Chapter 145 “Xan, oh, Xan.” Orion’s kiss was forceful, almost frenzied, like a man crazed by an addiction, utterly consumed. “Let go, let me go! Mmm! Xanthea felt his bites and kisses fierce as if he were a wild animal at feeding time, her lips numb and painful, as if her skin was about to peel off. Worst of all, she was running out of air; her mouth and lungs felt vacuumed clean, blinding flashes of light darting across her vision. This rogue, this villain, not only dared to assault her but now seemed intent on suffocating her too! Her feeble attempts to punch his solid chest became weaker, her breaths shallow and faint. Just as she felt on the verge of passing out, Orion released her. Like a reprieved prisoner, Xanthea pushed him away, gasping for fresh air. After a few moments, she regained some strength and glared at him furiously, “How dare you! An audacious rogue, assaulting a lady of my standing!” He chuckled, a low, gruff sound from deep within his throat. He wanted more than just to dare; he wanted her. Hearing his chuckle, Xanthea looked up, puzzled, only to meet his eyes, burning with an unsatisfied, feverish madness. What did that look mean? “Mmm!” In a flash, he was upon her again, as if her moment to breathe was a mere timeout. “How dare you, how dare you again! Mmm.” Her punches, rhythmic against his chest, seemed futile and even carried a hint of unwilling attraction. She thought she might pass out again from lack of air, but this time, the sensation of his lips and tongue sparked something unfamiliar. It felt almost light, her resistance ceased, and she nearly wanted to close her eyes in involuntary surrender. Terrified by this new sensation, she began to cry. Her vulnerable sobs reached him, and, lost in a haze of lust, he reluctantly let her go, noticing her swollen, tender lips and her eyes, glossy with tears, “Please, no More, okay? Please, I was wrong.” Unknowingly, her plea made her even more irresistible, more vulnerable. Orion pulled her close again, easing his own aching desire. Her curves fit perfectly against him, his gaze Intensified by the emotions swirling through him. He thought, “Xan, Xari, are you trying to kill me?” 1/2 Chapter 145 “Let go, you’re holding me too tight, you’re so strong.” Xanthea complained softly, thumping his back lightly. As she kept hitting, a wave of fatigue overtook her, and she fell asleep right there in his arms. Feeling the stillness in his arms, it took Orion a long time to gently relax his hold, gazing down at her excessively charming face, her breaths even and soft. He couldn’t help but lower his head and place a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Xan, my darling.”
Category: My Beloved Has Risen from Death’s Embrace (Xanthe and Mr. Lockwood )
My Beloved Has Risen from Death’s Embrace Novel
After Xanthea died, she witnessed the cold and ruthless president, Orion Lockwood, had actually killed the couple who harmed her. He knelt before her grave with bloodied hands, kissing her body, saying, “Xan, it’s too cold underground, I’m here to accompany you.”Reborn into her youth, Xanthea tormented the shameless bastard, Matthew and the despicable woman, Miranda, while also curiously investigating Orion, as they were completely unfamiliar before. Unexpectedly, as soon as they became familiar with each other, she was cornered by the man. “Xan, you know full well that I love you deeply, yet you dare to provoke me! In that case, never think of leaving me.”
