Page 6 of Bidding on Her Orc Boss

What’s that called? Exosexual?

I shake my head, trying to dislodge this thought process. After all, I’m here for work and not have an existential crisis about my identity and lack of a love life.

Still, as Kro continues his tour, his voice washing over me like a soothing wave, I can’t quite shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, I’ve been looking in all the wrong places.

As we cruise through the neon-lit streets of Obsidian City, I find myself eyeing my phone, thumb hovering over a folder labeled “Monster Mash” that I’d created ages ago but never had the guts to open.

“You okay there, Zana?” Caro’s voice snaps me out of my reverie. “You look like you’re about to swipe right on Bigfoot or something.”

I snort, quickly locking my screen. “Please, Caro. Bigfoot’s not my type. Too much body hair.”

I’m saved from that line of conversation when Kro announces we have arrived at our destination.

We pull up to a building that looks like it was plucked straight out of a luxury travel magazine.

My jaw drops. “Holy guacamole, are we staying here?”

Caro rolls her eyes, but I can see she’s fighting a smile. “Did you even read the information packet, Zana?”

“I skimmed it,” I lie, knowing full well I’d barely glanced at the thing before shoving it in my carry-on.

As we step out of the car, I’m hit with a wave of excitement and anxiety. This place is way fancier than anywhere I’ve ever stayed before. I half expect to be turned away at the door for not being posh enough.

“Thank you so much for the ride and the tour,” I say to our escorts, trying to sound more confident than I feel. “It was really... eye-opening.”

Kro beams at me, his tusks glinting in the hotel’s soft lighting. “Our pleasure, Miss Zana. Enjoy your stay in Obsidian City.”

They make sure the hotel staff have our things and are under their care before driving away. Caro nudges me. “Come on, let’s check in. I’m dying to see if the rooms are as fancy as this lobby.”

I nod, following her lead, but my mind is still whirling as we cross the lobby, bellhops in tow. My eyes are immediately drawn to a quiet alcove off to the side. There, pacing back and forth like a caged beast, is an orc. And not just any orc – this one is practically radiating an aura of brooding intensity that poured from him in waves.

I freeze mid-step, my heart doing a weird flip-flop in my chest. What the heck? I’ve never had this kind of visceral reaction to anyone before, let alone a glowering green giant wearing a custom-tailored suit that probably cost three months’ salary.

“Earth to Zana,” Caro’s voice breaks through my daze. “You coming or what?”

“Yeah, sorry,” I mumble, tearing my eyes away from Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Orcsome. “Just... admiring the decor.”

As we approach the reception desk, I can’t help but sneak glances back at the alcove. The orc is on his phone now, gesticulating wildly as he speaks in a low, rumbling voice that somehow carries across the lobby.

“Welcome to the Obsidian Grand,” the receptionist, a perky elf with glittery purple hair, chirps at us. “Checking in?”

“Yes, for Vormugh Enterprises,” Caro replies smoothly.

As they handle the details, my mind wanders. So much for being demisexual. Apparently, all it takes is a hulking orc to make me question everything I thought I knew about myself.

“Here are your key cards,” the elf says, snapping me back to reality. “Enjoy your stay!”

“Thanks,” I manage, taking my card. As we head towards the elevators, I can’t resist one last look at the orc in the alcove. For a moment, our gazes meet as the elevator doors close.

Chapter Four

Xnaurl

I pacethe marble floor of the Obsidian Grand Hotel lobby, my heavy footsteps echoing off the vaulted ceiling. The extravagant chandeliers mock me with their twinkling lights. If only they could illuminate the mountain of tasks still looming before me.

“For the love of all that’s unholy,” I mutter, checking my watch for the hundredth time. “How long does it take to prepare a simple meeting room?”

A tiny human scurries past, barely reaching my chest. I resist the urge to scoop her up and deposit her somewhere safe. These fragile creatures are everywhere, like delicate china dolls in a bull’s pen.

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