When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 857

Lemira nodded frantically, her heart still hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird.

She cast a terrified glance out the window. "That scared me half to death! I really thought I was a goner. Isn't that ledge way too low?"

Sure, the aesthetic design made for an incredible view, but after nearly becoming a permanent part of the pavement, she found it insanely dangerous.

Orion shot the window a dark look. "I'll have a contractor fix it tomorrow."

The split second she slipped, his own heart had practically stopped beating.

Thank God she was safe.

"It definitely needs an upgrade. Or at least put up some safety rails," she muttered, trying to catch her breath.

As the adrenaline faded, Lemira suddenly realized how tightly she was clutching him. There wasn't an inch of space between their bodies.

She slowly loosened her grip, dropping her voice to a soft whisper. "Thank you for saving me."

Orion gave her forehead a gentle flick. "Do you think you could try not giving me a heart attack?"

"I genuinely didn't notice the drop!"

Glancing up, she realized her foundation and lipstick had smeared across the pristine white fabric of his dress shirt. She immediately reached out to rub it away. "Oh no, I made a mess. This is going to be a nightmare to get out."

Orion glanced down at his chest. "It's nothing."

"Why don't you take it off? I can wash it for you and give it back later," she offered.

Looking up, she was met with his intense, predatory gaze. Up close, she noticed his irises were a striking, deep amber.

He leaned down, his face inches from hers. "What are you staring at?"

"Your eyes. They're gorgeous."

Lost in his strikingly handsome features, the elegant restaurant music faded completely into the background. In that moment, the rest of the world ceased to exist.

The only sound she could hear was the frantic, erratic rhythm of her own heart.

Orion's gaze dropped to her lips. "You look gorgeous tonight, too."

Without another word, he lowered his head and captured her lips.

Lemira instinctively leaned back, but his strong hand anchored her in place, pressing her firmly against his chest.

He pressed a burning kiss against her cheek, his voice thick with gravel. "Because I'm afraid I won't be able to stop."

"But Thaddeus said you had iron-clad self-control! He said women threw themselves at you left and right, even offering themselves to you completely bare, and you felt absolutely nothing."

Orion ground his teeth together. Why the hell was Thaddeus feeding her that garbage?

He backed her gently against the window frame, leaning in until they were perfectly eye-level. "That's because I only feel something for the woman I actually want."

"Then why'd you stop me from touching you?"

Before she could even finish the sentence, he hauled her flush against his body. His gaze was dangerously heavy. "Can you feel that? Are you satisfied now?"

Lemira's breath completely hitched, her face flushing crimson like it was practically on fire.

She gave a tiny, obedient nod.

Satisfied, Orion finally released her. He gently wiped the corner of her mouth, his eyes still swimming with unspent desire.

"Let's eat before I change my mind," he murmured.