Jann-Lee sprawled across the divan exhausted. His whole body ached, even though he had just been soaking in a warm bath for over an hour. Bass had not only beaten him; he had hammered him mercilessly.
A soft knock on the door went almost unnoticed as he lay there, in a wounded state. Reluctantly, he struggled to the door and cautiously opened it. There in front of him stood a picture of loveliness; a sight that not only made his heart race, but also neutralised the pain he had been enduring. It was Lei Fang.
Her eyes sparkled, as she stepped through the doorway and bowed in his direction. Jann-Lee tried to speak, but words would not come. The presence of the girl his heart longed for, stunned him temporarily, causing him to feel just a little foolish.
"Jann-Lee," Lei Fang broke the silence, "I feel regret that I may have disturbed you."
Jann-Lee composed himself enough to reply, "Lei Fang, it is so wonderful to see you. If you disturb me, it is only in the way that one who holds my heart might."
"Jann-Lee, you have spoken of your feelings for me." sighed Lei Fang, looking truly alluring.
"Yes, Lei Fang," replied Jann-Lee. "I feel humbled just to be near you. I am your slave."
"Jann-Lee, this is no way for you to speak," chastened Lei Fang. "You are a fighter of great character; a noble warrior; this is why I choose you!"
"I do not understand," gulped Jann-Lee, looking slightly bewildered. "You choose me, Lei Fang?"
"Yes," Lei Fang responded, now appearing quite serious, "Jann-Lee, I too have feelings. Inside I burn with a passion that cries out to be quenched. I seek fulfilment; an answer to my deep desires. Jann-Lee, I pray you will not let me down."
"I do not know what to say, Lei Fang," Jann-Lee gasped.
"Jann-Lee, you know what I am asking, do you not?" inquired Lei Fang, a look of longing in her eyes. "My emotions, I have held in check until now, but tonight I give myself to you, Jann-Lee. It is time."
"Lei Fang, many times I have hoped for this moment," Jann-Lee quivered with excitement. "This is beyond my wildest dreams!"
"This is no dream, Jann-Lee. This night I shall be complete." Lei Fang said as she placed her hands on his shoulders. Jann-Lee boldly placed a kiss on the her eager lips.
Shivers raced up and down his spine. He could sense his manhood surging within him. In this state of exhilaration, everything seemed so right.
Suddenly, Jann-Lee's code as a warrior came back to haunt him. "I cannot, Lei Fang," he lamented. "This is not right. It is against our creed. I would bring dishonour upon you; and without honour we are lost."
"Jann-Lee," Lei Fang spoke, seeming more than upset, "I have come to you, asking nothing more than that you calm the storm that rages within me. There is no right or wrong; just this moment."
"No, it is no good,"Jann-Lee sighed. "I want you, Lei Fang; not just for this moment, but for eternity. If we surrender to desire now, our future together may be jeopardised. The day will come when you will ask me to answer for taking advantage of you at this time. You must go now, Lei Fang. We must do this in the way of our ancestors."
"Jann-Lee, I am disappointed that you feel this way," Lei Fang replied, "but I shall say no more."
Jann-Lee's heart strings ached as the one he held dear left the room. He hoped that there would someday be a time when he might make up to her for the disenchantment she may be experiencing right now.