Page 40 of When the Merchant Met the Orc
“Show you what, Rychell?” The velvet in his voice tells me he’s giving me the look that melts my bones and reminds me that I’ve been alone for a very long time.
I clear my throat. “If you can handle the likely outcome of things not working out, maybe you could show me what I’ll be giving up with this contract.” My voice cracks.
“You mean what you’re not going to experience in a sham of a marriage to Osric.”
“Exactly.”
I turn to face him, my cheeks burning. I’m glad the light is low. His eyes are soft and hot as he holds out a hand. The air seems to vibrate between us.
If I take his hand, something will ignite. But maybe it would be better to get this out of our systems. One night, far from home and real life, could relieve us both from this tension. After, we could go back to being friends, and he will accept the fact that I’m going to wed Osric.
“I won’t touch you unless you clearly ask,” Halvard says quietly, his words barely audible under the sound of the wind and rain. “And if you do, then all you need to say isStopif you change your mind at any point. Or tell me to shut my hole right now, that it was a foolish thing to suggest, and we can start a little fire in here and make some food instead.”
His scent curls up my nose—warm whiskey and the citrusy soap he must use on his clothing. Heat emanates from his large form, and I imagine what it would feel like to wrap myself in that warmth.
“Yes,” I say, my voice surprisingly even despite the butterflies in my stomach.
“Yes?” His eyes have blown wide, and he’s gaping like a landed fish.
A chuckle bubbles from me. “Yes to you touching me. But you have to take this slowly. I’ve never done this.”
“Done what?”
I glare, feeling flushed. “You know what.”
“You’ve never lain with anyone?”
I shake my head. “No.”
“But—”
“I never wanted to,” I say.
“And you do now. With me?”
“Why are you acting shocked? You are the one who said you could scent me.”
“No, I know you’re physically attracted, but you’re saying I’m the only one you’ve ever been attracted to.”
I laugh. “No, but you’re the only one I’ve been curious enough about to consider having sex.”
“This is a lot to live up to,” he says gruffly.
My heart leaps and turns over. I’m lightheaded.
“It was your idea originally, orc.”
He laughs, removes his belt and his long shirt. The shape of him is a wonder—so much muscle and broad expanses of forest-green skin. A light gathering of coppery hair sits over his heart. He’s striking. My fingers ache to touch him and to learn the lines of his body. He lifts his hand in invitation again, and this time, I grab his fingers and smile.
“Indeed it was,” he says, and he tugs me against him.
Chapter 21
Rychell
My mouth goes dry. He’s already hard, his hot erection pressing my stomach. Blessed Stones, he is massive. Heart pounding so strongly that he must feel it too, I tilt my head back and part my lips slightly. Halvard’s free hand cups my face, and his thumb smoothes my jawline, sending shivers down my body. My breath catches when he lowers his head and sets his mouth on mine. His tusks are cool to the touch. I wondered if they’d be in the way, but he knows exactly what he’s doing. One tusk caresses my bottom lip as his tongue slips into my mouth. I shudder as I kiss him back. His hand keeps my chin lifted, and he drops soft kisses down my cheek. The hand cradling my cheek moves to my throat, then to the back of my neck as he draws his tusks over my pulse point and down to my collarbone. I’m already soaked for him.
No one has ever affected me like this. Maybe it’s because I feel so safe with him. This is Halvard. I’ve known him for ages. We haven’t been close, but he’s been around, helping folks in town, working hard, always up for a song in the tavern or a toast to someone’s new youngling or new business. He’s a good male and a very, very excellent kisser.