Hearing his question, if it hadn't been for the predatory gleam in his eye, she would have honestly thought he was just checking her schedule.

For once, she was quick on the uptake. "Yes, I have class."

After saying that, she practically fled to the kitchen for a glass of water, suddenly feeling parched.

As Lemira stood by the fridge, a broad chest pressed against her back, and a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist.

Lemira nearly choked on her water.

She finished her sip and spun around, eyeing Orion defensively. "Did you want some water too?"

Orion didn't say a word. He simply dipped his head and took a sip straight from the glass in her hands.

Lemira looked up at him. He was undeniably striking, his jawline sharp and devastating in the morning light.

Even the slow, deliberate way he drank was incredibly captivating.

When he stopped, a single drop of water clung to his bottom lip. He just stood there, staring at her.

Lemira felt an irresistible urge to wipe it away, but before she could, he leaned down and claimed her lips.

The kiss was blistering and intense. He lifted her effortlessly, setting her down gently onto the kitchen counter.

Lemira's heart fluttered wildly as she reached up, looping her arms around his neck. She loved him; she didn't want to reject his touch.

Her proactive response was like throwing gasoline on the fire in Orion's eyes.

He broke the kiss, his breathing ragged.

His dark eyes were bright, filled with a smoldering heat.

The usually aloof, untouchable man looked like a desperate teenager in front of her,

a silent question burning in his gaze.

Lemira felt a rush of shyness and looked down, avoiding his eyes.

Orion pressed a kiss to the curve of her neck. "Can we?"

Blushing furiously, Lemira pulled her hands back. "Never mind."

Orion let out a low, rough laugh, trailing kisses down her throat. How could he possibly stop now?

He had no intention of stopping.

Lemira's fingers dug into his shoulders. She glanced nervously around the kitchen; faintly, the sound of a car horn echoed from the street outside, but the apartment was dead silent.

She knew she was never going to be able to look at this kitchen the same way again.

But suddenly, Orion froze, a look of profound frustration crossing his features.

Lemira looked at him in surprise, her own breathing chaotic.

"I don't have any," Orion muttered darkly.

He hadn't bought protection.

Mostly because he hadn't expected her to actually say yes.

l.ne

That brought Lemira crashing back to reality. Doing this without protection wasn't an option. She

was absolutely not ready fora

Surprise pregnancy.

Orion let out a heavy sigh and pulled her tightly against his chest. "I'm putting this on your tab for next time."

Lemira, her face still crimson, didn't say a word. She just leaned quietly into his embrace.

Feeling the sheer heat radiating off his body, her cheek pressed flush against his chest, she suddenly remembered his abs.

Unable to resist, she reached down and poked a finger against the hard muscle. She heard a sharp intake of breath by her ear.

Orion nipped lightly at her earlobe. "Stop moving."

"Can't I just feel your abs?" she whispered defensively.

"Not right now. If you do, I'm going to lose control."

Hearing that, Lemira obediently pulled her hand back. They still had things to do today anyway.

They held each other in the quiet kitchen for a while longer.

Eventually Orion carried her back

into the master bedroom. Lemira et

hopped out of his arms and dashed straight for the bathroom.

Orion rubbed his temples, making a mental note to buy a box immediately so they

wouldn't be derailed next time.

After all their lingering, it was already noon.

Orion drove her out to Bistrova for lunch.

As soon as Lemira checked her

phone, she saw the massive news coverage of the Maple Group

launch Naturally, the Langstons net

humiliating spectacle was heavily featured, contrasting sharply with the overwhelming praise for Maple Group's tech.

She smiled. The Langston family must be regretting every life choice right about

now.

She recounted the news reports to Orion.

Keeping his eyes on the road, Orion asked casually, "When do you plan on calling the cops?"

Lemira paused. "Tomorrow, probably. I need to iron out the details with the Langstons later."

If the Langstons hadn't still possessed a tiny shred of usefulness, she wouldn't have

bothered interacting with them at all.

Orion's grip on the steering wheel tightened. He knew this day was coming.

After they finished lunch, Orion drove her straight to campus.