The Draglen Brothers - SHOWKEN (BK 2)

by Barner, Solease M

  ***

  When I get up five hours later, my attention is called to Bruiser needing to go outside. He’s nudging me, and barking for me to get up.

  “Ok, Bruiser. Mommy is tired and needs sleep, but I’m getting up,” I say to him. As I’m climbing out of bed he heads for the door. I laugh at how wonderful he is to me. Bruiser is my commitment, and he only wants to be fed, patted and walked. Showken wants way more than I can give. I slip on a pair of jeans, put on my bra and tank top, and pick up my keys to take Bruiser for a walk. My cell phone rings as soon as I’m out the door. I smile, seeing Jazz’s name come up.

  “Hello, pesty,” I say laughing.

  “Oh no, don’t pesty me,” she says, sounding a little annoyed. “You know I want to know the details of his momma, plus I’m assuming he stayed the night since my bestie could only now answer my calls or texts. So spill.”

  “Well, his mother insulted me at first.”

  “That bitch! Keep going, I hope you handed her ass to her on a platter.”

  “Oh, I made it clear that she was not to speak to me the way she did. Then I was going to leave, but she apologized and basically begged me to stay for dinner. Speaking of dinner, he took me to the most magical restaurant ever. I mean, it seems normal on the outside, but Jazz, it’s like being outside in the world’s best garden,” I say, remembering the beauty of this place.

  “Really, what’s the name? I’ve never heard of a place like this.”

  “I’m not sure, but we have to go, even Bruiser was allowed to go, granted Showken owns the place and it was just us inside, but that’s still awesome. I could bring my other bestie, Bruiser was able to run free.”

  “Okay, great, but I want to know more about the momma bitch. Do you think she likes you?”

  “At first I thought she hated me, but then Showken had a phone call, leaving me at the table with her. She starts telling me how much she loves her children, and how it was shocking to see Showken fall so deep, this fast. Then she said that she welcomed me into the family. Freaked me out!”

  “Hot shit balls! So you’re in there, girl! Don’t forget me. I want to live good, too.”

  “First off- wait, hold on a second,” I say, trying to get Bruiser’s leash under control. He loves the outdoors. “Ok, I’m back. Now I could never forget you, but I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Mari, this a good guy, who’s loaded. Don’t start any shit about not being ready. There’s no ‘I’ in team. You getting with this guy is helpful for me.”

  “Jasmine Halon, I’m not going to be with someone for the team. Besides, I really don’t know him and neither do you, so remember whose team you’re on, and that’s mine. Now, how’s Rachel?”

  “Fine. Well, he obviously stayed the night, so spill. Is it still good?”

  I smile, remembering my night with Showken. “It was awesome. Hey, I’ll call you later- I’m back inside now and I need to eat some food. Plus, Bruiser is hungry, too.”

  “Okay, call me later. Rachel and I might drop by.”

  “Okay, bring some beer. All of mine is gone, and I’m not getting dressed today,” I say, hanging up the phone.

  I laugh, knowing Jazz is itching to know more details of Showken’s and my night together. I’m not sure how to explain the cupcake thing, or if I even want to. I don’t think I will ever be able to eat cupcakes again without thinking of Showken and his creative ways to eat. I look at the clock on the wall, noticing it’s just after 2:00pm. I have the entire day to myself. What is a girl to do?

  SHOWKEN

  I can’t seem to get any work done. I’m thinking about Marilyn every minute, yet still I try to work. I’m drowning myself in paperwork, looking over numbers on our investments. I asked not to be disturbed, so it’s shocking that my door opens without a knock. I look up, seeing that it’s my brother, the one who doesn’t usually come to earth. He doesn’t even like the smell, he says. He walks towards me and he doesn’t let his eyes leave mine. Why is he here?

  “Warton, why are you here?” I snap. He nods.

  “I’m here because our mother sent me,” he says, calmly. He’s very composed when he talks, never raising his voice. That voice may sound calm, but he’s always on fire. He is the only brother who settles disputes with fighting, whether in human form or dragon. He is possibly the most dangerous of us all.