Chapter 144 The sweet intoxication of the wine breath gently wafted from the young woman’s lips, lightly cascading over the man’s sharply defined, cool marble–like face, igniting a burning heat. Accompanied by a lazy. sultry tone in her voice, Orion nearly stopped in his tracks, his eyes instantly deepened. He looked down at the girl in his arms, her long, curled lashes fluttering slightly, shading eyes filled with the seductive glimmering lights. Her petite, dazzling face was flushed with the warmth of the drink, casting an enchanting glow on her cheeks. She gently bit her lush red lips with her teeth, a look of playful reproach as if struggling to bear some burden. At that moment, she seemed to transform into a mesmerizing, soul–enticing fox, her clothes half–draped as she lay in his arms, gently pulling at his tie, beckoning him with a tender allure. A spark of fiery desire ignited in Orion’s pupils, rapidly consuming his composure and restraint, as he felt the soft, fragrant embrace of the woman he had longed for in his arms. He wanted nothing more than to… Yet, Xanthea seemed unaware of the danger, one hand hooked around his neck, while the other teasingly caressed his face. From his sculpted eyebrows to the deep hollows of his eyes, sliding down his prominent nose, ending at his thin lips. Every spot her delicate fingers touched sparked tingling sensations, sending electric currents through his skin, radiating to every limb. Orion’s gaze was intense, his Adam’s apple bobbing, every inch of his flesh and blood thrilled and boiling for her. “Hmm?” Xanthea let out a single, intoxicating syllable, “Hey, boy, name your price?” “How much are you willing to offer?” Orion’s voice, already husky and ominously deep, barely concealed his growing desire. “That depends on how much you’re worth.” Xanthea withdrew her hand, her expression playfully mischievous as she eyed him. “If you want to serve me, good looks alone won’t cut it, a nice body can’t be lacking either! Let me check out what you’ve got!” With that, she swiftly flipped open his suit jacket, and through the thin layer of his silk shirt, she could clearly feel the burning heat and well–defined muscles of his torso. Xanthea gasped, her hand withdrawing as if burned, her voice coquettishly complaining, “So tough.” This wasn’t at all what she expected! She thought, she was just flirting with a pretty boy, not realizing that his physique was so robust. If she angered him it could end badly for her! -7 “No more, no more, I’m going home!” She pushed him away and turned to run, but it was already too late. Orion’s face twisted with desire at her coquettish complaint, his pupils flooding with a deep, crimson lust Chapter 144 that seemed ready to devour her whole. “Ah-” Just as Xanthea tried to flee, Orion’s strong hand grasped her delicate waist firmly. “What are you doing?” “No, mmm.” Before she could struggle, she was forcefully pressed against the cool marble wall, one hand cushioning her head while the other firmly restrained her arms. His hot lips descended like a storm onto her soft, rose–colored lips. “Mmm.” In an instant, Xanthea’s eyes widened in shock, unable to believe that this audacious man dared to kiss her so boldly! The strong alcohol mingled between their lips, catalyzing the intense and ambiguous atmosphere of the night. Outside, the wind and rain beat against the swaying trees, their leaves trembling as if in sympathy with Xanthea being wildly claimed by Orion.
Chapter 143 “Xan? Xan, what’s wrong? Are you in danger? Is Orion trying to hurt you?” “Huh.” She smirked coldly. “Orion hurt me? No way, I’m perfectly safe with him. Sure, he can be a bit of a bad boy, but,” But what? Xanthea furrowed her brow, feeling like she was forgetting something. She tried hard to remember, but couldn’t. The noise on the other end of the phone was too much, and she abruptly hung up. As soon as she did, it came back to her, “Oh right! He won’t hurt me, but he might hurt you guys. Be careful.” “You’ve been so naughty, Ori will help me get my revenge!” She lifted her head proudly, hands on her hips. Seconds later, she looked around confusedly, “Where am I? How did I get here? I’m so tired and sleepy, I just want to go home.” She walked a few steps forward to a trash can, bent down, “Ah, home at last!” She threw away her phone and was about to dive into the trash can, but suddenly a warm large hand grabbed her arm from behind. “Ms. Nightshade.” “Huh?” Xanthea turned around to face a man of breathtaking beauty. His features were so perfect it seemed like each had been meticulously crafted by the divine–arching brows like polished onyx, deep–set eyes, a sharp nose, and striking facial contours. Who was he? How could someone be so handsome, so tall? His face, his build, made her want to gulp. Orion pulled her close, his breath heavy with the scent of liquor, “Are you alright? I’ll take you to…” “Hello, handsome.” а Before he could finish, Xanthea cheekily grabbed his tie, her sparkling eyes curving into a mischievous arc at his face. as she stared intently “Which elite family’s son are you? So good–looking–I’ve seen all the high–profile young masters in Havenbrook how come I’ve never seen you?” Her delicate fingers played with his tie, her lips curling into a teasing smile, clearly flirting with him. Orion paused, then his es narrowed slightly. Was she drunk? Really? Ms Nightshade, you’ve seen so many men?” Chapter 143 “Of course!” Xanthea tossed her head proudly, boasting, “I am, after all, the precious heiress of the Nightshade family, gentle and smart, beautiful inside and out. Men line up from Crestwood to Seraphia to woo me, um.” Before she could finish, Orion suddenly gripped her waist and lifted her up. “What are you doing?” Xanthea looked at him curiously. Orion’s eyes twinkled with a hint of mockery, “You seem drunk. Allow me to sober you up.” Drunk? “I am not! I’m perfectly clear–headed, put me down now!” “Oh?” Orion looked down at her as she pushed against his chest, “Can you telll what this is?” Xanthea looked at her hand and scoffed, “Huh? Do you think I’m a fool? Of course it’s three.” Her mind was clear, her pronunciation perfect, which made Orion reconsider her state of intoxication… “I got it right, didn’t I?” Xanthea raised an eyebrow and smirked at him playfully, “Turnabout is fair play, now it’s my turn to ask you a question.” With that, she suddenly yanked down on his tie, her lips brushing close to his immaculate face, her breath teasingly warm, “Babe, you’re so handsome, how much would it cost for me to spend the night with you?”
