by D. Camille
“Are you alright?” Millie asked with concern coming over to embrace him.
“Yes, Mrs. Patterson. I'm fine. Just a slight concussion,” Rion explained.
Millie looked at him. “Is ReRe taking care of you?” she asked sliding a glance at her granddaughter.
Rion smiled. “Yes, ReRe is taking good care of me.”
Tauri frowned at him for the use of the nickname.
Henry Patterson looked at Rion. “We need to have a talk young fella.”
Rion nodded and led Henry Patterson into his home office. He invited him to have a seat before settling in a chair himself.
“So they made a move on you?” Henry asked.
“Yes sir.”
Henry nodded. “What you gonna do about it?” He lifted a brow.
“I'm not just going to sit back and let them kill me and I'm definitely not going to let anything happen to Tauri,” Rion assured him.
“You prepared to use any means necessary?” Henry questioned.
Rion looked him in the eye. “To protect myself and my future, I have no hesitation.”
Henry watched Rion for a moment then nodded again. “If you need me, let me know.”
“Thank you sir,” Rion stood from his chair. “I'm actually glad you're here because I have something for you.”
Henry looked surprised. “For me?”
Rion walked to a cabinet and opened it. “Yes sir, Tauri mentioned to me that you would like an autographed baseball.”
Henry watched as Rion pulled out a glass case that contained a baseball.
Rion turned to Henry. “I was able to pick this up while I was in New York. It happened to be available from a collector who lived in the area.” He handed the case to Henry who took it with a confused look on his face. Henry glanced at the name on the baseball and felt his heart drop. He put a hand to his chest as he held the case in his other hand.
Henry's eyes sought Rion's. “Jackie Robinson? A Jackie Robinson autographed baseball?” he whispered.
Rion smiled. “Yes sir, if you wanted an autographed ball, you should have one signed by the greatest.”
Henry was still in shock. “This had to cost a fortune,” he stammered.
“Our history should be in the hands of our people. Those who understand the sacrifice,” Rion told him.
Henry smiled. “Boy, I don't know what to say...”
Rion laughed. “I guess you'll have to find some space on your mantle.”
“I'll make space for this ball and Orion Shaw's ball,” Henry told him. “Because both men were great on and off the field.”
Rion lowered his head. “Thank you sir.”
Henry came and placed a hand on Rion's shoulder. “Now, when are we going to stop with all this sir?”
Rion looked at him. “Mr. Patterson?”
Henry shook his head. “I'm going to call you my son and you're gonna call me Granddaddy. Is that okay?”
“I think that's perfect,” Rion agreed.
“Wait until I show this to Millie,” Henry said staring at the ball. “Hot damn! Jackie Robinson.”
In the living room, Tauri sat with her grandmother. Millie watched her granddaughter silently, studying her closely.
“Did you tell him yet?” Millie asked.
Tauri looked up. “Tell who what Granny?”
“Did you tell that man that you love him?” her Granny stated plainly. “Because you do.”
Tauri smiled. “Yes Granny, I've told him.”
“Good. Don't nobody have time to be playing games. Me and your granddaddy not getting any younger and we want to see these five great grand babies before we leave here.”
Tauri put a hand to her head. “I've never said that I'm having five babies Granny,” she said pointedly.
Her Granny smirked. “You ripped off the panties and gave them to the man, you think you're not going to give him five babies?”
Millie looked at her. “For all I know, you two might have made one already.”
Tauri laughed. “Orion and I have not made any babies Granny and we won't be anytime soon. We have this case and that's what I'm focused on right now.”
Millie shook her head. “They want to hurt that boy.”
“I know.” Tauri said softly lowering her head. “I won't stop until I get justice for him.”
Millie looked serious. “Will you still support him if he has to take things into his own hands?” she asked and Tauri looked up at her.
“Someone is trying to kill Orion for no reason other than the color of his skin. I don't care what he has to do to save his life,” Tauri finished passionately.
Millie smiled. “That's our baby girl.”
“Millie!”
Tauri and Millie turned at the sound of her grandfather's voice filled with excitement.
“Yes Henry,” Mille answered.
He rushed over to her with the glass case. “Look here at this! Look what this young fella gave me,” he gushed.
Tauri looked confused at Orion as he stood still watching her grandfather. Millie looked at the ball in the case and gasped causing Tauri to turn and look at her.
“Is that...?” Millie began unable to finish.
Henry smiled broadly. “Yes indeed! Jackie Robinson! An autographed baseball by the Jackie Robinson.” He glanced at his wife. “You see this Millie?”
“I see it Henry,” she said in awe.
Tauri turned to Rion with her mouth open in shock and he winked at her.
“We're gonna put it on the mantle right next to Orion Shaw's ball.” He turned to Rion. “Ain't that right.”
Rion nodded. “Yes sir,”
Henry frowned and Rion corrected himself. “Yes Granddaddy, I will make sure you get a signed ball from me.”
Tauri watched the exchange and shook her head. She walked over to Rion and placed her arms around his waist looking up at him. “So, have you already picked the names for our five kids?”
He smiled down at her. “We'll name them after the stars.”
