BOMAW 7-9

by Mercedes Keyes

  Sylvia covered her face back up, "Mundo."

  "Yes, mama?"

  "Go away."

  "Wait, I wanna know what's going on in that basement?" Vivian asked.

  "No, you don't. You don't wanna know."

  Sylvia removed one of her hands from her face, "Yes, we do; what's going on?"

  "Remember Shawn didn't wanna leave Jake, 'cause he didn't have no gun?"

  Vivian got serious. "Yeah?" She asked.

  "Well, now he do. We can start callin' him, Lucas McCain, the rifle man! Grandpa Bart, done brought Jake a rifle, and Shawn a 12 gauge. And I—start learning how to shoot that bad rascal tomorrow. Goodnight ladies." And out the door he went.

  "Oh, my God. I think I'm gonna be sick." Sylvia moaned low.

  "He just probably brought them their own guns, Sylvia." Shanna explained. "All my brothers have guns. My dad bought them each a gun. That's all he brought them, their guns." Vivian was quiet, digesting that bit of news. Truth be told, her father had always had a gun in the house. So it was nothing new to her. But she could tell that Sylvia wasn't handling it so well. Sylvia lay quiet. Trying not to think. She was exhausted. She couldn't talk, didn't want to talk, and soon fell asleep in that position. Shanna and Vivian eased out of the bed, and out of the room.

  Chapter 182

  The next time Sylvia became aware of her surroundings, it was to feel her husband's arm tightly around her, and him softly snoring in her ear. Daylight was streaming in through their bedroom window and she could hear Darren's and Isaac's voices. She also heard Angela and Crystal talking softly. She was sleepy, but she had to get up. No doubt Crystal and Angela were up, and curious about what had taken place in the night as they slept. She eased Shawn's arm off, "Hey…no, come back to bed." He mumbled.

  "I'm all right, you go back to sleep." She whispered to him.

  "What time is it?" He asked. His face half buried in the pillow.

  Sylvia looked at the bedside clock. "A little after eleven." She informed him, about to scoot off the bed. "Come back to bed." He mumbled again.

  "Shawn, my mom and dad are coming over today to spend some time with us and the boys. I have to get up."

  "You don't wanna lay with me?" He asked, his face still half buried.

  "Shawn, Dennis and Sheila will probably swing by before they head home. My parents as well."

  "Dennis and Sheila have already left for home. They called this morning."

  "What time?" She asked.

  "It was about four thirty. They were going to leave a message on our machine, but I was up, so I answered it. Dennis wanted to get back home, try and beat traffic and chill before he had to get back to work. They're already gone. I thanked them for coming, told'em be careful."

  "Oh. So what time did you get to bed?" She asked.

  "Five."

  "You should get some more sleep then. Where did Jake and Vivian bed down?"

  "They went back across the road. Jake's armed."

  "Shanna?"

  "She's sleeping in the basement on the sofa sleeper."

  "Your dad?"

  "He went back home shortly after he came."

  "To bring you all more guns?"

  Shawn sighed. "Yes."

  "So, not only do you have a gun, but a rifle as well now? And what is this I hear about you teaching Mundo to shoot it?"

  "Correct."

  "Correct? What does that mean?"

  "It means, yes—to all the above."

  "Well, I don't like it!" She announced.

  "And shit really stinks - but we all gotta take one."

  Unable to come back with anything, she grabbed her pillow and slammed him over the head with it. He sighed, unmoving with the pillow still covering his head, while she made a quick and angry exit from their bed. Slamming the bathroom door to further emphasize her displeasure. Shawn sighed long and deep, and dozed back off to sleep. However, once she finished washing up, out of the shower, she came out of the bathroom and continued on as if there had been no break in their discussion.

  "And I can tell you something else I don't like, Mr. McPherson! Your rudeness! You're rude, Shawn! I cannot believe you said what you did to Royce last night! He can't help what the law is! Just because you have a blatant disrespect for the law, doesn't mean you need to be setting that kind of example for Mundo! It's hard enough being a black man, he don't need to see you acting the way you do—and the first time he emulates it, its going to land him in a world of hurt!" She fussed, going into the closet to get herself an outfit. She'd just come out of the shower, had lotioned down thinking about all from the previous night, wearing just her bra and panties. Shawn lifted the pillow a bit, looking at her as she stood searching for something to wear.

