The Lion (19 page)

Kyros ran up to the pair. “Jeff, can you show me how to bat now?”

They looked down into his eager face. “Yeah little dude, let's do it.”

  “My Uncle Rion can hit the ball all the way across the sky,” Kyros bragged.

Jeff smiled. “I know. Your uncle is the best.”

Kyros turned to Rion and smiled. “And he has lots of pretty girls.”

Jeff laughed. “Yeah, I want to be your Uncle Rion.”

Rion shook his head at both the boys. “Get the bat and let's play.”

********* 

  Later that evening Rion sat on his sofa watching a game on television while Tauri worked in his office. He thought about the earlier events of the day and knew there was no turning back. He was relieved to know this was all going to be over soon. Beckham and his co-conspirators had turned themselves in and placed bail. Mac had heightened the security on Rion and he'd agreed to stay close to home for the time being.

  He was engrossed in the game when he felt a pair of arms enfold him and a kiss on his face. He turned to look at the woman who'd come to mean the world to him.

  “Hey baby, you finished working?” he asked.

She smiled at him. “For now, I missed you.”

  “You just saw me like an hour ago,” he teased her.

Tauri settled on his lap. “So, I still missed you.”

Rion kissed her slowly. “You missed this.”

  “Hmmmm...you are so right,” she whispered before lying her head on his shoulder. “How was your day with the boys? I wish I could've seen little Kyros, he's so adorable.”

He smiled. “It was cool. I love being on the field, it helps me to relax.”

  “I remember watching you playing thinking how handsome and sexy you were,” Tauri told him.

  “Is that why you watch sports?” he asked looking at her.

She sighed. “It's why every woman watches sports Orion.”

He laughed and reached for the remote. “I guess you won't be watching any more.”

  Rion changed the channel to the local news and both of their heads turned as the announcer spoke.

  “Tonight we have Rhonda Fleming of the National News. She is here in Detroit doing an expose on Rion Shaw. As you may know, Rion Shaw has a bid in to own a new baseball franchise here in Detroit. He's trying to be the first African-American owner of a professional baseball franchise in an all-white league. Thank you Rhonda for joining us tonight.”

Tauri and Rion glanced at one another then back to the screen.

Rhonda's perfect face appeared in the camera. “Thank you for having me.”

  “Why are you doing an expose on Rion Shaw? What is it that the people of Detroit need to know?” the reporter asked.

  “Well I think the people of Detroit should know what they're getting into if they allow another team here in their city. My investigation has discovered that Rion Shaw is in personal financial distress by trying to purchase this franchise. He may not be able to sustain a team long term and the citizens should be aware of that,” Rhonda shared.

  “Well doesn't Mr. Shaw have additional backers in case he can't personally finance the team?” the reporter asked.

  Rhonda nodded. “I've also checked into that as well. It seems that Mr. Shaw has backers consisting of a group here in Detroit who have questionable backgrounds.”

  “Questionable?”

  “Yes, while there is no criminal history, they do have reputations around the city as being gang affiliated.”

Rion jumped to his feet. “What the hell? That's a damn lie!” Tauri put a hand to her mouth.

  Rhonda continued, “Then there's a group out of California, Black Diamond Holdings. It's owned by a Jordan Black who created a billion dollar company basically overnight. While their financials are in order there are questions surrounding the firm and it's principals.”

  “Why did you decide to investigate this story Rhonda?” the reporter asked.

  Rhonda smiled into the camera. “I've heard nothing but great things about this city and I want nothing more than the people who live here to have the best. It would be unfair to start a new team and have it fall apart a year from now leaving the city to start all over again...”

Rion turned to Tauri with a murderous look on his face before his phone began ringing.   

  “Orion...calm down,” she said as he took off towards the doors. She followed quickly behind him as he grabbed his keys.

Tauri blocked the doors. “You can't leave.”

  “Move Tauri!” he said harshly.

  Tauri snatched the keys from his hand and ran into the bedroom. Rion followed and caught her before they both fell on the bed.

  “Give me the keys Tauri!”

Tauri held them tightly in her hand behind her back. “NO! I'm not letting you kill her.”

  “I'm not going to kill her,” he told her.

  “She wants you to come Orion. She knows you will.” Tauri jumped off the bed and stood next to it. “She's setting you up!”

  Rion jumped to his feet. “What am I supposed to do then Tauri? She went on television and lied on me and all my friends!” he stormed.

