When They Beg, I Rise!

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.

"If you're single, what

Orion's pupils contracted sharply.

a bolt of electricity shot through

steering wheel. "You're drunk," he stated, before starting the car and driving towards the apartment complex. Silence filled the car for the

to calm his racing heart, stopping at

young.

from the

found Lemira

mused on the bizarre moment

she'd forget upon waking, Orion drove back to the

forehead

away,

no choice, Orion carried her

her sleep, he

with a

his gaze lingering

he turned to leave, her

tightening at

of water,

you so much. You've always been

on the cup tightened, feeling as if he was sinking deeper into

night deepened, the room bathed