Page 39 of Bidding on the Orc Outcast

“Unfortunately.”

His eyes swept down over her body appreciatively as she stood, enjoying the way his gaze lingered on her as she walked into the kitchen. A wicked impulse struck her, and she slowly bent to pick up her pajama pants, giving him an eyeful of her naked backside. The rough growl that escaped his throat made heat pool in her stomach.

“Teasing minx,” he muttered.

She grinned, unrepentant. “Just giving you something to remember me by.”

He snorted. “As if I could forget. Now put on some clothes before I change my mind.”

She pulled her pajamas back on, then grabbed one of her oversized vintage sweaters. When she came back, his eyes traced the soft curves of the fabric.

“You look beautiful.”

“I look cozy,” she corrected, but he only shook his head.

They ordered Chinese and settled back on the couch to watch a movie.

“What do you want to watch?” She picked up the remote, trying to focus on the screen instead of the heat radiating from his body.

“You choose.” His deep voice rumbled through her.

She selected a classic romantic comedy, though she couldn’t concentrate on the plot. Every shift of his body, every brush of his arm against hers sent sparks through her system.

Halfway through their meal, his fingers grazed hers as he reached for his drink. The touch jolted through her and she turned to find him watching her, his amber eyes dark with desire.

“This isn’t working, is it?” His voice was rough.

She shook her head. “Not really.”

His hand cupped her face and she leaned into his touch. Their lips met in a heated kiss that made her forget about food, movies, and everything else except the feel of him.

His fingers tangled in her hair as he deepened the kiss. She pressed closer, lost in the taste of him, the way his tusks grazed her skin. Taking it slow was going to be harder than she’d thought.

He broke the kiss, his breath ragged against her cheek. “I should go.”

His words sent a chill down her spine and she caught his hand as he started to pull away.

“Stay. Please.” Her heart hammered as she waited for his response.

He studied her face for a long moment. “Are you sure?”

“We don’t have to do anything. I just… I don’t want you to leave yet.” She traced her fingers along his palm, marveling at how small her hand looked against his. “We could finish the movie.”

He hesitated, then settled back against the couch. “All right.”

Relief flooded through her as she curled into his side. His arm came around her shoulders, pulling her closer until her head rested against his chest. The steady thump of his heart beneath her ear soothed her racing pulse.

On screen, the movie continued to play, but she was more interested in the warmth of Varek’s body, the way his thumb absently stroked her arm. The tension between them eased into something softer, more comfortable.

She felt him relax by degrees, his muscles loosening as she gently stroked his chest. When she glanced up, the harsh lines of his face had smoothed out, making him look younger.

This felt right - just being together, no pressure, no expectations. Just the two of them in their own quiet bubble, away from the complications of the outside world.

She drifted awake to warmth and scent of herbs. Her eyes fluttered open to find herself nestled against Varek’s broad chest, his arm draped protectively around her waist. They’d fallen asleep on the couch during the movie, and somehow he’d stayed.

With his pattern of running away, she’d half expected to wake up alone.

She traced her fingers along the soft flannel of his shirt, watching the rise and fall of his chest. The morning light filtering through her curtains softened his features.

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