Page 5

Briar

Can I admit something? I think Orion is a fucking rockstar. No, not like a real one, but just as cool as one. He’s got this aura about him that makes him irresistible. I can’t stop staring at him.

He’s gigantic with more muscles than I’ve ever seen on any normal man before. Like he not only works out in the gym, but eats the gym for breakfast too.

And when his eyes lock with mine and they glaze over, I can only imagine he’s having dirty thoughts about what he’d like to do with me.

Crazy, right? I know he’s not really thinking that. But a girl can hope, right?

He’s probably thinking I’m some crazy bird lady that gets on his nerves.

Ugh. I hope I’m not getting on his nerves.

I want to make sure we’re in and out of this store, so I cross my arms over my chest and get into busy shopping girl mode, ready to attack each aisle with a plan.

Because if I don’t have a plan, I might just gawk and stare at Orion, and that’s not a good idea. I travel down the pet aisle first, looking to see if there’s any new bird toys that Jeb might like. We don’t stay away from home often, so I know he hates being off his routine. I want to make sure he’s rewarded for being a good bird.

“I think he has enough toys,” Orion grumbles beside me.

“A bird can never have enough toys.” I pluck a toy off the shelf.

Orion scans the aisle, keeping me close to him since we’ve walked in the store. “Fine. What about you?”

I blink. “I don’t need any toys.” And then my mind goes somewhere naughty, thinking about the types of toys adults play with, and how I’d love Orion to use some of those toys on me.

Stop that. I can’t have these thoughts. My cheeks burn with heat and I know I’m blushing.

Orion blinks at me, like he can read my every thought. “I meant food. What kind of food do you want?”

Without missing a beat, I list off my favorites, ticking them off on my fingers like it's a perfectly reasonable request. "Chocolate chip pancakes, of course. Also, grilled cheese. Macaroni and cheese. Pizza. Oh! And chicken nuggies."

He raises an eyebrow. "Nuggies?"

I stand up a little taller, jutting my chin out proudly. “Yes, chicken nuggets. They're a staple. Who doesn’t love them?”

Orion’s stoic as he studies me. “You eat like a five-year-old.”

I flash him a playful smile, folding my arms over my chest. “I know. It’s a weakness of mine. I love all the easy food. The good stuff.”

He shakes his head. “All the unhealthy stuff, you mean.”

“Hey!” I say, giving him a light shove, but the man is a rock the size of Gibraltar, and doesn’t budge. “Don’t knock it. It’s comfort food. Pure nostalgia. And, let's face it, delicious.”

Orion looks at me with an amused expression. “So, let me get this straight. If you had to choose between a fancy steak dinner and a plate of chicken nuggets, you’d pick the nuggets?”

“Every time,” I say without hesitation, smiling brightly. “Why complicate life when nuggets exist?”

He chuckles, the sound warm and rich, like he’s trying to wrap his mind around my questionable food choices. “You’re something else, Briar. I’ve never met a woman who’d admit to loving ‘nuggies’ with so much pride.”

I smile. “You’d be surprised, Orion. I’m not your average girl.”

Orion shakes his head in disbelief. “Well, if you say so. But I’m still buying something green for you at some point. I’ve got to keep you alive somehow.”

I dramatically roll my eyes. “Fine, you can sneak in a salad if it makes you feel better. But don’t you dare touch my nuggies.”

He holds up his hands in mock surrender, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Okay,” I say, giving in with a playful sigh. “I’ll compromise. We can do one of your meals tonight, and one of mine tomorrow. Then, at work, I’ll eat whatever they’ve got.” I hold out my hand, grinning as I tease, “Deal?”

Orion takes my hand in his, his grip firm yet warm. “Deal,” he says, sealing the agreement like we’ve just negotiated a high-stakes business contract instead of arguing about chicken nuggets versus salad.

We continue shopping, wandering through the aisles, me grabbing my comfort foods and Orion sneaking in some vegetables and actual meal ingredients whenever he thinks I’m not looking. Twenty minutes later, we’ve got everything we need, and we head back to his place with full bags.

