The Brothers Drakos ~ Book 1

15 - Sunshine, Rayne & Submission

“Is it just me or do you feel like we have known each other a lifetime?” Kris asked Rayne.

“That is so funny, I was thinking that when I told you what happened to me. I am usually much more guarded about personal things but I wanted to tell you everything. It almost feels like you could protect me, in that big brother sort of way. I am sure that sounds insane.”

“It does but I concur Sunshine.” Kris smiled and led Rayne upstairs to the second story balcony overlooking the backyard.

“You have called me that several times now.” She snickered.

“It is my pet name I suppose. You are full of sunshine. I can see the light that you send off and why it attracts others so quickly. You are that peek of sunshine from the clouds after a heavy rain.”

She couldn’t fathom how someone saw that when they looked at her. Her background, the life she led for many years and apparent lack of self-confidence created doubt of anything worthy able to originate from her at all. They talked for over two hours. The party raged on downstairs. They talked like siblings who hadn’t seen one another in nearly a decade and had only one night to get caught up. Kris was truly a genuine, loving hearted person with a now sarcastic tone on life and love.  His heart was severely broken by a woman he would have traded his soul to Hades himself to give all she desired. This female took his heart, his devotion to her and threw it aside the moment she found she couldn’t change him. Scarlett had broken him from the inside out. It was in that moment her love and a promise of a lifetime in his arms, was untrue. Rayne looked at his hazel eyes swell slightly with pain recanting the moment he realized her betrayal. She longed to see his face and hug him for real. 

Standing she took his hand and lead Kris into the upstairs suite. Turning on the light and check the room and bathroom to ensure they were alone she undid her mask from its hold and smiled brightly. Almost immediately Kris removed his mask as well and they embraced. He was not just a good-looking man but the soul that screamed behind his hazel eyes was captivating. His chisel cut jaw and aquiline features with sandy blondish-brown hair and hazel eyes made him look like a dream. Her preference had always been darker features and light eyes but this man could definitely change her mind. Lightly tanned skin that was flawless and by the look of his body shape under the cleanly cut suit, Kris had everything women fantasize about.

“Holy s**t Kris, you are f*****g gorgeous.” She looked him up and down with honesty.

“Such a fowl mouth from such a stunning woman. It is actually some what of a turn on.” His eyes stopped on the very prominent bruise on her face. No matter how much make-up she had applied it shown through regardless.

“I will kill that bastard if I ever see him face to face.” She had told him the story in every sorted detail. His blood boiled and fists clenched at the thought of someone hurting Rayne. He jested, “I have not really ever cared for a female like I do you so quickly. I suppose you remind me of my sister in a lot of ways. Angelos and I lost her when she turned sixteen.”

Rayne hugged him and asked what happened. It was a sad story of a bright girl with the world at her feet and the tale of her downfall into cancer. It was quick and nearly, only six months after finding out she was gone. Rayne didn’t press the subject further and decided that to be honored enough by the comparison to his sister would do just fine. Walking to the mirror and placing her mask back on she looked at his watch. He showed her the time and they both cringed. Nearly two and half hours had gone by in the blink of an eye. She handed him her phone from the hidden pocket within her dress. Without a word he put every contact information item in it: Email, phone, social media. Even leaving her the code to his home in California should she ever want to come visit or just get away.  Slipping her hand into his pocket and retrieving his phone, she gave him all her information as well. They hugged once more and he softly kissed her cheek where it was bruised. She placed a hand on his cheek during the kiss as a loving gesture.

“I should return you before my life is in jeopardy further.” He snickered. They headed down the stairs and separated upon reaching the bottom. They made promises to keep in touch more than twice a week. She was feeling bold, beautiful, and ready to take on the world until a hand forcefully grabbed her arm pulling her into the office and slamming the door.

“Where have you been?” The question was blunt and cold but not as harsh as Dimitri would have spoken. She turned to see Darius standing at her side looking both troubled with a hint of irritation.

“I was resting away from the party. I haven’t felt myself today and it was all a bit much. The kind gentleman that danced with me offered me water and escorted me to the balcony upstairs for some reclusive repose. He…”

“He is likely going to die at the hand of a very enraged Dimitri. You were there and then disappeared with another man. Rayne, if you don’t want to be with either of us it is going to be an adjustment to what we hoped but you can’t play with Dimitri like that. He is… his fragile. While that may be a word that doesn’t seem an accurate description of his callous personality, it is.”