  Tauri came to him. “I know baby. You have to be smarter than this though. Think about it. She didn't just make this up tonight; she's been planning this for awhile.”

Rion put a hand to his head. “This is all spinning out of control.” He dropped to the bed.

  “I just wanted a team,” he said quietly.

Tauri took him in her arms holding his head against her breast. “You will baby.”

  “I don't want other people to be hurt by this,” he said pulling her closer.

  She rubbed her hand over the soft dark waves on his head. “She has no proof of anything. All of what she said was pure speculation and she knows it. She doesn't want to prove anything, she just wants to start a scandal and slither her ass back to New York.”

  Rion sat quietly holding Tauri around her waist while she stroked his head. In the distance both of their phones were ringing and they ignored them for the moment.

  Rion finally lifted his face to hers. “Tauri, when I came into your life, I never imagined any of this was going to happen. Baby, I'm sorry.”

He sighed. “If you wanted out...to walk away...as hard as it would be, I wouldn't try to stop you.”

Tauri looked down into his somber eyes. “Your ass had better stop me.” She touched his face.

  “You'd let your wife leave?”

  “You're not my wife yet,” he reminded her.

She smiled. “Then I think we should do something about that very soon.”

Rion stood to his feet and stared down at her. “Really?”

  “Yes, really, you're my man and I love you.”

  “I love you Tauri.” He bent and kissed her lovingly.

Rion pulled back and stared at her. “If I can't kill her, you can't either,” he warned.

  Tauri smiled. “It's okay baby, a husband can't testify against his wife.” She placed her lips against his and kissed him.

**********

  Rhonda Fleming returned to her hotel room satisfied. She dressed in a flimsy negligee and lit candles all over the room after indulging in her secret pleasure. Rion should be here soon to confront her over her appearance tonight and when he arrived, she would tell him that she'd had no choice but to air the story, but if he decided to come back to her, she'd put a spin on it and make everything alright.

  Of course, he'd have to abandon that ridiculous notion of investing all of his money in owning a team. With the seeds she'd planted, he'd practically have no choice. She smiled as she laid back on the bed. Come on Rion, I'm waiting for you sweetheart...we can start all over again.

  Rion received calls from his family and friends as well as city officials and the league office. He'd spent hours last night and many more today trying to assure everyone that Rhonda's accusations had been totally false and he would take care of everything. 

  That evening he opened his door to find Jordan Black with a very beautiful, very pregnant woman. In Jordan's arms was the most adorable little brown eyed girl he'd ever seen.

  “Jordan, what are you doing here?” Rion asked showing them inside.

Jordan smiled. “I'm here so we can get this handled.”

  Tauri joined Rion and the Black family as they entered the living room. Jordan introduced his wife and daughter.

  “Sage this is Rion Shaw, Rion this is my wife Sage.” He smiled at the little girl in his arms. “And this is my daughter Diamond.”

  Rion shook Sage's hand. “It's nice to meet you.” He then turned to the beautiful little girl holding on to her daddy's neck. “Hello beautiful.”

  Diamond removed one of her hands and gave him a small wave. “Hi,” she said quietly studying the unknown man.

Sage smiled. “She's only used to her daddy and uncles.”

  Rion turned to Tauri and placed an arm around her waist. “Jordan, Sage this is my fiancée Tauri. She's also the city's top prosecutor.” He smiled down at her.

  Tauri greeted the couple and everyone took a seat. She stared at the tall, handsome, bearded mahogany man and his exquisite, glowing golden brown wife with the startling brown eyes and beautiful dark hair.

  “Why does Rhonda Fleming have it in for you?” Jordan asked Rion.

  Rion glanced at Tauri before answering. “We used to date up until a year ago. She came back into town a few days ago apparently to seek revenge.”

Sage frowned and looked at Tauri who nodded and smirked. “We should talk,” Sage told her.

Tauri smiled and got to her feet. “Sure, let's go into the office.”

  Jordan lifted a brow. “Sage...” His wife went to get to her feet and he immediately stood to help her.

  She smiled at him. “Don't worry Jordan. I didn't bring my bag.” She turned to where Tauri and Rion stood in confusion. “I'll take Diamond with me so you two can talk,” she told her husband and took her daughter's hand.

Rion and Jordan watched the women leave before retaking their seats.

  “Is your wife a doctor?” Rion asked.

  Jordan shook his head. “No, she puts people to sleep.” Rion looked confused.  “Don't ask, long story.”

  “I can't believe you came all the way to Detroit from LA,” Rion began.

