Page 17 of Wagered to the Orc
“Aye, lass,” I grunted.
“Why…why do you think a lady would revile you? I thought ‘twas because you were an orc, but you saidno females. Why would you think a female of your own kind would revile you?”
I exhaled, and felt my breath catch in her hair which she’d braided to one side. I wanted the truth from her and thus would have to be honest in return.Somehow ‘twas easier to confess my own truths here in the darkness.
“I have a twin brother,” I finally admitted. “The male holding the third lady stolen. His name is Varkaan.”
She squirmed a bit, although I couldn’t tell if ‘twas in interest or to get more comfortable. Either way, I bit my tongue and told myKteerto remain silent.
And to quit thinking of the naughty illustrations portrayed in the scroll she’d hidden beneath us.
“That is my cousin Roxanna, Sorcha’s younger sister. She is so fierce!” Effie sank back into my hold. “So, Sorcha was taken by Drakolt to be his Mate, but Varkaan took Roxanna?”
“I dinnae ken if she is traveling with him to the village,” I admitted. “If so, she has naught to worry. Varkaan is a charmer, but honorable.”
She seemed to sense my feelings. “You do not like that your twin is a charmer?”
I sighed again. “Twin males are not uncommon in our world, but when we were born, ‘tis said Malla the Beginner granted Varkaan all the beauty. He is considered uncommonly handsome, and I…”
Her small hand came to rest atop mine on her stomach. “Aye, Korvak?”
Hells, she was goingto make me say it?
“I am ugly. I have always been considered ugly, even afore my first battle where a Bloodfire blade almost took my eye.”
There. ‘Twas said.
Effie was silent for so long I wondered if she’d fallen asleep.
Finally, with a sound like a yawn, she patted my hand. “I think you are charming.”
In the darkness, my brows rose.
If she’d called me handsome, or tried to reassure me, I would have known it to be a lie. But such a response…she was acknowledging my obvious deficiencies and seemed to be saying they didn’t matter.
Mayhap she assumed my appearance didn’t matter because she was bound to me no matter my appearance or temperament. In which case, a charming and easy temperament would be more valuable to her?
MyKteerpurred, and my cock throbbed.
If she thought me charming, if she was flattered by my kindnesses, would that make her more likely to look on me softly? Kindly?
What are ye nattering on about? The female was ready to bend over and spread her legs for ye aforeshe knew ye were kind and charming, because she thinks ye own her!
But then why would she be so eager?
My arm tightened around her. “Effie? May I askyea question?”
Her murmured, “Aye, of course,” sounded as if she were already half asleep.
“Have ye been married? Is there a husband searching for ye?”
I felt her stiffen. “Nay. I…nay.”
Ah. “Is that why ye offered yerself to me?”
A long moment, then I felt her exhale. Mayhap she found it easier to confess in the darkness as well.
“I feared you. And what awaited me when I reached your village. I thought…” I heard her swallow. “I thought, if I belonged to you, if you were the only one making use of my body, then you would protect me from the others.”