  “I don’t need you here, so leave,” I say, growling very low. He growls back. Warton is not used to this land.

  “As much as I would like to leave this smelly land, I can’t. My job is to keep you in line,” he says, calmly.

  “FUCK YOU! I don’t need watching!” I yell. Realizing I’m at work, I try to lower my voice.

  “Showken, I’m here because your beast sometimes gets out of control, especially now that lovely Marilyn is around,” he says, sitting down in my chair by the window. Warton is a great warrior, and if I’m in a fight I want him on my side always, but I will not have him here.

  “My beast wants out now, to fucking burn your ass back home,” I say, feeling my eyes change. I’m really pissed right now. I thought Mother trusted me, but instead she has sent the brother whose only solution is to fight and kill.

  “Well, tell your beast to stay put, or else.” I can’t believe she has done this to me. I can’t ask why and risk her getting upset.

  “My beast has a mind of its own,” I snap. The door opens again and Domlen, Hawken and Layern are all in my office. They stand at the door. Warton and I are face to face.

  “You need to calm down, brother. I’m not here to fight, but if you press me . . . well that’s a different story,” he says, his eyes changing from crystal clear to jet black. I’m not afraid of his beast, but obviously Mother is afraid of what mine can do, and Warton should have that fear, too.

  “Showken, stay calm.” Domlen says. “We are not at home, but at the family business. Warton, let me show you the office where you will work. You may be here to watch Showken, but you will pull your weight with work. I’ll make sure that you do.” He is looking at everyone in the room, his eyes constantly moving. I take a step back from Warton. He walks over to Domlen, and they give each other a nod and leave the room. I’m pacing back and forth. I can’t have Warton here.

  “Showken.”

  “Hawken, Layern, you both need to get to work,” I say, going back to my desk and taking a seat. They both leave, shrugging. I sit in my office alone. If my mother sent Warton, she’s concerned, but why? I’m not going to do anything dangerous. I just want to be with Marilyn, that is all. The day is soon over. I’m driving home when I feel the need to talk with Marilyn. I voice-command my cell to dial her number. She picks up after three rings.

  “Beautiful, how’s your day been?”

  “Oh, it’s been lazy.”

  “Really, can I come over?” I need to be with her. I miss her

  “Ah, Jasmine and Rachel are coming over. Besides, I’m sore,” she giggles. I smile, too.

  “I’ve got a remedy for that soreness, I can come when they leave, or if you’re not ashamed of me, I could visit with your friend.”

  “What? Why? I mean, you want to hang out with my friend and her kid? Really?”

  “Do you love them?”

  “Yes, but-”

  “No buts, if you love them, so do I. I would love to get to know them better, since I already love them.” It’s silent on the phone. Please Marilyn, I need you tonight, I beg in my head.

  “Okay, but bring something to eat, Jasmine is bringing the beer.”

  “I can do that.”

  “Food, not cupcakes.”

  “I will bring food, too,” I smile, hearing her laughter. We are both sharing this laugh, and I feel better already, despite being watched by Warton.

  ***

  I decide to make a dish to bring over to Marilyn’s house tonight. I’ve avoided my brothers; I’m not pleased that Warton is here. After taking a shower and changing into a pair of shorts and a jersey, I head to the kitchen to cook a me
al, something quick. Spaghetti should do, with garlic bread. I leave for Marilyn’s place in no time. When I pull up to her apartment, I sit and listen to Jasmine and her talk, using my powerful hearing. I can hear their laughter. I hear Marilyn tell Jasmine that she can’t be with me. How she’s not fit for my world. I shake my head with a smile, if she only knew that she’s perfect for my world. Her personality is just what I need. I gather up the food and walk to the door, giving it two loud knocks. I hear Marilyn’s heartbeat pick up pace. Good. She finally opens the door.

  “Hi, beautiful.”

  “Hello”

  “You going to invite me in?”

  “Oh, yes, come in, Showken.”

