Lion's Pride

Chapter 18

D . a . n . i . e . l . l . e

     "JUST START GRABBING OUR STUFF RAYE. WE CAN'T HAVE them pull the plug. It shouldn't be that serious." With my adrenaline pumping and breathing starting to pick up pace, I watch as my distressed friend grabs at a alcoholic beverage. Wasting no time, she downs the drink. I understand her frustration, looking for my own. Rayne doesn't let me get to it though as she handles it herself before drinking it. I don't make a fuss about it, moving around the long pool chairs with ease. The both of us had bigger issues to handle rather than argue over a beverage.

I let Rayne lead the way away from the pool area as I look for my key fob. The bright headlights of the vehicle shine as I unlock the doors. Rayne is the first to reach the back door, nearly shoving her tote inside the seat. I do the same right after, climbing into the drivers seat. The heat of the day hadn't seemed to be on its way to cooling down as I ease the air conditioner on. Before I know it, the air is calming my nerves and soothing the oncoming headache as I drive away.

Not a word is said between the two of us as I cruise. Between her thoughts and mine, neither of them seemed to be good. The atmosphere had changed dramatically and I hated that. Rayne couldn't bear losing Montie or at least she hadn't planned on it. That's when the faint sounds of sniffling soon fill the car. My heart aches for the woman I owed my life to. I hadn't ever imagined seeing her so down. A hand of mine reaches for her shoulder as I try my best to comfort her.

"It's going to be okay... everyone knows that Montie is a fighter. He's proven himself righteous every time." I speak towards her as my eyes shift themselves between her chocolate complexion and the road.

"I appreciate hearing that Danielle. I just don't want the worst outcome. Just please get me to him so I can see what the hell is really going on." The look of sorrow she gives me nearly makes the lump in my throat permanent. Rayne takes her right hand and props her chin inside of it. She looks out the window with a blank stare. I mutter a quiet okay and don't pry at the situation anymore.

Rayne sits in silence for a moment. She knew her worth when it came to men and she knew what she was capable of bringing to the table. All of her life she had been surrounded with every type of man that could grace the earth. Although Rayne is young, her eyes had seen things I could never have. As a little girl being abused by men she dearly trusted, she absolutely couldn't have seen Montie coming. He is her blessing from all the pain and all the things she suffered. It was as if God had crafted him just for her. To protect her, marry her, and love her correctly like she had yearned for. I look over at Rayne every once in a while, my mind racing. When she met Montavious some time back, I myself never expected the love he brought her. He was just an upcoming rapper then and sort of still is now.

The attraction between the two was undeniable when their eyes locked one dark night at the club. If Rayne wasn't looking at him, he was looking at Rayne and if Montie wasn't looking at her, she was looking at Montie. The urge for their eyes to stay locked was intense. Some would say a soul tie could be made with just one look and if that saying is true, that day would be the day that the soul tie was born. The both of them knew the connection would turn deep. Way deep. Rayne captured Montie with her looks and brains while Montie captured Rayne by allowing her to see his drive and passion for work.

Being use to only using men and taking advantage of them, Rayne often could see herself running Montie's pockets. After a long date night and actually getting to know the fine man, her mind had been completely changed. Raye knew he checked every single one of her list of boxes just as she had did for him. The both of them wanted a forever family without any games to be played.