The Lion (13 page)

  “It's the playoffs,” he said exiting the car.

Rion helped Tauri out of the car and took her hand as they walked toward the field.

  “Is that why you have the cap and sunglasses?” she surmised.

He nodded. “I'm not here to draw attention. I came to support somebody.”

Tauri smiled up at him. “You just won't let me find a reason not to want you.”

Rion winked at her. “I'm the whole cake baby, not just the crumbs.”

  “And it's so delicious,” she whispered, then licked her lips.

Rion laughed. “Girl, you don't know what you're going to make me do to you.”

  Tauri joined him in laughter as they entered the field and found their way to the bleachers.  They managed to find a couple of seats before Rion began studying the field.

  “Who did we come to see?” Tauri asked.

Rion pointed to the field. “The left fielder.”

Tauri looked surprised. “He plays your position. Checking out your competition?” she teased.

Rion smiled. “Yeah, you know my position?”

  “I told you I watched you play,” she reminded him.

Rion turned to her. “You just watched because I'm sexy.”

Tauri turned her attention back to the field. “I watch you now because you're sexy.”

  They watched the rest of the game and Rion had to admit the boy was very talented. He made more than a few spectacular catches and had a huge fan base in the crowd. During the game Tauri would glance over at Rion who seemed mesmerized by the game in progress. She could tell he truly loved this element.

  When the game was over Rion made his way down to the field along with Tauri. The winning team was celebrating near home plate when Rion approached the boy.

  “Jeff,” Rion called and the boy turned.

  Tauri watched as the boy froze after recognizing Orion. Rion walked over to the boy and stuck out his hand.

  “Good job young god. Congratulations.”

Jeff put a hand to his mouth. “Ah man, this is crazy. Rion Shaw is at my game!”

  At the sound of Rion's name, all the other players turned and recognized him. They all swarmed around him before they began asking for autographs. Baseballs and bats appeared out of nowhere and Rion patiently signed one for each boy who asked. They asked him questions and shook his hand over and over.

  Finally the team's manager herded up all the boys and they said their goodbyes. Jeff remained and shook Rion's hand again.

  “Thank you for coming. Man, I don't know what to say.”

  “You're really good Jeff. I enjoyed watching you play.” Rion told him.

Jeff shrugged. “Really?”

Rion nodded. “You have a future in baseball. I'll be keeping my eye on you.”

  “I can still apprentice for your team?” Jeff asked.

  Rion had offered the boy an apprenticeship with the new team once the deal was completed. After meeting him at the community center, he'd known Jeff was special and wanted to help guide and mold him.

  “Of course, I'm looking forward to it.”

  Jeff smiled. “I can't thank you enough.” The team began calling for Jeff as they were all going to celebrate.

Rion smiled. “Go enjoy your win. I'll talk to you soon.”

  Jeff nodded happily before running to join his teammates. Rion turned to Tauri and smiled as she walked over to him with her hands behind her back. When she reached him, she produced a baseball.

  “Will you sign this for me?”

Rion frowned. “What?”

She lifted the ball higher. “Will you sign this for me?” she repeated.

  “I'm not signing a baseball for you Tauri. That doesn't make any sense.”

  “It's not for me. It's for my Granddaddy. I know he'd love one.”

Rion frowned even more. “Now I'm really not signing it.”

  “You won't sign a baseball for my Granddaddy?” Tauri questioned.

  Rion shook his head and began walking to the parking lot. “No. That's like signing a baseball for my own father. Hell, your grandfather knows more about baseball than I could ever learn. I should be asking for his autograph.”

  Tauri dropped the ball and followed him. “Orion, you're going to be a Hall of Famer. You're the best baseball player since Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron.” She placed a hand on his arm to stop him.

  Rion looked down at her. “I played baseball Tauri. Do you know your grandfather marched with Dr. King? Do you know he grew up during Jim Crow laws and the lynchings of black men? Just because I played baseball well, I've done nothing compared to him and the men who fought to change this world for me,” he finished passionately.

  Tauri watched him for a long moment before reaching up and removing his glasses and hat. She held the items in one hand and touched his face with the other.

  “You are amazing Orion Shaw. That you can be so humble when you've accomplished so much amazes me. That you spend your evening at a summer league game supporting a young man you just met amazes me. That you spend an afternoon teaching your little godson to play baseball amazes me. That you are so good to people amazes me,” she told him in a voice full of emotion.

Rion stared down into watery hazel eyes. “I promise to be good to you Tauri.”

  “You already are Orion,” she said wrapping her arms around his waist and holding him tightly.  Rion returned her embrace and kissed the top of head.

  He drove them to his apartment and glanced over at Tauri before he exited the car to come around and open the door for her. She gave him a sexy smile as he took her hand and brought it to his lips then led her to the private elevator.

