Free The Lion by D. Camille Page B

not important.”
      Tauri sighed. “She's not important, she doesn't mean anything, she's from my past,” she recited to him.
      “Goodnight Orion. When you have my evidence I will move forward with your case.”
      Rion clasped his hands between his legs as he bent over. “I'm not leaving Tauri. Not like this...never like this.”
    She lifted a brow. “Oh, you're leaving Orion. Don't make us the headline for the news tonight.”
      “You're going to listen and I'm not leaving until you do,” Rion promised.
      Tauri's face was filled with anger. “Listen to what Orion? Listen to how you lied to me hours ago saying that you weren't attached to any other woman?” she questioned.
      “I didn't lie to you.” He stood and looked down at her. “Not to sound redundant but no, she's not important, she doesn't mean anything and she is from my past.”
    Tauri gave a short laugh. “Who has your current number and feels free to call it?”
      “It's been over a year since I broke up with Rhonda.”
      “Well it looks like she's ready to get back together. I wish you both the best.”
      Rion pulled her taut body to him. “Stop! I'm not that man. I would never pursue you with another woman in the picture.”
    Tauri placed her hands against his solid chest. “I don't want you to pursue me.”
    He stared into her eyes. “Do you think I'm going to stop?” Rion caressed her cheek.
      “Three days Tauri,” he whispered. “Three days and you've invaded my mind and my dreams. I couldn't stop pursing you even if I wanted to...”  He pulled her tightly against his body. “And you don't want me to because you feel this just as much as I do.”
      Tauri stared up at him. “I'll fight for you in court Orion, but I won't fight to be in your life,” she told him. “No matter how this feels.”
      “You will never have to Tauri.” He lowered his head to kiss her and she pulled back.
      “Have you heard of the 'Blocking' feature on your phone?” she asked pointedly.
    Rion laughed. “It's done. I should have done it before.”
      She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Yes, you should have. I want to at least get my fourth date before I have to put you in the rear.”
      Rion tasted her lips. “You will get plenty of fourth dates goddess, I promise you.” Tauri gave in to his kiss and they both allowed the fiery currents to flow through their bodies.
    *********
      “Where the hell is Rion?” Lance asked putting his phone away. “I've called his ass three times and it just goes to voicemail.”
    Brandon looked at his menu. “He's with Tauri.”
    Corvus frowned. “He just met this girl and his ass is gone. She put it on the brother.”
      “She is fine though,” Khalil inserted looking at his own menu. “A lot of brothers would beg her to put it on them.”
      “Didn't he know we were meeting here tonight?” Lance grumbled. “I could be out with one of my own women.”
      “He'll be here,” Brandon assured the group before turning to Khalil. “How are things at the community center Khalil?”
    Khalil looked up from his menu. “Things are going well.”
      “How's Kyros?” Brandon asked.
      “He's adjusting. I have to start thinking about his schooling. This public school education is not what it should be and although we all went to public school that was a different time. Now it's basically the pipeline to prison for most black boys. It’s just one system feeding another and profiting off of black bodies.”
      “What are you thinking of doing?” Corvus asked.
      “For right now, just explore all the options,” Khalil explained.
      They all looked up as Rion joined them taking a seat at the table. “What's up Negus?” he asked smiling.
    Lance looked at his watch. “What's up is that your ass is late.”
    Rion smiled. “Don't worry Lance, I don't think the females you deal with can even tell time.”
    Everyone laughed and Lance frowned. “This from the lion who's been