When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 869

Lemira felt the atmosphere between them suddenly turn incredibly intimate.

Honestly, even though Orion had always been wonderful and deeply considerate toward her, he was also a perfect gentleman. He had never once crossed any boundaries.

The only time they had shared any real physical intimacy was during those fleeting few days they dated, back before she found out he was the Everhart heir.

Since then, with everything that had happened, they had hovered in that gray area—more than friends, but not quite lovers.

Orion had always maintained a respectful distance that made her feel safe.

But ever since she had made the first move last night, the man had transformed into a large, unchained predator, staring at her with a heavy, hungry gaze.

Flushed with sudden, scandalous thoughts, Lemira quickly stepped back to put some distance between them.

She cleared her throat. "Actually, I don't really want to know."

Seeing her blush and dodge him, Orion's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Get in and I'll tell you. Don't you want to let off some steam?"

Of course she did.

Lemira pulled the passenger door open and slid in. "Alright, tell me. What's your plan?"

Orion didn't answer. Instead, he sharply spun the steering wheel and slammed on the gas, accelerating straight toward the massive iron gates of the Waverly estate.

Lemira's heart leaped into her throat. "Orion, what are you doing?!"

"Getting payback for you. Letting the Waverlies know you're under my protection."

"Are you out of your mind? Stop the car!"

Lemira had never expected Orion to suddenly act so recklessly.

Thankfully, he slammed on the brakes just in time, stopping inches from the gates.

Lemira stared at the man beside her, her heart hammering against her ribs. "Orion, I never realized you were so... so..."

For a moment, she couldn't even find the words to describe him.

Orion reached over and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Were you worried about me?"

"I was worried about myself! What if you actually rammed the gates and we both died in a fiery crash? I haven't even had a real relationship yet!"

In the past, Orion had always set the pace. When she first fell for him, he had constantly pushed her away and kept his distance.

Now, it was his turn to experience that nerve-wracking insecurity.

Looking at the fiery, stubborn girl in front of him, Orion was completely helpless.

He couldn't bring himself to scold her, and he certainly couldn't be harsh with her.

He could only sigh. "Alright, I shouldn't have joked around like that. I just saw how furious you were and wanted to help you blow off some steam. But I would never actually put you in danger."

With her sitting in the passenger seat, there was absolutely no way he would risk crashing into the gates.

Lemira finally calmed down and looked at him. "You knew I was panicking."

"Yes. I looked into Stella's whereabouts. She's inside the Waverly estate. If you call the police, they likely won't do anything."

As far as the law was concerned, Stella was just sitting safely inside her own family home. How was that a kidnapping?

"But Stella is being held against her will. Asher and Mrs. Waverly are conspiring to force Felipa to sign the Waverly Trust transfer. They won't let Stella go until she does."