  Jordan leaned forward. “This is important to all of us Rion, so we're going to make sure you succeed. Rhonda Fleming has started speculation about me and my company and I'm here to set the record straight.”

  “Trent has discovered some interesting information on Rhonda Fleming that he's sending along to you later today. He briefed me on it while I was on the plane.”

Rion nodded. “You had Trent investigate Rhonda?”

Jordan smiled. “No, your fiancée did.”

  “What?”

  “I heard she's not one to mess with. I have one of my own, so congratulations,” Jordan told him. “We shouldn't leave them alone together for too long.”

Rion laughed. “Yes, Tauri is something special.”

  In the office Tauri watched the little girl rub her mommy's tummy and Sage smiled.

  “She's in love with her baby brother already.” She told her.

  “How old is she?” Tauri asked.

Sage touched her daughter's long dark ponytail. “She's two.”

  Tauri watched the little one and her pregnant mother. “Are you having more after your son?” Tauri asked.

  “I want as many as my husband will give me,” Sage answered. “Jordan however is a different story. It took him a while for us to have our son.”

Tauri bit her lip. “Orion wants five. I don't know about that.”

  “He's trying to change history and have five kids! That brother is ambitious.” Sage laughed.

  Tauri sobered. “I can't believe they're trying to hurt him, first the threat on his life and now this  Rhonda Fleming.”

Sage studied Tauri for a minute. “What are you doing about her?”

  “I'm on her and she won't get away with this,” Tauri said passionately. “She's a lying, conniving, manipulative witch.”

Sage smiled. “I like you already Tauri.”

  “I like you too Sage.”

  “But I'm going to tell you if she comes after my husband again, you won't need to do anything because no one will be able to locate her.” Tauri looked at her and recognized she was serious.

Diamond touched her mother's face. “Phone Mommy,” she said.

Sage looked at her daughter. “You don't need the phone, Daddy's right outside the door.”

  Tauri looked at Sage in question and Sage smiled. “My brother Ray made Diamond a phone that connects her directly to Jordan's phone. Whenever she pushes the button, she can see and talk to her Daddy, and he answers every time she calls. It doesn't matter if he's in meetings or whatever, he drops everything and takes her call. I have to hide it from her sometimes because she wants to see him all day.”

  “She loves her Daddy so much and he worships the ground she walks on. I love seeing them together since I lost my father at a young age. Although I had my brother, I still missed him,” Sage explained.

  Tauri smiled. “Wow. That's so sweet. I never knew my father, but my grandfather is my everything.” She looked at the little girl again. “Orion would be that type of daddy too. He'd love his children so much.”

  “Phone Mommy, please!” Diamond asked again and Sage stood walking Diamond to the door. She opened it and directed the girl to where her Daddy was sitting. Diamond ran quickly and jumped into her father's lap before Sage turned and went back into the office to finish talking with Tauri.

  Rion watched as Jordan gathered the child on his lap and smiled down at her. “Here's my pretty little girl.”

Diamond wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face. “Daddy...”

  Rion watched the pair and anticipated his own daughter sitting on his lap. First, he had to make all of this go away so that Tauri could trust him to be the husband and father they would need.

  “I couldn't imagine you married with kids Jordan, but it seems to fit you,” Rion complimented.

  Jordan smiled. “Before I met Sage, I couldn't have imagined it either. She's given me everything I could ever want.”

  Rion nodded. “That's what I want with Tauri, but I've got all this unnecessary drama surrounding me.”

  “We can handle this right now for you Rion. Just say the word,” Jordan told him.

  Rion sighed. “Jordan, I wish it were that easy but it's not. I'm a role model and I have to make sure that whatever I do surrounding the purchase of this team does not come back to haunt me. I'm trying to do everything according to their laws and systems.”

  “But if that doesn't work, I'll take things into my own hands,” Rion said.

  “Attempts on your life, threats and slander?” Jordan asked. “They're going all out.”

  “This Rhonda thing hit me out of the blue. I don't know what's wrong with her. She's doing all kinds of crazy stuff.”

  Jordan looked at him. “You should read Trent's report. I think it will answer a lot of questions for you.”

Rion looked surprised. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

Jordan glanced at his daughter then back to Rion. “It's in the report.”

He nodded. “Okay.

  “In the meantime, I'm here for the next few days to do any damage control needed,” Jordan told him. “My wife and daughter are here because I promised to not leave them again so soon after my last trip, so whatever we need to do, I'm here to do it.”

  “Thanks Jordan. I couldn't do this without the Black Diamonds.”

