Page 27 of Bidding on the Orc Outcast

“Of course. He just doesn’t choose to very often. He prefers to keep to himself, although he listens a lot.”

She shook her head. “This town never fails to surprise me. In a good way,” she added softly, smiling up at him.

The warmth of her smile and the softness of her body pressed against him were too tempting. His hand drifted to her face, feathering his thumb over her cheek. So soft. So delicate. Her eyes widened, and he hesitated. What if he’d read the signals wrong? What if she didn’t want this - didn’t want him? He’d been alone for so long, In spite of their previous kisses, it was hard to believe someone like her could be interested in someone like him.

But then she made an impatient noise and slid her hand around his neck, tugging his head down. Their lips met, and it felt like coming home. Her mouth was soft, her scent intoxicating. He could taste the chocolate on her tongue and feel her heartbeat racing under his palm. His tusks brushed her cheek as he lifted her onto his lap. He bit back a groan as luscious ass settled directly over his rock hard cock. Her other hand fisted in his shirt, holding on to him.

“Varek…” she whispered, and his name on her lips was more than he could resist. He nipped at her bottom lip, eliciting a gasp from her, and then she was kissing him again, her tongue tangling with his. When they finally pulled apart, her cheeks were flushed and her pupils dilated with desire, her lips swollen from his kisses.

It would be so easy to lose himself in her. To forget everything except how much he wanted her - needed her. But he couldn’t. Not here, in full view of the town. The thought sent a pang of loss through him.

She sighed and snuggled back against his chest, seemingly unaware of his turmoil. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. They sat there in silence for several more minutes, listening to the crackle of the fire and the gentle rush of the river, but the wind started to pick up and she shivered.

“I should probably head back. The shop opens early tomorrow.”

His chest tightened. The evening had passed too quickly, but he couldn’t keep her out in the cold. He pulled out his wallet and placed cash on the table.

“Oh no, I can’t let you-” She reached for her purse.

“Already done.” He stood and offered his hand, surprised by how natural the gesture felt. Her small fingers slipped into his, warm despite the chill air.

Rona appeared to collect their payment. “You two have a good night.”

Her smile held no judgment, and this time he saw the genuine warmth behind it. It caught him off guard - was Posy right that not everyone in town viewed him negatively?

He was still thinking about it as they emerged on the quiet street. He automatically put his arm around her and she leaned into him.

A tentacle broke the river’s surface behind them, waving goodbye. He raised his free hand in response, catching her delighted grin from the corner of his eye, and his lips curved up despite himself. Strange how her presence made everything feel lighter. Instead of heading directly back to her apartment, he guided her towards the stone wall bordering the side of the Town Square that faced the river. The moon painted silver streaks across the dark water below, and somewhere in the distance, a night bird called.

He pointed downstream to where the river curved. “Do you see that island? That’s where Sam lives.”

She squinted at the dark shape. “Is that a house?”

“Yes. He built it himself.” He leaned against the wall, keeping one arm around her.

“But he’s alone out there?”

“He likes his privacy.” The words felt hollow as soon as they left his mouth. How many times had he used that same excuse?

She turned to face him, her eyes wide and dark in the moonlight. “It must get lonely though. Being so isolated from everyone.”

His throat tightened as he recognized the parallel. He looked back over the river, uncomfortable with how easily she saw through his defenses.

“I told you Sam talks to people sometimes,” he muttered, but the defense sounded weak even to his own ears.

“But not as often as he could.” She placed her hand on his chest as she’d done earlier, the warmth of her touch burning through his shirt. “Not as often as people might like to see him.”

Before he could respond, he heard footsteps. The familiar stench of expensive cologne hit his nose, followed by Sebastian Blackwood’s nasal drawl.

“Well, if it isn’t the monster of Fairhaven Falls.” Sebastian’s leather shoes clicked against the cobblestones. Two sets of footsteps followed - Marcus and James, no doubt. “And look, he’s found himself a little pet.”

The three came to a halt in front of them. Sebastian was tall and slim, with a permanent sneer on what might have been a handsome face. Like Nakor, Sebastian was expensively dressed, but he didn’t wear the clothes with Nakor’s natural ease.

Posy stiffened against him, her fingers curling into his shirt.

“I didn’t think you had the balls to show your face in town again,” Sebastian sneered, his gaze flicking from Posy to him and back again.

His hands curled into fists, fighting the urge to throw Sebastian over the wall.

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