She looked at Darius through his mask. In that moment wearing a mask was constricting. She had hidden so much of herself the entire time growing up and veiling herself now in every way was becoming exasperating. Reaching up and taking the pins out of her hairline she let the mask fall. His face grimaced instantly noticing the large discoloration on her cheek. Removing his mask she saw the face her dreams had shown time and again. His soft, caring eyes and manly features cause her breath to catch for a moment.

“What the happened to your face.”

She wasn’t ready to have this discussion. How this turned out would be tragic for all involved. While there business was legitimate those that did business with Drakos Shipping International had hold on many darker, more sinister areas of life and she was sure someone would perish once the truth was told.

“I asked,” He spoke sternly. What happened to your face Rayne?”

She shifted from one foot to another. The movement caused her breasts to shiver slightly and Darius took notice. Placing her right hand up to his cheek she let a soft smile cross her lips.

“I will tell you when I am ready but right now, I want to be close.”

“No, as much as I want to be encompassing your entire being with mine right now, we have to discuss a few things before this continues. This is not the time or place I wanted to have such a conversation but I can not deny that you were love at first sight for me. I don’t know how long we have in this life and I refuse to live the rest of mine without clearing the air and finding peace in our lives together.”

The impact of what he said was all encircling. This man had just admitted being in love with her. He wanted her for his lifetime whether it be two years or two hundred. That was heartrending and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Her hand fell from his cheek and she stepped back a few paces.

“I was nearly raped and beaten the other day. Thankfully, someone intervened and I was able to get away just in time. He was heavy handed and my face took the brunt. What else do you need to know? I don’t want anymore stipulations or requirements after this conversation. I just want to be happy, loved and close to you both. While I ethically have struggled with the impact of what I am about to enter into, I know that I can not go a day without thinking of or wanting you both. I believe this can work and we will all be happy.”

His face flushed to a bright red. It was anger, pure unadulterated anger. She knew this is what would happen when she came clean but it was time to lay out all the cards on the table and see where this took them all. A young thief and woman of no heritage or family certainly didn’t deserve to live the life a billionaire could offer let alone two who seemed to love and want her without reservation. But it was time, time to let it all fall as it willed. She was ready to accept the providence that the universe bestowed to her now.

“Who the f**k did this! My love, I can not let this go unpunished. You need to…”

“I need to hear what else you need me to answer and then all together, the three of us will discuss the incident.”

“INCIDENT? It isn’t an incident; it is a tragic happenstance that someone will pay severely for and likely with a life.”

“Darius, what else do you need to know. That conversation that you want to have is likely better had when there isn’t a house full of people.”

He took a breath and nodded trying to compose his anger. Pulling out his phone a quick text was sent. It was not two minutes and Dimitri was entering the office.

“Where in the f**k have you been? Who is that fucker you took off with? What the hell is your plan Rayne, I refuse to play this game with you any longer!” His tone was unsympathetic and furious.

She sat down in a chair and crossed her legs so the slit showed all the way up to her waist with no cover. She would wait until the tirade of Dimitri was over.

“And why the f**k is your face purple? Someone better explain s**t and fast.”

She said there with her hands resting on each arm of the chair and her body fully open for viewing. Darius’ eyes raked over her, just as Dimitri’s did. She felt objectified and wanted. It was in that moment she realized, the power in the room didn’t stand with the two towering men standing before her but with herself.

“When you are quite finished with your childish tirade, I will answer your questions.”

Dimitri looked as if he was going to blow. Darius took a seat across the room from Rayne and pointed to the chair at his side for Dimitri to sit as well. He slammed his hand on the desk and cussed under his breath before sitting in a manly aggravated repose.

“In order of your questions Dimitri…I have been upstairs on the balcony taking some time for myself while not feeling entirely well. The company of the very kind gentleman who was kind enough to dance with me and get me water when I felt a bit faint. I don’t know, thanks to your mask policy, who the gentleman was that helped me. But he was just that, a gentleman the entire time and left me to relax in peace. My plan was to move forward with you both and see where this goes but your tone and insinuations that I am playing a game make me wonder if I have made the wrong decision.  My face is purple because a few days ago I was beaten and nearly raped but was saved just in time.”

They all sat in conversational silence for a moment just letting the sounds of the ball linger in the room.

“Darius has asked me who tried to hurt me and I feel this is not the right time to discuss it as you have a house full of people and a party to finish hosting.”

Darius looked at Dimitri and they were both angry but realized her rationalization of the situation was entirely accurate. Dimitri stood and walked to the door. As he reached for the handle there was a pause and he turned to look at Rayne.

“This will be discussed and handled Rayne. I agree with your assessment of time and place. I know you do not like my ways or approach but your safety is of the utmost importance to me Rayne. Don’t ever think it isn’t.”

