Page 12 of Marrying My Orc Boss

Her image flickers in my peripheral memories, a vision of auburn hair and glittering green eyes that's haunted my dreams. I can't explain why she's had such an impact on me, but I know that I need to find her, to make sure she's okay.

Especially with the way that creep was following her around the other day. Even just the thought of him all but trailing her makes something in my blood boil. I can only hope it wasn’t what it looked like.

As the day wears on, I finally catch a glimpse of her, standing at the edge of the crowd. She looks tired, the weight of the world seemingly on her shoulders. I watch from a distance as she deftly avoids a particular guest, her movements quick and graceful.

Something about the way she carries herself draws me in, a quiet strength that's impossible to ignore. I can't help but feel a pull towards her, a desire to understand what's going on. I find myself moving closer, drawn to her like a moth to a flame.

She's a vision, with her hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail and her green eyes scanning the horizon. But there's something else about her, something that sets her apart from the other guests. It's a determination that shines through even amid chaos, a refusal to be defeated that's both inspiring and captivating.

As I watch her, I can't help but wonder what her story is. Who is this woman, and why does she seem so burdened? And why am I so drawn to her?

Suddenly, she looks up and our eyes meet. For a moment, I'm frozen, caught in the intensity of her gaze. Then she looks away, quickly disappearing into the crowd.

The same guest she’s avoided follows her out of view and something in my gut twists, a premonition of danger sending a signal I can’t ignore.

"Sorry, gentlemen, I need to make a call," I say, excusing myself from my group and sheathing my club. They nod and wave me off, not suspecting a thing.

I discreetly trail behind, my senses heightened and my instincts honed in on the potential threat. I keep my distance, staying just far enough away that I won't be noticed but close enough that I can intervene if necessary.

As I follow them, I can't help but feel a sense of unease. The man is clearly agitated, his movements erratic and his voice raised. The woman, on the other hand, seems to be trying to placate him, her tone soothing and her movements cautious.

My heart races as I follow them, every step bringing me closer to the source of my unease. I can't explain why I feel so protective of this woman, why I'm so convinced that she's in danger. But I know that I can't ignore this feeling, that I have to see this through.

As we wind our way through the crowded golf course, I catch glimpses of them up ahead, the man's hand reaching out to grab her arm, her quick movements as she tries to evade him. My anger grows with each step, my muscles tensing in anticipation.

Finally, we reach a secluded area, away from the crowds and the noise. The man pushes her up against a tree, his face twisted in anger. She tries to push him away, but he's too strong.

"Let go of me," she demands, jerking her arm away.

He leans in, whispering something I can’t hear – that I probably don’t want to hear – and my control snaps.

I’m going to show this asshole what happens when he touches things that don’t belong to him.

CHAPTER 6

Sally

“Good morning,” Brenda greets, an obvious note of surprise in her tone, her eyebrows arching in mild consternation. “You’re here early.”

I force a smile, mustering up every ounce of composure to mask the swirling vortex of anxiety that churns in my stomach. Every fiber of my being screams with unease.

“Oh, you know,” I reply, my voice calm despite the storm raging within me. “Just making up for the last two days.”

The last two days have been a strategic avoidance of the club altogether, all thanks to Aurelius. The mention of his name sends a shiver down my spine, a bitter taste of his unwelcome advances lingering in the air like a foul scent. The arrogant bastard hasn't relented since the moment he laid eyes on me, his persistence a force to be reckoned with. No amount of rejection seems to dissuade him. The only escape from his persistent harassment is to not bother coming to work at all.

But I can’t keep doing that. My father needs me. My family needs this money and if I have to stomach the dread of being around Aurelius to get it, then, well… shit. A cloud of gloomy resignation settles over me as I accept the inevitable.

"I see," Brenda says, apparently satisfied with my answer.

I make my way towards the clubhouse, trying to push away the lingering thoughts of Aurelius's unwanted advances. The scent of freshly cut grass and the distant sound of golf balls being struck provide a small measure of comfort, and I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the day ahead.

As I enter the clubhouse, I can feel his presence lurking nearby. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and my heart races in my chest. I try to ignore him, going about my duties with an air of professionalism, but it's no use. He's relentless, following me from room to room, his gaze burning into my back. I can feel the weight of his stare, and it makes my skin crawl.

In a moment of all the confusion and growing agitation, I suddenly lock eyes with an orc on the course. It’s only for a moment, but in that moment I feel like I’ve found a buoy in a storm. Something about his calm, strong presence makes me think just for that little while that everything will be alright.

In the next instant, I realize how ridiculous I’m being and look away quickly. And as I do, all my anxiety and turmoil come crashing back and it’s nearly overwhelming.

Finally, I can't take it anymore. I need to get away from him, even for just a few moments. I make my way toward the back of the clubhouse towards a secluded spot behind the maintenance shed. It's a place I often go to escape the hustle and bustle of the club, a quiet oasis amidst the chaos.

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