The Lion (21 page)

  Rion watched Tauri's eyes narrow as he shook the man's hand. “Yes, I'm Rion Shaw and you are?”

  “Prosecutor Richard Sims.”

  Rion knew this was Tauri's competition. He remembered how she'd wanted to snap when Brandon had thought about replacing her with this guy. He made a note to ask about the animosity she clearly felt towards the man.

  “How can I help you Richard?” Tauri asked.

  He smiled at her. “I just wanted to stop in and see if you need any help. I mean, I know Jeremy is your second but I just wanted to let you know I'm here too.”

  “I'm fine Richard. Thank you for your offer,” Tauri finished coldly.

His smile fell at her tone. “Well I wanted you to know, I'm around.”

Tauri folded her arms. “I know.”

  Rion looked between the two and stepped in. “Well it was nice to meet you Richard,” Rion said clearly indicating it was time for the man to leave.

Richard took the hint. “Yes, you too Mr. Shaw.” He turned and left the office.

Rion turned to Tauri. “What was that?”

  Tauri walked to the door and closed it. “I don't like him. He tries to act like he likes me but I know he doesn't. He's always accusing Brandon of showing me favoritism, when in actuality Richard has the lowest winning percentage and is still employed.” She hugged herself. “Plus he's creepy. I hate the way he looks at me.”

Rion came to her and enfolded her in his arms. “Has he tried anything?” he asked.

She shook her head. “No, he knows I'll kill his ass.”

  “Have you told Brandon how you feel about him?”

  “No, I don't want to put Brandon in that position and I don't want to sound like I'm whining.”

Rion shook his head. “You don't have to be uncomfortable at your own office.”

Tauri looked up at him. “Orion, tell me you won't say anything to Brandon, please.”

He remained silent. “Orion!”

  “I don't want to lie to you.”

She frowned. “Don't interfere with my job.”

  Rion bent and kissed her frown. “Yeah, okay baby.” He went to walk away before she grabbed the tie that matched his expensive suit and halted him.

  “I know what that means,” she said still holding his tie.

  He placed his hand over hers. “You protect me, I protect you.” He kissed her again. “I'll see you later.”

Tauri released him. “I'm going home tonight.”

Rion paused. “Why?”

  “I haven't been there in days Orion. I've had a long day and I'm tired. I just want to go home,” she told him.

  Rion studied her some more. “Okay, I see you're in some kinda mood right now, so I'll let you chill.”

  He kissed her cheek. “Call me later.” Tauri watched as he walked to the door then opened it and walked out.

  She walked to the desk and took her chair again. “Dammit Tauri! Why do you do that?” she said aloud to herself. “If you push him, he will go away.”

  Being in love was completely different from anything Tauri had ever experienced. She didn't like this feeling of jealousy she felt towards Rhonda Fleming. It wasn't that she'd had her man, it was the way he seemed to want to run to her rescue that didn't sit well with her. Her heart knew that Orion wasn't going anywhere, but stranger things have happened. Her mind was accustomed to over analyzing everything and making it into a situation, even when there wasn't one, but she was determined not to do that, not this time and not with Orion.

  She wasn't going to let anything come between them, not Rhonda Fleming, not John Beckham and definitely not Tauri Patterson. Picking up her glasses she placed them back on her face and turned to her computer. She couldn't wait until all this was over and she could just have her man to herself.

  When she arrived at her apartment later that evening she realized how empty it felt and how empty she felt without Orion. She had been with him everyday and every night for weeks. Now she was accustomed to his presence in her life, how it filled and warmed her to the core.

  Tauri changed out of her work clothes and went into the kitchen making her a light meal before settling on her couch with her plate. She looked down at the plate and thought she could be sitting with Orion right now either sharing a meal in the kitchen or overlooking the river.

She grabbed her phone and called him.

  “Hey baby,” he answered.

  “Hello Orion.”

He smiled at her. “What are you doing?”

  “Eating dinner.” She turned the phone to her plate.

  “Looks good.”

She looked back at him. “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “Wondering what I'm going to do with this fierce goddess who wants to fight me.”

Tauri bit her lip. “I don't want to fight you Orion.”

  “Then why are you there, when you could be here with me?”

  She stared into his eyes. “I don't know. This really handsome, really sweet man told me that I act crazy sometimes.”

  “What else did he tell you?” he asked.

  “He told me he loves me and he wants to marry me. He said that he wants to build a kingdom together.”

  “He's a really smart man too,” he commented.