  Diamond kissed her daddy's cheek and he returned her kiss before glancing at Rion who had been watching them with a look of yearning.

  “I see you're ready to get started,” Jordan commented.

Rion smiled. “Yeah, I am.”

  Rion took Jordan's advice and separated the two women not long after they ended their conversation. Jordan left to take his wife and daughter to the hotel where they were staying.  After walking them to their vehicle and saying goodnight Rion headed back upstairs to his apartment. He stepped inside and met Tauri in the hall with her bag in her hand.

  “Where are you going baby?” he asked confused.

She came and kissed his cheek. “I'm going to sleep at my place tonight.”

He halted her with a hand on her waist. “What's wrong?”

Tauri shrugged. “I'm starting to have cramps and a headache, so I'll just go home and lie down.”

  “You don't have to go home.” He touched her face. “You can lie down here.”

She gave him a little smile. “I'm really not fun to be around during this time.”

Rion pulled her closer. “You're not always fun to be around anyway baby.”

  “See how you play?” She lifted a brow at him.

  He laughed softly and lifted her into his arms. “Come lie down goddess. Let me take care of you.”

  Tauri wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her slowly to the bedroom. He gently laid her on the bed then sat on the edge touching her face.

  “Just because we aren't making love doesn't mean that I don't want to still be with you,” he told her gently and she smiled at him.

  “Thank you Orion. You're so sweet.”

  “Besides, pretty soon you won't have to worry about this for at least eight or nine months.” He stood quickly from the bed as she gave him a hard look.

Sitting back down he gently rubbed her leg. “Jordan said you asked Trent to look into Rhonda.”

  “Yes, I did.” She looked at him.

Rion nodded. “Trent sent a report. We can read it over later.”

  “I'm not going to let her do anything to hurt you or stop you from getting the team,” Tauri told him.

  “Thank you lioness,” He smiled at her. “I know you understand how much the team means to me.”

  She looked at him. “We have a date and I'll be starting to work on the jury selection process pretty soon.”

  “Are you worried?” he asked.

  Tauri sighed. “To be honest, jury selection is a tricky thing. Defendants are entitled to a jury of their peers and because we live in such a racially divided area here in the Detroit area, black male defendants are rarely judged by their peers simply because most of our black men are incarcerated or unable to participate as jurors. I've found that black residents that are eligible to participate try to dodge jury duty or simply do not show up, which is sad because we really need them to help judge our people fairly.”

  “John Beckham will be judged mostly by his peers and unfortunately, they may also share his racial views. Since they don't come in wearing signs stating how they feel, it's my job to try to filter them out the best I can, but it can be difficult because many have hidden it for so long, they're very good at it. I'm sure Beckham and his co-defendants are counting on that.”

Rion took her hand. “I'm not expecting you to work miracles baby.”

  “I want to perform miracles for you Orion,” she touched his face running her fingers across his full lips.

  Rion leaned and kissed her forehead gently. “Get some rest goddess. I'll bring you some food later.” He stood and looked down at her. “Let me know if you want anything in the meantime.” She watched as he walked out of the room and the view was magnificent.

   Tauri shook her head as she snuggled into the fluffy pillows. She had to admit she loved Orion's huge bed and overstuffed pillows. She surely couldn't afford this on her prosecutor's salary. She'd rather sleep here than at her own place anytime. Orion could make her want to smack him but then he could also very easily melt her heart. She thought about Jordan and Sage's daughter and smiled. Yeah, pretty soon she wouldn't have to worry about a monthly cycle for awhile.

  Rion headed into the kitchen and decided to order dinner from Tauri's favorite restaurant. Whenever she stayed over she always loved to order the Almond Chicken dish. After placing the order, he put a kettle on the stove to make her some tea. This was something that he'd learned from his mother. He didn't have the raspberry leaf tea that she used for cramps and cycle issues and made a note to pick up some to have on hand for Tauri.

  Almost an hour later Rion wondered where Tauri's food was. He'd held off taking her the tea until her food arrived, and once again the kettle was heating and he could hear the water boiling.  He picked up the phone to call about the meal as the door alarm sounded. Placing the phone back on the counter he went to check the screen and saw the delivery man. Rion allowed him to enter the elevator and waited for his arrival. As soon as the doors opened and Rion looked into man's cold eyes he knew something was not right. His first instinct was to protect Tauri, who was sleeping the bedroom. He lunged at the man before he could exit the car and they both hit the wall as the doors closed.