That was the closest thing Dimitri would ever get to saying he loved and wanted to protect her. She stood and walked to the door. Pushing up on her tiptoes she reached to his opposite cheek with her hand and pulled him down. The kiss she placed on his cheek, very near the corner of his mouth, was full of intention. His body stiffened and she was sure his pants likely did as well. His eyes shifted to look at her.

“I love you too Dimitri. Thank you.”

The room became almost silent eventhough there was a party going on outside the doors. His breath stopped and he turned to face her fully. No words left his mouth. His face was still rigid and exacting but his breath slowed and seemed to react to her words. She had always been blunt with them both and tried to be as honest as possible. This moment, she was even shocked by what she said out loud, but realized it was factual. He leaned down and kissed her forehead with a pause then opened the door.

“You owe me a dance.” He mumbled as exiting the office and shutting the door.

Turning to Darius his face was one of surprise. She knew it was due to what she said.

“I love you as well Darius. Let us get through this ball and we will figure the rest out together.”

He was over her in a heartbeat and looking down. Her words caused every inner piece of his manhood to rise at attention. His voice was deeper, more than usual and the accent was much more prevalent.

“So you love me, do you dearest Rayne? That is a good thing as I feel the same and want to show you for lifetimes on end.” His lips sought hers with fevered objective. She fell into the kiss absolutely and wrapped her arms about his shoulders. They continued to make out in a frenzy of need and inquisitiveness.

After a few moments more, they broke free and tried to compose their bodies in separation. Pulling open the door, Darius waited for her to exit.  At this point it was after midnight and the party was starting to wind down slightly. Rayne made way to the ballroom that had many couples dancing to the music and others making out or chatting on the sidelines. She looked around the room and caught Dimitri’s eye across the room once more. As always, he was surrounded by beautiful women causing them to laugh and giggle with his candid demeanor.

Turning to kiss Darius’ cheek once more she winked and he nodded. Heading across the dance floor the couples dancing seemed to part and let her pass. Dimitri’s gaze was focused. The ladies surrounding him turned taking notice to the approach.

“She really thinks she is the belle of the ball doesn’t she” the ginger headed slinky female leaned and said to the brunette standing close.

“She is short and too wide in the hips for anyone here to truly want her.” The brunette said rudely.

“I don’t know, the lord of this ball seems to be overwhelmingly in awe.” The kind voiced caramel haired female said plainly.

Her hips swayed as the music played on. Rayne was poetry in motion and headed straight for Dimitri. Never had his heart been so wavering, his mouth so dry and his eyes couldn’t look away. He couldn’t even function enough to reprimand the cattiness of the women around him. The very muscles flexing in her leg as it stretched out of the slit and brought her closer, was tempting. Her gait was inviting his manhood to stand and salute. The way her hair moved in the breeze and breasts bounced as she sauntered at him was too much. Licking his lips to try and gain some sort of moisture that heavy breathing had dried out near completely. Those legs needed to be wrapped around him and her mouth on his. Slowing her strides she stopped a few feet in front of him. For whatever reason, the room had all eyes on the two. Carefully planning the next move, she looked up at Dimitri with a large evil grin. Then Rayne shockingly proceeded to descend to her knees in front of him. Coming to rest on her heels thus now being set before him in a submissive position. She pulled her arms back and linked hands at the back of the waist.  She sat there on her haunches waiting for his acceptance in front of over a hundred now staring guests.

For the first time in his life, Dimitri didn’t have a reaction or shrewd word to say. There was no command, no request just her submitting to his every fantasy and desire in front of so many. At that moment, something that caused Darius to be taken aback happened. Dimitri looked up at him and smiled. A genuine, real, happy smile with that ever-present hint of devilish intent, that Darius hadn’t seen in nearly a decade, was spread freely across his brother’s face. Peering back down at Rayne who was looking intently at the floor waiting, he extended a hand down for her to hold and stand. She looked up at him with a seriousness that generated a heat between the two assuredly the rest of the room could feel. Taking his hand with a small effort she stood before him awaiting his next mandate. Slipping a hand around her waist, he leaned down and kissed her lips with powerful force. Breaking the kiss as harshly as it started, Rayne was whisked away to the dance floor. Dimitri danced for nearly a half an hour with Rayne.

Kris walked up behind Darius and watched the whole situation come to light. Good girl Rayne. Tame the beast and be happy. He looked at his phone and turned headed for the door. He would go to his hotel alone that night and revel in the fact that he had found his long-gone sister in another and would no longer feel so alone. Love would come for him, he was sure but for now, Kris was contented.