Page 21 of First Comes Orc, Second Comes Baby
Charlotte’s smile vanished. She put her hands on Brahnt's chest, not to push him away, more because she didn't know what to do with herself right now; her head was spinning.
“You said a lot last night. The kind of a lot that’s hot when we're fucking, but in the bright light of morning—”
“I didn't say anything I didn't mean.”
The words were flung between them like a challenge.
“Should I repeat what I told you?” Brahnt asked softly, arm tightening. “I said I wanted you to be mine. I said I wanted you to have my baby. I said I wanted you to make your first nest in my bedroom. It's the bright, cold light of morning, Charlotte. I'm sober, and my cock is in my pants, not in your tight little pussy. So what is your excuse now?”
“Listen, I’m not going to beg you to give me space—”
“There’s nothing wrong with begging.” Now Brahnt’s nose nuzzled the side of Charlotte’s neck. “I liked it when you begged me. Give me more, Brahnt. Don’t stop. Ohmygod, Brahnt, fuck me harder. And aren’t I a good Orc? I obeyed.”
Light mockery in Brahnt’s voice, but also the warmth of affection. Charlotte bristled anyway.
“Relax,” the Orc murmured, “I still respect you. But no one but me will ever hear you whine like that again.”
Charlotte. . .didn’t know what to say. She kept trying to gather herself and every time she started, Brahnt gently obliterated her wall. Picked up Charlotte’s brick made of wet sand and stomped it against the ground then brushed the dirt off his hands with a quizzical look.
There was a word she was supposed to remember. Shit. What was it?
“More?” Brahnt said. “Harder? Can I stay the weekend?”
“The last one was five words,” Charlotte said flatly. “I’m talking out loud again, aren’t I?”
“It’s endearing.” Brahnt paused, sighed and stepped back, releasing her. “The word? Boundaries.” He wrinkled his nose, but at least he had the grace not to roll his eyes.
“Yeah. . .that’s the one.” Charlotte gave a weak smile.
Brahnt leaned his hip against the island, crossing his arms over his chest, and gave Charlotte his signature steady stare.
“Tell me what you want,” the Orc said in a crisp, no-nonsense voice. “I'm giving you the reins for now. Tell me how you want this to go.”
Charlotte ran her hand through her hair, realized it was trembling and hide it behind her back.
“Let's spend a day or two apart and let our nostrils clear,” Charlotte said. “I'll call you.”
Brahnt lifted a brow, gaze flat. “When will you call me? Let's nail down a day and time frame.”
“So you can put me in your appointment book?”
“I like to be organized.”
“I'm not something you can organize, Brahnt.”
“Is it too much to ask?”
Charlotte wasn't fooled by the conversational tone. “No. But I think a little reflection will help us both decide that if this strong beginning is something real, and not only fabulous chemistry.”
“Your age is showing, Charlotte. I think I have about, what, fifty years on you? Chemistry like this isn't common.”
“Okay maybe not, old man, but good chemistry doesn't make a solid foundation.”
“It helps.” Brahnt loosened his arms and held up a hand. “Fine. You'll call me. In two days’ time.”
“Let's not put a time frame on it. I'll call you when I feel clear.”
“That's not acceptable to me, Charlotte.”