  She went to turn back and caught him trying to duck back beneath.

  "I saw that! You not that slick! I know you're awake! You hear me loud and clear! And you don't have to answer, either! I don't care if you don't answer. I'm just gonna speak my mind! Not that's it's gone do me a whole lot of good. What I say don't mean, jack—no way! Runnin' your butt around in the woods that late at night, like you Rambo o'some-doggone-body! And telling Jake what to do, that's a grown man! How was you gone force him across that road? I swear before God up in heaven, you gonna drive me crazy! If it's not you, then it's Crystal; if it's not Crystal, it's Mundo—next in line will be Angela!" She went on, putting on pants that she could no longer close, they wouldn't zip. She stepped out of them and threw them down and went back into the closet, Shawn remained quiet, hoping that she was done. She wasn't, but what she said next, brought him from under the pillow.

  "I hope you know you hurt my arm, too." She said softly, "It's all sore and bruised."

  He lifted the pillow and looked at her, "Lemme' see?" He asked softly. She was still in her bra and panties, because she couldn't find anything she wanted to wear yet. What she did want to wear, no longer fit over her boobs, or around her waist. She turned to look at him, he glanced down her body, her tummy was starting to bulge. She had to have her clothes off to see it, but the bulge was finally coming out, distinct and easy to see. "Come here, I said…lemme see." He encouraged softly, tossing the pillow aside. Taking a deep breath, she walked to the bed, climbed on and knee-walked across it to him, then squatted beside him. He sat up. He had bed-head, his hair pressed and going the opposite direction of the side that had been deep into his pillow. She showed him her upper arm, there was clear bluing from his grabbing and squeezing it. He took it gently and looked at it. She was definitely bruised, and he knew he'd done it.

  "So much for you never hurting me, huh? I guess I better get ready next for a slap across the face, huh?"

  Shawn looked at her, and it was clear, that the words struck their mark, just as she'd intended.

  "You think I would do that? Do you, Sylvia?"

  "I don't really know you, do I? I mean, not really know you. Although, I'm learning more and more everyday."

  "I see, so this is your plan on how to punish me, right? Make me feel like shit, because I say what I mean when it comes to protecting you!" He threw the covers off and leapt out of bed, heading for the bathroom. "I didn't even know what was happening, Shawn!" Sylvia's words followed him to the bathroom as she turned kneeing her way back to the edge of the bed to stand once more.

  "And I didn't have time to stop and explain it to you!" He returned sharply.

  "So, I was supposed to just sit here, biting my nails-..."

  "Yes!" He cut her off to sharply answer.

  "...-while you run all over the road, carrying a gun—playing dirty Harry?" She stood before the bathroom door, watching as he stood over the toilet taking a leak.

  "You got it baby! Did it occur to you, that you could have just picked up the phone and dialed across the road and asked that way, what was going on? Instead of risking your goddamn life, by walking down there alone! I could not believe my eyes!"

  "I didn't think of that!" She snapped.

  "Obviously not! Beca
use I open the door, and there you are! Sorry my reaction was not more fitting! But something about the sudden realization—that my—GODDAMN WIFE, COULD HAVE BEEN SHOT—TAKEN—BEATEN—KILLED—"

  "Don't you shout at me, Shawn! I'm sick of you shouting at me! I'm not gonna stand for it!"

  "When it comes to something like last night - I'm not - going to stand for you - ignoring my instructions... you hear me?!"

  He flushed the toilet. She turned from him back into their bedroom, trying to ignore him, his words, he still wasn't backing down. Not about to stand and argue as she was, she went back to looking for something to wear.

