Page 16 of Accidental Orc Daddy

Sandra’s question draws my gaze from the waves as they crash over the beach toward a volleyball net that has been dug into the sand. More specifically, to the four men we spent all day yesterday with, who today toss the ball back and forth over the top of the net. Fordan, Maui, Dragan, and…

“Mustaf,” Lalaine jeers, bumping me suggestively with her hip.

A hot blush rises to my cheeks as I shoot her a distracted glare. It only makes her waggle her brows at me, and the other two soon join in.

“What are the odds that we keep running into them?” Macia wonders.

I shrug, trying to ignore the fact that our path is going to take us right by them. “We are on an island, you know.”

“Well, at least we know they can’t escape,” Sandra jokes, making it more obvious that she intends on heading straight for them.

At that moment, Fordan turns around and catches sight of us. “Well, well,” he shouts with a grin, lifting his arms from his sides. “Look who it is.”

Mustaf’s stare immediately meets with mine, like two magnets drawn to each other with nothing but space in the way. That, and one of the magnets might have some degree of trauma.

“Are you stalking us?” Dragan teases, his attention obviously captured by Lalaine.

"No, we're just enjoying the beach like everyone else," Lalaine retorts with a playful smirk.

Maui chuckles and waves us over. "Come on, join us for a game of volleyball."

Sandra nudges me again, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Sure, why not? I think you lot could use some deflation for those egos, anyway."

I roll my eyes, trying to ignore my pounding heart as we approach the net. Mustaf's gaze never leaves mine, and I can feel the tension between us growing with each step.

Sandra claps her hands together. "Alright, let's do this. We'll take on all four of you."

Dragan raises an eyebrow. "All four? Are you sure about that?"

Macia grins confidently. "We've got this."

Fordan chuckles and sets up the ball on the sand. "Alright then, let's see what you've got."

The game begins, and it's clear that these guys are no strangers to the sport. They move with grace and precision, their muscles rippling with every jump and dive. But we hold our own, managing to score a few points thanks to some impressive teamwork.

But it’s my friends who are winning us points. I find myself far too distracted by Mustaf as the game progresses. His movements are fluid and powerful, and every time our eyes meet, my heart skips a beat. I can't help but wonder what it would be like to touch him now that he’s shirtless, to feel his skin against mine.

But then, out of nowhere, he spikes the ball directly at me. I'm caught off guard and don't have time to react before it slams into my chest, sending me sprawling onto the sand.

Mustaf rushes over to me, his eyes wide with concern. "Are you okay?" he asks, extending a hand to help me up.

I nod, trying to shake off the pain. "Yeah, I'm fine."

He gives me a small smile, his hand lingering on mine for a moment longer than necessary. "Good. I didn't mean to hit you so hard."

“Shit, Mustaf, you’re supposed to hit on her, not actually hit her,” Fordan jokes as he comes over. “Anyone up for a surf?”

“You’re just saying that because you’re losing,” Macia interjects haughtily.

“Oh, yeah?” he muses, standing closer than necessary. “Worried I’ll beat you at something?”

“You’re on!” she insists, her competitiveness taking over yet again.

As we paddle out into the ocean, I can feel the anticipation building. The sun is shining brightly, and the water is warm and inviting. Mustaf is a natural on the board, and I watch in awe as he effortlessly catches wave after wave.

Eventually, it's my turn to give it a try. Mustaf coaches me patiently, showing me how to position myself on the board and how to paddle with the waves. I'm a bit wobbly at first, but with his help, I'm soon able to stand up and ride the waves all the way to the shore.

As we continue to surf, Mustaf's coaching becomes more hands-on. He helps me adjust my stance, his hands brushing against my hips as he guides me into position. When we catch a wave together, our bodies press against each other, and I can feel the heat radiating off of him.

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