She smiled. “He's brilliant, kind and patient...and I love him.”

  “I love you too, even in your craziness. I love everything about you Tauri Patterson,” he said quietly.

Tauri closed her eyes. “I wish I was with you right now.”

   “Open the door baby.”

Her eyes popped open. “Are you really here?” She glanced toward the door in anticipation.

   “Do you want me to be?”

   “Stop playing Orion. Are you here?” she asked again.

   “I don't know. You didn't want to see me tonight remember,” he reminded her.

  Tauri sat her plate down and walked to the door. She peeked through the peephole and didn't see anyone.

  “Why did you do that?” she pouted.

  “Why did you go home in the first place?” he asked.

  Tauri turned and leaned back against the door. “I wanted to go into my shell and overthink things.”

  “I hate when you think,” he told her.

She smiled. “I remember.”

  “Because when you do, you pull away. I don't like when you do that,” he explained.

Looking at his face she said quietly, “I know.”

  “You don't have to be afraid Tauri. I will never hurt you.”

Tauri felt her eyes water. “I know...”

Rion heard the tremor in her voice. “Open the door baby.”

  She turned slowly and opened the door to find him coming up the walkway. Tauri took off and ran into his arms before he lifted her off her feet and carried her back inside. Rion closed the door and she locked it before he moved over to the sofa sitting with her on his lap.

  Rion looked into her still watery eyes. “I'm not going anywhere Tauri, no matter what. If you run, I will follow. If you're scared, I'm coming to comfort you. Anything that you need, I will be here.”

Tauri locked her arms around him burying her face in his neck. “Thank you baby.”

  He lifted her face and lovingly kissed her for a few minutes while slowly stroking her body. They broke away and she smiled at him.

  “Are you sure you want to marry me?” she asked.

  “Positive.” Rion set her on her feet. “Now go in the kitchen and get me some of that food Millie Patterson,” he said imitating her grandfather's voice.

  She smiled down at him. “I sure will Henry...” she answered in her grandmother's voice before she hurried into the kitchen.

  Tauri smiled as she grabbed a plate and began filling it with food. “I will never let you get away Orion Shaw,” she said happily before heading back out to the man who proved he could love her unconditionally.

  Rhonda Fleming prepared for her interview to complete her plan to get Rion back in her life. She'd been contacted by Cynthia Walters from the
Detroit News
for an exclusive interview for a front page story on Rion and his attempts to purchase a major league professional team.

  She finished her make up and checked the mirror. Scanning her petite form, she ran a hand down her body. She missed Rion and the way he could make her feel. She frowned at her reflection as she thought of the honey-toned evil witch he was now engaged to. Rhonda still couldn't understand how he could think he actually wanted to marry that woman.

  Cynthia had let it slip that Rion was going to be interviewed after Rhonda to give him the opportunity to defend her accusations. She now smiled at herself knowing that she would definitely see him today, since she planned to hang around until he arrived then she'd get him back. Letting him go was a big mistake and now she needed him in more ways than one.

  She dressed the way he liked and covered herself in the perfume he'd purchased for her. She wanted him to remember what it had been like when they were together. Rhonda realized that she'd gone too far in voicing her displeasure with his plans, she'd simply needed to sabotage them.

  Later that morning she arrived at the interview room and found Cynthia waiting. The two women greeted each other and Rhonda was shown to a seat.

  “Thank you for this exclusive Rhonda, and I must say it's a pleasure to meet you in person,” Cynthia told her.

  Rhonda smiled. “Thank you Cynthia. I just want to do all I can to help the city. I took the oath as a journalist to inform the people of the truth.”

Cynthia nodded. “Are you ready to get started?”

  Rhonda agreed then watched as Cynthia pulled out a recorder and pad of paper. Cynthia began with a series of questions that basically allowed Rhonda to repeat the accusations she had made on television a few days earlier.

  “So you're saying that Rion Shaw is basically broke or going broke by trying to purchase a franchise here in the city?”

  Rhonda nodded emphatically. “Yes, he does not have the financial means to pull this off and sustain it.”

Cynthia nodded as well. “Hmmmm...and how are you so familiar with Mr. Shaw's finances?”

  “I'm an investigative journalist,” Rhonda responded smugly.

  Cynthia smiled. “So am I Rhonda.” Rhonda gave Cynthia a once over then looked back into her face. “Which leads me to the question of why haven't you divulged that you had been in a relationship with Rion Shaw?”

