Page 12 of Bidding on Her Orc Boss

As we make our way to the food, I can’t help but notice how perfectly she fits against my side. It takes every ounce of willpower not to pull her closer, to claim her as mine right here and now. But I force myself to focus on filling a plate for her, determined to see her well-fed and cared for.

“So,” I say, attempting small talk as I pile her plate with delicacies, “how are you finding the conference so far?”

I hang on Zana’s every word as she responds, her voice a melody that drowns out the din of the crowded ballroom.

“It’s... overwhelming,” she admits, wrinkling her nose adorably. “I’m not used to so many people. Give me a quiet room with datasets any day.”

I chuckle, oddly charmed by her honesty. “Not a fan of crowds, I take it?”

“Let’s just say I prefer my interactions with a healthy dose of Wi-Fi between us,” Zana quips, her eyes sparkling with humor.

As we settle at a table, I can’t tear my gaze away from her expressive face. Every flicker of emotion – from amusement to mild annoyance when someone jostles past – is captivating. Her golden-tan skin practically glows under the soft lighting, and I find myself imagining how my ancestral cuffs would complement her coloring encircling her wrists. The possessive thought startles me, but I can’t shake it.

More people join our table, but I barely notice them. Zana’s attention remains fixed on me, and I bask in it.

“So, Ser Xnaurl,” she says, leaning in conspiratorially, “what’s the secret to surviving these corporate shindigs?”

Her flippant use of the honorificsermakes the possessive side of me stir. I’m about to answer when a hush falls over the room. Urul takes the stage, his booming voice echoing through the space.

“Welcome, one and all!” he bellows, arms spread wide. “We’re thrilled to have you here for our national sales conference!”

I stifle a groan. Here comes the obligatory speech.

“Please,” Urul continues, “enjoy the food, the drinks, and the welcome gifts. Eat, drink, and be merry tonight!”

“There’s a catch coming,” I mutter to Zana. She smothers a laugh behind her hand.

Right on cue, Urul adds, “But not too merry, mind you. Tomorrow’s breakout sessions start bright and early at 10 AM!”

As polite applause fills the room, I lean closer to Zana. “And there it is. The hidden agenda behind every open bar at a work event.”

Her laugh is genuine this time, and the sound warms me from the inside out. Maybe, just maybe, these corporate events aren’t so bad after all.

Just as I’m starting to enjoy myself, another figure takes the stage. Khanner Rokoth, our dragonkin CFO, unfurls his impressive wings as he approaches the microphone. I can’t help but roll my eyes.

“Show-off,” I mutter under my breath.

Zana quirks an eyebrow at me. “Not a fan?”

“Let’s just say I prefer my coworkers with fewer scales and more... social graces.”

Khanner’s booming voice cuts through our whispered exchange. “Ladies, gentlemen, and beings of all realms! I’m thrilled to announce the results of our interdepartmental auction!”

I try not to visibly wince. Here we go.

“Thanks to your overwhelming generosity,” Khanner continues, his tail swishing with excitement, “we’ve raised anunprecedented amount for charity. And the best part? Vormugh Enterprises will match every single donation!”

The room erupts in applause. I clap half-heartedly, my mind wandering to how I’d rather spend my evening. Preferably somewhere quiet. With Zana.

Khanner starts rattling off winners for each lot. I tune out until I hear a familiar name.

“And the spa day package goes to... Caro from Data Sciences!”

Zana practically bounces in her seat. “Oh my gosh, that’s my friend! My manager!” She turns to me, her eyes sparkling. “She’s been so stressed lately. This is perfect!”

I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. Her joy is infectious, and I find myself genuinely pleased for this Caro person I’ve never met.

Then Khanner’s voice takes on a sly tone. “And now, for our grand finale... the Executive Dinner!”

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