The moment I step inside his house, I hear the familiar squawk of Jeb belting out, “Welcome to the Jungle!” His rendition of the song is both chaotic and charming.

“He sings too?” Orion asks, eyes wide with disbelief as Jeb’s warbling fills the house.

I chuckle, placing a bag of groceries on the kitchen counter. “Oh, Jeb does it all. He really should be performing at this point.”

Orion raises an eyebrow as he helps me unpack the bags. “So, why isn’t he? I mean, clearly, he’s got the talent.”

I shrug, laughing at the idea of Jeb headlining a show. “Stage fright. If you can believe it.”

Orion pauses, turning to look at me. “Stage fright?” He glances over at Jeb, who’s now making exaggerated parrot noises that sound suspiciously like laughter.

I nod, holding back my own laughter as I explain. “Yeah. He’s a diva when it’s just me around, but the moment there’s an audience? He clams up.”

Orion shakes his head as we continue unpacking. “So, your bird is an introverted rock star?”

“Exactly,” I say, grinning at how absurd it sounds. “He’s the real deal when no one’s watching.”

As we finish putting away the groceries, I catch Orion watching me with a soft smile on his face. “What?” I ask, feeling my cheeks warm under his gaze.

He shrugs, leaning against the counter. “You just… you’re full of surprises, Briar. I never know what to expect next.”

I laugh, rolling my eyes. “Stick around long enough, and I’ll introduce you to all my quirks. But be warned, there’s a lot.”

Orion smirks, that playful glint returning to his eyes. “Good thing I’m not scared of a challenge.”

I blink, and the air between us seems to shift, growing heavier, more charged. The playfulness fades, and suddenly we’re standing a little too close, his arm brushing mine, his presence overwhelming in the best possible way. My heart starts thumping so loudly I swear he can hear it.

For a second, I forget how to breathe as his dark eyes lock on mine, their usual teasing glint replaced with something deeper, something that makes my stomach do a somersault. The space between us feels smaller, the room quieter, and for a wild, insane moment, I think he’s going to kiss me.

But that would be silly, right? I mean, sure, we’ve been getting along well, and he’s got that whole charming-bodyguard thing going on, but a kiss? Here, in his kitchen, with Jeb still muttering, “Welcome to the jungle” from across the room? No way.

Right?

But then he leans in ever so slightly, and my pulse spikes. I feel the warmth of his breath against my skin, and I wonder if he’s feeling the same magnetic pull I am. It’s like the whole world narrows down to just us, his hand resting on the counter, mine gripping a half-unpacked box of cereal like it’s my lifeline.

“I—” I start, but my voice cracks, betraying the fact that I’m about five seconds away from totally melting into this moment.

His lips twitch into a small, knowing smile, and he reaches up, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. The light touch sends a shiver down my spine, and I wonder if he can tell just how badly I’m unraveling inside.

“You okay?” he asks, his voice lower, softer now. The kind of voice that feels like a secret.

I clear my throat, forcing a laugh that sounds way more nervous than I intended. “Yeah, yeah. Totally. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Orion’s smile widens, and for a second, I swear he knows exactly what’s running through my mind. It’s like he’s perfectly aware of how close I am to hoping, wishing, that he’ll kiss me. But instead, he steps back, the intensity between us dissipating just as quickly as it had built.

“Good,” he says, his tone back to that easy, teasing warmth. “Because I still have to teach you how to make a proper grilled cheese, and you look like you’re about to pass out.”

I laugh, my face burning as I snap out of whatever romantic daze I’d been in. “Grilled cheese it is,” I say, relieved and disappointed all at once.

As we go back to the simple task of making lunch, I can’t help but wonder—was I imagining things, or was there something real in that almost-kiss? Either way, one thing’s for sure: this is going to be a lot more complicated than just chicken nuggets and macaroni.

“I’m so sorry,” I say, darting after Jeb as he swoops into the living room like he owns the place, his wings flapping dramatically. He’s stolen Orion’s keys that were hanging by the front door, laughing in pure Jeb fashion as he bobs his head. I swear this bird is trying to give me a heart attack.

