Page 26 of Grumpy Orc CEO

I feel a surge of emotions—anger, confusion, need—all fighting for dominance. “There’s nothing to talk about,” I say coldly, clinging to my defenses. “I’m just here to do my job.”

He takes a step closer letting out a dark laugh as he closes the already minimal distance between us. “Is that really what you want?” His voice is lower now, the vibrations rumble through me, as my resolve teeters on the edge.

I bite my lip, refusing to answer. The walls of the elevator feel like they’re closing in on us as we stand there in tense silence.

Jarvin turns to face me fully, his eyes dark and intense. I feel a magnetic pull, my body betraying my mind's insistence on keeping distance. "Lucy," he murmurs, stepping closer, until my back is pressed against the wall. His voice is softer now, filled with a vulnerability that catches me off guard. I try to look away, but his gaze holds me captive. The air is thick with unspoken desire, a current of electricity crackling between us.

Despite my defiance, the memory of that first kiss flashes before my eyes and I find myself wanting it. I need to say something, to push him away, but I can't. My body is frozen by the intensity, the tension coiling tighter between us. My breathing quickens and slowly I let my bag drop to the floor.

Jarvin closes the distance, his hand reaching pressing his palm flat on the side of my head. His other holds my face. My pulse quickens, my resolve crumbling under his touch.

There's a moment where he hesitates as if expecting me to pull away. My breath is coming out in desperate pants. But I can't pull myself away, and right now, I don't want to. My hand slides up to his chest, the alarm bells ringing in my head as I abandon every rational thought firing through my mind.

He leans in, capturing my lips in a searing kiss. It's fierce and demanding, a release of all the pent-up longing and frustration that has been building between us.

I melt into him, feeling my resolve shatter, kissing him back with equal fervor. The kiss deepens, becoming more urgent as we lose ourselves in the moment. My hand tightens in the front of his shirt as his hips pin me against the wall.

"You should be mine," he growls, sending a shiver down my body. "Why can't I have you?" His breath is hot against my mouth. I whimper in response, unable to give him the answer he wants.

His hand slides around my waist, pulling me closer until there’s no space left between us. My hands are on his chest, feeling the solid muscle beneath his shirt. His touch is both gentle and possessive, sending shivers down my spine.

In this enclosed space, surrounded by darkness and our shared breath, all my fears and doubts seem to dissipate. For once, I allow myself to be vulnerable, to feel without overthinking. His lips move against mine with a desperation that matches my own, each kiss a promise of something more.

As we finally pull apart for air, our foreheads rest against each other. Our breaths mingle in the small space between us, both of us trying to steady our racing hearts. His eyes search mine for any sign of regret or hesitation.

"Lucy," he whispers again, this time softer but more urgent. The way he says my name sends a thrill through me.

I look up at him, seeing the same optimism reflected in his eyes that I feel within myself. This moment is fragile yet powerful; it holds all the potential for something extraordinary or devastatingly complicated.

As if on cue, the elevator jolts back to life, a sudden motion that snaps us out of the trance. We pull apart, breathless and disheveled, the reality of what just happened comes crashing down around me. My cheeks burn the flush traveling up from my chest, exhilaration and dread swirling simultaneously in my racing heart.

Jarvin looks at me, his eyes searching mine for any sign of regret or hesitation. His hand still rests on my waist, the warmth of his touch seeping through the fabric of my blouse. My mind races, torn between the ecstasy of the kiss and the fear of what it means for our professional relationship.

I take a step away, putting some distance between us. "I'm sorry, this... this can't happen," I stammer, my voice barely above a whisper.

His brow furrows, confusion and frustration mingling on his face. "Why not?" he asks softly, his tone gentle but insistent.

I look away, unable to meet his gaze. "We're colleagues," I say, trying to steady my breathing. "You're my boss. It complicates everything."

My heart is racing wildly in my chest. That kiss was everything I wanted it to be and everything that I was trying to avoid. But my fears and insecurities slam down on me, the alarm bells still ringing, making it hard to ignore.

He lets out a slow breath, his hand dropping to his side. "Lucy," he begins, but the elevator doors slide open with a soft ding, cutting him off.

I step out quickly, needing to put more space between us. The hallway feels too bright after the dim light of the elevator, and I blink rapidly, trying to adjust. I can't breathe, the impact of the kiss still grasping tight to my body. I make my way towards the exit, desperate for fresh air and clarity.

Jarvin follows me out, his footsteps echoing in the empty corridor. "Lucy. Wait," he calls after me, his voice laced with urgency.

I swallow hard, not trusting myself to respond. With one last glance over my shoulder at him standing there, confusion etched on his face, I push open the door and step into the cool night air.

CHAPTER 15

Jarvin

Istep out of the elevator, the warmth of Lucy's lips still lingering on mine. Each step she takes feels like a knife twisting in my gut. I know that kiss affected her as deeply as it did me; I saw the fire in her eyes, felt the intensity in her touch. But her retreat worries me.

My fists clench involuntarily. I can't let this be the end. I watch her until she rounds the corner, disappearing from sight. The tension between us was palpable, electric, undeniable. There's no way she can just walk away from that—walk away from us.

"Damn it," I mutter under my breath, shaking my head. How can she be so damn stubborn? Her need to keep things professional is driving me mad, but it's also what makes her... well fuck, her. That fierce independence, that resolve—it's part of what keeps drawing me to her.

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