Chapter 19: Man of His Word
"You just have plenty of things to say, don't you?" Orion said with a sneer, his warm, minty breath fanning over her cupid's bow.
Soleia refused to bow down, looking right up at him and meeting his gaze despite the vast height difference. Every fiber of her body was aching to pull away― the last time she was this close to Orion Elsher was during their wedding ceremony. Back then, he hadn't even wanted to kiss her too! She was the one who initiated the kiss!
"What can I say, Your Grace?" Soleia retorted. A bold streak ran through her, filling her with a reckless need to push back. "You've left me with many words after disappearing for two long years right after our wedding ceremony. I suppose I am making up for all the lost time."
Orion scoffed, laughing coldly. However, he continued looking into her eyes. Those oceanic orbs stared right into her soul, as though he was desperately trying to catch any bit of lie within her. If she kept any secrets, if she harbored any ill intentions towards him...
But he found none.
Everything that could be seen in the little woman's fiery gaze was nothing short of fury and mild hatred.
Likewise, when Soleia studied every detail of her husband's expression, she was surprised she found none of that murderous glint in his eyes. The Orion Elsher who returned from war was not the same Orion Elsher as the man who stood before her.
He from before was a beast, a monster dripping with bloodlust. Now, he reminded Soleia more of a bruised soldier attempting to shield himself from more wounds.
Orion's gaze fell down to Soleia's lips for a fraction of a second. They were pink, plump, and strangely called out his name. He felt a part of his chest stir strangely, igniting a ticklish sensation that he had never before felt.