Page 44 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

Govek’s eyes shut and his hand raked over his scalp as he let out a ragged sigh. “I did not harm her. And I gained full consent from her at every juncture before proceeding. Be that during rutting or any other time.”

Miranda shifted, remembering his gloves and how he constantly asked for consent and how hesitant he was during almost the entire time they were intimate. “I believe you.”

He nodded slowly.

Miranda shifted, unwilling to press him for more now that her anxiety had been quelled—for the most part. She searched the room. “How do you even fill that bathtub?”

Govek looked up. “What?”

“I don’t see a faucet. Don’t tell me you have to cart in the water by bucket.”

Govek glanced from her to the tub and then crossed the room. He rapped hard on the ceiling twice and a long slender door fell open. A hollow bamboo pipe popped out.

She came over to his side and he tensed, so she stroked his arm, using it to steady herself as she went up on her toes and reached for the ceiling. Too high.

“I’mma have to get your help every time I want a bath, huh?”

He blinked, looking from her hand still resting on his bicep to the ceiling. “I... will find a way to lower it for you.”

“You don’t have to. We’re still going to Karthoc’s forge, right?” When he nodded, she said, “Then it’s fine. It’s only a couple of days, and I’d rather have baths with you, anyway. I’m sure we can both fit.”

Govek gulped.

“What do you say?” She sidled close and grazed her fingers up his abs. His breath caught hard. “You want to have a bath with me?”

“Yes.”

He hit the ceiling with the palm of his hand and water began to spill into the tub. The thundering drone was soothing. Steam rose, quickly heating the room.

He swung off his cloak before she realized what he was doing.

Holy hell, this guy was a dreamboat. Damn, was it possible to have this much muscle? To be this sculpted? Even the green coloring seemed to accentuate the lines and dips of his abs, the bulging of his calves, the thick cords in his thighs. All the way up.

He dropped his pants and her throat closed as his cock sprang out, huge and ready. Her whole body ignited. A thrilled shiver raced from the tips of her toes to her scalp.

“Miranda.”

She jumped and Govek snorted in amusement.

Then he bridged the gap between them and pulled off her cloak.

“Jeez, won’t let me enjoy the view for a minute, will you?” She laughed at his impatience and unbuttoned the dress. He exhaled so hard she could feel it rustle her hair before a chilled shiver ran across her arms and stomach. Her dress pooled around her feet, and she looked up to see him examining her with just as much reverence as she had for him.

“Happy?” Her tone was breathless. She could feel his eyes trailing all the way up her legs before pausing at her breasts. Her thighs clenched.

“Yes,” he grated. “Let me lift you in.”

She nodded, and he scooped her up. His hot body felt delicious against her chilled skin, but he didn’t linger for even a moment and brought them both into the water without preamble.

A throaty moan left her lips as he set her down in the hot water. She settled with her legs curled under her, the hot water lapped at them, and goosebumps broke out along her thighs.

It would take forever to fill a tub this size, but the wall of it was high enough that, once complete, it would cover her to her collarbone. She couldn’t wait.

Govek turned away to take a place on the opposite end instead of sitting next to her. She pursed her lips, irritated at his retreat. She leaned forward and grazed her fingertips from the top of his firm ass all the way down his thigh.

Govek lost his balance and lurched forward into the stream of hot water gushing out of the ceiling. He jerked away, sputtering and wiping at his face.

Miranda burst with laughter. She couldn’t help it even as he shot her a glower and his cheeks darkened to a forest green. To quell the sting of embarrassment, Miranda moved around the stream toward him.

---