Page 15 of Bidding on Her Orc Boss

My heart’s beating straight out of my chest. “That’s... surprisingly thoughtful of you.”

“Don’t sound so shocked,” he rumbles, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I can be nice. Sometimes.”

I step back, gesturing for him to enter. “Well, don’t just stand there, Mr. Room Service. Let’s see what you got.”

As X wheels the cart in, I can’t help but wonder if Caro was right. Maybe he has been thinking about me too.

As X sets the cart down, I suddenly remember I’m wearing my favorite pink pajama set—the one with little cartoon sloths all over it. Great. Real sexy, Zana.

“Nice jammies,” X comments, his eyes twinkling.

I lift my chin defiantly. “Hey, sloths are cool. They’ve got life figured out.”

He chuckles, a low rumble that does funny things to my insides. “Can’t argue with that.”

We sit at the small table, and I try not to fidget as X pours our drinks. The silence stretches, thick and awkward.

“So,” I say, desperately grasping for a topic. “Come here often?”

X snorts. “Smooth, Zana.”

“Hey, I’m trying here!” I protest, feeling my cheeks heat up. “You’re the one who showed up unannounced. With...an entire buffet, apparently.”

He shrugs those massive shoulders. “Figured you might be hungry.”

Before I can respond, another knock echoes through the room. I jump, nearly spilling my drink.

“Uh, that’s probably the room service I actually ordered,” I explain, standing up. “Just the gin and tonic I pathetically ordered before you showed up with your mobile snack bar.”

When I settle the room service, and X tipping, I add the sad little combination to the table.

X’s brow furrows. “You expecting anyone else tonight?”

“No. I have ‘Do not distrub’ firmly in place.”

Something in X’s expression shifts, his green eyes suddenly intense. “Good,” he growls.

And then, before I can process what’s happening, he closes the distance between us in one long stride. His hand cups my face, and then he’s kissing me, his lips surprisingly soft against mine.

My brain short-circuits for a moment, but then instinct takes over. I kiss him back with everything I’ve got, wrapping my arms around his neck. A small part of me wonders if I should be embarrassed about my pink pajamas, but X doesn’t seem to mind at all.

Somehow, I end up perched on the edge of the table, my legs wrapping around his waist. The friction sends a jolt through me, and I can’t help but gasp against his mouth. X’s hands settle on my hips, pulling me closer.

“Is this okay?” he murmurs, his voice rougher than usual.

I nod enthusiastically. “More than okay. It’s…great.”

X chuckles, the sound vibrating through his chest. “From you, that’s high praise.”

“Hey, you try forming coherent sentences when there’s a hot orc kissing you senseless,” I retort, but there’s no real heat in my words.

“Hot, eh? Of the two of us, I’d wager you’re the one who’s hot.” His hands slide up my sides, and I shiver. X’s face dips lower, nuzzling into the curve of my neck before trailing kisses down to my collarbone. I tilt my head back, giving him better access.

“You smell amazing,” he murmurs against my skin.

I laugh breathlessly. “It’s probably just the hotel shampoo.”

X shakes his head, his tusks grazing my skin lightly. “No, it’s you. All you.”

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