Page 34 of Marrying My Orc Boss

I owe him so much that when the time comes where I have to give him up- even though the very thought intensifies that lonely ache- I want to leave his life having made it a little better, as he has done with mine. The last thing either one of us needs is for me to start questioning our accord now, even if I find myself wondering if there ever could be something real between us.

The delicious aroma that catches my senses is real enough, however. Rich sauces and herbs have me wandering in the direction of the kitchen, where the layout opens into the dining area. A trail of candles wraps around the table, where a bouquet of flowers sits expectantly in the chair I favor, and the savory scent of eggplant parmigiana wafts through the air.

Apparently, I wasn’t as alone as I thought. Drakar walks back in from the wine cellar, expertly uncorking a bottle of red before pouring a glass and handing it to me. I watch his muscles bend and flex as he goes through the action. The peek of his forearms from under his cuff is a tantalizing distraction.

“Welcome home, Sally,” he greets, helping lift my bag from my shoulder as I take in the surroundings. Obviously, we’ve been in close proximity since our accidental kiss, and the subsequent wedding ceremony. Yet this feels different somehow. It’s less awkward and more intimate.

“What’s all this?” I ask in a hush, as if using my everyday voice will break the spell that seems to have woven itself through the room. “It all looks and smells wonderful.”

“This is me apologizing to my wife for being a thoughtless husband.” His simple reply almost bowls me over. Luckily, Drakar is already leading me to my seat.

“There is nothing for you to apologize for, and certainly nothing that warrants the effort of making dinner.” Settling at the table, he moves to join me, and I have to suppress my reaction of delight at his company.

“We have been officially married for two weeks, and I have barely made any effort to engage with you. Spend time with you.” Drakar offers this humble explanation as he plates our dinner, and I toe off my shoes under the table.

Instinctively I blush, glancing down at my napkin. “We-well, that is to say, that we don’t exactly have that kind of marriage. There isn’t anything about it in the contract, and I don’t have those kinds of expectations.”

Is that true? Even as I speak the words, I find myself questioning them when I remember the waves of bliss that engulfed me when our lips touched. I’ve never responded so unrestrained and enthusiastically to a man before, so much so that I’m still distracted by it weeks later, even when everything in me screams it was a mistake.

Drakar frowns at this and encourages me to look at him. “Sally. You are a kind and decent person who deserves to be treated with kindness and decency in return, regardless of whatever our arrangement is. I have neglected you, and for that I am sorry.”

Acknowledging his words with a murmured thanks, I start in on dinner. The first bite is heavenly, reminding me of how little I’ve actually eaten all day, and suddenly I’m ravenous. I almost want to resent the fact that my fake husband is sexy, rich, and domestically capable, but I’m too busy enjoying dinner.

It takes another few minutes before I can properly address him again. “You run a company. I understand that your job is demanding, and you won’t always have time to just hang out.”

“Just because I run a fortune five-hundred snack conglomerate does not give me an excuse to ignore you, especially when you’re helping me out. My work has kept me very busy lately,” he continues. “But that doesn’t mean that you are no longer a priority, now that the contract has been signed.”

“Well, getting dinner together is terrific, and it tastes amazing. I really appreciate it after a long day like today. The effort is really thoughtful as well,” I add, indicating the candles and flowers.

“Really, though, you didn’t have to do all of this, and you’ve hardly been neglectful. You’ve given me financial solvency, paid my father’s medical expenses, and even given me a personal driver while my car is being worked on. I could not have asked for a more thoughtful husband, truly.”

I reach out delicately to clasp his hand in gratitude, ignoring the sparks that light at his touch. It’s important that I acknowledge he has fulfilled his promises, even if I can’t help but miss him lately.

“Thank you.” He chuckles softly, gazing fondly at me. “I appreciate hearing all of that and that you like dinner. Now I know you visited your father today, and I want to hear about how he’s recovering, but I wanted to give you something first.”

“Oh?” My curiosity is piqued, and the hopeful notes that play within me seem to grow in melody.

Taking another gulp of wine, he sets a brochure in front of me. I blink in surprise, then focus my attention on the pamphlet. “Calypso Hills Resort?” I question openly as I leaf through the information.

“I realize that our arrangement never accounted for a honeymoon,” Drakar offers by way of explanation. “Since neither one of us has taken a proper vacation since I don’t know when, I thought we might use our recent nuptials as a good excuse to take a much-needed break.”

“Oh, Drakar, that’s a wonderful idea.” I mean it sincerely despite a lack of romantic promises. It’s a thoughtful and generous gesture, and I can’t help the small flare of excitement that ignites at the prospect of a real vacation. Clasping his hand in mine, I feel another thrum of electricity spark through my body much like it did back at the lake.

For a tiny moment, I see that same spark reflected in Drakar’s stare. I can’t help but wonder, could there actually be more to this surprise vacation? Did he feel something like I did down by the lake and is looking for an excuse to explore it?

The curved print of the brochure catches my eye again, the lettering describing Calypso Hills. Maybe this resort trip is just what we need to explore whether we can grow a relationship from this agreement, or if our vows really are best on paper after all.

CHAPTER 20

Drakar

The resort is more than I had anticipated. A minor paradise among the sandbars, a haven that offers distraction and delights in a non-intrusive package. It is tailored to be as accommodating as it is private. The amenities speak to a kind of elegant, understated luxury, while the investors have clearly taken advantage of the island’s many attractions in order to highlight the whole experience.

“Oh my, this place is marvelous,” Sally gasps in delight. She gives a small twirl as she steps through our hotel room, the sunlight streaming through the french doors making her skin glow. “Take a look at this view!”

“It’s fantastic,” I agree amenably without looking out the windows. Sally glances over her shoulder and blushes when she catches me staring at her but remains smiling. In fact, she hasn’t stopped smiling since our plane flew over international waters, and it makes my chest puff with a small amount of pride that I helped put that smile there.

There is no one I can think of who deserves a vacation more, considering how tirelessly she has worked since learning of her father’s condition. It fulfills a dormant yet powerful instinct of mine – to know that I can provide for a woman who is completely graceful and selfless in her compassion. Her smile is pure inspiration, and it stirs me to do better.

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