Page 14 of Grumpy Orc CEO

“Lucy,” I say, stopping just beside her desk. Her name feels like a warm secret on my lips.

She looks up, surprise flickering across her face before she masks it with a professional demeanor. “Mr. Thraknar,” she responds, her tone clipped and formal. Her eyes, though, betray a hint of curiosity.

“It’s such an odd thing for us to cross paths here, isn’t it? What a small world.” I flash a warm smile, hoping to break through the wall she’s built since we last met.

For a moment, she seems taken aback. Her eyes search mine as if looking for something beneath the surface of my words. “Yes, it is,” she finally says, her voice softer now but still guarded.

I lean in slightly, lowering my voice. “I was beginning to think I made a bad impression.” I chuckle, trying to keep the mood light. Her lips twitch, almost forming a smile, but she catches herself.

“Not at all, Mr. Thraknar,” she replies, her tone still formal but less rigid. “Just busy. You know how it is.”

I lean slightly against the edge of her desk, keeping my posture relaxed. “How are you settling in? Everything going smoothly?” My eyes stay locked on hers, trying to gauge her reaction.

She nods, glancing down briefly before meeting my gaze again. “Everything’s fine. Just… getting used to the new environment.”

Her answer is polite but distant. The playful banter and easy connection we had at the airport is nowhere to be found. But I’m not ready to let it go just yet.

“I hope you know,” I begin slowly, choosing my words carefully, “that you can come to me if you need anything.” I try to keep my tone light and open.

She replies, her tone respectful and professional. "I'm here to do my job, Mr. Thraknar. If you need anything, please let me know." Her formality stings a little, but I can’t blame her for setting boundaries. Still, I can’t help but miss the easy laughter we shared before.

Her words are like a wall, sturdy and unyielding. The playful spark from our airport encounter is buried beneath layers of professionalism. I respect her resolve, but it also frustrates me.

I feel a pang of disappointment but also a deep respect for Lucy's professionalism. I nod, accepting her boundaries for now. "Of course, Lucy. I just wanted to make sure you're settling in okay."

She maintains eye contact but with a cool detachment that feels foreign after our previous interaction. "Thank you. I'm adjusting well."

It’s clear she’s drawing boundaries. I respect that. She deserves space, especially in a new job where the stakes are high for her.

"Good," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. "If you need anything, my door is always open."

Lucy nods once more, her expression softening just a fraction before she returns to her work. I linger for a moment longer than necessary before turning away and heading back to my office.

The walk back feels longer than it should. My mind races with thoughts of how to approach this delicate situation. Lucy’s guarded demeanor is a stark contrast to the laughter and easy conversation we shared at the airport bar. I can’t help but wonder if I’ve already lost whatever connection we had.

Back in my office, I sit at my desk and stare at the papers scattered across it. I understand why she’s cautious; mixing personal and professional life is always tricky.

But damn if it doesn’t make me want to break through that wall even more. Seeing her pull back seems to fuel my determination.

I want to see those green eyes light up again, to hear her laugh without reservation. I’m not just her CEO; I’m an orc who can see that she’s more than just my secretary, and I’m not about to let her slip away because of hesitation.

I take a deep breath and force myself to focus on the tasks at hand. There’s work to be done and clients waiting for decisions that only I can make. The weight of responsibility is something I'm used to, something I thrive on.

But even as I dive into spreadsheets and reports, a part of me remains fixated on her—the woman who walked into my life so unexpectedly and now occupies both my thoughts and this office. Lucy Bennett.

I can’t let this go. Not by a long shot.

I can understand why she’s cautious; mixing personal and professional life is always tricky. But damn if it doesn’t make me want to break through that wall even more.

"Alright," I mutter under my breath, pushing the papers aside for a moment. "How do I do this?"

I need a plan—something subtle yet effective. Something that respects her boundaries but allows me to get closer to her.

I poke my head out of my office door. "Lucy," I call, my tone brooking no nonsense.

She looks up and walks over, her demeanor reserved and controlled. "Yes, Mr. Thraknar?"

"I need you to make sure that when you are handling reports intended for me, that the files are organized and that you make sure you give them to me personally."

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