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.

single, what

Orion's pupils contracted sharply.

was as if a bolt of

the car and

a while for Orion to calm his racing heart, stopping at

young. You don't understand

response came from

found

he mused on the bizarre moment they just shared.

Orion drove back

her forehead

his hand away, turning to

no choice, Orion carried her back to

her sleep,

her with a <

his gaze lingering

to leave, her voice halted him,

heart tightening at her childlike call for her

a glass of water, he

to him. "Mom, I miss you so much.

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

room bathed in the soft