  “Thanks,” I say, as I step in the door. I lean over and kiss her cheek. Jasmine’s eyes are like bright lights, all wide and shiny from excitement about Marilyn and me. I set the food on her counter in the kitchen, making sure I place some cupcakes on the counter. I turn and see Marilyn, eyes are wide. Yes, sweetheart, I brought us some cupcakes, but I have our own box, I think, looking into her eyes. I hold up the second box, placing it in the fridge. I hear the gasp. “Huh!” I wink at her. Bruiser is right by my leg in no time, my new pet.

  “Hey Bruiser, you watching these ladies for me?” I ask, rubbing him. We play for a minute. I head over to Jasmine who is watching me, giving me a smile of satisfaction.

  “Hello Jasmine.”

  “You can call me Jazz, and this little one here is my daughter, Rachel,” she says, pointing to the Young playing with some dolls. The Young looks up at me, granting me a beautiful smile.

  “Okay Jazz, very beautiful daughter you have. I hope you like spaghetti, garlic bread and cupcakes.”

  “I want a cupcake, mommy,” the Young says.

  “You have to eat your food first, baby girl,” Jazz says. Marilyn is still standing at the door, watching me. She must not have believed me when I said I loved her.

  “Precious, you okay?” I ask, walking up to her. I stop a few feet away, smiling. I see she’s wet in her private, slowly getting soaked, like poured honey. Later baby, I promise, I say in my head, looking her in the eyes. I hold out my hand for her. She stands there a second.

  “I’m fine, just fine, Showken. Thanks for dinner, it smells great,” she says, ignoring my hand. I chuckle. She’s nervous now. She walks over to the cabinet and pulls out some plates. She doesn’t have a real table, it’s very tiny, so I guess we are all eating in her living area. I go over and start fixing plates with her. Jazz gets her Young ready for dinner, taking her to wash her hands in the bathroom. I have a chance to speak with her alone.

  “Love, just relax, we’re going to have a good time,” I say, standing behind her. I pull her hair over her shoulder, softly kissing her neck. Her body stiffens with my touch. I like that.

  “I told you, I’m fine, Showken,” Marilyn says. I’m not convinced, but I will leave this subject for later. Jazz and her Young come back and we fix everyone plates. The Young has this little chair at the coffee table. I make sure Bruiser has something to eat, and I sit on the floor, letting the women have the sofa. We end up watching a Disney movie because of the Young. She selects “The Little Mermaid”. This movie is fascinating. I can’t believe they let this Young believe that mermaids are like this. The mermaids I encounter are quite dangerous creatures. I’ve kissed a few, but I’ve killed more. Oh well. We laugh and play games after the Young falls asleep. The last game we decide to play is Truth or Dare. It’s Jazz’s idea.

  “Marilyn, truth or dare?” I ask. She looks at me then Jazz. These ladies are getting to their limit on drinks, oh well. I’ll call for a driver for Jazz and her Young, she can’t drive home like this.

  “No, Showken, it’s my turn again, you have not answered any questions or done as many dares as Jazz and I. Nope, it’s your turn,” Marilyn says, giggling. Oh, she’s paying attention. I have avoided my turn numerous times. I can’t answer the questions they keep asking.

  “Well, personally, I’d like to know if Showken has a brother who would be interested in me. Just for fun, nothing serious,” Jazz says, taking a swallow from her beer. She’s serious. Oh Jazz, you just don’t know what you’re asking.

  “Nah, Jazz, stop distracting him with ‘lets hook Jazz up’, I want some questions, I mean, answers from Showken,” Marilyn slurs.

  “I think I’ll make you both some coffee,” I say, rising from the floor.

  “Oh, no you don’t! I don’t need any coffee. Do you need coffee, Jazz?”

  “Nope, I feel good.” They both look at me with their brows lifted. Okay, if they want me to play, I’ll play.

  “Okay, what do you want to know?” I ask, smiling.

  “I’m first,” Marilyn says. I lick my lips, sit back on the floor and give them both a huge grin.

