Orion locked eyes with Lemira, feeling as though his knees might give way beneath him. Her eyes were red with unshed tears, radiating a fierce anger. That look felt like a knife piercing his chest, leaving him breathless and in pain. Struggling to maintain his composure, he gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. He will pay for this, he promised softly.
Yet, hadn’t he already paid enough? Lemira quickly composed herself, her voice filled with determination. I need to find out what really happened with that car accident.
Yeah, I’ll help you investigate, Orion replied, resolve hardening within him. If Evelina’s father wasn’t dead, perhaps the accident wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed. Did the Sinclair family truly have nothing to do with it? He needed to dig deeper.
He glanced at Lemira, the words he longed to say dying on his lips. Lemira checked the time and suggested, Shall we start our sparring then?
Orion turned and handed her a box. I picked up something for you while I was away. Hope you like it.
Lemira opened the box to reveal a pair of red boxing gloves. They’re beautiful, she said, a smile lighting up her face. She had been using the gym’s gloves, planning to buy her own once she improved, but Orion had anticipated her need. Do you like them? he asked.
Yeah, I love them. Thanks for the gift, she replied, slipping them on. They fit perfectly.
Orion watched her smile, his mind a whirlpool of thoughts he couldn’t easily express. Try them out, see how they feel, he encouraged, trying to push away his concerns.
Lemira was so engrossed in her new gloves, she didn’t notice the shadow of worry in his eyes. After they finished sparring, Lemira collapsed onto the mat, exhausted. She admired her gloves again, I knew having my own would make a difference. They’re so much better.
Orion, ever considerate, handed her a towel and a bottle of water, gently wiping the sweat from her neck. Suddenly, Lemira cupped his face in her hands. Orion, I just realized something.
What? he asked, curious.
You’re looking a bit handsome, she teased.
When Orion didn’t react as she expected, Lemira cleared her throat, It’s a cheesy
line. Haven’t you heard it before? Her attempt at humor seemed to fall flat.
His gaze softened as he looked at her, and he leaned in to kiss her. This kiss was more urgent and passionate than the last. Lemira wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes closed, her eyelashes,
fluttering slightly. The light frei
above bathed them in a warm glow, and Orion opened his eyes to gaze at her, filled with deep affection and longing. He had to admit, when it came to Lemira, he was a bit of a coward.
The sound of a janitor with cleaning tools broke their moment, and Lemira opened her eyes, meeting his deep, unfathomable gaze. Why did it seem like Orion wasn’t as cheerful? Orion paused, handing her the water. Take a break and change your clothes. Want to grab a late-night snack?
Lemira sipped the water, glancing at the time. It’s pretty late. Maybe not tonight.
I’m not that hungry.
She looked up at Orion. What’s wrong?
Nothing.
You’re lying. You’ve seemed off all evening.
Lemira was worried he might be facing some trouble. Orion took the towel and gently wiped her neck again. No, you’re imagining things. Why would I be anything but happy on a date with you? He was adept at hiding his feelings and quickly adjusted his tone.
Lemira scrutinized him but couldn’t find anything amiss, so she let it go. She stood
up, removing her gloves. If anyone is giving you a hard time because of me, promise you’ll tell me.