Chapter 142 Ever since Xanthea’s coming–of–age celebration, it seemed like she had transformed into someone entirely different. Gone were the days when she clung to Matthew, made a fuss over him, always thought of him, and constantly wanted to be by his side. Her world had expanded to include academics, career pursuits, various hobbies, and friends. uneasy In contrast, Matthew felt like he was losing importance, with their one–on–one time dwindling to a pitiful amount. It seemed like he was gradually being phased out of her life, leaving him anxious and every day, fearing she might change her heart and leave him. Hearing that familiar call now felt like a throwback to the past when nothing had changed! This time, he resolved to cherish and protect her more than ever, never again taking her for granted! “Matt, calling so late, are you missing me?” “Yes! Yes, I’ve been thinking about you all day!” “Huh.” Xanthea grinned, revealing a sweet smile. “I missed you too!” “By the way, Kan, where are you right now?” “Me?” Xanthea looked around, noting the pavilion, walkways, street lamps, small trees, and a sign emblazoned with ‘Marlowe‘ in golden letters, “I’m in the bathroom.” “The bathroom? Which bathroom?” “One in a really huge mansion! It’s as big as a castle!” Xanthea described with no exaggeration, and Matthew began to sense something was off. This wasn’t Xanthea’s usual way of talking. Could it be she was drunk? Xanthea wasn’t known for her drinking, always moderate, only indulging in a bit of wine on special occasions. How could she be drunk? He had earlier phoned the Nightshade family, her mom mentioned she was at the company. Then he asked Oliver, who was at a social event and didn’t elaborate much, only mentioning she was safe with Mr. Lockwood and not to worry. But still, he couldn’t resist calling her. He had assumed ‘Mr. Lockwood’ was a senior executive at Oli–hea Media, but now, who would dare get Xanthea drunk and take her to a grand mansion? Could it be this Mr. Lockwood was Orion? Orion got he drunk and took her to a mansion, what was he planning? Matthew’s nerves tightened, and he anxiously asked, “Xan, are you with Orion right now?” Orion? When Matthew said that name, Xanthea’s heart skipped, and she frowned, muttering, “Orion, Orion.” Chapter 142 overvi Why did that name sound so familiar? It seemed like to her. A figure suddenly appeared, blocking a menacing thug; strong arms and a warm chest pulled her out of the icy lake water; drunkenly, he pinned her to the bed, his lips and tongue wildly claiming her as his own; he pried open her tomb, kissing earnestly, a single hot tear dropping on her cold corpse. Countless fragments of memory flooded her mind. Xanthea briefly snapped to clarity, then lost herself in another vision. On the rooftop, the cheating couple spotted her, their faces twisted in ugliness and scorn. She stood there, disbelieving her eyes. Laughing, they pushed her off the skyscraper, those terrifying faces etched forever in her memory. Xanthea turned pale, her body ice–cold, even her hand holding the phone trembling uncontrollably, as she listened to the incessant voice in her ear, her emotions suddenly spiraling out of control. “Why? Why would you do this to me? Why?” *Chapter 143 Her sudden shrill scream startled Matthew.
