Page 32 of Enchanted with the Orc
Her scent was delicious and I had to give my head a sharp little shake to remember what I’d been about to say. “I have a little party planned for today. Downstairs in the playroom,” I explained in a wary tone, semi-terrified that she would beat me with the little spoon she had in her hand.
Instead, her gorgeous brown eyes widened. “You planned… a party?” she asked, her lips parting and it was everything I could to stop myself from ducking my head to kiss her.
“Yeah, for Gruk-ir,” I whispered, trying to not be heard. I didn’t need to bother, though, since our daughter was splashing her hand into yoghurt again, screaming a song at the top of her lungs.
“For her birthday?” she tilted her head to the side, her eyes flicking between mine as if she was searching for something.
I nodded, my arm going backward to scratch at the back of my neck, guilt heating it. “I saw her birthday on her birth certificate when I put it away,” I admitted, and a small, shy smile spread across her face.
“You justhappenedto see it?” she asked, mischief in her voice, and I froze for a moment, not sure how to react to it.Teasingwasn’t my mate’s default setting.
“I looked,” I admitted, ducking my head in shame.
A laugh left her, shocking me. I wanted to fall to my knees in front of her and beg for more of that laugh, but I didn’t need to. Instead, she reached out, taking my hand in hers—her bronze skin perfect against my green.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “I was worried she’d be upset about how boring her birthday was, but I wasn’t sure what we could do.”
“If you ever need anything,” I whispered in a rushed statement, my voice low and hoarse, “I’m here.” It was an eager statement—maybe too much so—but she just smiled at me instead of rebuffing me.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she murmured, looking behind her to where Gruk-ir was making a ruckus with her breakfast. But she didn’t release my hand. I was frozen in place, wishing that we could stay like this forever.
The moment was broken when she called, “Guess what Abu did, Gabbi-girl?” to our daughter.
Our little one spun in her chair, sending a spray of yoghurt to the floor. “What?” she gasped, with an eager expression, clutching the back of her chair and standing on it, starting to jump up and down. “Abu, what?” Her voice was almost a screech and I flinched, my sensitive ears twitching.
“I’ve planned something for your birthday, Gruk-ir,” I said, grinning at her. “A party for you.”
“Forme?” Her scream could probably be heard from the next building over. Even Tasia flinched at the volume, turning back to me to blink and rub her ear, shaking her head.
We’re sharing this moment.
She was including me, and it was everything I’d ever wanted.
All the Gods in heaven,I prayed, please keep it this way. I want to share moments with her. Share her life.
“Now, Abu, now!” The volume only seemed to be rising as she jumped enthusiastically on her chair. Withso muchenthusiasm the chair began rocking. I released my mate’s hand—grudgingly—and moved toward her, lifting her into my arms so she didn’t hurt herself.
“Let’s go!” she screamed, and I turned back to face my mate. The look in her eyes took me by surprise. It wastenderandheated. I gave myself a quick pinch, trying to make sure I wasn’t sleeping and my Gruk-ir joined in, pinching with enthusiasm.
I grinned at Tasia, and she shook her head, walking toward us,reaching up to wipe the yogurt off my skin. It was like a heat wave passed through me.
“I’ll just get her cleaned up and we’ll go,” she said in a low voice that was so different from how she usually spoke to me. “Thank you.”
I nodded and Gruk-ir launched herself at Tasia. “Hurry, Mommy! We have to get to my party!”
I watched them go to their bedroom before pressing my palm to my chest, trying to keep my heart inside of me from where it was pounding in my chest.
Dear Gods, I didn’t know if I could survive her looking at me like that, but I wanted it more than anything.
Chapter Nineteen
Tasia
There’s no point in pretending anymore.
The thought had blasted into my chest when I heard that the male had planned a birthday party for my daughter. In two weeks, I’d been waiting and biding my time for him to show me his true colors. It was possible to keep it hidden for a few daysat a time, but how could a male act the way he did for a prolonged period?
One day we’ll get on his nerves and he’ll snap.
