Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
She steps further into the room, her skepticism giving way to enthusiasm. “Absolutely. Show me what you’ve got!”
As I demonstrate a simple card trick, her laughter fills the space, cutting through the tension that had settled in my chest. Watching her happy in something as trivial as a card trick makes me forget about Jason and the heaviness of the situation for just a moment. It’s in these small, light-hearted exchanges that I realize how much I want to keep her safe and how deep my feelings for her really run.
The atmosphere in the room shifts, and for a brief second, I allow myself to imagine a world where her smile isn’t tinged with fear. A world where we can just be.
Chapter 7
Briar
If you had told me that this big, bad alpha male—who spends his days protecting people and facing danger head-on—was also a magician, I’d have laughed at you and called you silly. I mean, it’s just so absurd, isn’t it? The image of Orion, all broad shoulders and piercing gaze, pulling rabbits out of hats or making cards vanish into thin air feels like a scene straight out of a comedy film.
As I watch him shuffle the cards with practiced ease, a mixture of awe and disbelief swirls within me. Here he is, this fierce protector who can take down threats without breaking a sweat, suddenly engaging in something as whimsical as magic tricks. The contrast is almost comical.
But then again, there’s something endearing about it. Seeing this serious man—who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders—light up when he talks about magic brings a smile to my face. It’s like catching a glimpse of a playful side of him that most people never get to see.
I can’t help but chuckle to myself. This isn’t the kind of thing I expect when I think about Orion. He’s not just a fierce warrior; he has this delightful, quirky edge that’s utterly unexpected. The way he concentrates, furrowing his brow as he tries to master a sleight-of-hand move, makes him look surprisingly approachable.
Approachable but deadly. And let’s not forget the fact that he's stunningly gorgeous. Like he’s so hot the chickens lay hard boiled eggs in his presence.
He sets the deck of cards down and smiles at me, the corners of his mouth curving up in a way that sends a flutter through my stomach. “It’s late. You should probably try to get some rest.”
I nod, perhaps a little too quickly, as I rush out, “Right. Sleep. Sure thing.” My mind races, and just as I'm about to salute the man again, I stop in my tracks. A chill runs down my spine, and all I can think about is the nightmare that had gripped me earlier.
“Um,” I whisper, feeling foolish for what I’m about to ask. My cheeks heat up, and I can’t tell if it’s embarrassment or something else.
“What is it?” he asks, rising from his chair with an ease that emphasizes his strength. There’s a warmth in his gaze, and for a moment, the shadows of the day melt away, leaving just the two of us in this cozy space.
“I was wondering if you’d lay with me? Until I fall asleep,” I rush out, my voice barely above a whisper. The words tumble out before I can overthink them, and suddenly I feel vulnerable, laying bare my fears in front of this formidable man.
The request hangs in the air between us, and my heart thunders in my chest, half hoping he’ll say yes, half terrified of what that means. Would he think I’m childish for needing company? Or would he understand the comfort that comes from not being alone in the dark? I hold my breath, waiting for his response, feeling the weight of my own emotions pressing against me like a storm ready to break.
He nods. “Of course I will.”
Together we move down the hallway, toward the back guest bedroom, and I peel back the covers. We’re silent as Orion crawls into the bed beside me, wrapping an arm around me so I can rest my head in the crook of his shoulder.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice barely audible in the stillness as Orion turns out the light. The room is bathed in soft shadows, and for a moment, I’m left with just the sound of his steady breath and the rhythmic beat of his heart, strong and reassuring. It's strange, but comforting, being this close to him. I’ve always felt so guarded, but right now, as I lay beneath the warmth of his presence, my defenses start to dissolve.
“Who’s in bed?” Jeb squawks from his cage in the corner of the room.
“Oh, Christ,” Orion says, and I quickly get up.
“Let me just put his blanket over the cage,” I say, knowing he’ll fall asleep as soon as I do. I say a quick goodnight to Jeb, who’s obviously upset about Orion being in here. I snuggle back into bed with Orion, and everything slows down. It feels right here.