When They Beg I Rise (Lemira) novel Chapter 126

Orion swallowed hard, his silence louder than words, as he made his way to the parked car.

After he gently ushered Lemira into the passenger seat, he took his place behind the wheel.

Once settled, he glanced at her uneasily. "Seatbelt."

Right, Lemira blinked, "Seatbelt, the lifeline!"

Reaching for the seatbelt, she fumbled, unable to pull it out. How odd.

Orion couldn't stand it anymore and leaned over to buckle it for her.

In that moment, they were inches apart.

He could smell the scent of beer on her breath.

She could count the lashes framing his eyes.

Lemira held her breath, her mind racing, and impulsively hugged his arm.

Orion froze, turning to lock eyes with her, his gaze dropping to her bright, clear eyes.

"What are you..." he started, his voice trailing off.

Lemira leaned in and kissed him, her heart racing as she pulled away.

He remained still, the streetlight outside casting shadows that obscured his expression.

Stuttering, Lemira finally spoke, "If you're single, what do you think about me?"

Orion's pupils contracted sharply.

It was as if a bolt of electricity shot through him, making him recoil.

His hand found the steering wheel. "You're drunk," he stated, before starting the car and driving towards the apartment complex.

Silence filled the car for the remainder of the journey.

It took a while for Orion to calm his racing heart, stopping at a traffic light.