Jamal lets her off the hook

Tara was flush with embarrassment. "I've never taken my clothes off in front of a boy before. I'm too nervous."

Jamal looked into her eyes, trying to calm and soothe the girl. "It's all right. Just take your time." He kissed her in a loving way, hoping it would ease her tensions and her apprehensions.

Tara's lips wandered in the kiss for a few moments, then she suddenly pulled away. "I can't do this, Jamal. It's nothing against you. I just can't do something that I feel isn't right. Please understand, I think you're a nice boy, and any girl would love to be with you. Even I would, but not this way, not right now, not here."

Jamal knew she was quite adamant about this, so he decided to let her go. "There are worse things that could happen to you, Tara. I just wanted to save you from them. There are a lot of predators out there who would think nothing of taking what they wanted from you. I am genuinely interested in you, and I would like to be your boyfriend. I will wait for you, because you will be worth the wait."

His words made Tara melt, and it made her feel easier about being alone with him. He was being very respectful of her, and it was a bit of a turn on to her. This time it was she who kissed Jamal. And it was a lingering kiss that held the promise of things yet to come. "You're so sweet" she said as she pulled away. "I guess this means I didn't make the team, but it doesn't matter. I think I found something better than joining the team, you."

Jamal smiled. Maybe Tara was a keeper? Someone he could really get serious about? He just felt like he had to respect her, not because of her beauty, but because of the person he saw in her. She was something special, and he could feel it deep within his own soul. This kind of a woman, you would give up anything for. He watched as Tara gathered up her things and prepared to leave. "You're on the team" he said, suddenly, on impulse. "The team will be better with you than without you. So will I. May I walk you home?"

Tara beamed up at Jamal. Her bright smile said it all. "Thank you!" she exclaimed, then added "Yes, you may. I'd like that."

Tara reached out her hand, and took Jamal's in hers. The two walked out of the gym together, smiling and laughing. They walked out of the building together, unaware of the gang that had spotted them.

Julio turned to his brother Jorge. "She's a fine looker, don't you think? I think we should follow them, and maybe take her for ourselves. She could become our new number one. Of course she'd have to fight the other girls to earn it. What do the rest of you guys think?" All twelve nodded in silent agreement.

"There's just something special about a redhead" commented Jorge. "Let's get them. If nothing else, we'll sell both their asses to the Cartel. The redhead would make a good **** in Mexico."

The twelve, shadowy figures silently pursued their quarry, waiting for the right moment to capture them. These twelve were the 29th Street Aztecs. They were brutal and ruthless, and they were into everything from **** to slavery. Little did Tara and Jamal know the danger they were in.