, for he worried she would not sleep well on the cold ground and he knew he was having a hard time of it himself.  Realizing that she was crying softly, he wrapped his arms around her. “Shhh...it will be all right.”  He held her close and kissed her on top of her head.
        “I feel so helpless right now,” she said, turning to look at him.  “I just want to leave here and be at home safe and sound.”
         “Of course you do.  I understand how you are feeling.  But right now we can not go anywhere until I say it is safe to leave.  Maybe by tomorrow afternoon we can leave if I feel it safe enough.  Right now though, we both need to get some sleep.  Tomorrow is going to be a long, hard day for the both of us,” he said. 
        “Why are you watching over me Brandon ?”  She asked, needing to know why he was so willing to help her when no one else was. 
            “When you were unconscious the first two days at my home I could not keep my eyes off of you.  I knew you were important in some way.  I just did not know why.  My brother told me he had found  you in his field laying there helpless and cold trying to keep warm.  He is a good man too.  I'm not the only good person here.  All these people, deep down are good they just have issues with those they do not know.  They do not trust anyone and especially if you were not invited  by the president of the island to stay here.  My brother could not keep you there at his home because of the danger you would have put him and his family in. 
          He shook his head silently remembering the day he had waited to come home and see her.  She had not awakened at the time but she was still so beautiful he could not help but sit and watch her.  That is until he had the nerve to shake her awake.  “Chris, my brother had drove you over here and had left you in my bed with a note on the night stand telling me where he had found you and where you were more than likely from.  I had called him that night chewing him out for even daring to bring you into my home but than I had in a since changed my mind and promised him and myself to get you home safely.  That is why I am so willing to help you,” he said.  “Now go to sleep,” he whispered softly and kept his arms wrapped around her for warmth. 
           “Really, Brandon.  I do not understand.” She said, closing her eyes.  Finally feeling sleepy, and yet she was still not ready to go to sleep. 
 Man, all he wanted to do right at that moment was too touch her and make love to her but he could not do that. 
        He had to keep his mind and his body focused.  Finally, after his body cooled off and his mind relaxed Brandon fell to sleep.
 Sylvia was warm and fuzzy and yet a chill was set in the air.  She had finally fallen to sleep but with a warm body next to hers.  She had wanted him too continue the kiss they had shared so briefly before they had escaped his own home.  And yet he had not tried to do any such thing.  Instead, he had been comforting in another way.  His arms around her had given her a reassurance that she was going to be safe at least for that night.