Undying Devotion

Shannara felt strange, uncomfortable and out of place. The skirt was far too short, it very nearly showed off her butt cheeks. The top allowed the cool breeze of the night to caress her exposed skin at her back. And the heels, let’s not get started on the heels. How did women wear these every day without breaking an ankle?

“Smile sweetheart.” Arion cooed beside her.

Yeah easy for him to say, he wasn’t about to burst out of his clothing showing everything to the world. He had also changed before they had headed out to the red light district in town. He was still dressed in his usual style but it was rough and rugged. His suit jacket was open, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his shirt unbuttoned down his chest with no tie. His hair was sleeked back with stray strands over his eyes. They both looked the part, and he had done his part by tracking down what part of town the woman’s scent had come from.

“Easier said than done. These heels were a bad idea.” She groaned.

He was so close to her, as the new girl on the block it was common to have her pimp with her on the first night. He stood behind her, his body was just inches from hers. His hand reached up tucking a stray hair behind her ear before he whispered. “But they work so well to show off those legs of yours.”

She felt a shiver run down her spine. She was lean but well-muscled, she thought she looked awkward and out of place, and yet his words made her feel something she hadn’t for a long time. She felt womanly under his gaze and whispered words, something she was far from used to. She had to remind herself not to get distracted by him, which was proving harder by the minute as the cold breeze was heavily contrasted by his warm body.

A woman approached them, her stride and posture clearly rehearsed to show off her accents. “You’re new here.” Her head tilted up as she seemed to snob Shannara and continued to address Arion. “Any new attractions need to be okayed through Darren first.”

Arion took hold of Shannara’s arm and lightly pulled her forward. She emphasized surprise as she lurched forward. They were acting, of course, putting on a show for one of the local girls.

“Excellent, that would be just the man I need to see then.” Arion smiled at the redhead. Giving her a once over he lifted his chin. “Lead the way, little lady.”

Shannara was surprised at how quickly Arion had adapted, his way of talking was more relaxed and he appeared to be able to blend in well with any situation. If she thought about it, he was honestly the best partner she could ask for, quick-witted, intelligent and he had a presence about him she could explain. Everyone just seemed to accept him, no questions asked.

The girl returned his smile with a sly smirk of her own, tilting her head to the side, her ear nearly meeting her shoulder she casually pushed her breasts together. Shannara fought down the urge to roll her eyes. “Right this way then.” The tall thing spun on her heels, an impressive maneuver in Shannarara’s eyes, and walked down the street.

“B-but I thought you said this area was full.” Shannara stuttered innocently to Arion. His tight grip on her arm actually helped her keep up with the other women, the heels she was wearing proving to be more of a challenge the faster she moved.

“Not to worry doll, we have had a no-show for a few days now, there’s an opening. Lucky you.” The redhead glanced over her shoulder before pointing to an alleyway. “Second door on the right, look forward to working with you.” She pranced off into the distance.

“Not many working the streets tonight,” Arion observed.

“It’s only a small town, it’s mostly out-of-towners that would use these... services.” She whispered.

“That you know of.” He raised a brow glancing down at her as they made their way into the rather well-lit alleyway.

“Is this not illegal in your realm?” He queried.

“They find ways around it.“Her tone was disapproving.

“I say it’s better to have it regulated than illegal.” He added with a frown.

She let out a small laugh, the conversation reminding her of the arguments the legal system has had over the matter. “Is that how it is for your world?”

He nodded. “The brothels are even inspected and any cruel mistreatment is ironed out. People can earn an honest living. And where there is a demand they will always be a seller.”

“I bet there are still those that work in the shadows.“She concluded.

“You’re not wrong, and that’s why I have a team much like yours.” He smiled down at her. “Law enforcers are still needed. There’ll always be some people that are not happy with the current system.”

That piqued her interest but first things first, their mission tonight. Standing before the door she took a deep breath putting on a wide smile and knocked. Before long they were ushered inside by a woman who answered the door.

Shannara’s heart fell as if she could see the bruises that the girl was trying to hide with her shawl. Thankfully she was still quite new to the town and she looked nothing like when she did in her uniform, she could pull this off and maybe even get this asshole arrested, like the blue collars above her had been trying to do since before she arrived here. She had to steel herself, that wasn’t why she was here. There was a girl in danger, all she could do was hope she wasn’t too late already.

“Well, well, well. What do we have here?” A well-kept black-haired man sat lazily behind a desk. His feet were up, resting on the edge of the table while he huffed on his cigarette. The thick smoke formed a smog in the air that was making it slightly harder to breathe the longer they remained in the room.

The man stood and strode over to Arion extending a hand. “The names Darren, who might you be?”

Arion took the welcoming gesture, squeezing tightly as he allowed a half smile to peek out from the corner of his mouth. “Arion, the pleasure is all mine. I have new merchandise I thought you may be interested in.” He got straight to the point.

“A no bull shit type of guy hey? Well damn, let’s see it then.” Darren’s eyes landed on Shannara, his brows raised.

Arion shoved her forward causing her to gasp and stumble to the desk. Her hands landed square on the wood as she stopped herself from falling. Her body was now hunched over, her backside clearly on view. She was going to slap him for that later.

Darren whistled from behind her. “She is thick! An’t seen anything like it.”

Shannara focused on her breathing as her teeth ground together, she couldn’t call the asshole out, not before finding out what she needed. It was hard not to feel like a piece of meat on display. Pushing herself up she turned. Placing a hand on her hip she allowed the other to hang loosing at her side while she crossed one ankle in front of the other, she was posing.

“I trained this one myself, she’s strong and can take a mean hit.” Arion was focused on Darren as the man inspected her further.

Darren’s hand found itself running up her arm over her defined muscles. “What a joy that must have been.” He muttered with a glint in his eye.

Shannara’s eyes were locked on Arion, it was the only way she could focus enough to not make any sudden movement or unwanted facial expressions. Darren licked his lips as his hand moved down to her waist, she could see Arion’s jaw clench. He was fighting to hide his annoyance, somehow she found that amusing. The oddest thought came to her, I wonder how far this situation could push him.

She tilted her head looking up at Darren, the mere sight of him turning her stomach. She was revolted by him. He was only just taller than her, nowhere near the towering monster that Arion was. His hand slipped to the inside of her thigh toying with the hem of her very short skirt. She half closed her eyes as she bit her bottom lip and she could have sworn she’d heard a growl coming from behind Darren. Good, if she had to suffer so should he.

“I would need to inspect the merchandise thoroughly before deciding if it fits my purpose.” Darren was practically salivating. Inspect? What the hell would he be inspecting, what the hell had these girls gone through?

Suddenly a firm hand yanked her out from under Darren’s hold. She stifled her laugh as his glare bored into her. “She’s precious to me, and a high price. Given that you’re losing girls, I’m not sure I’m willing to leave her in your care, yet.”

Darren sighed. “She is a fine treasure, but why would I need another when I still have three girls who are able and willing.”

Arion huffed. “Able and willing? Please, you have one of them on the streets right now. A second battered and bruised and the third is probably in with a client soon to be out of action for a few days.”

Darren narrowed his eyes on Arion. “Perceptive. I won’t deny that. What is it you want?”