Chapter Sixteen

Orion

I grasped her precious little hand in mine. So delicate, I was scared to squeeze too hard, to push her too far. I let her lead me; I wanted her to know I would not go overpower her. It would be give and take between us, no matter how fate led to our meeting. I could efficiently run her over, but I would never want to do that. I was going to make sure she knew I valued her. In the small amount of time since I discovered her, I was tethered to her.

She led the way back through the burned villages. Once we were about to come into view of the square, I gently tugged on her hand. She turned towards me, looking confused. I stroked her cheek and placed a sweet peck on her lips.

“Sorry. Couldn’t resist.” I sheepishly grinned as a faint pink painted her cheeks. “Lead on, Rose.”

Rose smiled bashfully before she started forward again, and I really wanted to go back to our own little world away from the reality we were talking into. Silently counting my footst