Millie and Henry watched their grandchildren then looked at each other. Silently they agreed that nothing was going to harm either of them.
Rion's phone rang and he moved away from Tauri's embrace to answer it. He looked at the screen and connected the call immediately.
“Ray, what's up?” he asked then looked at Tauri indicating he would take the call in his office. She nodded and he walked away.
“What the hell is going on there Rion?” Ray demanded. “What is this about somebody crashing your car?
Rion sighed. “Yeah, they made their move last night. I think it's supposed to be a warning because they weren't trying to kill me although I did get a concussion.”
“A concussion? You hit your head?”
“On the wheel, when the car stopped,” Rion explained.
“Dammit Rion, let me just handle this for you!”
Rion took a seat. “I appreciate the offer Ray and I have no doubt you'd handle it, but I have to do this my way. If it needs to go down, I'll be the one lowering the hammer.”
Ray was silent for a moment. “I can respect that young god, but you know I'm here.”
“Thanks.”
“I was also calling to let you know that Trent was able to get all the evidence your goddess needs to go forward with the case. Those computers were filled with incriminating files.”
Rion looked surprised. “My goddess?”
“Marc and Trent reported that the prosecutor is your goddess. This makes things tricky.” Ray paused. “They may try to go through her to get to you.”
“We're protecting her,” Rion informed him.
“Okay young god, just let me know what you need. Marc and Trent will be coming back to LA next week unless you need them to stay longer.”
“Nah, I'm cool. They've gotten the evidence that we need. We can take it from here.” Rion told him. “Thanks again Ray. I can't thank you enough.”
“No thanks necessary Bruh. Handle it out there.”
Rion smiled. “It's handled.”
Rion ended the call and went to join Tauri and her grandparents. In the living room, he found Tauri sitting on the sofa alone looking out the window at the water.
“Where are the grandparents?” he asked coming to sit next to her.
She turned to him and smiled. “I told you they wouldn't stay long. You need your rest.”
“I'm sorry I missed them.”
“They said to tell you thank you again for that amazing gift,” she told him. “How did you even manage that?”
“When you asked me to sign a baseball for your grandfather I thought about whose autograph he'd really want and I put some feelers out for an authentic ball. While I was in New York, I met with the collector and the rest is history.”
Tauri looked at him. “How much did something like that cost Orion?”
He shrugged. “Doesn't matter. If anyone should have that ball, it's your grandfather.”
Tauri knew to get that type of memorabilia the price started in five figures and escalated quickly into six.
“I can't believe you did that,” she whispered.
Rion took her hand. “As much as I'm in love with you Tauri, I have to be honest. I didn't do it to impress you. If we were together or not, I would have done it for your grandfather simply because he's a great man.”
“And that's why I can't help but to be in love with you Orion Shaw,” she said putting her arms around his neck.
“I brought you something from New York too,” Rion said in her ear.
Tauri smiled sexily. “I know.”
Rion reached into his pocket and produced a tiny box. “I was going to hold on to this until you caught up, but you told me that you're ready for it now.”
Tauri's eyes widened as she stared at him. “Orion what are you doing?”
“I'm showing you that I'm serious Tauri. I know that I want you baby and I'll never change my mind. Trust me.”
He held out the box to her and waited. Tauri knew that if she took this box there would be no turning back. Orion was a lion. He'd stealthily invaded her life and while she'd enjoyed every minute of it, he would no doubt move full speed ahead if she were to accept this ring.
“Do you know what you're doing?” she questioned looking into his eyes.
“Have I ever wavered?”
No, he had not. Since the beginning Orion had told her and shown her that he wanted to be a constant in her life. Meeting her family and having her meet his family was just a small part. They'd been practically inseparable since the first night they'd spent together and even now she was staying with him while he recuperated.
“I'm not saying we have to run away today, but I am saying that you are my life. You are the life that I want and the life I've asked for, before I even knew who you were.”
Tauri quietly took the box and slowly opened it. A beautifully crafted diamond stared up at her.
“Oh my god, Orion...” She looked up at him. “It's beautiful.”
He smiled. “So can I see you with it on?”
Tauri's hand shook slightly as she removed the ring from the box and slid it onto her finger. It was a perfect fit and she smiled up at him.
“I meant the ring and nothing else,” he amended.
She watched as his eyes darkened. Tauri slowly lifted her shirt over her head and dropped it to the floor. Next, she removed her jeans as he watched. Her bra and panties were next until she sat in front of him completely naked.
“How does it look?” she asked.
Rion grabbed the hem of his shirt. “It looks like good enough to eat.” He pulled the shirt off and leaned over her causing her to lie down on the sofa.
She looked up at him. “What does it taste like?”
“Like honey and fire...” He kissed her sucking her lips. “Sweet and hot...”
He mouth blazed a trail down her neck to her breasts. Tauri closed her eyes as his warm tongue licked and suckled her hardened nipples. She arched into his mouth asking for more and he gave her what she desired.
As he moved down her stomach he stopped at her navel paying homage to the spot that would nurture his children in her womb. Tauri sighed as he moved lower lifting her legs over his broad shoulders. She clenched her fists as he began worshipping her sacred spot with his mouth.