Chapter 141 Orion strode into the hall, the first thing on his mind was to wash off the dried snake blood on his hands. “Leonardoodle, there’s a snake’s nest in the backwoods, about half a mile from the first trail marker, at the base of the cliff. Get someone to clear it out.” “Oh, alright!” “Cedric, sprinkle some sulfur around the perimeter of the room where Ms. Nightshade will be staying tonight.” Cedric nodded, “Right away, sir!” Leonard, watching Orion issuing orders as if nothing had happened, couldn’t help but approach him. “Orion, sometimes I really don’t get you. If you care about Xanthea so much that you even think of laying sulfur around her room, why would you do ‘that thing‘ to her in the woods? It got me wronged.” He hadn’t finished his sentence when Orion’s icy gaze silenced him, “What did you say?” Leonard, intimidated by that look, muttered, “Maybe I’m reading too much into it? But Xanthea implied it, and if nothing had happened, why would she down that glass of wine to drown her sorrows?” Orion’s eyes narrowed as he glanced at the bottle of strong red wine on the dining table. She hadn’t eaten for over eight hours and had just been frightened. “Where is she now?” “She just, just ran out.” “Cedric, prepare some sobering soup.” “Got it!” Leonard, startled by Orion’s suddenly grim demeanor, watched as he hurried away, murmuring to himself, “What on earth is going on?” In the restroom. Xanthea clutched the sink, retching, but nothing came out. The strong alcohol swirled in her stomach, burning ever more fiercely, as if it wanted to set her entire. being on fire. It was so hot she felt like stripping, her head spinning dizzily. In her haze, a writhing, sinister snake suddenly appeared before her eyes, causing her to scream, the hallucination then disappearing completely. She shook her head, trying to stay alert. No, she couldn’t stay here any longer! The mere thought of a snake slithering into her room while she slept sent chills down her spine. Frantically, she pulled of her phone, scrolled through her contacts, her fingers becoming uncontrollable, her vision blurring despite her efforts to stay clear–headed. “Hey Siri, find, find Samuel’s number, have him, have him come pick me up.” 1/2 Chapter 141 Before she could finish, a call came through. “Huh? That was fast, I didn’t even finish!” “That’s not Samuel’s name, who’s Matthew?” Xanthea tilted her head, visibly confused and thoroughly intoxicated. Oh! It took her a moment, then it clicked, it was Matt, her honey! She immediately answered the call, joyously shouting. “Matt.” On the other end, Matthew, overwhelmed by the sweet, long–missed greeting, stood up excitedly. “Xan?” How long had it been since Xanthea had called him like that? With such dependence and affection, as if he was her entire world!
Chapter 140 The rich, intense aroma and the refreshing sweetness of the high–concentration wine smoothed down Xanthea’s throat, quenching the fiery blend of fear and anger boiling inside her. It made her feel significantly better. ང ག ་ པ She had been running, and now, utterly exhausted, she gripped her sides, panting as she looked towards Leonard and Cedric. “I need to go home. It’s too dangerous here, especially the backwoods! And Orion, that jerk, always picking on me, playing his games. I don’t want to see him anymore!” Cedric, at that moment, was too stunned to pay attention to her words, just watching her every move in disbelief. “Ms. Nightshade, you just downed a glass of strong red wine. Are you sure you’re okay?” Leonard was shocked. She had left looking so dignified and neat, but now she returned disheveled, her dress in disarray and her hair tousled, as if she had been through a rough ordeal. The words she muttered–‘Orion, ‘backwoods, ‘playing games,” “I don’t want to‘–sparked a wild scene in his mind. No, it couldn’t be. Had Orion really behaved like a beast? Leonard had expected Orion to be captivated by Xanthea’s beauty, but he hadn’t anticipated such an immediate and forceful advance in the secluded forest. It was outrageous! “Xan, are you alright?” he asked with concern. Xanthea, visibly upset, pointed at herself. “Do I look alright to you?” She had nearly been scared to death by a snake and by Orion! “No, not really” It was clear she and Orion had a crazy night. Leonard felt a pang of guilt, realizing he might have inadvertently played a role in this mess. “Xan, you don’t blame me, do you?” Why would she blame him? Just as Xanthea was about to speak, a sudden burning sensation erupted in her stomach, making her dizzy and nauseous as if she had drunk hard liquor instead of juice. She glanced at the goblet she had set down next to a bottle of ’82 vintage wine; realizing what had happened. Had she really consumed such a strong wine? Having had several glasses of grape juice at the costume party, she had assumed that Leonard was offering her the same. She thought wrong. “Leonardoodle, you’ve done me in!” “No, no, no Leonard quickly waved his hands, stuttering guiltily, “I really just thought that dress suited you I never intended to harm you!” Chapter 140 “Xan, actually, Orion has been harboring feelings for you for years.” However, Xanthea had already clutched her stomach and rushed out. “Ms. Nightshade!” “Xan!” Leonard looked worriedly at her retreating figure. “She’ll be okay, right?” “Ms. Nightshade downed that wine so quickly, she’s bound to feel it now. I’ll go check on her.” Just as Cedric was about to leave, Orion walked in. “Mr. Lockwood!” “Orion, you’re back!” Leonard approached him, seeing his impeccable appearance, and was momentarily taken aback. He thought, “Here was Orion, looking sharp and pristine, while Xan was left in a mess. He truly was a beast!