  Rhonda face fell for a moment before she composed herself. “That was over a year ago and has no bearing on this story.”

  Cynthia pursed her lips for a second. “How can that be true Rhonda? Isn't this all just a ploy to get Rion Shaw back?”

  “How dare you?” Rhonda demanded. “You think I would put my career on the line to get a man?”

Cynthia flipped her pad. “Isn't it true that in actuality you're the one who's broke and that's why you're trying to slander Rion Shaw and kill his chances of getting a team, because you need his finances for your own personal gain?”

Rhonda gasped. “My finances are none of your business!”

  “You're trying to expose Rion Shaw's financial status so it's fair to have your own examined,” Cynthia told her.

Rhonda jumped to her feet. “What is this? I thought you wanted to know about Rion Shaw.”

Cynthia stood as well. “I did, but your story was more interesting.”

Rhonda turned as the door opened and Rion entered with Tauri.

  “You set me up!” Rhonda yelled when she saw the pair.

Cynthia walked over to Tauri. “I still get my exclusive on the trial right?”

  Tauri nodded. “That was our deal.” Cynthia smiled and exited the room before Rhonda rushed over to Rion. “What is going on here?”

  “It's over Rhonda. I know everything,” Rion said staring down at her.

She looked confused. “Everything about what?”

  “About the money... and the drugs,” he told her gently.

  “What are you talking about?” Rhonda asked.

  Rion took a breath. “I know what you've been doing Rhonda. There's no need to keep denying it.”

Tauri watched the pair in silence as Rhonda turned away from Rion.

  “I want to help you. I want to send you somewhere to get yourself together,” Rion said quietly.

  Rhonda dropped her face into her hands and her shoulders began to shake. “I didn't want you find out because I know how you feel about things like that. I just needed something to help me through.” She turned to him. “At first it was because you were gone all the time playing baseball, then when you retired...you left me. I was lonely and I needed something to dull the pain.”

  Rhonda turned and rushed back to him grabbing his suit jacket. “I swear I'll stop if you come back to me.”

  Rion met Tauri's gaze before addressing Rhonda. “It's not about me Rhonda. It's about you doing what's best for you.” Rion took the hands that were holding his jacket. “I don't hate you Rhonda, but I don't love you either.”

  Rion released her and walked over to Tauri taking her hand. “I'm in love with this woman right here because although you've lied to her and tried to destroy me, she still stands beside me to help you.”

Rhonda looked at the couple with hatred. “Don't do this Rion!” she yelled.

  Rion continued speaking, “I've arranged a car to take you to the airport. Your things from the hotel are already inside. You have reservations at a center in Colorado that will keep everything discreet. Your producers already knew about your problem and were planning to let you go, but I've talked to them and if you complete the program and show progress, they will allow you to return. They've agreed to say that you're off on assignment to protect your reputation.”

Rhonda stared at him as tears began to fall and Tauri stood frozen watching the scene.

  “Please Rion, don't do this to me,” Rhonda pleaded though her tears.

  Rion felt Tauri's hand go limp in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It's your choice to get help Rhonda, but either way you're leaving Detroit...right now.”

  He glanced at Tauri then back to Rhonda. “You will not disrupt our lives here another day. You can accept our help or go back to New York with no money and no job. The car is waiting outside.”

  “Rion...” Rhonda began.

Rion shook his head. “No more discussion Rhonda,” he said firmly.

  Rhonda looked at Tauri then composed herself before pulling her purse up on her arm. “Don't worry, I'm leaving this godforsaken place. I couldn't understand why you wanted to come back here but now I see why. I was never what you wanted in the first place.”

  She turned and walked to the door. “Goodbye Rion, I'm not your concern. Go live your life with your little hood wife. You won't hear from me again.”

  Rion grabbed Tauri as she went to take off after the departing Rhonda. “Stop.” He turned her to him.

  “You know that's not necessary goddess.”

Tauri stared up at him. “She'd better not bring her ass back!” she huffed.

Rion pulled her into his arms. “Even if she does it won't affect us, my little hood wife.”

  “Don't play right now Orion,” she warned.

  He looked down into her face. “I love you so much. I know this wasn't easy for you baby but it's over now and we're getting married next weekend -”

Tauri looked surprised. “What do you mean next weekend?”

  “I've made the plans, all you need to do is show up and be beautiful.”

  “Orion, I don't even have a dress yet,” she informed him.

He nodded. “You should get on that.”

  “Orion, you expect me to get married in like nine days?” she asked.