  Inside the elevator, Rion inserted his key and hit the button to begin the elevator’s ascent. He turned to Tauri and she reached into her bag producing a foil package. Dropping her purse to the floor she looked at him from head to toe then slowly licked her lips. Rion continued to watch as she pulled the T-shirt over her head and dropped it to the floor while the elevator continued upwards.

  In a flash, he was in front of her helping to remove her jeans and bra. Taking a small step back he whipped his own shirt off and went for his belt as she rushed to help him in the process. When it was completed, Rion placed his hands on the wall on either side of her as she slowly applied the protection to his beautifully extended flesh. She finished and cradled his male sac in her hand savoring its weight before looking up into his eyes.

  The elevator stopped and the doors opened then closed again as Rion captured her waiting mouth. Tauri ran her hands along his lean muscled form reveling in its warmth and strength.  Rion released her mouth and lifted her against the wall.

  “You know what I want,” she whispered.

His mouth was on her neck. “Ummm…hmmmmm.”

She held on to him tightly. “Tell me…,” she demanded.

  Rion looked into dazed hazel eyes. “You want me to stoke this fire…” he breathed against her neck as his hand went to the place he described and began to stroke her gently.

  “Until it’s so wet and so hot that we both go up in flames.” Rion lifted her up, slid the drenched string of her panties to the side and slid deeply inside her. Lifting his head he watched as her eyes widened at his welcomed invasion.

  Rion moved his mouth over hers as he began to move deeply inside her body. “Is that what you want?” he asked against her mouth as he rocked her against the wall.

  Tauri tightened her legs around his back while holding on to his solid neck. “I want you Orion,” she said as she began to suckle his lips before assaulting his tongue. Rion pulled her hips closer to receive more of the passion he had in store for her and Tauri greedily followed his lead.

  Rion managed to pull his mouth away from her voracious attack and stared down at her. “I want you Tauri… forever.” He slowed his pace and watched her face. “I want to give you all my love.”

  Tauri watched mystified as he lowered his head to her breast. He began by gently licking and sucking the golden mounds before paying homage to the hardened crowns that ignited her womb and released her sexual flow. His delivery was expert and precise in completing his mission as Tauri threw her head back against the wall surrendering to all that he was.

  By the time he moved to the other breast she was already nearing her breaking point. She grabbed his head holding him closely as she grunted in tandem with his deep strokes to her body. Tauri burned like never before as she clamored for more and Rion obliged. Finally, when she could not withhold herself any longer, she came apart calling his name and holding him close.

  “Yes baby…I’m right here.” He answered her call while still stroking her thoroughly through his own climax.

  When they both were able to breathe and think again, Rion looked down at her flushed damp face as Tauri ran her hands over his dark damp skin. With their bodies still joined, he lifted her higher until they were face to face.

  “Did you hear me?” he asked.

  Tauri slowly ran a hand along his eyebrow and down the side of his face.  “Yes, I heard you Orion.” She traced his lips.

Rion felt her hesitation and kissed her softly. “Still too fast?” he asked catching her gaze.

She smiled at him softly. “I’m catching up.”

He kissed her again. “As long as you don’t slow down, I can be patient.”

  Tauri stood under the spray of warm water lost in her thoughts. Orion had left three days ago on a one-day trip to New York for a scheduled meeting regarding his purchase of a team. Unexpected issues had arisen while he was there and he'd had to stay additional time.

  This evening she was planning to go over some paperwork that she'd brought home with her before Orion called. He'd called her every night and they would talk until she fell asleep. Rion had told her he had become accustomed to her snoring and wanted to hear her at night.

  Stepping out of the shower, she wrapped herself in a towel and proceeded to her bedroom. Tauri stretched out on the bed lying on her stomach. She placed her chin in her hands and studied the fluffy purple comforter.

  Orion Shaw, she had to admit he was that business and he knew it. From the things he said to the way he carried himself, he was all that in her mind and speaking of minds, he had hers totally gone and over the edge. He had her wanting to do nothing but crawl up beside him and lay her head on his solid chest. He was able to soothe her to the depths of her soul even after he’d completely angered her.

  Tauri laid on her stomach, lifted her feet into the air and rested her head on the bed. Orion Shaw, she had told him she was catching up to him but she was nervous that she'd surpass him before long. Tauri had never been in love so she didn't know what it felt like, but if it was anything like she was feeling right now, it was the most wonderful feeling in the world.

  Orion could make her burn like a wildfire that she didn't want extinguished. He could make her melt with a word or a touch. She turned over on her back and stared at the ceiling lifting her knees in the air. Tauri lifted her arms above her head and stretched her body like a feline as she recalled the last time Orion was in this bed with her. She smiled slowly as she felt the warmth of him infiltrate her mind and body.

