Page 44 of The Orc's Sweetheart
I pant, already feeling the blurry edges of a climax building in my core, as my whole body sings under Bodin’s touch and praise.
“There you go. That’s my Matilda.” His words have my head lolling back, giving him more access as he licks, and nibbles and sucks on the delicate skin. I don’t even care about the possibility of bruises as I chase my pleasure.
Bodin reaches a hand down the back of my pants, slipping it under the band of my underwear, to palm one cheek. “This ass, Matilda. I have dreams of this ass.” He grips me tighter, encouraging me to ride harder and faster, the friction now at the perfect level.
My blunt nails dig into his skin, my heart hammers, my breaths coming in short huffs but my orgasm hovers just out of reach.
“You’re so beautiful. So smart. Funny. Kind. And you’re mine. I’m going to make you so happy. Every day.”
With those promises in my ear, my body seizes, back bowing as my climax crests. Bodin wraps me in his arms and presses his mouth to mine, swallowing the cry that wants to escape, all while he rocks me on his leg, letting me ride my orgasm out until I return from whatever realm he just sent me.
Dizzy and satisfied, I rest my head against his chest as my body quakes with the remnants of my release. Bodin rubs slow circles on my back as he whispers more muffled words of praise that I can’t make out.
I lean back to look into his eyes. There’s a tenderness there that I’ve not seen before, but it speaks of an emotion that I know has been growing in my own heart as well. I know we’re not naming it yet, but it’s obvious where we’re both heading, and it’s very soon.
Chapter 20
Bodin
Ican’t stop staring at Tilly—her reddened cheeks, her kiss-stung lips, but most of all, at her eyes. At the warmth they hold, strength, vulnerability, and ardor.
Love, however, is the word hovering on the tip of my tongue, bubbling up from the deepest parts of my heart, filtering through my skin, begging to be released and embedded into her soul.
Tilly is so much more than I ever could have asked for in a partner. I’m ready to demolish every last one of my walls and let her fully in, tell her all my secrets and give her my whole heart.And my body.
“You’re amazing,” I state simply, unable to voice all my thoughts right here in an alley.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” Tilly teases back, but there’s so much affection in her tone that it makes my heart ache.
“Let’s get out of here.” I take Tilly’s hand and lead her out of the alley and back toward Third Street. Her hands always feel so soft in my callused ones, but they’re firm, unwavering in their grip—just like Tilly.
“This was a nice little, unexpected, intermission in my day,” she says, beaming up at me with a luminous grin.
“Happy to serve. We can repeat that anytime you need. Want to schedule me in for tomorrow?” I waggle my eyebrows and Tilly giggles adorably.
Are hearts meant to feel this full? Is it normal to be this happy? I can’t even recall that bitter orc I was when I first met this delight of a human.
Tilly tuts. “I know you’re joking, but be careful about what you’re offering. I might just drag you behind The Bandaged Heart at lunch tomorrow.”
“That can be arranged.” Unable to resist any longer, I lean down to press my lips to hers, right there between Third and Second Street, without caring who can see us. Tilly lets out a satisfied hum, so I repeat the action once more.
As we start walking down the hill again, I ask, “Was there something specific you needed from Aurelius’s shop today?” I try not to sound hurt, because I hope she knows she can use any of my tools, or better yet, I’d use my tools to do anything she wants.
Tilly stops walking and turns fully to me, taking both my hands in hers. “I know you’re willing to help me with the thousand projects I have planned for the cottage, and believe me, I’ll accept your help on basically all of them. I just needed to get a tape measure today,” she says reassuringly.
“Oh.” I nod, satisfied with such an easy explanation. I like being needed by Tilly, and I’m glad she realizes that.
Tilly gestures to The Crowned Boot behind her. “I went into Peregrine’s shop earlier to order fabric for my new curtains, but I didn’t have accurate measurements. Apparently holding up your arms to indicate the size of windows is not good enough. He started talking about ‘fullness factor’ and ‘desired drop length,’ then I panicked. I quickly ran up to The Lonely Rake to get a tape measure and will brave Peregrine again tomorrow after I’ve written all the exact numbers down.”
“Fuck, you’re cute.” I push her back against a tree and dip down to claim her mouth.
“Right back at you.” Tilly cups my cheeks and I revel in her easy touch.
I push my tongue past her lips and drag the kiss on for as long as I dare in public. When we come up for air again, I ask, “Where are you headed now?”
Tilly tilts her head to the side, giving me easier access to dab soft kisses to her bruised neck. “Going back to The Bandaged Heart. I was in the middle of reading Ren’s file, but wanted to pop out before the other shops closed. There’s something niggling at the back of my brain about his case. I want to do some more research while at the clinic since the internet connection actually exists there.”
I breathe in her scent one final time before straightening up. “Will you be okay walking back to your place tonight?”
