Page 43 of Grumpy Orc CEO

The towering structure looms above me, every window a potential witness to the showdown that’s about to unfold. I can feel the tension in my muscles, the resolve in my bones. No more waiting, no more second-guessing. I take a deep breath, my tusks brushing against my bottom lip as I steel myself for what’s to come.

Taking a deep breath, I knock on Lucy’s door. The seconds stretch out, each one filled with building impatience. I need to know what went wrong.

When she finally opens the door, her eyes widen in surprise. Without hesitation, I step inside, my presence filling the small apartment. "We need to talk," I rumble, my voice firm but laced with a rawness I can't disguise.

Lucy takes a step back, those green eyes widening like a startled deer. Her gaze darts around the room as if searching for an escape route, and I can't help but smirk a little. Even flustered, she's gorgeous.

I shut the door behind me with a solid thud, cutting off any chance of retreat. "Running won't solve anything, Lucy." I take another step forward, closing the distance between us. Up close, I can see the faint freckles dusting her nose, the way her chest rises and falls with each anxious breath.

"Jarvin, what are you doing here?" She's trying to keep her composure, but I can see the cracks in her armor. The way her fingers fidget with the hem of her shirt, the slight tremble in her lower lip - it's all there, clear as day to me.

I take a moment to collect myself before speaking again, inhaling deeply to calm the storm of emotions raging inside me. The scent of her perfume - a delicate mix of jasmine and vanilla - fills my nostrils, threatening to break my resolve. But I can't let it. Not now.

"I couldn't let you leave without understanding why," I say, my tone softening slightly. I run a hand through my hair, my amber eyes never leaving her face. "I need to know what's going on, Lucy. This thing between us... it's too important to just throw it away without an explanation."

She looks away, avoiding my gaze. "It’s complicated," she mutters.

"You’ve said that," I say, flatly. I take another step closer, closing the distance between us. My heart is thundering in my chest, but I keep my voice steady. "So, help me understand," I urge her, my eyes searching her face for any sign of what she's feeling. "You owe me that much, Lucy."

Lucy’s shoulders sag slightly, the weight of her decision finally catching up to her. She takes a deep breath and meets my eyes.

We stand there for a moment in silence, the tension thick between us. I can’t help but notice how small and vulnerable she looks in this space that’s supposed to be her sanctuary. Her eyes are clouded with uncertainty. The sight tugs at something deep within me, only strengthening my resolve to make things right between us.

"Lucy, I need you to trust me. Just let me in."

She looks up at me, her expression a mixture of hope and doubt. "I wanted to, but then things changed."

I let out a sigh, “What are you talking about? Damn it Lucy, just tell me what's going on."

She nods, letting her eyes slowly meet mine. The silence stretches between us as I look at her, hoping she hears me out and what I’m about to say doesn’t backfire and push her even further away. It’s a risk, and it's one I’m willing to take.

Standing in the middle of her living room, surrounded by the remnants of her work life, I lock eyes with Lucy. Her eyes reflect her fear, but I’m undeterred. My chest tightens as I gather my courage, every fiber of my being focused on what I’m about to say.

"Lucy, if you won't talk, I will," I begin, my voice firm and unwavering. "I’ve fallen in love with you." The words come out strong, each one laced with the weight of my sincerity and determination.

Her eyes widen slightly, and she takes a small step back as if the force of my confession is too much to bear. But I won't stop. I can’t.

"I can’t let you go," I continue, taking a step closer to her. The conviction in my voice is palpable, echoing through the room.

The silence that follows is heavy, each second stretching into eternity. Lucy looks at me, her expression a mixture of disbelief and something else—something that gives me hope.

"I…" she starts, her voice barely above a whisper. She looks down, breaking eye contact as if searching for the right words.

I take another step closer, reaching out to gently lift her chin so she meets my gaze again. "Lucy, please," I say with frustration. "Stop running away."

Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, and for a moment, it feels like time stands still. The air between us is charged with unspoken emotions, and I can feel the intensity of our connection.

"Jarvin," she finally says, her voice trembling but strong enough to carry the weight of her emotions. "I’m scared."

I step closer to Lucy, my intense gaze locked on her face. The space between us shrinks, and the air grows thick with tension and unspoken emotions. She talks a small step back, her eyes never leaving mine.

"I’m not going to let our fears or misunderstandings tear us apart," I declare, my voice firm and unwavering. Every word carries the weight of my determination. "I’m here to fight for you, for us."

Lucy’s breath catches in her throat, and I can see the conflict playing out in her eyes. She’s torn between her fear and the connection we share. Her shoulders tense, but she doesn’t step back this time.

"You mean that?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper. There’s a hint of hope mingled with the doubt in her tone.

"I do," I reply without hesitation. "I’m not going anywhere." My nature demands that I protect what matters to me, and right now, nothing matters more than Lucy.

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