  “Well, baby, what do you want to know?” I say, giving Marilyn my full attention. Her heart speeds up, and I can almost taste her arousal it’s so strong.

  “Umm, how many women you’ve slept with?” I can’t take my eyes off her. She looks beautiful, but here goes the start of my lies. The list of women goes back more than a couple of centuries. Shit, I don’t like this, but I’ll try to tell part of the truth.

  “First I need for you to understand, women have always been a weakness of mine, and I never thought I would love someone. I’ve slept with many since I started working the family business, which is about fifty,” I say, reading her reaction. She looks at me, takes a deep breath and relaxes. I catch Jazz mouthing the word “man-whore”. I just stare at Marilyn. There have been more women than that. I just gave her the ones I’ve actually fallen asleep with since I’ve been working for the business.

  “Okay, did you use them?”

  “I did, but they used me, too.”

  “What number am I?”

  “I’m not playing this any more, if you want to know more about me, beautiful, it will be when we are alone.” I can tell she’s angry. Why did she ask that question, shit? I didn’t even tell her the truth. Women are so confusing.

  “Jazz is my family. Whatever you say, you can say in front of her,” she glares. I put my hands together, because she looks so hot being angry at me. I could strip her right here and now. I don’t say anything. I hear her breathing picking up. I won’t take my eyes off her. I release a scent to put only Jazz asleep. She immediately starts yawning.

  “I’m getting sleepy. I better get going.”

  “There is a car waiting for you, Jazz. I don’t want you driving with the child.”

  “Ok, thanks,” Jazz says. She gathers her things, picks up the Young and gives Marilyn a kiss on the cheek. Marilyn doesn’t move. I let Jazz out of the apartment and watch her to the limo that’s waiting for her. When she’s safely inside, I close the door and turn and see Marilyn looking at me, with hurt in her eyes. I walk right over to her and kneel before her.

  “Showken, just tell me what number I am.”

  “You’re not a number, you’re the only one. Please don’t get angry about something you asked.”

  “No, I’m not the only one, when you get bored you will leave me, too. I’ll be a number sooner or later,” she takes a breath. “I think we should end this before someone gets hurt, which will be me.”

  “No, there is no going back, no ending. I love you and you love me. Tell me, please. Let me hear it from your lips.”

  “I can’t, Showken, fifty women is a lot to take in. Yet, I can’t really judge. I have a past, and I promise when you find out, this will end. I rather we do this now.” I hear what she’s saying, but I don’t care about her past, mine will always be worse than hers. I walk over to the stereo and put in a CD that says ‘slow music’. The music starts playing. I walk towards her, she stands and before she can think I have her in my arms dancing.

  “I can’t dance, Showken.”

  “Yes you can, baby,” I say, swiftly bending and placing her legs around my waist. “Now just move the top of your body,” I say. I start dancing her around, grin
ding my body all over her. I love her; she’s not ending anything.

  “Please, baby, tell me,” I plead, moving her up against the wall to her bedroom door.

  “Showken, I-”

  “Please, I love you Marilyn, tell me now.”

  “I, I, what does it matter?”

  “It matters, Love. Trust me.” I move my hands up her shirt, needing to feel her skin. She moans as my thumbs softly circle her nipples. Oh, mmm, I love this woman. I won’t lose her.

  “Yes.”

  “Yes what, say it baby.”

  “I.”

  “Please I need to hear it.” She hesitates, looking me in the eyes.

  “I LOVE YOU!” she yells. I growl and head for her bed. I can’t control myself. I’m tearing her clothes off. I keep my mouth busy on her lips, neck and shoulders so she doesn’t notice the rips in her pants or shirt. I feel her pull my hair hard. I’m spreading her legs fast. I smell her arousal through her panties, I thought the scent was strong earlier, but now I think I don’t ever want to leave this room. I bend down, using my teeth to tear at her bra. I can’t even slow down to do all of the things I should. I’m in her face in no time. I look her in the eyes as I push myself inside her sweet body. “Ahhhhhh!” she cries out.

  “I love you,” I whisper in her ear, continuing to make slow love to her.