Page 42 of The Orc's Sweetheart
I don’t have to go far, though, remaining on Third Street as Tilly’s voice resonates from The Lonely Rake next door.
Aurelius’s store.
Maneuvering quietly around the plants lined up in the sun outside his building, I step through the hardware store’s open doors. I pause behind the shelf of gardening supplies close tothe exit, listening to Tilly and Aurelius as they talk in the area where he keeps smaller tools.
What could she possibly need there? She has me now, and I’ll do anything she wants me to do.
“It’s great that you are better, Aurelius,” Tilly says, and I note her professional tone. She never uses that voice with me, and I’m glad not to be on the receiving end of it.
“All thanks to you,” Aurelius replies, making my skin crawl at the flirtatious lilt in his voice. I ball my fists and clench my jaw shut so I don’t interrupt them.
Tilly can take care of herself, of this I am sure. But if she needs me, I’ll barrel through every shelf plus Aurelius’s face to get to her.
“Well, I’ll just pay for this and be on my way,” Tilly says politely, seemingly cutting the conversation off there.
Feet shuffle, and I imagine Aurelius moving in front of her, stopping her from proceeding.
I will not interfere. I will not interfere, I repeat to myself, hoping the mantra will keep me from wringing Aurelius’s neck.
“Would you like to see the improvements to my… condition?” the mothman practically purrs.
“Aurelius Glydenbollocks,” Tilly says sternly, and I cup my balls instinctively. That tone means business. “Please tell me you are not planning on removing your pants right now. If you have any further concerns regarding the chafing on your penis, then call Katie to book an appointment with Doc Calla and me during office hours.”
“But—but—” Aurelius splutters, and I peer around the shelf to see his reddened face. “You’re here right now. Isn’t it more convenient this way?”
“Aurelius!” Tilly scolds. My chest puffs up with pride at my female for handling him so easily. I turn back to hide behind the shelf, because if I catch sight of them I might start to giggle at Aurelius’s expense.
“You didn’t have a condition,” she continues. “You masturbated so much that you thought you had a sexual disease when it was only chafing. Our medical advice was to keep your hands off your penis for a week so your skin can rest.”
“Well, yes…” Aurelius starts again, but Tilly interrupts him before he can continue with some far-fetched excuse.
“Don’t make me repeat myself for a third time. If you have any medical concerns, come see us at The Bandaged Heart. But if you ever, and I mean ever, accost me in public again, I will lodge a formal complaint against you and refuse any further treatment if you require it. You’d have to go to Cape Easton if you need help. Do I make myself clear?”
“I’m sorry,” Aurelius says, only slightly chastised. “Creatures have always been impressed by my… unique penis, in the past I mean. I thought if you perhaps saw it without the chafing, you’d be too.”
Tilly scoffs. “Is this a backward way of coming on to me?” My foot moves forward an inch, but I force myself to stay put. Tilly’s got this.
“Yes,” Aurelius says, hope creeping into his voice that Tilly is finally catching on. “Isn’t it obvious?”
“Oh, Aurelius.” Good, Tilly’s giving him her pity voice. “I’m not interested. I’m kind of seeing someone else.” My ears perk up and I hold my breath, waiting for her to elaborate.
“It’s Bodin, isn’t it?” Aurelius asks on a sigh, now totally deflated. I can just picture his wings sagging with the realization.
Tilly doesn’t say anything, but I want to imagine she’s nodding.
“Let me ring you up, then. You’re probably wanting to go home soon,” Aurelius says, dragging his feet toward the back of the store.
“Thank you.” Tilly’s tone is polite, but her walls remain in place as she follows him to the register.
Good girl. I’m going to have to reward her for this.
I slip outside on silent feet and wait for Tilly to exit.
Chapter 19
Tilly
Itry my best not to stomp out of The Lonely Rake, but internally I’m fuming. Too often, creatures—regardless of species—would take advantage of healthcare workers, asking us to diagnose them while simply shopping for groceries. I never mind helping a friend, or taking a quick look at something concerning them when they’re nervous about going to the hospital.
