Page 35 of Caged By the Orc

"I'm not worried about her," Josie says, her voice soft but determined as she rests her chin on my chest. Her eyes meet mine, full of trust and something deeper. "As long as I'm with you, I'm safe. I know that now. You've proven it time and time again."

"Yeah?" I perk a brow, warmth flooding through me. My hand finds its way to the small of her back, pulling her closer. "I didn't think it would ever get to this point between us. Shit, I never thought I'd feel this way about anyone, let alone a human."

"I know. When you used to call me a thief all the time and treat me like shit, I thought I'd be better off dead," she reveals, tracing patterns into my skin. "I don't know what changed between us or when it happened, but... I started realizing I like being around you, despite everything. It was like a switchflipped, and suddenly, your presence became something I craved."

"And now look at us." I can't help but smirk, marveling at how far we've come.

"Mhm." Josie nods, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It's amazing, isn't it? Who would've thought we'd end up here, like this?"

Indeed. Despite all odds, I fell in love with a human. And I'm not pissed about that at all. In fact, it's the best damn thing that's ever happened to me. I pull her closer, breathing in her scent, savoring the warmth of her body against mine. It's a feeling I never want to lose, a connection I never thought I'd have, especially not with someone like her.

28

JOSIE

My hair gently billows in the breeze as I stand outside of the mansion, tending to the vibrant flowers that bloom in Sarod's garden. The sun warms my skin, and the scent of blooming roses fills the air. It's a far cry from the back-breaking work I used to do around here. Now, I choose where I want to help, and the garden's become my sanctuary.

Before I know it, strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me back against a broad chest. Sarod's lips find my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. His touch is electric, igniting a fire within me that I never knew existed before him.

"Missed you," he rumbles. The vibration of his words against my skin makes my knees weak.

I lean into him, savoring his warmth. The contrast between his rough exterior and gentle embrace never fails to amaze me. "I've been out here for an hour, you big oaf," I tease, my fingers tracing the scars on his forearms.

"Too long." His teeth graze my skin, making me gasp. His tenderness and the primal desire in his touch is intoxicating.

I turn in his arms, facing him. His amber eyes burn with an intensity that still takes my breath away. The depth of emotionI see there makes my heart race. Who would've thought I'd end up here, falling for the very orc I once despised? Life has a funny way of turning everything upside down, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

"The flowers won't tend themselves," I tease, but my hands are already sliding up his chest, tracing the hard planes of muscle beneath his tunic. My body betrays my words, craving his touch.

Sarod grins, his tusks glinting in the warm sunlight that filters through the garden. "Fuck the flowers," he growls, his amber eyes darkening with desire.

His mouth crashes into mine, hungry and demanding. I melt against him, all thoughts of gardening forgotten in an instant. My fingers tangle in his coarse hair as he deepens the kiss, his tongue exploring mine with a fervor that leaves me dizzy and wanting more. The scent of soil and sweat mingles with his unique musk, intoxicating me further.

When we finally break apart, both panting heavily, I can't help but smile up at him. My lips tingle, swollen from his passionate assault. "You're insatiable," I breathe, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.

"You love it," he growls, nipping at my ear. His hot breath sends shivers down my spine, and I arch into him involuntarily. My hands grip his shoulders, steadying myself as my knees go weak.

And damn it, he's right. I do love it. I love him. The realization hits me like a punch to the gut, knocking the air from my lungs. But still, I'm reminded of the life I once led before him. Of my home with my mother, the small cottage with its leaky roof and creaky floorboards. The memories flood back, bittersweet and tinged with guilt.

Shit. I need to visit her soon. It's been too long.

Sarod must sense the shift in my mood. He pulls back, brow furrowed, his amber eyes searching mine. "What's wrong?" His voice is gruff but laced with concern.

I shake my head, not ready to voice those three little words just yet. My heart races, and I swallow hard. Instead, I lean in and kiss him softly, savoring the taste of him. "Nothing. Everything's perfect." The lie tastes bitter on my tongue, but I can't bring myself to burden him with my worries.

Sarod's lips are on mine again, hungry and demanding. His hands roam my body with a possessiveness that makes me shiver, leaving trails of fire in their wake. I'm lost in the moment, the scent of roses from the nearby garden mingling with his musky aroma. My fingers trace the hard planes of his chest, feeling the raised scars beneath my fingertips. I marvel at how perfectly we fit together, like two pieces of a puzzle I never knew was incomplete.

Suddenly, a shrill voice cuts through our passion like a knife, shattering the intimate bubble we'd created.

"Sarod! What the fuck is this? What are you doing?!"

We break apart, startled. My heart plummets as I see her standing there, her eyes blazing with fury. This must be Connie. Sarod's ex. She's even more beautiful than I imagined, all sleek curves and perfectly styled hair. I feel small and insignificant in comparison, acutely aware of my simple dress and somewhat disheveled appearance. My cheeks burn with indignation. What the fuck does she think she's doing, walking in here like she's the mistress of the mansion?

Because that title belongs to me now. And I'll be damned if she comes back to take it from me.

Sarod's arm tightens around my waist, pulling me closer. The possessive gesture sends a thrill through me, even as anxiety churns in my stomach. "Connie," he growls. "What are you doing here?"

She stalks towards us, her gaze flicking between Sarod and me with undisguised disgust. Her eyes linger on me, and I can feel the contempt radiating off her in waves. It takes every ounce of willpower not to shrink back.