He held her as though he was afraid she would go away. Then, "Oh Angel, Angel,' he moaned, "I want you to love and be with me because that's how you feel, that's what you want. I would never force you to stay with me because you fear me. Angel, please, tell me what I can do to make it right with us, again." They cried together that night. He, for his lost youth. She, in regret for that which must be done to save lives. They each retreated into their own private thoughts. "... When I was ten, I watched this john named Big Mo' shoot my mama down in the street like she was a mad dog." He caught a sob in his throat, at that thought, before going on. "He said she stole $20 from his wallet. He stood right over her and watched her die. I ran to her, kneeled down beside her, calling her name. She locked her gaze on me and died with her eyes open. I cursed and swore at Mo, "I'm gonna kill you... you s.o.b. you better sleep with one eye open, 'cause you gonna wake up one day and I'm gonna be there pumping bullets in your g-d chest..." ..."One Saturday, after I turned twelve, he walked out of his rooming house, and there I was..."
A May-Decenber romance. She's a naive,young divorce'. He's an underworld gangster who has worked his way up from street hustler to Sheriff's Deputy to Criminal Detective Investigator. Theirs is a strong, intense love affair. She's the first woman he has ever loved. He is the first man to love her with such intensity.He rose from the bed and walked across the room. That was the second time she had seen him with tears in his eyes. Her heart ached for this once proud man, now reduced to tears because of her. He went on, "Angel, you are the only decent thing that's ever been in my life. If I was thirty years younger and met you, I could give up this life..." He went back to the bed, held out his arms for her, she went into them, "Angel, God knows I love you. I love you with a passion that's hotter'n hells' fire." They sat on the couch and he held her. Then turning her face to his, he looked deep into her eyes, "Grace,' he started, "I want you to know that this is not a game with me. I fell in love with you that first day. I want you in my life. I promise I will be faithful to you. I will love and cherish you and give all I have to give. Do you think you can accept me as your man for all seasons?" His lips flashed a smile, but his eyes were pleading with her. As he was about to remove her dress, he stopped and whispered, "You realize that this is the point of no return. You sure you want me to continue?"by Etha Gray
