Page 39 of Romanced By the Orc

“You will accompany me, won’t you?”

He gave another tight smile. “Yes, for though I’ve every faith in your ability to navigate any situation, it will be far easier with me at your side.”

“And would you not return to live there one day? If you have children, you will want them to partake of their Orcan heritage, surely.”

Diana had not intended to bring up children at this early date. Thank all that was holy she had not saidourchildren, though that notion came to mind—children who blended the best traits of herself and Albion.

The corners of his lips twitched. “It is not always pleasant for me to think about going back, let alone to return permanently. I had an uneasy childhood.”

“Uneasy? Between you and your parents?” After the experience of her scandal, Diana understood something of the sensation of not feeling welcome in your home. Even prior to that, she recalled the change in her family once her mother started drinking brandy and wine in excess. The odd silences over meals and the shouted words behind closed doors when her parents believed Diana and Lillian were asleep.

“We didn’t enjoy the closest relationship. But my primary tormentors were at school.”

Diana gasped, not imagining such a thing possible for handsome Albie. She wished she were brave enough to cup his giant face between her palms, and tell him that whatever happened in the past mattered not a whit. The shame, heartache, and all the rest from the time before they married would never matter again because they had one another.

“You were subject to bullying?”

“Dunc stood up for me well enough. It took some time before I grew to the proportions expected in an orc. Longer than most of the other boys.”

“It is a wonder human beings have made it on earth this long, given our capacity for casual cruelty. From the sound of it, orcs are no different.”

“I fear not.”

Suddenly, she did not care to be demure or careful. She moved to the seat closest to his, moved his hands into hers. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Albion touched her face. “Not at present. But if anyone can make memories of that time bearable enough to share, I am certain it is you.”

Whatever the nature of this connection between them, she was lost to it. She wanted to feel the broadness of his shoulders and the texture of the horns curling over his head. She wanted to know the utter abandon of giving herself to him and feeling his body overwhelming hers.

Her chin inclined toward his, and her gaze left no doubt as to what she desired. Hands joined, they rose from their seats in unison, staring into one another’s eyes.

He leaned in close, a hand on the wall behind her while the other remained at his side, so she felt surrounded by him but not trapped. His lips met hers, drawing her into a passionate kiss. He explored her mouth with his tongue. Nothing in her dreams had prepared her for the intense pleasure and longing pulsing through her. This was no mere kiss. This was the sensual affection of a married couple who desired every part of one another.

For a moment that lasted forever yet seemed far too short, she was born into a dizzying state Diana wanted only to have him probe deeper, to explore her entire body as she might explore his, to be entirely consumed by the exquisite sensations. Hewould sweep her into his arms and take her to his bedchamber to claim her as his wife in every sense of the word.

He was heated with desire even as he pulled back. She knew Albie needed her as badly as she needed him.

“Don’t stop,” she said breathlessly. “I find your attention gratifying.”

“I am glad to hear that, Daisy,” he whispered. “And I shall continue. But let’s take it slowly.”

“You told me it was my choice. Are my wishes not crystal clear?”

“I want to ensure you regret nothing we might indulge in together.”

They had made no claim on one another’s hearts. She was the one who had insisted they must preserve their friendship. He tread carefully because he valued that friendship as much as she did. Besides that, there was the matter of preventing a child, of which she knew very little.

Her heart softened even as she pulled away from him, nodding. “I understand.”

“We must wait. Another day or so at least,” he said cheekily.

“Indeed,” she replied. “And then I shall give myself to you most thoroughly, but Albie … we will remain friends?”

He squeezed her hand, claws retracted. “I never wish to think of you as anything less, Daisy.”

She waited. Hoping Albie would say that he wished to think of her as even more. But the words did not come, and instead, he retreated to the opposite side of the table so they might continue their meal. Diana sensed that he would have said more had she initiated it. She wasn’t ready to do so yet, but in time, she hoped they both would feel free enough in one another’s company to unveil every secret of their hearts.

“Here,” he told her. “I have something for you.”

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