Page 19 of Wagered to the Orc
Mine.
While I hated the thought that she might only be here in my arms because she thinks she owes me for my protection, ‘twas impossible to deny myKteer—and my cock—wanted me to claim her. No other female had been able to see past my appearance…was it possible Effie was different?
And Icouldshow her pleasure. Show her she was worth pleasure.
But how?
Effie
I woke warm.
‘Twas a novelty.
For certes, the Highlands had its share of heat waves, but these summer nights had been chilly, and I had spent the last few huddled under the blankets, wishing for more heat. Well, now I had it, in the form of the large green body curled around mine.
What surprised me was my reaction.
I should have stiffened, should have been frightened. Instead, I hummed happily and burrowed closer to Korvak and went back to sleep.
The next time I woke, he was gone, and the morning was well underway, although heavy clouds still hid the sun.
Startled and more than a little frantic, I realized I had missed the chance to make the morning porridge, and I jumped from thebed to look for my boots. Had Korvak, disgusted with my lazy attitude, gone into the woods to find a switch with which to beat me? Was he even now sharpening his sword?
What? What the hell are you talking about?
I hurried to gather the ingredients to break our fast. I needed to make food so he would find value—
Listen to yourself. You know him. Korvak will not hurt you because you slept in.
My steps slowed as I reached the hearth. While I hated arguing with my subconscious, ‘twas right this time. Korvak might have wagered and won me, but he had been naught but kind and honorable since then.
So ‘twas with a slower, more thoughtful frame of mind that I reached for the pot suspended over the embers…and found it heavier than I expected. Curious, I removed the lid.
Warm porridge awaited me, drizzled with honey and pine nuts, just the way I liked it.
I glanced to the door.
Korvak had not only not been angry with me for resting, but he had also mademebreakfast, and done so quietly so I could continue sleeping.
See? He takes care of you.
He does.
The porridge was delicious.
When Korvak finally returned, he stomped around looking disgruntled, not meeting my thoughtful gaze. I wondered what he was irritated about, or if he was embarrassed by what we had discussed last night in the darkness.
As he bent over his arrows at the table, checking their fletchings, I thoughtfully kneaded the dough for the pan-fried biscuits I would make later that afternoon, and studied his profile.
Had it only been a few days ago I had seen him for the first time? Five—six, I supposed. I remembered how terrifyingly hideous he had appeared to me then, especially with that scar that crossed his face.
But was he really so ugly, compared to other orcs? I had to admit I had focused on so few of them, I could not compare. I suppose, having been raised with only human men to compare them to, any orc might be considered ugly.
Was Korvak ugly?
I studied his hands, so strong and sure, but delicate as they made minute adjustments to each feather. His arms were strong, aye, with tremendous muscles, but at no point had I ever felt threatened by that strength. His height, likewise, made me feel safe.
That left only his face. His jaw was too square to be handsome by human standards, his eyes too wide-set, his nose too broad. And that scar, which pulled his mouth up on the right side, likely had not helped his self-esteem much.
