Chapter 126  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.  Stuttering, Lemira finally spoke, “If you’re single, what do you think about me?”  Orion’s pupils contracted sharply.  It was as if a bolt of electricity shot through him, making him recoil.  His hand found the steering wheel. “You’re drunk,” he stated, before starting the car and driving towards the apartment complex.  Silence filled the car for the remainder of the journey.  It took a while for Orion to calm his racing heart, stopping at a traffic light.  He finally spoke, “You’re young. You don’t understand feelings yet.”  No response came from the passenger seat.  Turning, Orion found Lemira asleep.  Chuckling ruefully at the sight, he mused on the bizarre moment they just shared. Now, she slept, oblivious.  Hoping she’d forget upon waking, Orion drove back to the apartment.  He nudged her forehead gently. “Wake up.”  Lemira swatted his hand away, turning to continue her slumber.  Left with no choice, Orion carried her back to the apartment.  Watching her sleep, he removed her high heels and covered her with a blanket, his gaze lingering with complex emotions.  As he turned to leave, her voice halted him, “Mom, I’m thirsty.”  His step faltered, heart tightening at her childlike call for her mother.  Fetching a glass of water, he helped her drink.  After, she clung to him. “Mom, I miss you so much. You’ve always been the kindest to me.”  Orion’s grip on the cup tightened, feeling as if he was sinking deeper into the ocean, with no hope of resurfacing.  The night deepened, the room bathed in the soft glow of streetlights.  Orion watched over her, sensing a shift in their relationship.  The next morning, Lemira awoke with a splitting headache, trying to piece together the events of the previous night. Realizing she was still dressed, she hurried for a shower, hoping to clear her mind.  Memories of the night remained elusive as she ventured next door, entering Orion’s apartment with the familiar code. She caught him fresh from a shower, his bathrobe loosely tied, revealing glimpses of his abs.  Lemira’s gaze wavered, heat flooding her cheeks at the sight.