Page 32 of Caged By the Orc
I hear Thokk clear his throat behind us. "Captain, we should go," he says softly. "In case Grokus has any more goons that show up." His words snap me back to reality, reminding me of the danger we're still in.
I nod, not taking my eyes off Josie. Her face is streaked with dirt and tears, and my heart clenches at the sight. "Can you walk?" I ask her, my voice gentler than I've ever heard it.
She nods, but as she takes a step, she stumbles. Her legs buckle beneath her, and I react instantly. Without hesitation, I scoop her up into my arms, cradling her against my chest. She feels so small, so fragile, and I'm struck by a fierce need to protect her. The contrast between her delicate form and my bulky, scarred body isn't lost on me.
"I've got you," I murmur, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. The tenderness of the gesture surprises even me, but it feels right. Her warmth against my chest, the way she nestles into me - it awakens something primal and protective within me. I tighten my grip, silently vowing that nothing will ever harm her again, not while I draw breath.
As we make our way out of Grokus's hideout, my teammates flank us, watchful and protective. They don't say anything, but I can feel their support, their understanding. They've seen something change in me, and they're accepting it without question.
Once we're outside, I pause, looking down at Josie nestled in my arms. Her eyes are closed, her head resting against my shoulder. Despite everything she's been through, she looks peaceful, like she feels safe with me.
26
JOSIE
Isink into the plush cushions of Sarod's couch, my body aching from Grokus's cruelty. Sarod's massive form looms over me, his amber eyes filled with concern. My heart races as he kneels beside me, his calloused hands surprisingly gentle as they examine my wounds.
"This'll sting a bit," he grunts, uncorking a vial of pungent green liquid.
I wince as he applies the salve to my bruises, but the pain quickly fades to a soothing warmth. His fingers work methodically, tracing patterns across my skin as he mutters guttural incantations. A soft glow emanates from his touch, and I feel the swelling subside.
"How'd you learn to do this?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
Sarod's lips quirk into a half-smile. "Zyrphix ain't for the faint of heart. You learn to patch yourself up or you don't last long."
As he continues his ministrations, I'm struck by the tenderness in his actions. This isn't the same orc who berated and threatened me. This is... something else entirely.
"Why'd you come for me?" The question slips out before I can stop it.
Sarod's hands pause, his eyes meeting mine. "Because you're mine," he growls, but there's no malice in his voice. Just raw emotion that makes my breath catch.
Overwhelmed, I feel tears welling up in my eyes. I try to blink them away, but they spill down my cheeks. Sarod's thumb brushes them away, his touch impossibly gentle.
"Thank you," I choke out, my gratitude threatening to consume me.
Sarod doesn't respond with words. Instead, he pulls me into his arms, cradling me against his broad chest. I bury my face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his musky scent as I let the tears flow freely.
I sink into Sarod's embrace, tears streaming down my face as I cry into his neck. His skin is warm and rough against mine, his scent enveloping me. He holds me tight, one hand cradling the back of my head, the other stroking my back in a soothing rhythm. I feel his lips brush against my temple, feather-light and gentle.
"It's over, Josie," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble. "You're safe now."
His kisses trail down from my temple to my cheek, soft and tender. I cling to him, my fingers digging into his shoulders as I let out a shuddering breath. His lips find the corner of my mouth, and I turn into him, seeking more of his touch.
"Sarod," I whisper, his name a plea on my lips. "Please..."
He responds with a low growl, capturing my mouth with his. His kiss is gentle, yet fierce, filled with a hunger that mirrors my own. I open up to him, my hands sliding up to tangle in his dark hair as I pull him closer.
His kisses start to trail lower, from my mouth to my jaw, then down to my neck. I tilt my head back, giving him better access as I beg for more. "Please, Sarod. Don't stop."
He growls against my skin, his hands moving to cup my face as he trails kisses down to my collarbone. Each touch of his lips sends shivers down my spine, igniting a fire within me that I didn't know existed. I gasp as he nips at the sensitive skin, my body arching into his touch.
"Sarod," I whisper again, my voice barely audible. But he hears me. He always hears me.
His hands leave my face, trailing down my body as his kisses move lower still. I cling to him, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I beg for his touch. And he complies, his hands and lips working in tandem to explore every inch of my skin as if it were a sacred ground.
Before I know it, he helps me onto my stomach so that he can start giving me a massage. I'm in no position to say no, so I comply with his every word and lean into each kiss he gives me.
Sarod's hands roam over my body, his calloused fingers tracing the curves of my muscles, soothing the aches that Grokus left behind. I let out a soft moan as he works out the knots in my shoulders, his touch firm yet gentle. The rough pads of his fingers send shivers down my spine, igniting a warmth that spreads through my limbs. Along with his fingers, he trails kisses down my skin as well.