  He stood over the bathroom sink, gripping it, trying to get himself under control. He turned on the tap, and washed his face over and over, reaching for his toothbrush, he stood there brushing his teeth, in his underwear, watching her try to fit something on. He bent over and rinsed his mouth out, gargled and then dried it to look at her again. She'd found a summer dress to slip on. She looked pregnant in it. His heart tripped up and straightened out, nothing was more beautiful in his eyes, than a pregnant woman. And to see this one, his woman, pregnant with his child, overwhelmed him even more, there was something empowering about it. Something that filled him to the depths of his being to know that he'd done that to her; and enjoyed every moment. The site of her made his loins stir. She was a bit to handle now and then, but he could handle her just fine - he was in love with her - a love that gripped his entire being. He drew in a deep breath, watching her hang up her discarded clothing, while trying not to glance his way. He stood unmoving, in the bathroom door, his eyes inspecting every inch of her.

  "Can we stop arguing now?" He asked in his deep, vibrant voice, rich, while resonating sure masculinity.

  She shrugged with a slight "whatever" shake of her head.

  "I am what I am, Sylvia."

  "I am what I am, Shawn!"

  "And I love what you are. I wouldn't change a thing. I'm sorry I bruised your arm. And, no, next to come is not a slap across your face. I'm in love with that face, and I would never mar it. And yet, apologizing for that, I will not - apologize for how I am when it comes to protecting you. Shanna, my children, our children. You have no idea what it would do to me, if anything were to happen to you - not a clue. And, uh, I guess you're starting to see, that, well—I'm hell to live with - but - I can't..." He shook his head, certain in his claim, "I cannot live - without you." He expelled a knot of pressure in his chest.

  Sylvia softened, looking at him.

  "Come here... please?" He asked.

  Who was she trying to fool? She could no more resist him, than a poor thief could a thousand unguarded dollars.

  She eased a bit closer to him, looking up into his eyes. Just like that. He would call, and to him she would come. It was just the way it was. Did this make her crazy? Insane? Attracted to a man that she knew, could be deadly? Last night, she had been afraid. But - in truth, was she afraid of him? Standing there before him, she looked at his face; the face of a man who could go from a raging maniac, as he had been the night before, to this. To a gentle, loving, compassionate man, that she was hopelessly in love with. He lifted his hand for her to come to him, to take it. Her body moved towards him, taking that hand that pulled her to him; putting his arm around her waist, his hand pressed to her lower back, pressing her against him as he stared down into her eyes. Dark eyes, so black an ebony, he could not see the pupils within.

  "I'm your husband. Do you know that?"

  Those words, sent her heart into a crazy pounding within her chest, because yes, just as Mundo had said, he belonged to them. He was, her husband. She nodded.

  "Don't say that you don't know me then. You know me. You know what I am. Who I am. What I feel. What I need. And you know that I need you; foolish as I am, I've kept nothing from you, have I?"

  She swallowed, shaking her head in silent answer.

  "Yes, you know - you must know - and - if you have doubts about anything else, you can't doubt that, can you?"

  Sad in her acceptance, once more, she shook her head.

  "When you look at me, I need you to know, that while I may not always be right, I will fight the very devil, before I let any harm come to you. To my babies, unborn, young and older ones too. Everything I've ever wanted…is right here. Right here…you think I'll let anyone, take it away? Nooo, not easily. My little sister…you think I'll turn my back on her? Leave her to the wolves? No fucking way. No—not I…I am, what I am, sweetheart. You—all of you, you're mine - I don't give a shit how it sounds. No one, will harm either of you. No way…no fuckin' way." He opened his mouth over hers, possessively latching on and inserting his tongue in a kiss so powerful it left Sylvia weak, feeling faint. Both of his arms were around her, his hand at her back, one cupping her skull as he sucked and tongued and laved her with a passion that made her dizzy with longing. His arms were strong, his body was solid, hard, his heart beat in his chest so that she could feel it next to her own. Her arms went around his powerful shoulders, pulling up to him, matching the oral intercourse, feeling everything inside of him, transferring to her in that kiss. His tongue filled her mouth completely and she sucked it in, and wanted him badly. He was fully erect, her hand went to him, taking hold of the massively thick penis. Her hand stroking up and down its length.

  "Sssss—Shawn…" She groaned in his mouth.

