Page 54 of When the Merchant Met the Orc

Her throat moves in a swallow. “I don’t want to talk about this when you’re dealing with your chasing instinct. Can you come back to me, Halvard?” She steps forward, and I remain very still, trying to clear my head. “Halvard?” she asks again, and this time, her tone snaps me out of the chase.

I shake my head. “I’m so sorry, Rychell.”

Chapter 29

Rychell

My heart is beating a mile a minute. Halvard reaches out to pick a leaf from my hair.

“I’ve made a mess of this evening,” he says. “I’m sorry.”

I look at my hands. Dirt is smeared over the back of my knuckles from the rough landing. Halvard’s hair holds a chunk of moss and mud covers his right forearm.

I meet his eyes, and a wall of ice splinters inside me.

Warmth spreads through me and I’m as light as a Nocturne moth. A smile stretches my lips. Ivydowns is paid for. I can arrange a trade of sorts with Osric to ease myself with the gift. Nate loves Halvard, and honestly, I do, too. I know this handsome orc won’t leave us. He’s good, through and through. Steady, but also exhilarating. He won’t yell or shout, and even if we do end things at some point, Halvard wouldn’t be cruel. My heart knows that, and finally, my head is able to hear that truth.

As my smart, sweet son told me, love is messy.

Without that risk of heartbreak, I can’t offer Nate a father. I can’t love a male that my heart and soul has so obviously chosen. I’ve been ridiculous to think I can live fully without some potential hurt. That’s not how life is. Nate is a mess, andI wouldn’t change a thing about him. Halvard is worth the risk of pain for both of us. I smile at Halvard now and drink in his patient, devoted presence. A tingling erupts over my chest, and I know exactly what that feeling means. Somehow, I know. It’s magic.

Love is magic.

A chuckle escapes me, and Halvard tilts his head, confused.

“I think messes might be my favorite, actually.”

Halvard’s eyes go wide, the copper bright in his orc eyes, eyes that see well in the dark.

“Rychell, are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

He stands so still while I reach for his hand. I lace my fingers in his.

“I want you, Halvard. Not just for a pleasurable moment or two, but for life. I’ve been an idiot. Can you forgive me?”

He’s on his knees before I have a chance to utter another word.

“Rychell,” he whispers my name like a spell. Taking both of my hands in his, he kisses my fingertips and touches his tusks to each palm. “There is nothing to forgive. This is my wildest dream come true.”

I lean forward and kiss him. He moans and slides his tongue over mine. He draws his chilly tusks down my neck and over my collarbone, his eyes shut and his expression delightfully erotic. He pauses and looks at his chest. Lifting his chin, he smiles, tusks and all.

“Love has marked me for you, Rychell.”

I ease the edge of his tunic away so I can see his mate mark. It’s a heart in double, a smaller version of the poetic shape inside a larger one.

“One for me and one for Nate?” I ask, feeling more giddy than I ever have in my entire life.

Halvard nods, and his focus trains on my chest. “Do you…”

I pull my dress top lower so we can see my mate mark. It’s a heart shape surrounded by a stylized oak tree.

“Perfect for an orc’s mate,” Halvard says approvingly.

I ease my head back to eye the tree lording over us. Oak leaves drift down around us, crisp and brown. And then Halvard is standing suddenly and kissing me roughly. I melt to him, absolutely shaken with my desire for this male. His strength isn’t masked by his costume. The muscular contours of chest and arms send heat blazing through me. I slide my hands into his hair, and he shivers. He angles his chin to fit his mouth more securely on mine, tusks pressing into my jaw here and there. I pull his clothing, tugging him closer. It’s not enough. I want more. I want it all. With a soft snarl, he presses his hips to mine, and his cock is hot against me, the slight friction unbearable but perfect, but also not quite enough. Sparks light up low inside me. My legs quiver, but I know what I want.

“Chase me,” I whisper.

Halvard lifts his head and eyes me. “You’re certain?”