Page 29 of The Orc Chief's Baker
Had oneeverdone so?
He was nearly at her cart when a man loudly proclaimed to his left. A human man with beady eyes, a scruffy chin, and a table of milk-based goods that smelled nearly sour.
“What are you doing?”
Brovdir paused, examining the human male. His muscles tensed under the scrutiny of the man’s gaze. What did it look like he was doing?
“Hermest, he’s obviously here to trade. As they all are. I suggest you calm your nerves, or do you want to be on bad terms with these males?”
Fades breath, her voice was lovely. His eyes slid back to the woman, with her soft, round body and crossed arms. Her eyes were shooting daggers at the man who had spoken, and they were far sharper than any one of Brovdir’s claws.
“An apology for Hermest. He’s not so bad, just stubborn and opinionated.” She shot the human a harsh look as she said this and he bowed his head, appearing almost sheepish. The other men who had started to walk over also turned away.
Such power wielded with such ease.
“Here.” She waved him over with one hand and picked up a round ball of dough with another. It was a little larger than her fist and was so soft it gave slightly around her fingertips.
Brovdir would have snatched it and gobbled down the offering in an instant had Trinia not leaned over the table just so. Her breasts were pushed up and together and threatened to burst from her bodice. Her neck elongated as she tipped her head and her curly dark hair fell down to drape over her cleavage.
Were they as soft as the food she was offering him? Maybe if he was quick, he could touch and no one would notice.
Save Trinia, of course.
“Trinia.”
His woman snapped to attention and looked toward the woman who’d called her.
The blonde woman who approached was younger and had somewhat pointed features. She glanced between him and the woman, eyes lingering on his bare chest.
“Trinia, I’ve come to help with your table,” the woman said, eyes still on him but not in a malicious or antagonistic way likethe man’s had been. This young woman was more curious than anything.
“I don’t really need any help, Ulia,” his woman said with a light frown marring her perfect features. “But thank you.”
“Who’s your friend?” the blonde asked and Trinia’s scowl deepened.
“He’s an orc I’m going to trade with.”
“But you’ve met him before? How? When?” The girl was almost bouncing with eager interest.
“We can talk about that later.”
Yes, after I am done with her. Will I ever be done with her?
“I want you to talk about it now,” said Hermest, who was back to listening in. His beady eyes were narrowed into a suspicious squint and his fists were balled.
Brovdir rose an eyebrow in amusement. The male was about as threatening as a mace made of wool.
“Go back to your trading, Hermest.”
“How come you knew about the warriors, but we didn’t until this morning? Have you been keeping secrets?”
“No,” Trinia said flatly.
“Then explain how you know him?”
Trinia crossed her arms over her chest and it pushed up her breasts delightfully. He needed to look away.Look away!“I’ve told Headman Gerald everything already. He’s the only one who needs details on this matter.”
“I think you’ve got a duty to your community as well. You should be telling us if there’s a band of dangerous?—”