Orion watches Jeb with narrowed eyes, arms crossed, clearly less amused than I am. “How often is he out of the cage?” he asks, his voice laced with mild irritation.

I wince, feeling a bit guilty. “Not usually this much, but... I feel bad because he’s off his routine.” I glance over at Jeb, who’s now perched triumphantly on the back of the couch, squawking something that sounds like ‘ Hotch! ’ I blush. “He’s a Criminal Minds fanatic, just like me.”

Orion raises an eyebrow, clearly trying to piece together how a bird has a TV-watching routine. “What do you two normally do when you’re at home?” His tone is half-curious, half-exasperated.

I shrug, offering him a sheepish smile. “We watch Criminal Minds . It’s kind of our thing.”

Orion stares at me for a beat, like he’s trying to decide if I’m serious or messing with him. Finally, he sighs, shaking his head, but there’s a hint of a smile there. “Seriously?”

He grabs the remote, walks over to the TV, and flips it on. Within seconds, he’s scrolling through the streaming service, finds Criminal Minds , and presses play. The familiar intro music fills the room, and Jeb immediately perks up, bobbing his head like he’s about to start reciting the script.

Orion turns to me with a mock flourish. “Ta-da. Ask and you shall receive.”

“Jeb eat popcorn.”

Orion stares at the bird like he’s nuts. “Seriously?”

“It’s a good snack. I’ll just pop some in the microwave for him. You won’t even notice we’re here,” I say, rushing into the kitchen to look for the popcorn I bought for Jeb.

Jeb squawks from the living room and I smile at Orion who’s followed me into the kitchen.

“That bird’s got you wrapped around his little claw,” he says, and I blush.

“Yeah well…” I can’t help but laugh, feeling a warm flutter in my chest. “Thank you for making us feel at home here,” I say, meaning it. For all Orion’s gruffness, he’s going out of his way to make me—and my feathered drama queen—comfortable.

Orion stuffs his hands into his pockets, his earlier annoyance replaced with something more relaxed. “Sure, no problem.” He gestures vaguely toward the hallway. “I’m going to get a little work done in my office down the hall. Let me know if you need anything.”

I give him a playful salute—again, for reasons I still can’t explain. It’s like every time I’m around this man, I lose the ability to act normal. “Sure thing, boss.”

He chuckles, shaking his head as he walks away, and I place the bag of popcorn into the microwave, my heart doing that stupid little flutter it’s been doing ever since Orion came into my life. I glance at Jeb, who’s still staring intently at the screen, like he’s fully invested in catching the unsub.

“Don’t get too comfortable, buddy,” I mutter under my breath. But honestly, I’m not sure if I’m talking to Jeb or myself.

“ Briar ,” a voice calls, distant but familiar, pulling me from the depths of a nightmare. “Briar, are you awake?” It sounds like Jason. My heart pounds in my chest, the panic rising as I’m pulled into a tunnel of darkness. Everything feels heavy, like I’m trying to swim through thick tar.

I try to scream, but nothing comes out. My mouth opens, but the sound is trapped inside me. I run, but Jason’s right behind me, getting closer with every step. My legs feel like lead, and I trip, falling again and again, the ground swallowing me whole.

“Briar, wake up!” The voice cuts through the chaos, but I can’t reach it. I tumble deeper into the nightmare, Jason’s footsteps pounding in my ears. Desperation builds until, finally, a scream erupts from deep within me. It’s raw and loud, splitting the silence. My throat burns as I cry out again and again.

Suddenly, strong arms wrap around me, holding me steady. “Briar, you’re safe. It’s me, Orion. I’ve got you.”

His voice is like a lifeline, pulling me back to reality. The falling stops, and my eyes snap open. I blink, disoriented, the room slowly coming into focus. I’m on Orion’s couch, his arms still around me, the soft glow of the TV casting shadows across the room. Jeb is perched nearby, watching with a curious tilt of his head.

Breathless, I take in my surroundings, my heart still racing. “What... what time is it?” I ask, my voice shaky.

Orion gently lets go, his eyes full of concern as he kneels beside me. “It’s late, just past nine,” he says softly. “You fell asleep during the show.”