  Blowing for control, he put her away from him. "We can't…the kids are all up." He gasped, painfully erect and standing clear from his briefs. Sylvia whimpered. "I'll lock the door," she suggested. The look on her face made him chuckle. "You randy lil' cow—no!" He laughed. She reached to grab it again. Shawn jerked his hips back, "Stop that! Hands off!" He chuckled, trying to dodge her, to keep her hands off of him until he went soft. With dreamy, glazed-over eyes, Sylvia looked down at it and promised, "I'm gone get some that lata'! You betta' believe that." She promised, husky and blatant in her desires for him. Shawn laughed so hard, he no longer was. With pursed lips she nodded again, glanced down at it, and then back up at him, promise in her eyes, nodding her head, she headed for the door - dismissing all from her mind.

  * * *

  Previously, with Jake & Vivian...

  It was about four fifteen in the morning when Jake and Vivian made it back across the road. One hand held her by the waist as they walked, the other held his Remington 7400 semi-automatic, with scope and loaded with a ten round magazine. Guaranteed to bring down a deer at over a 100 yards—or whatever you were aiming for. If you could shoot straight, it would bring it down, and Jake could shoot straight. Another thing he competed with his brothers at. They were good, he was good.

  Watching him load it, and look up at her to say, "Get your shoes back on, we're going back across the road." Vivian went and put her shoes back on. Shawn had been standing there, and this time, said not a word. He was now happy to see them on their way - no longer feeling a need to interfere - protect - with that in hand, he knew his brother would be fine on his own.

  Leaving Sylvia's together, Vivian asked, "Have you ever shot anything with it?" She was trying to keep up with him, he was moving with haste, having her by his side.

  "Every year I do." He answered, scanning around them, although he doubted anyone was out there; it was because of Shawn, that he was so on the edge. He also had Vivian out there with him, he wanted to get her inside. "Every year?" She asked, all of it nervous and shaky chatter. Her system was in a rush. His hand on her back was a rush. The fact that they were going back to Shanna's, alone—was a rush. Her chest was laden with passion. He was turning her on. He—was a turn on. She knew it was silly to feel this way, but the way he was holding that rifle in his hand, with absolute knowledge and control, was a rush. She wanted him. Tonight. Now…this morning.

  "Yeah, I use it when we go deer hunting." He answered, relieved that they were at the front door. He stood behind her, with her between the door and him, as he reached beside her, unlocking it and nudging her gently inside. He turned and clos
ed the screen, latching it, and then closed the door, making sure that it was locked. Vivian was heading towards the back room. "Ah, ah, ah, ah—stay right where you are." He called to her, checking all the windows, and locking them, and then proceeded to check Shanna's room, and heard the kitten meowing. "Shit! Vivian, come check on this kitten." He asked. Smiling, she did as she was told, falling more and more in love with him. He left her in that room to see to it as he checked around the rest of the house, making sure all the windows were closed and locked. To be safe, he turned on the central air instead, setting the thermostat to a comfortable climate. Vivian came out with the kitten, gave it something to drink, and let it eat. She was kneeling on the floor next to it, when he felt secure enough to place his rifle on the floor, sliding it within his reach beneath his side of the bed.

  When he came out of the room looking for her, he saw her there, talking to the kitten as it ate, stroking its head.

  "Put the food in the bathroom with it, I'm tired; we're going to bed."

  "Okay…I think it's about done, anyway."

  He leaned against the counter, patiently waiting for her, as she patiently waited for the kitten to finish eating. As she knelt there, he said, "Is it, okay if I don't take you back today?"

  "It's okay, I understand." She answered, still on the floor.

  "Are you okay?" He asked, staring at her.

  "Yeah…I'm fine. You okay?"

  "Yeah…I'm okay."

  She smiled, her heart was palpitating like mad.

  "Vivian?"

  She looked up at him again. "Yeah?"

  "I want you." His eyes were penetrating, deeply searching hers, "I want you all the way - all - the way."

  She wondered if it were possible for the heart to implode and yet, you could remain breathing, barely breathing.