Page 22 of The Passionate Orc
I squeezed her fingers gently, always mindful of my strength. "Me too."
She pulled me down for a kiss that tasted of maple syrup and possibilities. When we broke apart, her eyes were dancing with mischief.
"So, hidden artist, secret chef... what other talents are you hiding, Nar Humperdink?"
I leaned closer, my voice dropping to a growl. "Stick around and find out."
A delicious flush spread across her cheeks. "I think I will."
Sitting across from each other in her small, sunny kitchen, sharing pancakes and shy smiles, I felt something shifting inside me. The walls I'd built between my two selves, the warrior and the artist, seemed thinner now, less important. Emryn saw all of me, and still wanted me.
And for the first time in my life, I wasn't afraid of being seen.
Chapter 8
Emryn
I stood in amazement watching Nar surrounded by members of his clan, their expressions a mixture of awe and disbelief as they examined his latest painting. The gallery had dedicated an entire wall to his work with vibrant landscapes and powerful portraits that captured the essence of both orc and human life in our city.
"You really made these, Humperdink?" One of the older orcs asked, his tusks gleaming under the gallery lights as he leaned in close to a striking canvas.
"With these hands," Nar replied, holding up his massive green hands that could just as easily wield a battle axe as a delicate paintbrush.
I couldn't help but smile. Just three months ago, Nar had been hiding his artwork from his clan, convinced they would mock his "soft" interests. Now, his paintings were selling faster than he could create them, and the Red Blade Orcs were his biggest supporters.
"My warrior has many talents," I murmured to myself, feeling a flutter in my chest as I watched him interact with his clan members.
The gallery owner, Ms. Petrovich, sidled up next to me. "Your boyfriend is quite the sensation, Emryn. I've never seen anything like it—an orc artist! And such raw talent. The public can't get enough."
"He's amazing," I agreed, unable to take my eyes off him. Even in his attempt at formal wear. a black suit that strained against his muscular shoulder. Nar looked deliciously out of place among the art crowd. But that was part of his charm.
"The invitations for tonight's cocktail reception went out yesterday," Ms. Petrovich continued. "I expect everyone who's anyone in the art world will be there to see both your works featured side by side."
My stomach tightened with nervous excitement. Our first joint exhibition. My delicate watercolors paired with Nar's bold, emotional oils. It was a dream come true, even if I was terrified of the scrutiny.
"We'll be there," I promised.
One week later,I adjusted Nar's bow tie in the hallway outside the gallery, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach.
"Stop fidgeting," I said, though I was the one with shaking hands. "You look handsome."
Nar's brown eyes softened as he looked down at me. "And you look beautiful, my little human." His massive hand gently tucked a curl behind my ear. "That dress matches your eyes perfectly."
I smoothed down the blue silk dress I'd splurged on for the occasion. "Are you ready for this? Your first real high-society art event?"
"I face enemy warriors without flinching. How hard can a room full of humans with tiny food be?" Nar grinned, his tusks giving him a roguish appearance that made my heart skip.
"Just... try not to break anything," I said, remembering how he'd accidentally crushed a teacup at my apartment last week.
"I am grace personified," he declared, striking a pose that made me laugh despite my nerves.
The moment we entered the gallery, heads turned. It wasn't every day that a seven-foot orc in a tuxedo attended an upscale art function. Waiters circulated with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres, while the city's elite clustered around our artwork displayed on the feature wall.
"They're actually here to see you," I whispered to Nar as several patrons cast curious glances our way. "The mysterious orc artist who's taken the city by storm."
Nar squeezed my hand. "They're here to see us. We're a team, remember?"
Before I could respond, Ms. Petrovich swept over, leading a group of well-dressed potential buyers.
