They’re such a well-suited couple. We didn’t get into how long the orc and succubus have been together or anything like that, but it was as if gravity itself collaborated with them so they’re constantly drawn to each other. It’s a similar kind of magic that I witnessed with Bodin and Tilly too.
 
 Maybe a teensy part of me is a little envious of having that kind of connection with someone. Though, I’ve never met anyone I’d want to be tethered to in such a way.
 
 Usually I get boxed into a neat category within minutes of meeting a potential partner. I either have to work hard to smash through the invisible limits they’ve unintentionally set for me, or I decide they’re not worth that battle and just enjoy whatever physical connection we have for that brief point in time.
 
 I’ve rarely been seen by someone for exactly who I am, who’s been patient enough to peel back all my layers and love me for all my jagged pieces underneath. I know he’s out there somewhere, but until that day comes I’m going to live my best life, push my boundaries, and have fun along the way.
 
 Smelling the daisies before I even see them, my nose leads me to my favorite spot nestled between the trees dripping with tangerines. Sunlight dapples through the canopy above and dances across the white petals of my favorite flowers.
 
 It’s so beautiful here, I’m sure heaven must be taking notes for inspiration.
 
 Before inviting me to hang out at their shops on Second Street, Beryl and Calixta told me about a creature called Renwho lives somewhere around here. They were able to point him out to me where he was hovering on the edge of the crowd. Besides that brief glimpse I got of him, I’ve never seen him around, but it might be a good idea to apologize to him for stealing his fruit, and maybe ask permission to take a couple more in the future. I just hope he doesn’t mind too much.
 
 Fluffing out the blanket, I take a deep calming breath, then collapse onto it, kicking my sandals off all in one motion. I roll onto my back and lie spread-eagled, ready to close my eyes for a couple of minutes before I dig into the baked goods, or find Ren.
 
 Nap first, muster energy for everything later.
 
 Maybe I need to bake something fresh for Ren. He totally deserves to have a new recipe dedicated to only him—a thank-you-and-sorry cake, so to speak.
 
 But fucking hells, Ren was hot. Jaw-on-the-floor, panty-soaking hot. I only saw him from a distance, but it was enough to inspire some very interesting fantasies. Those thick horns, his shaggy black hair, high cheekbones, and chiseled jaw.Yup, definitely fantasy fuel.
 
 But I also loved how shy he seemed despite being the best-looking creature in attendance. If I were him, I’d be strutting everywhere. Or maybe he’s so used to the attention that he tried to blend into the background, afraid to steal the limelight on an important day for his friends.
 
 Regardless of his reasons, I’d still really like to meet him. I could use a friend. Maybe he could too.
 
 My brain is still buzzing with blood cake ideas and thoughts of Ren while I’m also processing all the events from theceremony. But I’m so tired. I wish I could flip a switch and instantly reduce all the noise in my head and be wrapped in a bubble of calm.
 
 Maybe I could treat myself to a cheeky orgasm. I always get sleepy after I climax, and it might be enough to redirect my thoughts.
 
 Closing my eyes, I imagine Ren’s here with me. Watching me. And I want to give him a show he’ll remember.
 
 I pretend my hands are his as I skim my touch across my collarbones, down the center of my chest, over the soft curve of my stomach, past the hemline of my dress, finally pausing one hand on my bare thigh, the other moving back up to cup my breast.
 
 My breathing picks up, my pussy getting wet as my fantasy builds, imaging Ren’s eyes turning hungry, greedy, as he wishes he was the one doing all the exploring.
 
 My right hand reaches under the cotton fabric of my sundress, dragging up my inner thigh at an excruciatingly slow pace as my anticipation builds.
 
 “Ren,” I breathe his name, imagining my hands are his, my pussy instantly getting slick just thinking of his gorgeous face hovering over me as he explores my body.
 
 The hand on my breast dips under the fabric and I tweak my nipple, a needy moan slipping out into the tranquil afternoon, joining the light chirping of the birds in the trees.
 
 Ready for more, I widen my legs and push two fingers under the elastic of my panties. Sweeping them through my arousal, I drag the fingers back up to my clit and start circling slowly.
 
 In my mind, Ren watches my face for any hints of pleasure as his fingers work my clit. It’s as if I can hear his rapid breathing, his worshipful eyes, as I chase my peak.
 
 “Yes, Ren. Yes, just like that,” I encourage him as my fingers rub faster.
 
 I push my hips up into my hand,Ren’s hand, desire gathering tight at the base of my spine, coiling tighter and tighter. Feeling like I might snap, my whole body trembles as my pleasure crests, my lips slamming together to keep my cries inside as I ride out my orgasm.
 
 On the edges of my consciousness, I hear a sharp intake of breath, barely making out a familiar figure with curly maroon horns before he ducks behind a tree.
 
 My fingers keep rubbing, now gentle, while the final pulses course through me. With hazy, half-lidded eyes, I scan my surroundings, my lips curling into a pleased smile before I surrender myself to the nap that’s threatening to drag me under.
 
 Sure I must be mistaken and no one is actually here, I don’t bother opening my eyes up all the way, just right my clothes, then let my head flop to the side as I drift into sleep.
 
 My imagination must be acting up. Just because I wished Ren was here doesn’t mean he was.
 
 Chapter 4