Page 14 of Accidental Orc Daddy

"Looks like we've got ourselves a game, folks!" Dragan muses.

I watch, thoroughly amused, as the cards fly through the air, the group's banter a symphony of lively chatter. Sandra's teasing jabs at Fordan, Maui's infectious laughter, Lalaine's sly smiles, and Macia's witty one-liners create a vibrant energy that's impossible to resist as Dragan matches her at every turn. And there's Mustaf, the sly charmer, dealing out cards with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

As laughter erupts following a bold bet from Sandra, I exchange a knowing glance with Mustaf over the top of my oversized sunglasses. Our silent communication speaks volumes.

Damn, he’s one good-looking orc…

Every movement he makes causes his muscles to ripple under the fabric of his shirt, and even as he flips cards, his eyes, deep brown with that enticing orcish hue, never dare to leave mine. As our eyes tease each other, I imagine myself grabbing the shark tooth necklace hanging tantalizingly at his breast and using it to pull him toward me for a kiss.

"Anyone interested in heading to the game room?" Maui asks, tossing his cards onto the table in defeat. He shakes his head, a rueful smile playing on his lips. "I think it's safe to say I'm out of the running here."

Lalaine practically jumps up from her seat, her eyes shining with excitement and her injury forgotten by now. "A game room? Yes, please!"

Sandra grins, following quickly after. "I'm in, too! I could use a break from this card game."

Mustaf gets up, his large frame unfolding with a grace that belies his size. He turns to me, his dark eyes glinting with curiosity. His jaw clenches and his eyes narrow ever so slightly. His facial features are so perfect that they had to have been carved by a deity. "What do you say, Meiko? Are you up for some games?"

I hesitate for a moment, feeling a sense of nervousness wash over me. But then I nod, getting up from my seat. Mustaf leads the way, his muscular frame moving with a fluidity that I find mesmerizing. I can't help but admire the way his shirt stretches across his broad shoulders and the way his powerful legs carry him forward with ease.

As we make our way to the game room, Mustaf glances back at me, a playful smirk playing on his lips. "I hope you're ready for a challenge," he says, his voice low.

I laugh, feeling a sense of excitement build inside me. "Believe me, I never back down from a challenge," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

The look he gives me in response makes my heart race.

Sandra and Maui are already crowded around a pinball machine, their laughter echoing off the walls as they try to outdo each other. Her eyes light up with excitement as she sends the silver ball flying down the machine, while Maui cheers her on with a wide grin.

Lalaine and Macia are huddled around a vintage console, their heads close together as they debate which game to play first. Lalaine's animated expressions are a contrast to Macia's calm demeanor, and I can't help but smile at their contrasting personalities.

"Bet I could beat you and loverboy in a game of bowling," Dragan says to Sandra and Maui with a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.

Sandra raises an eyebrow, a challenging glint in her eye. "You're on," she says, her voice laced with amusement.

“Teams, then?” Lalaine suggests, sidling up to Dragan with a hopeful expression.

“I think Macia and I can take all of you,” Fordan says with a grin.

She nods in agreement, laughing at Dragan’s expression of complete disbelief. “What?” she demands. “Don’t believe us? We could take you in our sleep.”

“Not likely,” he drones back.

I get the sneaking suspicion that Fordan may not be as good of a bowler as he claims.

Mustaf joins me without hesitation. "Looks like we're teaming up," he says with a playful smirk.

"If you think you can handle it," I reply, feeling a flutter of excitement in my chest.

I can feel Mustaf's eyes on me as I prepare to take my turn. His directness, a trait shared by his orc friends, is both refreshing and a little unnerving. But I can't deny the thrill that runs through me every time he looks my way.

Our turns become a collaboration, as we strategize and work together to knock down as many pins as possible. Mustaf offers tips and encouragement as we go, his proximity sending ripples of awareness through me every time he passes by to take his shot.

"You're a natural," Mustaf says as I knock down several pins on my next turn. “But I think I can offer you some guidance.”

“Is that so?” I reply with a gentle scoff.

"Come on, we can't let them win," Mustaf says, his eyes lighting up with amusement.

During our turn, Mustaf leans in close, whispering the techniques of a perfect roll. "You need to keep your arm straight and follow through," he says, his breath warm against my ear.

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