“Orion...” she breathed lifting her lower body and pressing into the pleasure he was bestowing upon her. Tauri saw colors behind her eyes as Rion held her in place and loved her into another plane. She gripped his head tightly as she released her waterfall.
Rion released her legs and climbed back to her face. “What do you want goddess?”
Tauri ran her hands along his naked torso loving the look and feel of him. “I want you Orion, nothing more, nothing less.”
Rion stood and removed his remaining clothing as Tauri admired his exquisite frame. “My purse is in the bedroom,” she told him.
He stared down at her. “You keep a brother in line.”
She took his hand. “I'm not ready for that,” she whispered. “Not yet.”
Rion reached down and touched her face. “I can wait.” He turned and walked into the bedroom and she smiled watching his firm muscled behind as he retreated. She smiled even more as she watched him return. Orion Shaw was a sight to behold coming and going. Watching his muscled back, ass and legs was a complete turn on and watching what made him all natural man, made her mouth water.
Rion dropped a few condoms onto the table next to the sofa before handing one to her. “It amazes me that you are so meticulous, carrying your own condoms. I've never met a woman so prepared.”
Tauri sat up opening the package. “It's my body and no one is responsible for it except me. I've never trusted anyone with that responsibility.” She applied the protection and held him in her hand. “And when I'm ready, you will be the only man who I'll ever trust with that.”
Rion lifted her face and kissed her solidly. “I think it's so sexy that you're in control of what you want.” He picked her up and she locked her legs around him. Rion turned them and sat on the sofa with her on his lap. Tauri opened her legs and allowed him to slide slowly inside while she watched him.
“Will you marry me Tauri?” he asked as she began to gyrate over him.
Tauri's gaze went to the ring on her hand and she paused. “You will let me pick the date?”
“Of course goddess.” He pulled her closer probing deeper.
She looked down into his dark eyes. “Yes Orion, I will.” Tauri kissed him with all the love she had in her heart for him. She continued to enjoy the ride and he stroked her slowly until he turned and laid her on the sofa pinning her arms above her head.
“You will never regret it,” he whispered against her mouth. Tauri crossed her legs around his back as Rion entered and retreated slowly at first then with abandon. She called his name as the tempo increased. She gripped his arms and flexed her hands over his muscles. Tauri reveled in his solid weight on her. It was firm and warm; and instead of feeling smothering or suffocating, it was soothing and comforting. They both drowned in the pleasure then climbed to the top and toppled over one after the other.
Rion collapsed on top of her and she quietly ran her hands along his back. The solid weight of the ring on her finger reminded her of his earlier demonstration. There was no way in hell she could deny Orion Shaw at this point. She wasn't even going to try.
“I love you Orion,” she whispered looking at the glittering diamond on her hand.
He kissed her jawline. “I love you Tauri.” Rion laid his head next to hers and closed his eyes.
“Baby...” he called.
Tauri touched his face. “What is it?”
“I have a headache,” he told her quietly.
She smiled. “I told you I would hurt you.”
Chapter 16
A week later Rion was sitting in Chief Green's office along with Brandon. He had been cleared of all concussion symptoms and allowed to proceed with norm
al life. Whatever one would call normal with what he had going on in his life right now. He turned his attention to Mac.
“Your guys from LA got us enough evidence for an open and shut case,” she told Rion and glanced at Brandon.
“No case is open and shut and although Tauri is the best, she's also Rion's fiancée now,” Brandon informed them.
“Is that a problem Brandon?” Rion questioned.
Brandon sighed and looked at Rion. “Potentially, yes. I need Prosecutor Patterson trying this case, not the future Mrs. Orion Shaw.”
Rion and Tauri had announced their engagement to their friends and family, which had been met with no surprise and much happiness.
“I won't apologize for falling in love with Tauri. She's told me she can try this case and I believe her. The question is, do you?” he asked Brandon.
Mac looked between the two men and waited.
“I've spoken to Tauri and she's confident. She knows her job so I'm going to let her do it.” Brandon responded. “I'm just voicing my concerns.”
Rion looked at his friend. “If it becomes a problem, we'll deal with it.”
Brandon agreed and pressed forward. “All of the evidence is now in Tauri's hands and she's preparing the paperwork to file the case. Because of the nature and sensitivity of this case we may be able to get a speedy trial date.”
“So far we've been able to keep everything under wraps and away from the media, but when these men are charged and this case is filed they're going to be all over you Rion and Prosecutor Patterson,” Mac cautioned.
“Both Rion and Tauri are accustomed to handling the media so I think they'll be fine,” Brandon offered. “What we don't need in any leaks to the media from your office.”
Mac frowned. “You know I don't run that kind of department Brandon.”
Brandon leaned forward. “I'm not trying to disrespect your job Mac, but these are high profile people and money will be spreading around for information.”
“And if anyone is found sharing that information, they will be dealt with accordingly,” Mac assured him.
Rion looked between the two and waited.
“It is a possibility Mac,” Brandon stated.
“You handle your department and I'll handle mine Brandon.”