Page 31 of Obeying the Orc
“Doesn’t matter if I’m late or not. What part ofreserveddo you not understand? Even if I don’t show for some reason, your nights for as long as you work here are paid for.” A very orc-like growl emitted from deep in his throat. “We need to talk. Upstairs.” He guided me toward the steps, only for Trevonn’s huge form to block our path.
“It’s all right, Trevonn,” I said. “We just need a quiet place to talk.” The last thing I wanted was for Knot and Trevonn to fight one another. While the minotaur was larger, Knot’s furious determination would no doubt aid him in a brawl. I imagined The Sweet Siren would be torn apart if the two of them joined in a tussle.
Trevonn’s eyebrows drew together and his jaw clenched. He glared at Knot for a few seconds before moving aside. I broke away from Knot and headed up the steps. Anger continued churning through my insides.
How dare he barge in here,hours late, and then act jealous when he found me doing my job?
I stormed into my room and spun around to face him. He followed me inside and closed the door, his entire body tensed. I reminded myself of the town’s need for a priest. I needed to drive him away once and for all.
Biting my lip to hold back tears that rose from the prospect of never seeing him again, I stared at him angrily, not trusting myself to speak just yet.
When I finally had my emotions somewhat under control, I said, “You just cost me a customer.” My tone came out harsh and bitter, and it didn’t take me long to realize I’d just said the worst possible thing I could say.
His eyes flashed and he was on me in the next moment, forcing me to bend over the bed. He lifted my skirt and petticoats up, then had my drawers down around my ankles soon after. I gasped and tried to push off the bed, but he kept a firm hand on my lower back, forcing me to remain bent over. I tensed when I heard the clink of his belt buckle, expecting him to impale me with his cock or perhaps wield the thick leather implement across my bottom.
When a few seconds passed and nothing happened, I dared a glance over my shoulder. He had the belt gripped in one hand, his arm lifted high as though he was preparing to whip me, his nostrils flaring wide as he released a quavering breath. Yet more seconds passed, and he didn’t strike me with the belt. When his eyes met mine, some of the fury in his gaze faded.
“Gods be damned.” He tossed the belt on the bed.
I started to stand up, but he placed a firm hand at the small of my back, forcing me to remain bent over. Then he reached between my thighs, gripped my quim firmly, and gave it a harsh squeeze.
“You’re mine, Natalee.” Another squeeze, this one so hard I gasped and attempted to escape his grasp, but his strength surpassed mine. “And this part of you”—another squeeze—"belongs to me and me alone.” His voice was practically a roar, and though he sounded angry and though there were a thousand reasons we shouldn’t be together, his words caused relief to pang inside me.
“You were late. I didn’t think you were coming. I thought everything between us was over.” I whimpered and suddenly burst into tears.
“Gods, what am I doing?” He cursed and released his grip on my pussy. “You are driving me to the point of madness, Natalee. When I saw you sitting on that human male’s lap, I-I don’t believe I’ve ever known such blind rage…”
He stepped back and exhaled a shuddering breath. After fixing my drawers in place, he smoothed my petticoats and skirt down. With his help, I sat next to him, and he wrapped his arms around me and stroked my hair.
I tried and failed miserably not to enjoy his closeness and the comfort he was offering. I couldn’t deny that his arms were the sweetest refuge. As a long moment of silence stretched, I debated whether to admit I’d eavesdropped on him earlier today. Well, I supposed telling the truth would perhaps help close the rift that had opened between us.
“I came to see you today, Knot, when you were building the fence. I heard everything Mr. Glade said, and it makes perfect sense. You should stop coming here. You shouldn’t see me anymore. Even if you don’t take up orating in the temple again, you shouldn’t be seen here.”
“Natalee, I would marry you tomorrow if you agreed, and walk through town next to you with my head held high.” He cupped my face and brushed his thumbs over my cheeks. His touch was so gentle and soothing, it made me want to cry. “Will you?” he asked. “Will you marry me?”
“No. I’m sorry, but no. I can’t.” I sighed and hated myself for the disappointment that shone in his eyes as I refused yet another proposal. “Why were you late, Knot?”
He swallowed hard. “I had to track the bank manager down after the bank closed before I could get there. Then I had him transfer four thousand gold pieces into your account.”
“What? I can’t accept that, Knot. I can’t.”
“Please hear me out, Natalee.”
Shock filled me. That was enough money to comfortably reach my former home on the Northern Isle of Jathaway, with plenty left over. I could stick to my story about Logan dying after our claim produced a fair amount of gold. Enough money for me to prove to my family that I wasn’t young and foolish. Though I berated myself for still seeking their approval, I thought maybe my parents would forgive me and welcome me back home. Maybe I could pretend the last year of my life hadn’t happened.
“Natalee, I should have never slept with you without us being properly wed first. The night I won the auction, I should have asked you to marry me first. I did things backward.” His voice was filled with a mix of resolve and self-loathing.
“I don’t understand. I mean, I would have still said no.”
“Then after you said no, I should have done the right thing and paid your passage home to the Northern Isles. You’re too innocent and sweet for a place like this.”
I didn’t feel innocent, especially considering the illicit activities I’d enjoyed with Knot during the past fortnight, but I didn’t tell him as much. Instead, I said, “Fifty gold pieces a night is outrageous enough. I realize you are probably the richest man in these parts, but I can’t accept that much money. It feels wrong.” I ran a hand through my hair in frustration.
Where did I go from here?
My heart swelled with affection for Knot, but I despaired over soiling his reputation any more than I had already.
“Natalee, I will make sure you keep the four thousand gold pieces and head home very soon, even if I have to drag you all the way to Orsleann and put you on a ship myself.” He put a finger beneath my chin, forcing me to hold his dark gaze. “Gods, I’m going to miss you.”