He smiled. “It only took three to fall in love.”

Tauri paused for a moment then smiled back. “That's all it took for you.”

  “Girl, you know you fell for me when I walked into your office. I saw how you were looking at me. You were begging me to take the panties,” he teased.

  She placed her arms around his neck. “I don't remember the exact moment I fell, but I do know that I'm completely in love with you now, despite the fact that you like to tease me so unmercifully,” she pointed out.

  Rion kissed her softly. “You like when I tease you and I love when you give me the Prosecutor Patterson look.”

Tauri kissed him back then fell silent for a moment.

  “Where do you think she's going? To the center or back to New York?” she asked.

  “They'll let me know, but I hope she takes the help.” Rion sighed. “I hate that I didn't recognize the signs earlier.”

  “She said you were gone all the time, how could you have known?”

  He shrugged. “Baseball was my life when I was playing. It was practice, home games, and road games. That's the reason I never wanted to start a family back then. I knew I couldn't be the type of husband and father I wanted to be.” Rion looked at her. “I guess I wasn't the type of man she needed either.” He looked away and frowned.

  Tauri turned his face back to hers. “Her problem was not your fault Orion. She started using before she met you. Things just turned for the worse when she could no longer afford her habit. Please don't beat yourself up about this. You're doing everything you can for her. If she wants to be foolish and not accept your help, then so be it. She doesn't deserve it anyway.”

  Rion stared down at her. “Come on, I'm taking you somewhere,” he whispered before taking her hand leading her out of the room.

  “Orion, where are we going?” she asked following along. “I have work to do.”

  “I'm going to get you to your office.” He turned to her. “Just a little bit later.”

  Rion led Tauri to his car and after settling her inside he took off with her staring out the window. After a few minutes, she turned to him.

  “I hope you're not doing the most today.” She commented knowing his penchant for going overboard with his surprises.

Rion smiled. “Always for you my goddess.”

  Tauri shook her head and turned back to the window in anticipation. She knew that whatever Orion had done it was going to be something special. He was very detailed and thoughtful in whatever he did for her and she appreciated that quality in him. She was ready to breathe and move forward with their lives now that the Rhonda situation had been dealt with, although they still had a huge dark cloud looming over their heads.

  Tauri regained her attention as they began to cross a bridge to the island her grandparents had taken her to visit many times as a child. Belle Isle Island was known in the past for its Flower House, Aquarium, Nature Park and play areas for children. It had recently been updated with many renovations. 

Tauri turned to him with a smile. “You're taking me to Belle Isle?” she asked.

  “We're having lunch.”

Rion drove to the Detroit Yacht Club and Tauri turned to him again. “At the Yacht Club?”

He smiled. “Yes, you do know you're marrying Rion Shaw?”

  Rion exited the car then came around to assist Tauri. She stepped out and looked at the building in awe. Tauri had been born and raised on the east side but had never been to the Yacht Club in her life. As a kid she'd watched the building and the boats from a distance whenever she'd visited the island. Rion took her hand and led her inside the beautiful structure that sat on the water.

  “Mr. Shaw! It's so good to see you again.” Tauri watched as the man greeted them. He then turned to Tauri. “This must be your beautiful bride to be.”

  Tauri looked at the man then at Rion who smiled. “Yes, this is my fiancée Tauri Patterson. I brought her to take a look at the venue to see how she likes it.”

  The man beamed. “Hello, I am Julian. I have taken care of everything to make your day incredible.”

Tauri turned to Rion. “We're getting married here?” she said astonished. “At the Yacht Club?”

Rion nodded. “Did you have somewhere else in mind?”

Tauri looked around the building. “No, I didn't. I never expected this though.”

  Julian smiled at Rion. “Miss Patterson, let me show you what I have done and then you can tell me if you like it.”

  “Uh...sure,” Tauri looked over at Rion who put a hand on her waist as he led her behind the overjoyed Julian.

  For the next thirty minutes Julian rolled out the details of a fairy tale wedding on the waters of the Detroit River. When he was done, Tauri was so overwhelmed she couldn't speak. Julian read her expression and excused himself from the couple.

She turned to Rion. “I'm surprised there were no trained monkeys.”

He smiled. “I tried to find them, but they're hard to come by this time of year.”

  “Oh my god Orion, this is so beautiful! I can't believe it,” she whispered.

  “If you want to change anything you can. Julian can do whatever you want,” he explained.

Tauri shook her head. “No, it's perfect.”