Page 32 of Bound to the Orc Warlord

Tiny dots decorate her pale pink skin, gathering in greater concentration across her upper chest. My eyes trace over eachfreckle, my mouth watering as I imagine doing so with my tongue.

And her stomach… soft and round and tempting. I’d lick my way down its creamy expanse and—

“Here.” She steps close enough to shove my shirt into my hands, then spins her back to me to pull her dress over her head. When she turns to find me still shirtless, a tiny frown creases her brow. “Aren’t you cold?”

With the raging erection I now sport? No. Cold is definitely not the word for how I feel.

“Yes,” I lie to draw her closer. “But I need help with the shirt.”

“Oh, right.” Her eyes flick up to my bandaged shoulder. “You’re too tall. I don’t know how I can help.”

I drop to my knees before her, making us about the same height.

Her pupils dilate, pushing the green of her eyes into a thin ring. My nostrils flare as a sweet musk teases me with the scent of her arousal. Perhaps she’s not as indifferent as I thought.

She crouches and works one of the sleeves up over my injured arm, her hands so gentle the featherlight touches leave little licks of sensation on my skin. Once done, she stands and gathers the rest of the fabric over my head. “Stick up your other arm.”

I do as she says, hiding a wince when the cloth tugs at my wounded shoulder. It’s not her fault—it’s impossible to put on this type of shirt without jostling the injury—and she’s far gentler than I would be.

My bride’s so focused on her task that she steps close, her soft chest brushing against me as she works. All I can imagine is that second bit of pink fabric, the cut of its triangles as it strains over her ample breasts. My cock gives a greedy surge, one of thebarbells catching on a crease in my pants, the tug of pressure adding more sensation. I grunt as my hips jerk.

“Sorry!” She bites at her bottom lip, thinking she’s hurt me.

“It’s nothing,” I grit out, forcing my body to stillness.

“There!” she says with forced cheer. “All done.” Then she hurries over to the saddlebags to retrieve the cleaning cloth, disappearing between two trees without looking back.

Midnight offers a snort, appearing from a different section of forest. “You haven’t told her yet.”

“Told her what?”

“That you’re wed.” She rolls a golden eye. “That she’s your moon bound bride.”

“Humans don’t understand such things.”

“Well, she’scertainlynot going to understand if you don’t tell her.” Amusement rings in her voice.

I glare at her, and all the thoughts that have bothered me spill out. “You know I had plans. All those trips I made to the Raven Steel Clan to find a suitable wife.” They’re the next strongest clan but for Moon Blade, offering a good political alliance. Then, if King Aldronn remains unwed—as his current proclivities indicate—when it comes time to select the next king or queen, my child would be in a prime position to rule.

“You met every single woman of that clan and wanted none of them, not like you want Ashley. I see it in how you look at her,” Midnight says. “Besides, the goddess summoned you. Ashley’s your moon bound bride, and there’s no gainsaying the goddess.”

“Humans don’t know the Moon Goddess. Ashley expects to be wooed, and I’m—” I can’t get the words out, can’t admit I’m not good at something.

“So woo her.” She snorts with amusement. “You look like you’re halfway there already.”

I shake my head. Halfway isn’tperfect.

“Ashley’s not a fighter like me, not hardened to the life I need to live.” I throw out my next argument. “She couldn’t even defend herself yesterday. How can she stand by my side when I’m home and warlord to my clan?”

“There’s more to life than fighting, Dravarr.” My friend’s voice becomes uncharacteristically serious.

I shove to my feet and go to break down the tent without answering Midnight.

“Have it your way, you big dolt. Stay just as stubborn as always.” She snorts again, her hoof striking the ground in a loud stomp. “But I get to say ‘I told you so.’”

“You always do.”

Yet my friend’s words haunt me, reminding me that I’ve laughed more with Ashley these past few days than I have in years.

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