  “Oh, baby...” she breathed into the quiet room. “You make me feel so good.”

  Tauri reached over to the music player on her nightstand and instantly filled the room with Nina Simone. She closed her eyes and began to sing along with the intro.  When the music came in, she jumped off the bed and sang loudly while swinging her hips.

It’s a new dawn

It’s a new day

It’s a new life for me

And I’m feeling good…

  Tauri danced around the bed performing the song her Granny had played often in their home. The track ended then looped again as her phone rang. She picked it up off the other nightstand and answered before moving around the bed to stop the music.

  “Hello,” she answered.

  “Are you listening to Nina Simone?” Rion asked smiling after the music had stopped.

Tauri stared at his face. “Yes, I love her.”

  “She was incredible,” Rion agreed. “Are you
feeling good
?”

Tauri sat on the bed. “I’ll be feeling better when you come back.”

  “You miss me?” he asked.

She smiled. “Yes, I miss you aggravating the hell out of me.”

  “I miss that mouth,” he said softly.

Her eyes lowered to slits. “Just my mouth?”

Rion smiled at her. “Nah, not just that mouth.”

Tauri laughed softly and laid back on the bed.

  “I’m curious how you’re a Nina Simone fan. She was way before our time,” Rion questioned.

  “I was raised by my grandparents remember? I know lots of old stuff,” she explained. “Plus she’s an icon.”

  “She lived during a very racial period in time,” Rion added.

  “Did you know that she wasn’t allowed at the Curtis Institute of Musi
c
 
because she was black, even though she was an accomplished musician?” Tauri asked.

  “Some of her songs about the events in that time really touch your soul,” he commented softly.

    Tauri looked thoughtful. “Yes. It wasn’t a good time for black people in this country.” She stared at his face again. “And look where we are now? Someone would rather see you dead than own a baseball team.”

  “We just continue to fight,” he told her. “Remembering those who fought before us.”

  “How are things going there?” Tauri asked.

Rion sighed. “They’re pulling red tape out of their asses, but I’m determined.”

  “How much longer will you need to be there?”

  “The meetings may extend but I’ll be back tomorrow night for the Mayor’s party either way.”

Tauri lifted a brow. “You’ll be able to get a flight tomorrow?”

  “I chartered a plane so it won’t be a problem,” Rion explained.

  She laughed. “I don’t know how it’s possible but it’s so easy to forget who you are sometimes and that you can charter private planes.”

  “As long as you remember I’m your man, that’s all that matters.”

Tauri stared at him. “I remember.”

Rion nodded. “What time is Brandon picking you up for the party tomorrow?” he asked.

  “I’m not going with Brandon. Jeremy offered to escort me and I accepted.”

Rion paused. “Rewind that for me.”

  “Orion, I’m not going to the Mayor’s party with my boss. I don’t want anyone to think that I have any preferential treatment from Brandon,” she explained.

  “Cool. Corvus will pick you up.”

Tauri frowned. “I’m not going with your little brother either.”

  “You’re sure as hell not going with Jeremy’s ass.”

She sighed. “Orion, Jeremy is simply a co-worker. We’re not going as a couple, of course.”

  “You’ve told Brandon this?” Rion asked wondering why he hadn’t heard from Brandon himself.

  “Not yet. I was going to tell him tomorrow.”

Rion shook his head. “No.”

Tauri lifted a brow. “Did you just tell me no?”

  “Tauri, somebody is tracking you and I’m not taking any chances of somebody trying to hurt you because of me.”

  “Orion, Jeremy is my co-worker. I’m not in danger.”

  Rion ran a hand down his face. “Unless it’s the Negus or Mac, I don’t trust any damn body. This is not a game Tauri.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I know it’s not a game Orion. I don’t need you to remind me of that fact.”

  “I’m not going to argue with you. If you won’t cooperate, Brandon will take you off the case,” he told her.

  Tauri jumped to her feet. “This isn’t about the case! This is about you being jealous,” she accused.

  “Both,” he answered.

Tauri dropped the phone on the bed in anger. “I don’t have anything else to say to you Orion.”

  “Pick up the phone Tauri,” Rion said staring at a purple comforter.

Tauri folded her arms. “Why are you acting like this?” she asked staring at the wall.

  “Pick up the phone so I can talk to you,” he instructed.

A few minutes later Tauri picked up the phone. “I’ll talk to you later,” she said.

  Rion looked at her through the phone and saw the anger and hurt in her eyes. “Not like this…never like this,” he told her and she looked away.

  “Someone at your office bugged your computer. They didn’t care that they were your co-worker. Until that person is put away, I don’t want you alone with anyone there,” Rion explained.

She turned back to the phone. “You think it’s Jeremy?” she asked.

  “Baby, I don’t know who it is yet. All I know is that it could be anyone and I’m not taking any chances at all,” he said passionately.

