Page 40 of Bidding on the Orc Outcast

His eyes opened, catching her in the act of studying him. Instead of pulling away, he tightened his arm around her.

“Morning,” she whispered.

His response was a deep rumble that vibrated through her body. His free hand came up to cup her face, thumb brushing across her cheek, and the tender gesture made her breath catch.

She lifted her face to his, and his lips met hers in a slow, thorough kiss that made her toes curl. His fingers tangled in her hair as he deepened the kiss, drawing a soft sound from her throat.

When they finally broke apart, his eyes were dark with desire, but there was something else there too - a vulnerability that made her heart ache.

“I thought you might be gone when I woke up,” she admitted.

“I thought about it.” His voice was rough. “But I didn’t want to leave you.”

She pressed another kiss to his lips, savoring the way he responded instantly, like he couldn’t help himself. The knowledge that he’d chosen to stay, fought against his instinct to run, filled her with warmth.

Then she caught a glimpse of her vintage clock and jolted upright.

“Oh no, Nina’s going to be here in fifteen minutes!”

She scrambled off the couch, her legs tangling in the throw blanket, but he steadied her with those big hands. “I’ll help carry down the candles.”

She rushed to freshen up while he gathered the boxes. Her reflection showed tousled hair and kiss-swollen lips. A quick brush through her waves and a splash of water on her face would have to do.

When she emerged from the bathroom, Varek had already moved the candles downstairs. She found him arranging them on an antique display table, carefully positioning each one.

“They look perfect there.” She straightened her bright yellow dress, smoothing the vintage fabric.

He turned to her, his amber eyes warm. “I’ll get you some coffee from next door.”

“You don’t have to-”

“I want to.” His gruff tone held a note of tenderness that made her heart flutter.

She watched him duck through the doorway, his broad shoulders filling the frame. The bell chimed as he left, and she pressed her fingers to her lips, still feeling the phantom pressure of his kisses.

The memory of waking up in his arms sent a pleasant shiver through her. He’d stayed. After all his running away, he’d actually stayed.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Varek’s boots felt like lead as he approached Java Joy. The old brick storefront beckoned with warm light and the mingled scents of coffee and fresh-baked pastries, but his chest tightened at the thought of going inside.

He paused at the door, hand hovering over the brass handle. Through the window, he could see an assortment of customers lounging in overstuffed chairs and perched in front of a gleaming wood counter. Two werewolves were arguing over a game of cards, while a goth pixie with pink hair cleared tables. Everyday life in Fairhaven Falls - a life he hadn’t been part of in a long time.

Gathering his courage, he entered the coffee shop. The morning chatter died. Coffee cups froze mid-sip. Eyes darted his way, then quickly looked elsewhere. His shoulders tensed as he joined the end of the line, keeping his gaze fixed on the chalkboard menu above.

“Morning!” Elara’s cheerful voice cut through the silence. She beamed at him from behind the counter as she handed a paper cup to another customer.

Grondar’s massive form appeared in the kitchen doorway, his green skin a shade darker than Varek’s. He gave a slight nod of acknowledgment before returning to his baking.

The line inched forward. His fingers drummed against his thigh as whispers rippled through the room. Two elderly dryads gathered their things and shuffled toward the door.

His jaw clenched. He should leave. Get Posy coffee from somewhere else. But Elara’s genuine welcome and Grondar’s quiet acceptance made him plant his feet.

The coffee shop’s exposed brick walls and worn wooden floors spoke of history, of belonging. Maybe it was time he stopped letting old wounds dictate his future. Posy’s smile flashed in his mind, warming him despite the chill of unwelcome stares.

He straightened his spine and took another step forward as the line moved. For her, he could do this. For himself too, perhaps.

Grondar reappeared again and jerked his head towards the kitchen. Now what? His shoulders tensed - he’d hoped to just get the coffee and leave. But ignoring Grondar wasn’t really an option so he sighed and followed him into the kitchen. The pristine space gleamed with industrial steel and the sweet scent of baking.

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