Page 4 of Grumpy Orc Daddy

I walk over next door and carefully approach her. The baby is screeching into the silence of the evening, and Rayna’s eyes are shimmering with tears.

“Hey,” I say in a slightly reluctant tone. “Do you need help?”

I internally cringe at my own words, knowing damn well she does.

“Oh. Um, no, it’s okay,” she says, but as she does, a bag slips from her hands. I reach out and catch it.

“Let me help,” I say, my tone brooking no further argument as the CEO in me takes control of the situation.

She hesitates for a moment, letting her eyes linger on me before silently nodding and handing me the rest of the bags.

“Thank you,” she whispers as she unlocks the door and attempts to soothe the baby at the same time.

I walk into the house, Ashley’s house, wondering for a second time today what her story is. I find my way to the kitchen and set the groceries down on the table while she changes the baby and offers her a bottle.

She enters slowly, as if unsure of what to make of the situation, and I can’t say that I blame her. The air is heavy with an awkward tension, most likely stemming from our last meeting.

“So… you just moved in,” I state to make small talk.

“I got here yesterday,” she says over the baby’s growing cries.

I nod with a grunt of acknowledgment, watching as she struggles and cannot calm the child.

“What’s her name?” I ask, growing impatient, yet still trying to ease the moment.

“Lily.” She looks down at the baby, and I see her lip tremble. I hate it when women cry.

“Hand her here,” I say with as much gentleness as I can muster, holding my hands out.

Her grip tightens on Lily momentarily, only garnering more wails. She takes a hesitant step toward me and hands her to me, gently adjusting her in my arms.

My large hands are a contrast to Lilly’s infant size. I’m not even sure why I agreed to this. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.

“She just won’t stop crying,” Rayna whispers and her voice cracks as she stares at Lily, her eyes shining with desperate tears.

I don’t know what to say in response and instead busy myself with rocking Lily and attempting to calm her down. After a few moments, her cries slow and she calms.

Rayna’s shoulders sag in defeat and she drops into one of the kitchen chairs.

“What’s your name?” she asks suddenly. Her voice has a defensive, guarded edge.

“Janta,” I reply, matching her guardedness. I’m out of my league here and more than in over my head. My bed is calling me, and every moment spent here is just pushing that relief at the end of the night later and later.

I continue to rock Lily, wondering what put Rayna in this position. Where is the orc that fathered this baby and left the mom on her own?

“Is her dad in the picture?” I ask, my curiosity getting the better of me.

“No. It’s just me.” Her tone is straight to the point as she puts groceries away.

I’m taken aback at the forwardness of her revelation, the pieces of her puzzle becoming too complicated for me to figure out tonight. I’m mentally drained, and the silence between us only tightens the tension.

I’m unsure of what to say, so I say nothing. When she finishes, I hand the baby back to her and see myself to the door.

“Thank you,” she says.

With a grunt and a nod, I turn, closing the door behind me.

CHAPTER 3

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