Page 5 of The Orc's Sweetheart
“You should stop staring. It’s rude,” Audrey singsongs above the music, not even sparing me a glance as her shoulders keep bouncing to the beat.
I shift in my seat to look at her profile more directly. “How can I not stare at such a pretty face? I’m trying to imprint this exact image in my mind. You look like you’re in some kind of commercial for badass ladies who put men in their place.”
Audrey lowers her sunglasses and peeks at me over the frame, a devilish glint in her eye as she drawls, “That’s my lifelong dream.”
“To be in a commercial?” I tease, purposefully missing her point.
“Nah, I’ll pass on that. I’d love to meet some guy who thinks he’s all macho and then I’ll teach him who’s really got the bigger balls.”
“You’re a menace.” I laugh. “I aspire to be you one day.”
“I’ll slip some of my man-eater energy into your suitcase for you.”
“You’re too kind.” In a voice just above a whisper, I add to myself, “I think I’m going to need it.”
We park close to the farthest dock, the one reserved for boats heading to Starry Hill, and find a gentleman with striking pearlescent hair already waiting for us. He almost appears human, but his unique coloring sets him apart in this form. He straightens to his full height when he sees us coming and clasps his hands in front of him in a formal stance before bowing to us.
“Good morning, ladies. I am pleased to make your acquaintance today. My name is Beck. I am the guardian of Starry Hill and here to escort you to the island.”
I bow my head back at him and give an awkward wave when I come up again. “Hi, Beck. It’s so nice to meet you, too. I’m Tilly, Starry Hill’s new nurse. This is my cousin, Audrey. She’s just dropping me off.”
Audrey reaches out with her right hand to shake Beck’s hand. “Lovely to meet you, Beck. Love the suit.” I elbow her in the ribs and she returns my action with a confused, “What?”
I lean toward her and try to look as inconspicuous as possible, mumbling out the side of my mouth, “Lower your hand. Just bow back.”
“Oh.” Audrey follows with a dramatic ninety-degree bow, and I cringe internally. I should’ve prepped her on the possibility of a formal greeting.
Studying the cultures and customs of different species wasn’t part of my curriculum, but I’ve read up on what’s available to the public—it’s been integral to maintaining good bedside manners. I believe understanding each patient’s personal background is important to make them feel comfortable with me. Plus, it’s just common courtesy to know at least the basic customs of your patients. Audrey hasn’t had many interactions with creatures outside of her species, so I should’ve expected my bold cousin to perhapsnotknow the proper greeting etiquette of a dragon.
Beck steps forward and holds out his hand to Audrey, other hand braced against his chest in a sign of respect. “I’m sorry. I was trying to be all formal there and follow protocol, buthonestly, it makes me uncomfortable sometimes. Almost as uncomfortable as this suit is making me right now. It’s so hot and itchy.”
Audrey smirks and I can already feel the inappropriate line before it lands. “Why don’t you take it off then?”
The comment doesn’t seem to bother Beck. His light brows furrow for a split second, then he nods and shrugs off his jacket. Deft fingers reach for his cuffs, and I push Audrey back toward the car before the drool begins dripping from her mouth as Beck rolls up his sleeves.
“Be right back. Just getting some of my bags,” I call as I literally drag Audrey away.
Voice an excited whisper, Audrey hooks her arm through mine and speaks against my ear, “If he is any indication of the kind of creatures you can expect to find on the island, then I’m moving there too. Think they need a tax accountant? I could consider a career change? Maybe I can become a math teacher? They need one of those, right? Are there kids there?”
“Not if you get me fired for sexual harassment by association before I even start my new job, because in that case there will be no Tilly on the island to torment.” I stop walking, icy dread raking down my back. “Wait, do you think there is such a thing as sexual harassment by association? Could I get in trouble for your thirsty comments?”
“Nah, you’re good. He’s cute, but I like my men a little more… brusque and burly. I want them to be a little mean to me, pull my hair and—” Audrey blinks suddenly, her eyes rounding to saucers. “That’s something I’ll need to dissect at a later date. But rest assured, from here on out, I’ll keep it in my pants.” Her tone changes to sincerity and she takes my hand. “My bad, Tilly. My big mouth is always running away from me before my brain can catch up. I didn’t mean to make you any more stressed than you most likely already are. I’m really sorry.”
“It’s okay. He oddly didn’t seem bothered by any of that.”
“Maybe he didn’t hear?” she asks hopefully.
My lips thin into a flat smile. “Advanced hearing.”
“Fuck.” Audrey grimaces.
As if walking on silent feet, Beck soundlessly appears behind us. “Should I still speak formally or can I switch to my normal way of speaking?”
I give him a reassuring smile. “I think we’d all be more comfortable with being ourselves.”
“Great. Let me help you with your bags. Which one is the heaviest?”
I point to the beast we wrestled into the car and Beck takes the handle with one hand and carries it to the boat without a huff of exertion.