  “I’m not going with Brandon,” she said stubbornly.

  “Corvus, Lance, Khalil? Hell, do you want my daddy to bring you?” he asked.

Tauri smiled a little. “Your momma would cut me for real.”

  Rion was silent for a few moments. “Believe me baby, I’m trying to get this all over with. I didn’t come to disrupt your life this way and I’m sorry.”

  She looked at his face closely and could see he was tired. Orion was carrying the weight of the world on his back right now and Tauri felt bad for adding more to his already full plate. She felt selfish for being so argumentative over something so simple.

  “Corvus can pick me up tomorrow,” she agreed quietly after a minute.

  “Thank you.” Rion took a seat on the bed in his hotel room. “I miss you so much.”

Tauri smiled. “It’s been three days Orion.”

  “That’s all it took to fall in love with you.”

Tauri flushed and bit her lip. “You make me crazy, do you know that?”

  “I know that pretty soon we’re going to start making babies,” he told her.

  “I thought you said you could be patient,” she reminded him.

  Rion laid back on the bed. “Tauri, if I wasn’t patient we’d be married and you’d be pregnant right now.”

Tauri felt herself becoming warm. “You know everyone thinks you’re out of your mind.”

  “I know who I am and what I want. I could care less what anybody thinks.”

Tauri shook her head. “You really don’t.”

  “What are you wearing?” Rion changed the subject to something more to his liking.

She looked down at herself. “A towel.”

He gave her a sexy grin. “Start the show baby. I've been waiting all day...”

*********

  The next evening Tauri opened the door to apartment for Corvus Shaw. He looked devastatingly handsome in a black tuxedo and bow tie.

  “Hello Corvus. Thank you for escorting me tonight,” Tauri greeted ushering him inside her home.

  Corvus looked over Tauri in the lavender evening gown that hugged her curvaceous body and showed nicely shaped legs then shook his head.

  “No wonder Rion wasn't letting anybody else bring you, my brother is not stupid.”

  Tauri smirked and grabbed her wrap and purse. “If that's your way of saying I look nice, then thank you. You look nice as well,” she said pointedly.

  Corvus smiled. “I forgot I was dealing with Prosecutor Patterson, my apologies.” He bowed. “You look lovely Ms. Patterson. I am honored to escort such a beautiful goddess tonight.”

She looked at him. “You are Orion's brother alright.”

Corvus laughed and extended his arm. “I'm actually much smoother than he is.”

Tauri linked her arm in his. “I don't think that's possible.”

  Corvus laughed as they walked to the door. “You should tell him that I am, just to make him mad,” he said looking down at her.

Tauri laughed. “I just might.”

  On the way to the party Tauri got to know Corvus better and realized he was a lot more like his brother than she'd initially thought. After watching how he and Lance liked to joke and play, she now found that underneath all that comedy, Corvus was a very deep guy indeed.

  “So you're going to be my sister-in-law,” he said glancing over at Tauri who sat staring out of the window.

  “So says your brother.”

  “Rion's never brought any woman to meet our momma. I think that's why she was maybe a little over the top when you met her,” he explained.

  Tauri smiled. “I thought I was going to have to give blood and cut off my right arm to prove I'm worthy of the young god.”

Corvus laughed. “Yeah, something like that.”

Tauri turned to him. “He's never brought a woman before?”

  Corvus shook his head. “That's why everybody's so surprised. Rion is very methodical in everything that he does. He's been planning to own a team since he first started playing baseball. He said he was going to play baseball for ten years and he did. Everything he does is planned to the smallest detail, so when he shows up with you talking about marriage in two weeks, we were all shocked.”

  “You all think I'm trying to trap him,” she stated.

  “Nah, Rion has his own mind and if he says you're it...then you're it my Sistar.”

Tauri turned back to the window. “Does Orion always get what he wants?” she asked.

  “He's tenacious. That's why he's the lion.”

Tauri shook her head. “I swear you all are so crazy. I don't understand half the things you say.”

Corvus smiled. “You've got the rest of your life with us. You'll be our first Nigist.”

Reluctantly she turned to him. “What does that mean?”

  “The Negus are the kings and their wives will be the Nigists...the queens and empresses,” he explained.

  “I think you all make this stuff up to confuse people,” she told him.

  “Nope, it's cultural. Look it up.”

  They pulled up to the venue and Corvus got out, opened her door and escorted her inside. They were met by Brandon, Lance, Khalil and Marcus inside the huge ballroom with music playing. Tauri looked around for her man and didn't see him.

  “Where's Orion?” she asked the men.

  “He'll be here shortly,” Brandon answered.

  Tauri was anxious to see him especially since she hadn't seen him in person for four days. As she stood with the five men, Jeremy approached her.