Chapter 139 Xanthea’s rage hit a new peak. “Argh!” In her fury, she began stomping on his shoes relentlessly, “For tricking me, lying to me, scaring me, playing me, I’ll stomp you to death! You fraud, you freak.” As she stomped with gusto, Orion suddenly raised his hand, causing her to stagger in fright.. However, he was merely pulling up the slipping sleeve of her dress. Xanthea was puzzled. “It’s chilly tonight, don’t catch a cold.” Saying this, he took off his suit jacket. Xanthea looked at him as if he were a madman, noticin deliberately avoided right thumb and index finger. a patch of dried crimson blood on the tips of his Why was there blood on his hand? Could it be a snake bite? But there were no visible wounds on his fingertips, and even if it were a snake bite, it wouldn’t heal that quickly. → A terrifying thought suddenly sprung into her mind. Xanthea looked up at him with eyes more fearful than when she had encountered a den of snakes. Could he have killed a snake with his bare hands? She thought, “Oh no! Orion is scarier than a snake!” Just as Orion tried to drape the jacket over her shoulders, Xanthea, pale as a ghost, turned and fled in panic, her beautiful form shimmering as if she were running for her life. However, a few seconds later, she came racing back. Orion was puzzled. Without even glancing at him, Xanthea snatched the black iris he was holding and ran off again. “Huh.” Orion couldn’t help but chuckle, looking at the neat shoe prints on his shiny leather shoes, his eyes soft and tender. How adorable. Back at the villa, in the grand living room. Leonard opened a bottle of aged red wine, slowly pouring it into a wine glass, placing it at the dining spot intended for Orich and Xanthea. Cedric glanced at the label and alcohol content of the wine, surprised, ‘Mr. Marlowe, isn’t this wine a bit strong? Mr Lockwood might handle it, but if Ms. Nightshade drinks this, she’ll definitely get drunk!” “What do you know? That’s exactly the point.” Leonard grinned mischievously, “How else are we supposed 1/2 Chapter 139 to get things moving? With the way Orion’s going about it, who knows how long it’ll take for him to win Xan’s heart. I’m getting anxious just watching. If he’s too shy to make a move, then it’s my duty as his friend to give them a little push!” “What? Mr. Marlowe, you want to use alcohol to expedite their… No, no!” Cedric hurriedly intervened. Things weren’t that simple! Orion wasn’t too shy to approach Xanthea; she just didn’t like him and had once spoken harsh words to him. Moreover, Xanthea already had a lover and was planning to get engaged by the end of the year! If Leonard forced them together this way, Xanthea would surely despise Orion. Given her fiery temper, who knows what she might do? Leonard was only adding to the chaos! “Why are you stopping me? I’m just adding a little catalyst, I’m not forcing them to be together.” As Leonard spoke, pulling back the wine glass Cedric tried to snatch, a vibrant figure dashed into the hall. Before he could react, she snatched the wine from his hand and downed it in one gulp.
