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.

her for a moment, not saying anything. He noticed

ate in

Lemira felt much

Orion had finished his meal too. He was watching her, his

felt a bit embarrassed, "Why

to wipe her

his hand on the table,

"Yeah, much better."

answer that question you

a beat

Orion, her eyes filled

and a

apprehension.

caught her expression and said, "His family, especially his mother has always been against him gaming. If anyone

intended for

IMS

Matthew's mother? That would be

off. Maybe she was

"Disappointed?"

of

her head, "No, it's getting late. We should

up, his gaze lingering on her,

I wanted to win, I wouldn't

her