Page 30 of The Orc's Promised Bride

As Jana left Jessamin’s quarters she was still processing their conversation about divine intervention and arranged marriages, but her thoughts scattered when she saw Lothar standing in the hallway, his attention fixed on a woman walking away. One of the Brides, dressed in an elegant gown that flowed softly around her curves. Blonde hair cascaded down her back in perfect waves, and everything about her screamed refinement and breeding - exactly the type of woman who belonged in this place.

Her fingers twisted in the fabric of her makeshift outfit, suddenly conscious of her tangled hair and dirty clothes. A hot knot formed in her stomach as she realized how much it bothered her to see him looking at another woman. When had she started thinking of him as hers? The possessive feeling caught her off guard - she’d spent so long keeping people at arm’s length, building walls to protect herself. Yet somehow this giant of an orc had slipped past her defenses with his gentle touches and protective nature.

The woman disappeared around a corner and he turned, his face lighting up when he saw her. The knot in her stomach loosenedslightly at his obvious pleasure, but the seed of doubt remained - how could he want someone like her?

She forced a smile as she moved closer to him, trying to squash down the jealousy.I have no claim on him, she reminded herself firmly. Yet her treacherous heart whispered otherwise. The way he looked at her made her feel precious, cherished - feelings she’d forgotten existed.

He asked what she’d learned from Jessamin, an odd look on his face, but he relaxed when she told him she didn’t have any answers yet. To her delight, he also agreed to stay with her.

“Then let’s go explore,” she said, taking his hand. “Jessamin mentioned there’s a library here. She thinks it might have some answers, but I’ll need your help with the books since I haven’t learned to read your language.”

His expression flickered for just a heartbeat, so briefly she almost missed it. Something like pain crossed his features before his usual warm smile returned.

“Of course I’ll help,” he said, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered against her cheek. “Anything you need.”

The sincerity in his voice made her chest tight. Here was this powerful male offering to sit and read books with her, just because she asked. No demands, no conditions - just simple, unconditional support.

“Thank you,” she whispered, leaning into his touch before she could stop herself. His palm was warm against her skin, and she found herself wanting to turn her face into his hand, to press closer. The stone corridor suddenly felt warmer than before.

“There’s something else,” she said, focusing on a spot just past his shoulder. “Jessamin suggested that while we’re here, we should…” She swallowed hard. “She thinks we should pretend to be mated. To avoid complications with the other Brides.”

“Pretend?” he asked.

She could feel his gaze on her, but couldn’t meet his eyes.

“She didn’t want anyone… bothering you. Since I’m not a Bride. It’s just a ploy to avoid questions. She said we’d only have to keep it up until I leave. If that’s even an option,” she added hastily. “It’s just for a few days, probably.”

The silence stretched out for a long moment, and the heat of his body seemed to intensify. When she finally dared to look up, his eyes were dark, his jaw clenched.

“Do you not want that?” he asked finally, the words clipped.

“What? No, that’s not-”

“Are you afraid?” he asked, his expression hardening.

“No! Of course not. It’s just -”

“I wouldn’t hurt you,” he said, his voice dropping to a deep growl. “Ever.”

“I know,” she whispered, and the truth of it reverberated through her bones. She did know that - he’d never harm her, never push her into something she wasn’t ready for. The thought of pretending made her pulse race, but it wasn’t from fear.

“Is the thought of pretending to be mine so terrible?” he asked hoarsely.

“No,” she answered immediately. “Quite the opposite. I… enjoy spending time with you. Being with you. Pretending won’t be a hardship.”

“Not a hardship,” he repeated, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

“After everything I’ve been through, trust doesn’t come easily. Not for me. But you…” She paused, swallowing hard. “I trust you.”

He studied her, then finally nodded. He cupped her face again, thumb brushing across her heated skin. The gentle touch sent tingles down her spine, and this time she leaned into it.

“Then it would be an honor,” he murmured, his green eyes intense as they held hers. Her heart hammered against her ribs as his thumb traced the line of her jaw.

“Thank you,” she managed, and the corner of his mouth lifted into a tiny smile.

“This way, I think.” He gestured towards the hallway. “If we’re going to the library.”

“Right.”

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