Page 35 of Buck Wild Orc Cowboy
The back door slammed open, blasting cool air across my burning skin.
“Back. Away. From her,” Sel growled, stomping into the room.
The three of us froze.
I couldn’t move. My body hadn’t caught up to his voice yet. It still thought I was in danger, that I’d be the one blamed for creating a “fuss”. Again.
Sel’s broad frame filled every inch of the room, his shoulders wide and his chest heaving. He held a sword of all things, the dinged blade catching patches of light.
A sword. Not a prop. Real.
His voice cut through the room. “Leave this town now and never come back. Or I’ll make sure you do.”
I wanted to believe him.
That this was over.
That someone could say a thing like that and make it come true.
Chapter 11
Sel
The second I stepped into Jessi’s kitchen, the smell of coffee and cinnamon drifted around me. Warm and soothing—I hoped. None of my brothers were around, but I wouldn't expect them to be, they'd be working in town now that we were open to tourists.
Jessi stood at the counter, stirring something with her sleeves pushed up. Gracie sat at the table flipping through her phone, though she shot me a smile. Beth and Rosey sat across from her with mugs in their hands. They also smiled my way.
“Sel.” Jessi’s face lit as she crossed the kitchen and gave me a big hug. “What a nice surprise. Is everything alright at the bakery?”
“Everything's fine.” Mostly. I hoped so.
What sort of advice might they offer?
“Would you like something to eat?” she asked.
“I'd love that.”
She was one of the best cooks I knew.
Beth nudged a chair out for me with her foot as Rosey shifted hers over to make room.
Gracie tucked her phone away. “Post made.” Gracie had done an amazing job boosting our online presence.
Beth rose and crossed to the counter. “Tea?”
“That’d be great.”
I sat, and Beth handed me a full mug. I nodded my thanks. Jessi brought over a fresh-baked muffin on a plate and settled in the chair beside me.
“How are things going?” Rosey asked, fixing her eyes on me.
“Busy. I hired a woman named Holly. She’s got a youngling, Max. He's twelve.”
“Is she married?” Beth asked, taking a sip of her tea.
“No. She isn’t.”
“A single mom, then.” Sympathy filled Gracie's face. “That must be tough. What are they like?”
