Page 24 of Bidding on Her Orc Boss

As I speak, I can’t help but notice the way Zana’s eyes light up, how she leans in slightly, hanging on my every word. It takes every ounce of self-control not to reach across the table and pull her into my arms. I want to shield her from every doubt, every moment of loneliness she’s ever experienced. I know that pain all too well, and the thought of Zana feeling it makes my chest ache.

“That’s great news,” she says softly, her smile genuine. “You seem to prefer those areas anyway.”

I nod, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through me at her praise. “Thanks. It’s a relief, honestly. I was starting to worry I’daccidentally fire the entire company through some bureaucratic mishap.”

Zana laughs, the sound music to my ears. “The day you master HR paperwork is the day I voluntarily attend a company picnic.”

“Now that,” I say, pointing my fork at her, “is a challenge I might just have to accept.”

As we banter, I can see a flicker of uncertainty in Zana’s eyes. She’s happy for me, but there’s something else there – a vulnerability that makes me want to gather her in my arms and never let go. I know she’s wondering what this means for her, for us. And I’m about to turn her world upside down in the best way possible.

Zana’s fork pauses halfway to her mouth, her brow furrowing. “So, what does that mean for me?” she asks, her voice a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

I take a deep breath, fighting the urge to reach across the table and take her hand. “Well, how do you feel about a change of scenery? Specifically, Obsidian City for the next twelve weeks?”

Her eyes widen, and I quickly continue before she can protest. “You’d be spearheading the transition of on-site employees to our newly acquired building. It’s a big project, Zana. We need someone with your expertise to keep the timelines on track.”

“Sounds...intense,” she says, biting her lip in that adorable way that makes me want to kiss her senseless.

“It is,” I admit. “But before you start imagining corporate doom and gloom, let me assure you—this isn’t a fancy way of saying anyone’s getting laid off or that we now have a mandatory return to work scenario. We’re growing, which means newmanagers, new direct reports, all people who are used to, and prefer working, on-site. One of whom is your friend Caro.”

Zana’s eyebrows shoot up. “Caro? Really?”

I nod, allowing myself a small smile. “Really. But here’s the kicker, Zana. I know how much you value working remotely. So, we’ve come up with a solution that I think you’ll like.”

She leans forward, curiosity written all over her face. It takes all my willpower not to close the distance between us.

“I’m listening,” she says, her voice a mix of skepticism and intrigue.

“We’re offering you an on-site residency,” I explain, watching her reaction carefully. “The building we acquired? It used to be owned by vampires. They had living quarters connected to the offices. We are offering it to the executive suite and other integral support staff. HR and legal are finalizing a compensation package as we speak.”

Zana’s eyes are wide, her fork forgotten on her plate. I can practically see the gears turning in her brilliant mind, weighing the pros and cons. God, I love watching her think.

“On-site residency?” she repeats, her voice barely above a whisper. “You mean...”

I nod, unable to keep the grin off my face. “Your very own vampire lair, complete with all the modern amenities a data scientist could want. Plus, you’d be right in the heart of the action without having to deal with a daily commute.”

As I watch Zana process this information, I’m struck by how desperately I want her to say yes. Not just for the project’s sake, but for the selfish reason of having her closer to me. Thethought of seeing her every day, of being able to protect her and cherish her the way she deserves, is almost overwhelming.

But I know Zana. I know her fears, her insecurities. And as much as I want to sweep her off her feet and show her how amazing she truly is, I have to let her make this decision on her own.

So I wait, my heart pounding, as Zana considers the offer that could change everything for both of us.

Zana’s brow furrows, and I can see the hesitation in her eyes. “I literally will be living at work,” she says, more a statement than a question.

“More like your commute will be very short,” I explain, leaning in closer. “Your apartment is practically on-site, and you can dictate your working hours.”

She bites her lower lip, and I have to resist the urge to reach out and touch her face. “I still have to be in the office, though, and the apartment won’t really be mine. It’s the company’s,” she points out.

I nod, impressed by her quick mind processing all this information. “Yes, for twelve weeks,” I confirm. Hopefully, it won’t matter because she will be living with me before that term is up. Then, unable to contain my excitement, I add, “But that’s not all. On top of the stipend, you have free use of the cafeteria and grocery stores, all on-site as well, all comped by the company.” I pause for effect before delivering the coup de grâce. “Oh, and a bonus for a successful completion of the project.”

Zana’s eyes widen, a mix of excitement and apprehension dancing across her features. She bites her lip harder, and I swear I can see the gears turning in her head. It’s like watchinga computer process a complex algorithm, and I’m dying to know the result.

As I watch Zana’s expression shift from uncertainty to intrigue, I find myself holding my breath. Part of me wants to grab her hands and tell her how perfect this opportunity is for her, how much I want her to take it. But I know I need to let her make this decision on her own. Still, I can’t help but hope that this might be the chance I’ve been waiting for—to show Zana just how incredible she truly is, both professionally and personally.

“I...wow,” she breathes, her voice barely above a whisper. “This is... a lot to take in.”

I lean forward, my elbows on the table. “But it’s good, right? I mean, it checks all your boxes, doesn’t it?”

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