I glance at the TV, where Criminal Minds continues to play, the characters investigating some dark, twisted case. “I had a nightmare,” I murmur, my voice still shaky. I wipe the sweat from my forehead, feeling the remnants of fear still lingering.

Orion doesn’t move, his presence grounding me. “It’s okay,” he says, his voice low and soothing. “You’re safe now.”

I nod, trying to shake off the lingering dread. “Thanks... for waking me up. I felt like I was stuck.”

He gives me a small, reassuring smile, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “I’ll always wake you up if you need me to.”

His words make my chest tighten, and for a moment, I can’t find the right thing to say. I glance down at my hands, feeling the warmth of his touch still lingering.

Jeb squawks from his perch, breaking the tension. “Jeb is watching!”

Orion chuckles softly, standing up and giving me space to breathe. “Even Jeb’s got your back,” he jokes, trying to lighten the mood.

“Aww, you used his name.” I smile weakly, grateful for the distraction, but as I settle back into the couch, I can’t help but feel a sense of comfort in knowing that Orion’s right here.

“Come on, I made you macaroni and cheese with chicken nuggets,” Orion says, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. He holds out a plate like it's a prized offering, and honestly, it is.

I can’t help but grin wide. “My favorite!”

He laughs, the sound rich and warm, filling the cozy kitchen. “You really do eat like a child, you know that?”

I grin even bigger, feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. “I love it,” I say, plopping down into the chair at the little dinette set by the kitchen, the smell of cheesy goodness wafting up to meet me.

Orion shakes his head, amused, as he sits down across from me. “You’re something else.” He pauses for a moment, his smile fading just a little as his eyes soften. “What are your nightmares about?”

His question catches me off guard, and I glance down at my plate, my fork suddenly feeling heavy in my hand. The playful atmosphere shifts slightly, the air growing thick with unspoken tension. I try to shrug it off, though my chest tightens a little. “I don’t really know,” I lie, twirling the fork in the cheesy noodles, avoiding his gaze.

He doesn’t buy it. I can tell by the way his eyes stay fixed on me, his expression turning more serious. “Did you have the nightmares before you started dating Jason?”

The question lands hard, and I feel my stomach twist, the comfort of the food in front of me suddenly distant. I shake my head, already knowing where he’s going with this. He’s right, and we both know it. “No,” I admit quietly, my voice barely a whisper. “The nightmares started after I began dating Jason.”

The words hang in the air between us, a heavy truth that neither of us wants to acknowledge but can’t ignore. I keep my eyes on my plate, avoiding his gaze. It feels like admitting that out loud makes everything even more real, like my subconscious was trying to warn me long before I realized it myself.

Orion doesn’t push, but I can feel the concern rolling off him. He leans back in his chair, watching me carefully, giving me space to breathe. “It makes sense, you know,” he says after a beat, his voice gentle. “Going through what you did with him... it leaves a mark. In your mind. Even when you think you’re past it.”

I nod, my throat tight. “I guess,” I manage to say, though the weight of it all feels like so much more than that. There’s no easy way to explain the kind of fear Jason instilled in me—the way it lingers, even now, creeping into my dreams.

Orion reaches across the table, his hand hovering for a moment before gently touching mine. The warmth of his fingers calms the nerves racing beneath my skin, grounding me. “You’re safe here, Briar,” he says, his voice steady. “You don’t have to go through this alone.”

I glance up, meeting his eyes for the first time since we started this conversation. There’s something in his gaze—something strong and unwavering that makes me believe him. It’s not just empty words. He means it.

I manage a small, grateful smile, my heart swelling just a bit. “Thanks,” I whisper, my fingers curling slightly around his, holding on to that tiny thread of reassurance he’s offering. For now, it’s enough.

Orion squeezes my hand before pulling away, giving me space again. “Now eat your nuggies before they get cold,” he says, his teasing tone back in place, trying to lighten the mood.

I let out a small laugh, grateful for the shift. “Yes, sir,” I reply, picking up a chicken nugget and taking a big bite. It’s a silly moment, but I welcome it—anything to keep the darkness at bay for just a little longer.