When They Beg, I Rise!

Orion's fingers, defined and elegant, made even the simplest actions look mesmerizing.

"What are you staring at?"

He placed the silverware in front of her, and Lemira turned her head, meeting his gaze, "Can't I admire someone as handsome as you?" Orion squinted, "Is that a roundabout way of insulting me?"

"Of course not, you're quite the looker."

"Am I your type?"

Upon hearing those words, Lemira's grip loosened, and the fork clattered to the floor. She bent down in a fluster to pick it up, her mind racing. Did he notice something? Or was it intentional?

Lemira retrieved the silverware, but he took it from her hands, placing his own set in front of her.

He then grabbed a fresh pair and heated them over a small flame.

She didn't respond to his question, and he didn't press further, as if he never asked.

Orion glanced at her, noticing she was preoccupied with her phone.

He had to admit, his question was deliberate.

She had been getting too close to Matthew.

Just as Orion was about to break the silence, the waitress came in with their order.

Seeing the food in front of her, Lemira's appetite surged. She eagerly started eating, her focus entirely on the meal.

watched her for a moment, not saying anything. He noticed the dishes were exactly to

ate in

finishing her meal, Lemira felt much better, her

then did she notice Orion had finished his meal too. He was watching her, his gaze

a bit embarrassed, "Why are you

a napkin to wipe her mouth, though there was

hand on the

"Yeah, much better."

can answer that question

a beat as

her

a bit

apprehension.

"His family, especially his mother has always been against him gaming. If

for

IMS

mother? That would

that seemed off. Maybe

"Disappointed?"

the look of disappointment on

head, "No, it's getting late.

stood up, his gaze lingering on her, "Is winning the competition that

if I wanted to win, I wouldn't resort to

believed her, but her