Page 71 of Till Orc Do Us Part

Lease. Coastal lot.

I heartakeover.I hearcontrol.

“You’re still buying us out,” I snap, the words too sharp, too fast. “Still making moves behind our backs.”

His brow furrows. “No.”

“You expect me to believe that?” I can’t stop. “You charm the crowd, kiss me under the stars, and now you think I’ll roll over while you buy up the town?”

His jaw tightens. “You know better.”

“Do I?” My voice cracks. “Because this looks exactly like what I was afraid of.”

He exhales slow, steady. “The lease is for preservation. For stability. Not profit.”

“Easy to say when you hold the deed.”

Silence hums sharp between us.

His voice drops lower. “You think I would use you.”

I flinch.

Because gods—I don’t know anymore.

Trust is a blade I haven’t let anyone near in years. Not since Jamie’s father left with nothing but a promise and a lie.

And Drokhaz—he is too big, too dangerous, toopossible.

He steps closer, eyes steady. “Rowan. You are not a conquest.”

I swallow hard. “Then why does it feel like one?”

His gaze softens—only slightly. “Because you are afraid. And so am I.”

The words land like a stone in my chest.

I press a trembling hand to the counter, grounding myself.

“I can’t do this,” I whisper. “Not if it costs me my town. My son.”

“It will not.”

“You say that now.”

“Then let me prove it.”

I shake my head, throat burning. “I don’t know if I can trust you.”

“I do not ask for blind trust,” he says quietly. “Only the chance to earn it.”

Gods.

He means it.

I can hear it in every unpolished word.

But my heart is a fraying rope, and one more pull might snap it clean through.