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.

anything. He noticed the dishes

ate in

her meal, Lemira felt much better, her spirits

had finished his meal too. He

felt a bit embarrassed, "Why are you looking at

to wipe her mouth, though there was nothing

rested his hand on the table, "Feeling

"Yeah, much better."

answer that question

skipped a

Orion, her eyes

a

apprehension.

mother has always been against him gaming. If anyone could make him quit, it would be his

intended for

IMS

stunned. Matthew's mother? That would be the affluent

off.

"Disappointed?"

look of

it's getting late. We should

her, "Is winning the competition that important

win, I wouldn't resort to

her, but her question