Chapter 138 “A black one.” Orion placed the iris in front of her. A faint, familiar scent wafted into her nostrils, cutting off Xanthea’s miserable screams abruptly as she slowly opened her eyes to indeed see a black iris before her. The flower had six petals, shaped like an orchid, and its green leaves were narrow yet sharp, swaying passionately in the thick night breeze. It added an endless allure to its already captivating presence, drawing Xanthea’s mind into a whirl of fascination. Xanthea stared at the iris, lost in its beauty, “It’s so beautiful.” Orion, too, was mesmerized, “Yeah.” “I can’t believe they actually have irises here!” “Ms. Nightshade, do you know the language of black irises?” “Of course!” Proudly sniffing the iris, Xanthea boasted, “I’m a fervent iris aficionado! Among all varieties, black is not only rare but its symbolism is most unique. As she spoke, she suddenly noticed a milky white snake coiled around an apple blossom branch, raising its head and peeking at them. Its green eyes emitted a terrifying glow in the dark night, instantly turning her face pale. “Ahhh! A snake, there’s a snake!” “Orion, let’s get out of here! Please, I’m really scared, can we go, please?” “Let’s go. Xanthea, frightened, threw the iris aside and burrowed into his arms like a startled cub, her voice trembling. She started to whimper, clearly her mental defenses collapsing. Orion, hearing her pitiful sobs, frowned with deep guilt. “Okay.” “Don’t be afraid, it’s alright now.” “We’ll be out of here soon.” He gently patted her back, soothing her, unable to resist kissing her t He thought, “‘m sorry, sweetheart.” trembling curls. Even though he knew he shouldn’t scare her, he couldn’t resist the temptation to just hold her and keep walking, foreverand ever, to the end of time. But this forest was like mirage; once they left, it all shattered. From the cosplay party to the depths of the forest, it was just a fifteen–minute walk. For Orion, those fifteen minutes passed in a blink, but for Xanthea, it was an ordeal! Chapter 138 She clung tightly to Orion’s chest, drawing warmth and strength from his heat and the robust thumping of his heart, until she heard a heavenly voice, “Ms. Nightshade, we’re here.” They had arrived? Slowly, Xanthea opened her eyes and saw the lively party not far away, with music and dancing, and the clean ground beneath her feet without a trace of the snake. Joy burst forth in her eyes. Thank goodness! She was finally safe again! “Put, me, down.” Her eyes narrowed slightly, her voice calm but deliberate. But as soon as Orion set her down, she pushed him away, wiping away a tear that hung pitifully at the corner of her eye, her brows furrowing fiercely, transforming from a pitiful little fox into a fierce tigress. “Orion, you deceitful, shameless, opportunistic, petty trickster! How dare you trick me like that.” She was so angry she couldn’t speak clearly, but Orion, visibly delighted, casually praised, “Ms: Nightshade, what eloquence.” His teasing demeanor seemed to say: Even so, what can you do about it? Aren’t you still at my mercy? Chapter 139
Chapter 137 “Ms. Nightshade, have you forgotten?” Orion noticed her silence and loosened his grip around her waist by an inch. “Do you need me to put you down so you can recall properly?” “No, no, no!” Xanthea squeaked immediately, wishing she could bite his neck off, yet obediently cooed, “I haven’t forgotten, O–Ori, Orl!” Listening to her melodious voice, tinged with a hint of coquetry, Orion tightened his hold on her waist. “What’s this “Ori‘?” That despicable man, that freak, she had to endure it all! Xanthea’s hands, clasped behind his neck, silently balled into fists. “I like Ori. I like Ori!” “Who likes Ori?” Unable to bear it any longer, Xanthea opened her mouth to bite his neck. “Orion, this is too much!” Just as her sharp teeth neared Orion’s neck, Orion moved his hand slightly, and Xanthea immediately withdrew her teeth. “Me, me, it’s me!” Orion commanded, “Put it all together, say it again.” Hearing his uncompromising tone, Xanthea trembled with anger, biting him was no longer enough to ease her resentment. Once she got out, she vowed to tear him apart! “I like Ori, I like Ori, I like Ori, okay? Is that enough? Mr. Lockwood, are you satisfied now? Happy now? Got all your anger out?” She exclaimed thrice, her voice echoing through the vast, desolate valley, rebounding in the dark night into Orion’s ears. Orion’s eyes and brows tinged with a serene smile. “Hmm, Xan, I’m quite pleased, indeed quite comfortable.” “Then you can take me out of here now, right?” Xanthea spoke through gritted teeth, her anger nearly grinding her teeth to dust, “Of course.” As Orion turned, and Xanthea sighed a heavy sigh of relief, she suddenly felt him halt, her heart skipping a beat. “What now?” What new trick was he playing? Orion stared into the distance at a patch of swaying grass on a cliff, his gaze sharpening. “Ahead, there seems to be an iris.” Xanthea was puzzled. Again? The same excuse? She had been lured by that unscrupulous servant of the Marlowe family to see irises and had stumbled into a snake pit, chased by serpents! 