Page 13 of Bidding on Her Orc Boss

My stomach drops. I’d almost forgotten about that particular torture.

“The lucky winner will enjoy an evening of fine dining with none other than our very own Senior Vice President of Operations, Xnaurl Sonagh!”

I try not to sneer. I really do. But from the way Zana’s looking at me, I’m pretty sure I’ve failed miserably.

“And the winner is...” Khanner pauses for dramatic effect, the insufferable lizard. “Corazana Estrada from Remote Data Sciences!”

The world stops. I blink, certain I’ve misheard. But no, Zana’s face confirms it. Her eyes are wide with surprise, a blush creeping across her cheeks.

“I...I won?” she whispers, more to herself than to me.

Something inside me uncoils, a tension I didn’t even realize I was carrying. She’s happy. She actually wants this.

I catch Noreeah’s eye across the room. She’s beaming at me, clapping enthusiastically alongside her mates. For once, I don’t feel a pang of envy at their obvious affection. Instead, I feel... hope.

I turn back to Zana, drinking in the sight of her flushed cheeks and shy smile. “Well,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady, “looks like we have a date.”

“You don’t have to,” she says at the same time.

Confused, I ask, “I don’t have to what?”

The hubbub finally dies down, and I watch as Zana picks at her salad, her fork dancing nervously between leafy greens. “You don’t have to go to dinner with me. You probably have more important things to do.”

I shift in my seat so she can see the truth and sincerity on my face. “Zana? Look at me please.” I kick myself at my tone. But, no woman is allowed to belittle herself around me, least of all, my mate.

To her credit, she looks at me directly, and pride swells within my heart. “You are not allowed to discredit yourself, especially here. Now, do you wish to have dinner with me?”

A pretty blush suffuses her cheeks. “Yes.”

Gods, the way she says that is the most erotic sound ever. “Good. And I want to have dinner with you as well. So it is settled. We shall have dinner some time soon.”

Zana’s eyes light up, and I’m momentarily stunned by how beautiful she looks when she’s excited. A small giggle escapes her, and I decided it is my favorite sound in the world. “Deal. I’m pretty flexible after the conference. I gave myself a few days afterward to relax.”

I nod sagely, as if I hadn’t completely forgotten about the whole reason we’re all here. “Of course, the conference. Right. So are you doing after this event tonight? Free for a drink?”

Zana’s face falls, and I feel my heart plummet along with it. “I wish I could say yes,” she says, her voice tinged with genuine regret. “But I promised Caro a nightcap. Girl time, you know?”

I don’t know, actually, but I nod anyway. “Rain check, then?”

She smiles, and it’s like the sun breaking through storm clouds. “Definitely.”

Disappointment wars with anticipation in my chest. I may not get to spend the evening with her, but there’s always tomorrow. And the next day. And the day after that.

I fish a business card out of my pocket, sliding it across the table to her. “Here,” I say, trying not to sound too eager. “In case you need anything while you’re here in the city. My personal number’s on there too.”

Zana takes the card, her fingers brushing mine for the briefest moment. Even that fleeting contact sends sparks shooting up my arm.

“Thanks,” she says softly, tucking the card away. “I’ll, um, I’ll definitely use it.”

I grin, probably looking like an overgrown, love-struck youngling. But for once, I don’t care. “I’m counting on it.”

Chapter Seven

Zana

I swirlthe amber liquid in my glass, watching the ice cubes clink against each other. The whiskey burns my throat, but it’s not enough to distract me from thoughts of X. His green, muscular frame and that rare, gentle smile keep flashing through my mind.

“Earth to Zana,” Caro says, waving her hand in front of my face. “Where’d you go just now?”

---