Page 16 of Orc Charming

“They’d lie?”

“Easily if it suited their agenda.”

“Sounds like life in the orc kingdom only without a phone or social media. The only difference is it might take longer for you to hear the rumors or lies.”

“It sounds like you’ve had some bad experiences.”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

We sat in a silence for a moment before he spoke again. “Would you join the fan group?”

I blinked, caught off guard by his question. “Me? Why would I join a fan group for you?”

His eyes sparkled mischievously. “Because you're my biggest fan.”

A playful smirk made its way onto my face as I wagged a finger at him. “Oh really? Is that so?”

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my cheek. “You must be, because I’m yours.”

“I’m afraid no one’s made a fan club for me.”

“They’re missing out on someone special, then. I’d be the first member of your group.”

“Maybe Ishouldjoin your group. I could see what they’re saying.”

“And report to me?”

“If you’d like.”

“Would you?”

“You could join yourself. If she ends up with more than one member—two if you count me—they might want to chatwithyou.”

“There’s only one woman I’m interested in chatting with, Cat. You.”

The way he said my name so tenderly made my heart flip over. I felt like everything I’d gone through over the past year since Mom died had led me to this moment and him. I was falling in love with him.

“I’ll join and let you know if they say anything you might like to know,” I said. Rising, I looked his way. He was comically taller than me, so much so that we were at eye level with me standing. “I think it's probably time for me to go to bed.”

He nodded. “Right. I'll be on the sofa again.”

I hesitated for a moment. Was it too soon? Everything inside me said no, but there was one thread of self-preservation that told me I barely knew him, that I needed more time before I gave him my heart, body, and soul.

“Goodnight,” I said softly at my door, still feeling uncertain.

“Goodnight, mate. Sleep well.”

Chapter 8

Deegar

The diner was closed the next day. After breakfast, we sat on her tiny front porch, drinking coffee and sucking in the amazing scent of the sea.

“There are lakes and rivers in the orc kingdom,” I said, savoring the beverage and Cat’s company. The sun was warm on my lower legs where I’d tugged up my gray pants, and it dappled the sidewalk dusted with orange, red, and gold leaves.

I could tell already it would be a nice day, not too hot or chilly.

“Will you tell me more about your home?” she asked.

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