Chapter 53
Orion had the kind of physique that didn’t scream gym junkie; instead, there was a subtle power behind his toned muscles, visible even through his crisp white shirt. The thought of him cooking dinner for her later brought a delightful rush, giving her the peculiar sensation of having hired some sort of CEO–level butler.
After completing ten push–ups, Xanthea called out to stop, catching Orion’s puzzled gaze.
“That’s it!”
What was he confused about?
“One hundred.”
1 1⁄2 F 3 0 ± 5 2 × 5 2 3 %
His voice was calm, and he continued the exercise. Xanthea was stunned. One hundred? One–handed? Had he lost his mind?
She didn’t claim to understand the extent of a man’s strength, but she often watched Samuel work out, and even he struggled past forty. And here Orion was, aiming for a hundred one–handed!
“Xan, don’t worry, Uncle Orion’s got the strength!” Sebastian chimed in.
*Strength or not, doing a hundred one–handed push–ups could break him! Orion, don’t overdo it, get up. You still have to cook dinner!”
As a minute passed, Xanthea’s doubts were thoroughly squashed. Orion had completed nearly ninety push–ups with ease, his expression unbothered, his form perfect.
Sebastian, watching Xanthea’s astonished face, boasted, “See, I told you Uncle Orion is strong! He could even manage a hundred with you sitting on him, easily.”
Xanthea quickly covered his mouth. What kind of inappropriate things was the kid suggesting?
She was indeed shocked that Orion could effortlessly perform a hundred one–handed push–ups, but the terrifying thought of what could happen if she hadn’t escaped that night at the Rlan Hotel made her shudder. With his daunting strength, she feared for her life!
Soon, Orion finished the set and stood up, looking at her intently, “Want to give it a try?”
“Uh, what?”
Caught off guard by his suggestion and her own wandering thoughts, Xanthea shook her head frantically, “Try what? No, no, no!”
“Hop on.”
Xanthea paused, realizing he was still talking about push–ups.
“No need, you–you go cook.”
Noticing her blush, Orion’s eyes narrowed slightly as he slowly moved closer, backing her against the wall.
After his workout, the mild scent of cedar from his body was intensified, mingling with a distinctly masculine hormone–driven aroma, enveloping Xanthea tightly, making it hard for her to breathe.
Yet, he kept advancing slowly until he cornered her, her lips trembling slightly, “What–what are you doing?”
Orion lowered his gaze; his thick eyelashes cast shadows on his cheeks as he leaned in close to her ear.
“Ms. Nightshade, you’re so awesome, I really…”
He paused, his voice trailing off, and all she could hear was a faint whisper of admiration.
His deep, magnetic voice, slightly breathless from the exercise, was undeniably sexy at such close quarters. The warm breath hitting Xanthea’s ear sent tingles down her spine, blanking out her mind momentarily.