1/2 Chapter 137 And now he was repeating the same trick, could it be he was in cahoots with that servant? “I thought you loved irises.” Orion looked down at her, tightening his grip, and without further ado, started walking towards the cliff with her in his arms. “No, no, no, you remembered wrong, I don’t like them! Not at all!” “Don’t go there! There’s a snake pit! It’s full of snakes, so many snakes.” “Orion, you bastard, you big liar! You promised if I called you ‘Ori‘, you’d take me out, liar, liar!” Xanthea shrieked in fear, her hands pounding his sturdy chest, but no matter how much she resisted, she couldn’t stop his steps or break free from his embrace. “Waaa.” She lifted her desperate, beautiful face to the sky and cried out in sorrow, lika by a hunter, unable to escape. “Help, someone save me, this freak Orion is going to feed me to the snakes!” a helpless little fox caught
Chapter 136 Orion’s eyes darkened with a hint of desire as he tightened his grip around the slender waist of the girl in his arms. His prominent nose gently brushed against her pale, soft neck. His long eyes half–closed, savoring this intimate moment. “Ms. Nightshade, you’re holding on a bit too tight.” So tight that he was almost losing control. However, Xanthea, caught in a state of sheer panic, was on high alert and couldn’t hear his unusual tone, nor feel any of his reactions. “Oh no, this place is just too spooky, Orion, stop talking, let’s get out of here fast. The snakes might come. biting soon!” Orion smirked, a hint of amusement flashing across his brows, “But the scenery in this forest is quite lovely, think I’ll stay and enjoy it a bit longer.” What? Xanthea couldn’t believe her ears. With the ground crawling with sinister, twisting snakes, he actually wanted to stay and admire the scenery? “Are you insane?” Orion said, “I’m not afraid.” “But I am afraid!” Xanthea was trembling with fear, her voice quivering, and her eyes tightly shut, not daring to open them even for a second. She thought, “Oh my god, this guy must be crazy, not even afraid of snakes!” “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” “Geeze! I’m trembling at the sight of them. Maybe you could escort me out first, then come back and enjoy the scenery with the snakes if you like.” “Hmm,” Orion pondered, “that’s a good idea.” “Right? So let’s hurry up!” Xanthea was relieved, but then his tone changed, becoming cold and distant, “But why should I do that? Ms. Nightshade, we neither relatives nor friends, and frankly, you even dislike me.” Xanthea was stunned. What did he thean by that? -3 He wasn’t planning to leave her here, was he? When she thought about this, the strong arms that were once constricting her waist began to loosen. “No–don’t Chapter 136 Xanthea screamed in terror, her arms tightly wrapping around his neck, clinging to him like an octopus, her soft chest pressed against him, forcing his eyes to shift. “Who–who said that! I don’t dislike you, not at all!” “Oh? You don’t dislike me?” Orion’s eyebrows lifted in curiosity, “Is that so?” “Yes, yes.” In her desperation to survive, Xanthea bit her lip, closed her eyes, and blurted out a lie, “Of course, I like you! I really like you, a lot!” When she said ‘like, Orion’s heart skipped a beat, knowing it was a lie, yet he couldn’t help but feel overjoyed. “You like who?” “You! Didn’t I just say?” “And who am I?” Orion pressed further. Xanthea wondered if he was being foolish. “You’re Orion!” “Am I?” His voice deepened, “Earlier today in the Marlowe family’s hall, you didn’t seem to call me that.” Xanthea paused, then remembered that earlier today, in the Marlowe family hall, to annoy Queenie, she had playfully wrapped her arms around his neck and called him ‘Ori‘. Damn! This despicable, petty man was actually doing this on purpose, punishing her for teasing him publicly in the hall! Chapter 137